Blog Topic // Reflections of AED 200

1. What were you expectations for this course and where they met?

In this course, I expected to learn a lot of about using the internet for art. I also expected to learn how to become more organized with my time and how to do art on my own without a live instructor. I said that it should be fun and I was very excited. All of my expectations were met. I'm very happy with that.

2. Now that you've been through this course, What is art? How would you define it now compared to your initial posting?

Now that I have been through this course, I can say now that art is self expression. 

3. Who was your favorite artist in your original posting and who is your favorite visual artist now? If there is a difference, why do you think so? If you have the same favorite artist, why do you think so?

I said that my favorite artist was my friend Olivia in my original posting. Now, that still holds true because she is a dear friend, but I really enjoyed learning about other artists. Olivia is still my favorite artist, probably because I know her personally and can speak with her about her artwork.

4. Now that you've completed this course, how do you feel about taking an online course? Is your answer the same as it was in your first posting? How is it the same or different?

In my original post, I said that I was nervous about taking an online course and hoped that I could better my origination skills. I love taking online courses now. It is great for my schedule and I've learned that my time management skills as well as my organization skills are great. I will probably take more online classes now because this one was so great and I had a great experience.

Extra Credit Questions

1. Which assignment did you ENJOY working on the best? Why?

I really enjoyed the assignments where we had to go to the art museum. I liked these assignments because since it is an online course, it gives me a reason to go out and learn. I liked that when I went to the museum, no one really knew why I was there, and I got to explore. Taking photos and analyzing pieces of art that are right in my city were really neat experiences for me and I liked that each time I went, there were different exhibits to go through. It made it easier to be motivated to do the assignments for the art gallery visits.

2. Which assignment did you ENJOY working on the least? Why?

For this question, I'd have to say the assignment I least enjoyed working on were the hands-on, creative assignments where we had to use materials to create and draw ourselves. This is probably just a personal thing because I am better at digital art. If I had a question, I couldn't really get a straight away answer and that's another reason why I disliked those assignments the most.

 

3. How did you like using BLACKBOARD?

I liked using blackboard a lot. The calendar for the assignments were clear and easy to navigate. This is one out of my two online classes this semester and I'd have to say the set up of this course was more clear than the other one.

4. What is your opinion of the Discussion Groups in this course?

The discussion groups in this course were very helpful. I did not really post in it often, but I did go there for answers when I needed to because others usually posted the question I needed to know. I think this option was very helpful and a great additive to the course. Extremely helpful.

5. Did you participate in any of the extra credit projects in previous modules? If so, what was your opinion of them? (mandala, elgin marbles, culture, art critics)

I did, I believe, one extra credit project in the previous modules. I did only one because of my busy schedule but the one I did do, it was very enjoyable especially for an extra credit project. Usually, extra credit projects are no fun and extensive for no reason-- but yours were very knowledgeable and neat. 

6. If you had the opportunity to change this course:

What would you keep?

The layout of Blackboard, the Calendar, the Discussion forums. All of the projects. I like how the due dates were on the same day every week, being Saturdays and Sundays.

What would you remove?

I do not think I would remove anything, to be quite honest with you.

What would you add?

I would add updated videos for the video reviews. They were knowledgeable and cool, but a little outdated and long.

7. Would you recommend this course to your peers?

Absolutely!!

8. Please list any other comments you would like to share.

I enjoyed this course. Thank you for making it fun and interesting!

