Module 9 Video Review

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned. (please categorize the comments for each video/reading)

The Great Wave:

• Japanese master Hokusai known for his prolific paintings
•  work of representational art that depicted tools, baskets, animals, clothing, and the human body

Early Photography:

• Louis Daguerre is the technique inventor of daguerreotypes which has more detailed photographic images on a copper plate that were made in factories by mostly women and children
• it has to be polished with rouge power which improves the viewing of images, reflection, and light sensitivity
• the plate is coated with iodine crystals to use for the camera; cloths or leather used to protect daguerreotypes 
• the formula of how to create daguerreotypes was sold to the French government by Louis so that it could be freely used by anyone

Manet:

• A Bar at Folies-Bergere painting; can see visual strokes of painting up close
• in that time era, if women were seen in bars it meant that they were sexually available (an informal rule)

Delacroix:

• mainly contemporary subjects expressed in paintings like the Revolution era
• symbolic meanings and images like the small flag of the revolutionaries that was an example of personification and symbol of freedom 

Monet:

• representational art in paintings with nature (trees and skies); effects of light and reflection shown; texture
• paid a person to not cut down a tree while finishing his painting this confirmed that he was a visual creator

Cassatt:

• elements and principles in the painting were pattern and space throughout the background/on the mother clothing
• a sense of trust or relationship between the mother in the painting while the mother is giving her a bath and the child leans on the mother

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

The videos relate to the readings because they carried a common theme focused on the events in history that has influenced art and artists creations of art.

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

The films were ok but if there was more time it could have been more information in depth about them, however, the readings helped better understand the concepts and components that make up art work and reasonings why certain objects or images are portrayed. 

Module 8 Video Review

1. Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above.
I chose the videos about Florence and the Middle Ages because I am usually intrigued by information I learn about the Renaissance. It is a time that was rapidly evolving and art itself was changing based on humanism.

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

Florence and Middle Ages:

• the Renaissance began realism and emotion in paintings; and embraced nature and the human body
• Donatello was the first male nude sculptor; which represented a work of art and a celebration of the human body
• Michelangelo examined human corpses to gain knowledge of anatomy to connect it to art
• symbolic objects or pieces relative to religious leaders
• baptistery: individuals could not attend church until you were baptized in medieval times
• Human bodies are seen as beauty, order, and harmony 
• Use of exaggeration in art

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The videos relate to the readings because it carried common themes on how art and humanism was evolving rapidly. The components about why the representation of holy figures was used to engage viewers and art exaggeration was becoming more common to get the attention of viewers as well. 

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

The film about Florence was interesting and I learned a lot of factual information that I was not aware of. I did not understand the Middle Ages video besides the art that was shown being explained and reasoning for the way things were portrayed.

Art of Faith Series Video Review

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

Buddhism:

• strong spirituality and the purpose of meditating is to free yourself and/or peace
• carved paintings, carvings with symbolic meanings, and the use of stone inscriptions were important for their culture to feel spirituality connected with the Budda or other leaders
• Budda means the enlightened one; represents supreme level of wisdom; gold
• stones of the White Elephant were used by powerful leaders and represented peace
• Temples for Budda architecture was important in order for the purest side of the body to face him which is the right side of a person
• Caves of Lorna were carved from solid rock
• Monks lived in these sacred places and worshiped for the divine care of Gods
• Todai-ji is a place that people go to pray
• Puning Temple: depicts a Chinese and Han Tibetan art style and culture; this temple is dedicated to harmony and peace of their culture

Christianity:

• most important symbols of faith are hoy buildings, form, and sacred functions
• Religious belief mostly expressed through agriculture
• individuals practice collective worship and private prayer; a need for spiritual guidance
• architecture and geometric decoration was identified by Romanesque 
• Sacred building built over saints deceased bodies as a representation of spiritual healing; important for pilgrimages and connections with saints
• Colorful stained glass was used to change one's perspective once a person is in a sacred place and different light

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The videos relate to the readings based on the information from both that was focused on religious rituals, worship gatherings, or even pilgrimages. They both depicted the important use of symbolic objects in paintings or carvings, which are used often. Also, insight on how sacred buildings or temples were built because of powerful leaders and the representation behind images overtime.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to your understanding?
This time I watched the videos before I completed the readings and it was confusing for me. After I completed the videos, while I was reading the content from Age of Faith I understood the information and notes I had from the videos much more. I thought the films were very informative and I learned a lot of information that I did not know of. I also understood the components that made up the sacred places or temples and how they were used which I was able to relate to images of the places I have seen in movies. 

4. Why did you choose the films that you watched?
I chose the films that I watched because I wanted to gain insight on a culture and religion that I did not know much about; and then I chose the other video based on the one I was the most familiar with on the list to be able to compare what I learned to the first film. 

Art Making: Exploring Line

It was interesting creating this art work because it forced me to actually pay attention to every detail in my hand while I was trying to depict both hands. I used pencil because I figured it would be easier to control than charcoal, and plus charcoal can be a messy media. I wanted to use a media that I had more control over and I could erase because I knew I would need it. It was very difficult creating my the second drawing with my non-dominant hand; I felt as though I did not have much control because it was difficult to grip the pencil. Actually, looking at image of my drawing on camera I can see the difference in which one I drew with my non-dominant hand because at first I thought they looked very similar on paper. It was obviously more difficult with my non-dominant hand which is my left hand, because I do not use it as the main source of control often. I noticed that while drawing with my non-dominant hand, I was drawing the details of my hand much lighter because I was so focused on trying to draw the lines in my hands straight or as accurate as possible. However, for the outline of my hand I drew it much darker and harder as I went over it three times. In contrast, for the drawing with my dominant hand it was not as difficult as I thought it would've been drawing my hand but it was not easy. I think I did a better job at depicting the middle part of my hand than the non-dominant drawing; and the size of my hand is more accurate. I realized that I was more patient drawing with my dominant handing, but I was starting to be frustrated with my non-dominant hand; so I would not consider using my non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future.

