My goal is to conceptualize what a sustainable society in the future would look like.
The Sky Opens
This image by Gary Tonge called "The Sky Opens" is really inspiring for my type of art style. It is very futuristic with a lot of nice details and colors. My favorite part about this image is the interesting symbiosis between nature and human civilization. (Artist from UK)
White Tower
Swamp
Drow
All these images are by the same artist. They are very beautiful and well balanced images. I also like the color palettes this artist uses. I'm not sure what the name of this artist is but I know his is Russian and I like his style a lot.
EnTree 1
EnTree 12
This artist is from Australia and I think his name is Ggraeme Balchin. I really like the detail he puts into his artwork. It is also very peaceful and creative.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Welcome Back Show Review
This was a very enjoyable piece to look at in the welcome back show. These pictures might be lacking something in the composition from far away. In the top picture the white against the background seems awkward. In the bottom picture the top and the bottom do half do not mix very well. However these are minor shortcomings because when you get close to these art pieces their astonishing depth becomes clearly visible. Large variety of textures, colors, and mediums that are used show an interesting mix between all the elements of the pictures that make them great. The different consistencies used make every piece of the painting unique. Some parts look like lava, others like mountains, however the overall feel of both pictures is other worldly. The glossy finish was a great way of bringing both pieces together.
The top piece, my favorite of the two makes me feel as if I'm looking at a landscape on another planet, and it has a very natural feel to it. All the forms seem to represent something organic. Cracks in the paint can be veins of some plant or animal and the flowing material can represent liquid of some sort. In this aspect the piece is very strong because it stirs the imagination. In contrast the bottom piece is much darker and uses blue and black which distinguishes itself sharply against red and white. I don't think I understand why the piece is on the floor, it seems very out of place and I do not feel it is a good location for that particular piece.
One thing I'll note is that it is not fun to kneel down to look at an art pieces.
Perhaps my favorite piece at the show. To me it represents the fusion between man made materials with nature. What is really awesome about this piece is now subtle it is. It seems to represent so little, yet it says so much. The wire extending from the geometric shape to the natural rock seems to state that "we are now one."
One side is clearly mathematical and perfect. The other side is uneven and imperfect. It is the collision of these two elements that make this art piece so great. What is the artist trying to say? Is something I wondered for a long time while observing this piece. The conclusion I came up with is that this great universe that we live in can support both, the randomness of nature and the calculating ingenuity of mankind.
This piece is a little irritating because it has a great concept but there are things that can be done to improve it. The middle of the picture, which is the focal point of the image leaves a lot to be desired. In my opinion the structure should have been a lot more complex. In the artist's defense, maybe making the structure too complex would have made it seem out of place. However the very geometric ground and the natural sky are superb together. This dualism between randomness and precision can potentially be a part of my thesis.
The structure itself is also quite interesting as well despite my criticism. It can be a gazebo, a boat, or an above ground observatory for an underground base. I am also very appreciative to the good clean craftsmanship and the smooth composition. This is a very fluid and serene work of art.
One last piece I enjoyed was the poster with the statue of liberty. (I believe it was made by Ortiz.) I liked this piece for its poetry, not so much the imagery. Although the statue with its hand down is extraordinarily powerful as an image and the overall design is nice, it falls apart when you examine the poster in detail. Mostly due to technical things like the unnecessary symmetry and the very obviously photoshopped images that were pasted into the poster. (which might have very really been intentional)
It is the one piece in the gallery with a really clear and powerful message. I partially disagree with the message that illegal immigrants should just be allowed to live here on the basis that people should come here legally. However, I agree with the bigger meaning of the poster which seems to say America is becoming more and more closed minded and racist towards "non-Americans" when in the first place, all Americans were technically "non-Americans" at some point.