Module 13 // Video Reviews

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan: 

• The Book of Revelation
• Small symbolic statues
• The Gilman Paper Company
• Artwork Storage and longevity
• Theories on creation
• Draping fabrics and tapestry
• Preservation of artwork
• Water immersion

The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art

• Direct definition of Lowbrow art, no one can really explain it
• There is Highbrow, Middlebrow, and Lowbrow
• Originally the artwork of lowbrows had naked women and cartoons in it
• "Hot-rod culture"
• The artwork has expanded since then
• Lowbrow, surrealism
• Lowbrow is equal to "newbrow"
• World War 2 & Tattooing was popular for lowbrow art
• Psychedelic Rock posters
• Jackson Pollack
• Galleries
• Music and Art

2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not. 
The videos related to my creation in my Art Exhibition project in making me think about a couple different kinds of art. I got to think about certain styles and ways to make art and the background behind it, especially in the West Coast Pop art because it seems so laid back and nice. I will keep in mind the videos when I create my exhibition.

3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?
The films were interesting. Although they're a bit extensive and long, the information in them is important and neat. It helps me get a deeper understanding.

Module 12 // Video Review

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I chose Andy Warhol: Images of an image because I am quite familiar with his work but I wanted to learn more so I thought this video would give me that opportunity. I chose Uncertainty: Modernity and Art because modern art is interesting so I thought I'd enjoy the video.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Andy Warhol: Images of an Image:

• Ten Lizes is was made by Andy Warhol in 1963
• Andy Warhol wanted to be a tap dancer before he found his love for art and worked on magazine art as well as advertisement art
• He drew advertisements for shoes, makeup, cosmetics, plastic surgery, Coca-Cola, and Campbell's Soup
• When Marilyn Monroe died, he selected a photo of her and used a silk screen machine to create an image of her, in a variety of colors
• Used a silk screen machine a lot for his art
• Uses vivid colors that clash (for effect)
• Andy's style was heavily focused pop art
• Marilyn's face made him famous
• Elizabeth Taylor
• Infatuated in Elizabeth Taylor's relationships
• Shows the way how to use silk screen imaging
• Too much paint or ink or misuse of a squidgy can ruin an image
• Warhol was in a movie with Elizabeth Taylor
• Started using Polaroid photos
• Clients were willing to pay a small fortune for each portrait Warhol took and made of them
• Warhol was narcissistic and made a lot of self portraits
• He was an art journalists
• His main theme is death

Uncertainty: Modernity and Art:

• Modern art was created and takes place in 19th/20th Century
• Modern art includes bright colors
• Advertisements
• Pop art
• Abstract art
• Art of restless questioning
• Modern art never stops changing
• Art of views that collide together
• Abstract art expresses how the artist feels
• Pop art started in the 50's and 60's
• Pop and abstract art is open to any individual how they perceive it
• Modern art used to be a minority interest

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

Andy Warhol is known for pop art and the text refers back to and talks a lot about pop art. There is a Marilyn Monroe picture by Andy Warhol in the text as well. The Uncertainty video relates to the text because it references expressionism, abstraction art, and pop art.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I enjoyed watching this video a lot because it had a lot of information about pop art. I enjoy pop art a lot so I found it very interesting. This adds to the depth of my understanding because it is a visual I can't view and deeply understand.

Module 11 // Art Museum Visit #2

The Exhibition Questions about the exhibit:
1. What is the title of the exhibit?
Rosalyn Drexler: Who Does She Think She Is?

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?
Many themes pertaining popular culture and the representation of gender roles in mass media.


The Gallery Questions about the physical space: 
1. What type of lighting is used? 
Bright, white, up above lighting

2. What colors are used on the walls? 
White colored walls. The welcoming sign of the exhibit is a bright purple fuchsia color.

3. What materials are used in the interior architecture of the space? 
Frames only. It was very simple.

4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space? 
The viewer moves very freely. The space is very open. The viewer can look at several pieces of work while viewing this exhibit.


The Artwork Questions about the artwork: 
1. How are the artworks organized? 
They are organized around the gallery on the walls.

2. How are the artworks similar? 
They all have the same style as well as bright colors, people, and medium used.

3. How are the artworks different?
Each piece of artwork is different by each piece of art has a different story behind it.

4. How are the artworks framed? 
The artworks are framed in either white or black frames.

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled? 
The artwork is identified and labeled by a small label on the wall beside each piece of art.