Video Review

Throughout the video, I learned the process in which Greek art has evolved overtime through the use of realism and formalism. Greek art began to evolve by the development of Christianity and the Greek culture. It was founded that contemporary art influenced forms of art for the European culture and Italy. The Greeks used art to portray human beings bodies in a realistic way by the use of sculptures; and in the 6th century realism and form evolved by the Athens art of humans, Gods, and animals. The videos relate to the readings because the focus was about the different centuries of art history and background. The readings was mainly about the history of art different backgrounds and the videos were about the history of Greek art, but I was able to connect them together. I learned that art itself evolved from symbolic figures in religious beliefs and cultures. The videos helped me understand the importance of knowing the background of art, the meaning behind artwork, and the inspirations from art. I was able to connect a better understand of certain art pieces I have seen previously because the videos explained how certain art began to transform and why certain artwork came about to be created.

Peer Reviews

Blogs reviewed:
https://theartofbuffalo.blogspot.com/2020/02/art-gallery-visit.html#comments
https://theartofbuffalo.blogspot.com/2020/02/design-elements-and-principles.html#comments

https://autumnbrant.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-wonders-through-color.html#comments
https://autumnbrant.blogspot.com/2020/02/responding-to-artwork.html#comments

For the first blog review, I did agree with the images used for elements and principles. It was evident that this peer reading the materials prior to choosing her images for the project. I was able to identify certain details in the images that can depict why it could be an element or principle. Far as project #2, there were not images the same as mine because we did not attend the same art gallery. The images that were chosen were of a different interest than mine but they were eye catching images. For the second blog review, I was unsure of which project was the elements and principles because there were two postings that had the same images from the art museums visit. However, the artworks that were captured from the art visit where very powerful and represented a reflection of emotions in several ways. I also thought that the artworks represented symbolic meaning such as religious or emotional. Far as project #2, there were not images that were the same as mine, however, this peer did mention choosing artwork that she had more of a connection with. I personally usually choose images that I have a connection with or that I can try reading the meaning from.

The images from peer 2 project #2 with the hand reaching towards the sky is the main piece that I felt a connection with and curious to know what the meaning or inspiration of the painting is for the artist. I felt a spiritual connection with the painting because I was able to connect the contrast of the skies to my religious beliefs. I also felt a sense of peace looking at the image because listening or reading religious scriptures typically calms my mood and I felt the artwork portrayed that image for me. I thought reading my peers reflection was important to a certain extent, because there were images that I was curious to know why they chose it or what their ideas about the artwork were. It could be important for the learning process to make connections with others point of view and being open-minded about the process of art. I also did find my peers comments on my blogs helpful as well because I spend time and thought to complete these assignments.

Castellani Art Musuem Visit #1

Castellani Art Museum Visit

 

I would like to know more about this piece of art "Reese" by Bonnie Nevans. The description stated that the medium used is sharpie on mat board. From a distance, at first it does not look like a face that is why I tried capturing a close up image of the work. But, from a distance you could see the portrait which was very interesting and talented. I would like to know how long it took the artist to complete this portrait using circles with a sharpie. I would like to know who the person is and if the artist has completed other work using this technique.  

This piece "Ancestor with Sunday Hat #1 & #2" by Phyllis Thompson I want to know more about. This work was one of the first to catch my attention at the art museum and I want to know more about what was the inspiration behind this work for the artist. I also would like to know who the woman is, when and where the photo was taken. I want to know what was it like to use solar plate etching and collagraph for this art piece. 

I felt a connection with this artwork "Niagara, the Frozen Falls" by Sadhna Gupta because I have an obsession with waterfalls. In Ohio where I am from I have visited just about all of the waterfalls in the area where I am from and around it; and my goal is to visit all of the waterfalls in the state of Ohio. The first thing I did when I moved to Buffalo for school is visit the Falls, and it was such a peaceful view. This artwork piece brought me back to that moment when I first visited the Falls and how much happier I was then.  The artist also used oil paint on canvas for this work and it looks appealing. 

This artwork "Mount Diversity" by Lenore Tetkowski made an impression on me because the techniques used were double weave pick-up and tencel fibers. I took an art elective course and we were taught how to weave in which I thought this artwork was amazing! This artist must have a lot of patience to do such detail and depict facial features the way it shows in the work. I curious to know how long it to them to actually create such an amazing work of art.

This artwork "Hollow" by Taylor Aversa made an impression on me because charcoal on cardboard was used. The detail in this piece is so neat and precise which amazes me because charcoal can be a messy medium to use. The artist did a great job with using the charcoal like up-close you could see the hair streaks and you can see the emotion in the face.

I had a connection with this art piece "Sweet Signs of Spring" by Audrey Kay Dowling because it reminded me of a scenic view in a forest. I am fascinated by nature and I could just imagine what time of the year it was by looking at the art which it reminds me of spring. This artist also used blockprint, India ink, and gouache which I am familiar with blockprint. Blockprint is a technique I have used before and when I seen the art I thought the trees were made with blockprint. The value and color contrast in this work was very balanced.

Video Response:

The modern world is dominated by unrealistic images of the human body constantly on video games, models, sculptures, portraits, and many other things. It was interesting that the video mentioned that neuroscientists found that the brain of early humans possibly chose to use unrealistic images of the body on sculptures for exaggeration. The video revealed that unrealistic images of the body are commonly used because it attracts the eye and is enjoyable to see exaggerations of realities in details. It was interesting to see the breakdown of the human body to shape it into a sculpture in which the video showed half of the body in motion and the other half resting.