Overall the Welcome Back gallery worked well, it has a very good balance structurally and between many different types of art. Some pieces had a connections, for example pieces with a scientific theme or an abstract theme were put together while portraits and figure drawing were put elsewhere. Certain artists got larger spaces than others, one artist in fact got almost an entire room to herself. It seems that the core decision that was made behind every installation was "does this piece look like it belongs here?" In a sense it is almost like a puzzle that was put together out of random artworks.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Zimmerli Water Show Review
A very diverse presentation was made at the Zimmerli Museum Water Exhibit. As I dwelled deeper into the exhibit the walls and atmosphere got darker. In a way it felt as if I was going deeper into the ocean. There was a very nice contrast between all the works presented. The older pieces were put next to the newer ones and the pieces from different cultures were mixed together. In a way it showed how much people all over the world loved water. One memorable photograph that I saw was of a girl playing by the shore. In another art piece I saw a detailed drawing by Hiroshige of a waterfall. The exhibit tried to establish a very personal relationship with water and one of the ways it did that was by showing how people interacted with or observed water. One can almost feel the joy of being around water.
One thing that was very enjoyable was to see all the different mediums at work. There were glass sculptures in the form of droplets placed randomly on the floor. Elsewhere were projectors showing the front and the back of a motorboat. One piece was made entirely out of nails nailed to the wall and light from the top created a nice distinct shadow. All these different mediums represented the versatility of water and how free flowing it is. Water embodies a lot of different things and it was very interesting to see all of these things in one room. My favorite piece was a clear box with an inch of water inside it. The water evaporated and condensed at the top forming beautiful crystals.
(No photos taken yet)
One thing that was very enjoyable was to see all the different mediums at work. There were glass sculptures in the form of droplets placed randomly on the floor. Elsewhere were projectors showing the front and the back of a motorboat. One piece was made entirely out of nails nailed to the wall and light from the top created a nice distinct shadow. All these different mediums represented the versatility of water and how free flowing it is. Water embodies a lot of different things and it was very interesting to see all of these things in one room. My favorite piece was a clear box with an inch of water inside it. The water evaporated and condensed at the top forming beautiful crystals.
(No photos taken yet)
Friday, September 10, 2010
Interview
Gabrielle Ambrosia, Sculpture Concentration.
Me: How long have you been doing art?
GA: I’ve been doing art seriously since 2003. However I got into art in high school.
Me: In your sculpture work what type of materials do you like to use the most?
GA: I really gravitate towards materials that make me feel in control. For instance with the wire I feel like I’m creating a 3 dimensional drawings. When I’m working with the wire, it’s not just using my mind to create the work; it’s my hands as well, which makes them in control. I also like to use fabric, such as nylon stockings, lace, tulle, and muslin and I feel that connects to my constant exploration of feminism.
Me: What are some other materials you like to use and how?
GA: I like to use clay, because it makes me use hands. More specifically I like molding the clay. Plaster is another material that I like to use because of the color. I like white, I like what white represents. It’s pure and clean, when I use plaster I try to keep it as clean as possible and I think that adds to the work.
Me: Your pieces are abstract, is there a reason why?
GA: I use abstraction as a form to allow the material to fully reach its potential. I don’t like to limit the material at all. When the material is limited, I feel like you can’t understand it.
Me: Your work is very organic; did you always make such organic artwork?
GA: No, there was a time where my work was very precise. For instance I had this image in my mind and I created that image exactly and I would never stray away from it. Now I don’t limit myself, I let what happens happen. If I did anything else it wouldn’t feel natural to me, it wouldn’t feel like collaboration with the material anymore. And that is how I see my work, it’s a collaboration with the material I choose to work with, and that is why my art is organic.
Me: So you try to bring out the soul of the material so to speak?
GA: Yes. My professor is always reminding us to use the material over and over again so the material starts to speak for itself. That process of working is fun to watch because you start to see the change that happens when the material is constantly being manipulated.
Me: Tell me about your process.
