Homework #3
For your third homework assignment of the semester, please take some time to read the essay “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” by Thomas McEvilley. (A copy of this will be emailed to you over the weekend. Additionally, it is available now on beachboard. )
This is a straight forward text that I think could be helpful to remind you of some of the ways that content can arise in an artwork. My hope is that by being reminded of these content sources, it might help you to think through the content of your own art practice, where and how it arises in the work and where and how you might increase the intention in how your work directs its own interpretation and engagement.
After reading and reflecting on the text, post a summary and response to your blog. Your blog post response should include both a summary of all the main points and arguments described in the text AND your own thoughtful response and engagement with the ideas presented. Do your best to find ways to connect the essay’s ideas to your own work.
This homework should be posted to your blog as part of the blog check #3 grade. (It is not due as part of the blog check due later this week!)
Image above:
image of book by Thomas McEvilley where the homework essay was originally published
Summary:
According to Thirteen Ways to Look at Blackbird, Thomas McEvilley discussed several of his perceptions when it comes to fine art. He explained how the content in an artwork can be viewed differently based on the artist’s use of medium or on the choice of scale. In order to make an artwork powerful, artists would have to consider different aspects such as art history, or the culture the artwork is being represented in. Also, artists should also think about the biological and physiological responses when creating an artwork in order to make a greater emotional impact on the viewers. He also stated that content in art can stem from verbal interactions.
Response:
I learned from this reading that I would need more in-depth thinking before producing an artwork in the future, whether if it is 2D or 3D art. Also, understanding and researching about history and culture is important for me to view art from different artists as well as when I am creating my own work. I think a wider medium range can be fun to play with; however, it also leaves more room for different interpretations. I think the reading taught me to be more careful when it comes to choosing the materials for my future pieces as well.