6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other?
Each piece of art shares the same theme as well as colors, medium, and the overall look.


Art Criticism Exercise 


I Won't Hurt You, Rosalyn Drexler 1964
Acrylic and paper collage on canvas

This piece of art shows a man behind a woman covering her mouth. It is very pop art, with the colors. This piece of art uses line, shape, color, as well as perspective. This piece of art also uses balance. I think that this piece is to explain that the man is saying "I won't hurt you" although he has his hand over her mouth. "I won't hurt you" is a common phrase said when a person might hurt someone.

Self-Defense, Rosalyn Drexler 1963
Acrylic and paper collage on canvas

This piece shows a woman with her shirt half on/unbuttoned, on top of a man with a weapon. This is supposed to be viewed as a woman protecting herself, which is why the title is Self-Defense. The color is blue to make the viewer feel stressed. This piece of art uses color, form, and space as well as proportion and emphasis. The emphasis is on the woman and man.                                                                                                  

Rape, Rosalyn Drexler 1962
Acrylic and paper collage on canvas

This piece of art shows a dark figure attempting to rape a woman whose body language seems very uncomfortable. This piece of art uses color, form, and space as well as proportion and emphasis. The color yellow is to make the viewer feel worried when viewing this. The emphasis is on the man and the woman.

What did you think of visiting the Gallery and purposefully looking at the exhibition from a different perspective - the physical space, the architecture, theme, etc.?

I love the Al-bright Knox because I have been going there for while now. Their exhibits are always so nice and put together, as well as aesthetically pleasing and interesting. I never looked at an exhibit there so specifically so it was fun diving into one specific exhibit and focusing on it. It makes you appreciate the artists a lot more.

Module 11 // Video Review

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I picked Matisse and Picasso because I am quite familiar with them and I wanted to see if there was any information in the video I was not sure of. I picked Expressionism because I genuinely enjoy it.


2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned. 

Matisse and Picasso:

• Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain  in 1881
• Picasso father was a drawer and painting teacher, which sparked Picasso's art interest
• Picasso was born with a natural gift of painting
• Matisse was silent and stubborn
• Matisse not immediately talented in art and did not discover his talent for 20 years
• His talent in art was known as a family scandal
• The two are opposites by Matisse wanting to rationalize everything in art, where as Picasso described himself as a hard worker
• When Picasso and Matisse meet, they exchange paintings to seal their mutual respect for each other
• Both Picasso and Matisse are "brothers" in anguish and say that if you want to work hard, you must always be on edge

Expressionism:

• All sorts of different paintings that use expressionism
• The use of colors to express what is happening in the pieces of art
• "Scream" by Munch uses expressionism and he says that the colors while he was walking home during sunset one day screamed at him which inspired him to create the piece of art
• Munch uses expressionism in a lot of his art
• Colors are use a lot in expressionism to show the mood of the art
• Expressionism art uses symbols
• Expressionism usually shows sadness, anxiety, trauma, hope, or tragic events

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text? 

The videos relate to the readings in the text in many ways. The book refers to and talks about expressionism a lot. There are some paintings that the text refers back to which was in the book.

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts? 

The films were very educational for me. Although they are an hour long, and the people talk extremely slow, I use the speed up option to make them talk faster so the films are more bearable to get through. I do enjoy the films and they give me insight on what I should be learning about. 

Module 10 // Art Making/Material Exploration Blog: Mask Making

1. Three (3) Inspiration photos // Why I chose them // Descriptions & Art Criticism 

I chose these pieces as my inspiration pieces because I love gold and the sun face. I find this to be very powerful looking and it reminds me on the Egyptians as well as Greek Mythology. I really enjoy this style and I find it very interesting.

Mask #1

• This is a gold/bronze mask and I really like it because of it's color. This mask balances because it is symmetric. The middle piece really stands out to me. It has a pattern to it on each side that I like, too.