GA: Although now I am starting to make drawings before making a three-dimensional piece but I don’t let the drawing dictate what the sculpture will become. However, usually I start off with a material and just work with it. I do drawing sometimes, but it’s not how I usually start my process. A lot of the times it’s me constantly working with the material over and over again and whatever I have in the end is what I have. There is no precise way of how I work or what I set out to achieve in the beginning. Although now I am starting to make drawings before making a three-dimensional piece but I don’t let the drawing dictate what the sculpture will be. In my piece “Pairs” I took chicken wire and I rolled it up in to figure-like forms. I ripped tulle from a dress and I dunked it in a warm mixture of sugar and water and I draped the fabric over the wire pieces.
Me: That’s interesting, what other types of processes can you give me examples of?
GA: I would have to point out my fabric drawing. I ripped muslin and I draped it over a table and I drew on it in sections. I was not seeing the drawing as a whole as I created it, I was seeing it in sections. I started off first with a pencil drawing, and then I went over it again in crayon several times with different. Then I took paraffin wax with aloe vera and I coated the whole drawing. It actually gave it a very interesting skin like texture and that is something I did not expect.
Me: So for you part of the art is the process itself?
GA: Yes, to me it’s all about the process and the outcome is secondary. It if works if works, if it doesn’t, oh well. I’ll just start over and try something new.
Me: What type of artists do you draw your inspiration from?
GA: Constantin Brancussi for his simplistic sculptures. There is so much information in his sculptures yet no details. I also like Kiki Smith she tends to make artwork based on her own experiences. Jackson Pollock is another one. I loved how he used his whole body when making a painting. Also, Louise Bourgeois, she is a sculpture, I admire her not only for work, but also for her longevity in the art world. She was making work well into her 90’s, I hope to be that lucky.
Me: How long have you been doing art?
GA: I’ve been doing art seriously since 2003. However I got into art in high school.
Me: In your sculpture work what type of materials do you like to use the most?
GA: I really gravitate towards materials that make me feel in control. For instance with the wire I feel like I’m creating a 3 dimensional drawings. When I’m working with the wire, it’s not just using my mind to create the work; it’s my hands as well, which makes them in control. I also like to use fabric, such as nylon stockings, lace, tulle, and muslin and I feel that connects to my constant exploration of feminism.
Me: What are some other materials you like to use and how?
GA: I like to use clay, because it makes me use hands. More specifically I like molding the clay. Plaster is another material that I like to use because of the color. I like white, I like what white represents. It’s pure and clean, when I use plaster I try to keep it as clean as possible and I think that adds to the work.
Me: Your pieces are abstract, is there a reason why?
GA: I use abstraction as a form to allow the material to fully reach its potential. I don’t like to limit the material at all. When the material is limited, I feel like you can’t understand it.
Me: Your work is very organic; did you always make such organic artwork?
GA: No, there was a time where my work was very precise. For instance I had this image in my mind and I created that image exactly and I would never stray away from it. Now I don’t limit myself, I let what happens happen. If I did anything else it wouldn’t feel natural to me, it wouldn’t feel like collaboration with the material anymore. And that is how I see my work, it’s a collaboration with the material I choose to work with, and that is why my art is organic.
Me: So you try to bring out the soul of the material so to speak?
GA: Yes. My professor is always reminding us to use the material over and over again so the material starts to speak for itself. That process of working is fun to watch because you start to see the change that happens when the material is constantly being manipulated.
Me: Tell me about your process.
GA: Although now I am starting to make drawings before making a three-dimensional piece but I don’t let the drawing dictate what the sculpture will become. However, usually I start off with a material and just work with it. I do drawing sometimes, but it’s not how I usually start my process. A lot of the times it’s me constantly working with the material over and over again and whatever I have in the end is what I have. There is no precise way of how I work or what I set out to achieve in the beginning. Although now I am starting to make drawings before making a three-dimensional piece but I don’t let the drawing dictate what the sculpture will be. In my piece “Pairs” I took chicken wire and I rolled it up in to figure-like forms. I ripped tulle from a dress and I dunked it in a warm mixture of sugar and water and I draped the fabric over the wire pieces.
