Untitled

[kelly-smith-msudenver]

Sound On :)

Song: All I Want by Kodaline

Art Assignment: Body in Place

I chose this assignment because the original artist, Maria Gaspar, talked a lot about looking at spaces that we are used to seeing in a different light. Gaspar talks about making those places that are familiar, seem not so familiar, and to look at them as someone who has never seen them before.

We have all been stuck in our houses for quite some time now, so this space for me is one that used to be familiar, that is not so much anymore.

I decided to take a video of myself walking the route I take from my apartment to my car, on my way to my first day going back to work. Mask hanging from my ear, gloves in my hand. This is a space I have not found myself in months. I thought this would be a little bit of a twist on the assignment, as I think quite a few people are going through the same thing right now.

This was emotional, because work is a second home to me. My co-workers are my family, and to not see them for so long has been hard. Not only was I returning after so long being away, but I was returning to a family that was missing a member. One of my co-workers passed away this week, so this walk was one filled with emotion. It was the first step I had to take to start a new chapter.

[jpowel50]

Going back to work for the first time since the shutdown was definitely an experience for me as well. I went to work as I typically did before the shutdown occurred but I just felt so off. 

I guess home became more of a comfort zone then ever for me so leaving home felt highly unusual. And oddly enough I felt slightly nervous going back to work for the first time since the shutdown. 

I love the video and it really did make me think about things in a very deep way.

[casshobs]

Project #4

For this I chose to do the Be Someone Else from the Artist Assignment, I have had purple in my hair for almost 7 years and during the stay at home order I decided to let my hair fade more than I ever have let it. Then I couldn’t stand it anymore with inch and a half roots and extremely uneven color, I bleached my roots and put in fresh dye in. I feel like I look completely different with my hair so light after so long of not seeing it or my natural brown color.

[jpowel50]

This assignment seems fun. I think that it is awesome that you dyed all of your hair purple. I always wondered what it would be like to be a different person. Sometimes I have this urge to want to change my hair as well, just to get a fresh new look, but I’m always hesitant for some reason. 

[kyliestueven]

Module #4

For my final project I decided on the make it break it prompt. I wanted to continue on with the theme of creation and destruction and I felt like my project carried it well. I drew a version of the hands portrayed in The Creation of Adam pained by Michelangelo, a piece that speaks a lot to me. The existence of Adam in the painting is a hot take considering that he was able to attend his own creation, but regardless, the painting implies that Adam was already in existence before his creation. I’ll keep my story sweet and simple, I didn’t always believe in God, I struggled with depression and the related, then found God in the midst of my lowest moment. Before I found God, obviously I existed, but I didn’t feel like I was anything, like I meant anything, like I had any purpose. When I found God I felt like I was created, but in order for that to happen I had to be destroyed. So, the idea that Adam existed before his own creation, though the theology might not be iffy, is a comforting idea to me. I decided to let my brother burn the drawing in a kind of symbolic, phoenix-out-of-the-ashes type of way to express my own story and feelings. 

[jpowel50]

Everything you are saying makes total sense. I’ve been through depression and have come out of it myself. I basically had to find a way to leave the old me behind, the old thoughts, the old habits and find a new me that could live life without being so negative. I love the drawing that you did. It’s absolutely beautiful. I thought about doing this project but was hesitant because I was afraid that I would make something that I like and then I wouldn’t want to destroy it.

[svthekid]