Mask #2

• This mask is subtle abstract. I find the sun rays on the mask to be very different and I like it. The color of the mask is gold as well, so it really symbolizes the sun. This mask balances well with being asymmetric. There seems to be some form of texture on the mask.

Mask #3

• I take inspiration from this moon face for my mask because I have always liked this face. It is balanced with being asymmetrical which is different and neat. The texture on the face makes it look semi-realistic.

2. Upload images of your sketches and finished piece // Elements & Principles used in finished mask

Elements & Principles Used

• Balance -- Symmetric
• Color -- Red, yellow, & orange
• Pattern -- Lines shapes on the side of mask
• Form -- 3-Dimensional

3. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.

I had fun creating the mask, although I feel it did not turn out the way I wanted it too. I like inspiring myself with the the initial 3 photos, but using the tools I had, I feel as though I could have made a real mask better. I was challenged during this assignment but I am okay with that because it was fun, interesting, and educational.

Module 10 // Video Review

1. Explain why you selected the 2 videos you chose from the selection listed above.

I chose the video on Buddhism because the Buddhist religion really interests me. I love the symbolism in Buddhism like the Lotus flower because it is very peaceful and nice. I chose the video African Art: Legacy of Oppression as well because African art is very small and neat and abstract. I find it interesting because it represents a time I am not to knowledgeable on. 

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Buddhism:

• Bodhi tree (pipal tree)
• Enlightenment
• Buddhists art & architecture includes stupas, stone, stone umbrellas, buildings.
• 14th century is when Sanchi was discovered.
• 4 gateways of Buddha's life
• South gateway has a wheel of law that is worshiped by devotees (ex. monks & pilgrims)
• Each gateway is built with square posts, crowned with lion, elephant, and pot-belly dwarf sculptures.
• Pilgrims can be infatuated with the art, but call Him for mindfulness.
• The balustrade (walkway) used wood techniques in stone.
• Stupas were carved with serious of medallions.
• Stupa umbrellas represents the 3 level of Nirvana, Buddhist heaven
• Largest Buddhist shrine is called the Borobudur in Java, Indonesia
•  Borobudur is a stepped pyramid in the shape of a Lotus and took 100 years to make.
• Lasted 30 years of pilgrimage until volcano exploded
• Chuang Yen Monostary is in Carmel, upstate New York
• Kuan Yin hall was built in the architect style in 1985
• Centerpiece is a large Buddhist sculpture at 6 ft. tall and is made of ceramic
• Simplicity architecture by than Tang Dynasty
• Glulam structure, structure that allows buildings to have no ceiling pillars & no structure, made of layers of timber glued together
• Surrounding is 10,000 small Buddhist sculptures.

African Art: Legacy of Oppression:

• Yombe masks worn by priests with the spirits of the dead whose colors were white.
• West African art is more abstract
• Not a lot of naturalistic art is found in African.
• The signs of the art can be read by the people of their society.
• Magical dead pieces of art which contain containers for magical potions
• Masks represent certain things-- the half black & half white mask represents the black side being ill and the white side being pure and healthy.
• A mask scared male kids to adulthood, making them respect their elders.
• Boa culture masks were made to intimidate people in battle.
• The Boa stopped creating the masks when they realized the magic didn't work, since their people were being shock and killed by Western people and their guns.
• Belgium massacre in 1880 -- the slaves created a lot of art.
• Ivory (elephant tusks) were used a lot to make sculptures and pieces of art.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The videos relate with the readings in the text because both the text and videos talk about the relation of art and religion. People use their religion in art a lot now and in history. The text goes into detail on the Buddhist religion and the art that comes along with it. The videos expand my knowledge on both the religion concept and the art concept.

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I believe these videos were very informative and were beneficial to my understanding of art. It added depth to my understanding by showing images of certain art and going into depth of  religion and art as well as culture and art.