Me: That’s interesting, what other types of processes can you give me examples of?
GA: I would have to point out my fabric drawing. I ripped muslin and I draped it over a table and I drew on it in sections. I was not seeing the drawing as a whole as I created it, I was seeing it in sections. I started off first with a pencil drawing, and then I went over it again in crayon several times with different. Then I took paraffin wax with aloe vera and I coated the whole drawing. It actually gave it a very interesting skin like texture and that is something I did not expect.
Me: So for you part of the art is the process itself?
GA: Yes, to me it’s all about the process and the outcome is secondary. It if works if works, if it doesn’t, oh well. I’ll just start over and try something new.
Me: What type of artists do you draw your inspiration from?
GA: Constantin Brancussi for his simplistic sculptures. There is so much information in his sculptures yet no details. I also like Kiki Smith she tends to make artwork based on her own experiences. Jackson Pollock is another one. I loved how he used his whole body when making a painting. Also, Louise Bourgeois, she is a sculpture, I admire her not only for work, but also for her longevity in the art world. She was making work well into her 90’s, I hope to be that lucky.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Experimental Jetset/Superflex/Little Art Brother/But, is it Art?/Royal College of Art
Superflex
It is not quiet clear exactly what the biogas project is but I think I understood what it is trying to do. I think the article is a fine example of art in its true form. Art for art’s sake is not really art as much as artist trying to get rich, this makes it false and impure. The true purpose of art is to communicate, innovate, and explore. Something that this biogas project is attempting to do in impoverished Africa. Almost everything in history originated as art forms and later developed into its own field. This includes architecture, design, culinary art, the idea of capturing images, and even religion. Those are just the obvious examples, in reality, so much more things we do not think about came from art. I am interested the results this biogas yields.
But, is it Art?
The definition of art has always been a controversy. In the 20th century we have seen all sorts of things called art and that is why some people decided that art cannot be defined. Some people defined art to be anything made with the intention of making art. I however believe art to be something much broader, I believe art is anything made by a sentient being through a creative thinking process. This of course includes design, but it also includes things like airplanes, cars, refrigerators, etc... Today we consider many things made in the past to be art even though they served a practical purpose. So really our definition of art is always changing. One only needs to realize that everything created is a form of expression in one way or another to understand that art is all around us.
It is not quiet clear exactly what the biogas project is but I think I understood what it is trying to do. I think the article is a fine example of art in its true form. Art for art’s sake is not really art as much as artist trying to get rich, this makes it false and impure. The true purpose of art is to communicate, innovate, and explore. Something that this biogas project is attempting to do in impoverished Africa. Almost everything in history originated as art forms and later developed into its own field. This includes architecture, design, culinary art, the idea of capturing images, and even religion. Those are just the obvious examples, in reality, so much more things we do not think about came from art. I am interested the results this biogas yields.
But, is it Art?
The definition of art has always been a controversy. In the 20th century we have seen all sorts of things called art and that is why some people decided that art cannot be defined. Some people defined art to be anything made with the intention of making art. I however believe art to be something much broader, I believe art is anything made by a sentient being through a creative thinking process. This of course includes design, but it also includes things like airplanes, cars, refrigerators, etc... Today we consider many things made in the past to be art even though they served a practical purpose. So really our definition of art is always changing. One only needs to realize that everything created is a form of expression in one way or another to understand that art is all around us.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Ethical Design Education
To be frank, although I always loved nature I never quite really cared about sustainability. I saw it as a wasted effort that would ultimately get ignored by greater interests. I feel differently now that I know exactly what sustainability is, and now that I feel inspired by the power of design thanks to certain individuals in the past. (Morris, Dreyfuss)I find Szenasy’s article meaningful because I can relate to the change of heart her students underwent. This issue is so morally sound, true, and pure that it would win anyone over. It reminds me of the children’s novel “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein.
Excerpt from wiki:
“The Giving Tree is a tale about a relationship between a young boy and a tree in a forest. The tree always provides the boy with what he wants: branches on which to swing, shade in which to sit, apples to eat, branches with which to build a home. As the boy grows older he requires more and more of the tree. The tree loves the boy very much and gives him anything he asks for. In the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, the tree lets the boy cut her down so the boy can build a boat in which he can sail. The boy leaves the tree, now a stump. Many years later, the boy, now an old man, returns and the tree says, "I have nothing left to give you." The boy replies, " I do not need much now, just a quiet place to sit and rest." The tree then says, "Good! A tree stump is a great place to do just that! Come boy, sit down and be happy." The boy obliged and the tree was happy.”
Although there are many interpretations, for me this is a metaphor for nature’s endless self-sacrifice and our inability to be grateful for it. It represents the need for a fair give and take relationship. Nature has nurtured humanity but now the time has come for us to return the favor. My favorite part in the article is where it talks about interconnectedness. I feel like it will be a huge theme for my generation as more and more people learn more about the great beauty of nature. This will be the fuel that will make sustainability a reality. Like the generations before mine that fought for the success of future generations ours will too, and like past generations we will succeed.
Excerpt from wiki:
“The Giving Tree is a tale about a relationship between a young boy and a tree in a forest. The tree always provides the boy with what he wants: branches on which to swing, shade in which to sit, apples to eat, branches with which to build a home. As the boy grows older he requires more and more of the tree. The tree loves the boy very much and gives him anything he asks for. In the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, the tree lets the boy cut her down so the boy can build a boat in which he can sail. The boy leaves the tree, now a stump. Many years later, the boy, now an old man, returns and the tree says, "I have nothing left to give you." The boy replies, " I do not need much now, just a quiet place to sit and rest." The tree then says, "Good! A tree stump is a great place to do just that! Come boy, sit down and be happy." The boy obliged and the tree was happy.”
Although there are many interpretations, for me this is a metaphor for nature’s endless self-sacrifice and our inability to be grateful for it. It represents the need for a fair give and take relationship. Nature has nurtured humanity but now the time has come for us to return the favor. My favorite part in the article is where it talks about interconnectedness. I feel like it will be a huge theme for my generation as more and more people learn more about the great beauty of nature. This will be the fuel that will make sustainability a reality. Like the generations before mine that fought for the success of future generations ours will too, and like past generations we will succeed.
Buckminster Fuller
The concept of four billion billionaires is something that Fuller tries to say is within our reach yet I'm not entirely convinced. He makes optimistic statements without any regard for the consequences. For example, what would happen after we have four billion billionaires? Would we be satisfied with that or reproduce until we push our resources to the limit once more? Why do we need to push our resources to the limits? While I do believe a computer has the potential to make our society more efficiently and justly, what happens when the computer does not operate according to our will?
I feel that the author underestimates humanity's desire to gain power and control over each other. Once we are all billionaires we will have people who will want to become trillionaires and they will not be satisfied with equality. In this sense the author is a naive ideologist.
Our energy usage is inefficient and this is indisputable, and I fully support the idea of change in that regard. We waste so much energy that it almost becomes depressing. In fact we only use five out of 100 units of energy according to the article. This is unsustainable and definitely needs public attention. I feel that the real problem is that we are currently living in a society based on consumption and that owning a gas guzzling hummer is a status symbol. Therefore consuming more is considered to be a good thing when the reality is that the complete opposite is true.
I feel that the author underestimates humanity's desire to gain power and control over each other. Once we are all billionaires we will have people who will want to become trillionaires and they will not be satisfied with equality. In this sense the author is a naive ideologist.
Our energy usage is inefficient and this is indisputable, and I fully support the idea of change in that regard. We waste so much energy that it almost becomes depressing. In fact we only use five out of 100 units of energy according to the article. This is unsustainable and definitely needs public attention. I feel that the real problem is that we are currently living in a society based on consumption and that owning a gas guzzling hummer is a status symbol. Therefore consuming more is considered to be a good thing when the reality is that the complete opposite is true.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)