Final Project: Sorted Books

For my #ArtAssignment I decided to go with Sorted Books by Nina Katchadourian. In this assignment the artist is asked to choose a person you know or would like to know better, take a look through their library, and make 3 stacks of books to develop a portrait of the person. This assignment immediately resonated with me because I was raised to believe that the literature you love is a defining part of your character. My Mom, who was raised by an English professor and became an English teacher herself, has always found her passion in books. She told us the Oscar Wilde quote: “You are what you read.” This meant that growing up the idea of boredom and not knowing what to do did not exist, because there was always a good book we hadn’t read. So, for this assignment I decided to take a look through the many books in the house I grew up in, and create Book Portraits for my family members. When Katchadourian created this project, she seemed to be more focused on the poem created by the titles of the books stacked on top of each other. I struggled to create poems from the various jumbles of titles, so I ask that you focus more of the themes of the titles all together and create a story from that. I won’t go into too much detail of why I chose the specific titles because for the most part each title has its own personal meaning to each member of my family. For example, with my Mom I chose books like Into the Wild, As You Like It, and The Best Short Stories of the Modern Age because they are some of her all-time favorites that she taught to her students. But other titles such as All My Sons, The New York Trilogy, and The History of Love I chose because I believe these titles relate to who my Mom is as a person. In any case, what I enjoyed most about creating these portraits was that I believe multiple themes can be found within each title. I will say that for my portrait I chose some of my favorite books that all have to do with the theme of spirituality, dreams, and night which are all being held up by a Lonely Planet. (Also peep the ones of my dog Cleo because I found those 3 books and couldn’t resist)

[jpowel50]

I love how you chose to leave the viewer hanging a bit by allowing them to use their own imagination in order to determine the reasons behind why you chose the books that you chose for each person. This reminds me of a project that I did a long time ago where I had to choose songs that I felt like defined me. It was super fun. Great job!!!

[jpowel50]

Project 4: The Art Assignment

Critique: I really enjoyed looking through all of the different projects for this assignment. It was difficult for me to choose what I wanted to do but I eventually decided on “Psychological Landscape”. 

For this assignment we were asked to draw a landscape of some kind on a peace of paper weather that be a realistic one or a more creative one. After the landscape is drawn the next step is to populate the landscape with figures that have “human like” characteristics. 

I was interested in creating a landscape from something that typically isn’t seen as a landscape so I chose a pool table. After drawing the pool table I eventually came up with the idea to populate the landscape with figures that looked like Bamax from the Disney movie “Big Hero 6″. 

It was a very random thought but the reason why I chose to populate the landscape with this character is because I wanted to put figures on the landscape that would be able to withstand an environment like this if there were people who were actually playing the game. I would have drawn people playing the game but I wanted to make sure that I stuck to the simplicity of the assignment. 

In my opinion, a pool table is a dangerous environment to be in if it was even possible. But because Bamax is a balloon like figure who was assisting the main character in the Disney movie by protecting him during very dangerous circumstances, I felt that it would be fun to add a character like this into such a random environment. 

The humor to it is that the character Bamax is practically the nicest being in the world and is unable to be aggressive unless a chip was placed in him that would activate his aggression. 

I also chose this assignment because there aren’t any changes that I needed to make in order to fit the assignment to our current circumstances of social distancing. 

I forgot to document myself during the process of creating this assignment but I do have a picture of the landscape of the assignment when it was almost finished, before I placed the Bamax figures in it.

[bbswenson]

During these tough times I wanted create a video with with me performing the side I see from my friends! All of my very good friends have been drinking heavily and becoming alcoholics during these times. I always wake up and see that they have already been drinking in the morning and they drink till they pass out. You can see that when I wake up from my nap the first thing I grab is the alcoholic beverages. When I sip the beverage you can see that the lights get brighter as if I was feeling the effect of the alcohol. Then I go back to sleep and repeat the cycle of drinking. I added some sad sentimental music because we all miss doing the things we love and instead we just stay at home bored out of our minds doing nothing. I had a ton of fun creating this video because I knew I wanted to create something where it repeated as if you’re living the same day over and over.

Thank you for watching, stay safe, and don't party to hard ;)

[tarable10]

I like the brutal honesty of this piece.

[jpowel50]

I think your idea is genius! It’s almost like a gif the way it keeps repeating like that. I find my self doing the same things repeatedly during my time of isolation. 

[brea-reed]

Project 3

In the midst of all of this I was stumped on how to create a performance art peice feeling so uninspired and unmotivated..

Then I chatted with a friend and had a thought to use these feelings to create the piece, and honestly it’s exactly what I wanted and needed to express. I thought it would be a cool effect to time lapse a glimpse into my quarantine boredom and frustration. I also think so many can relate to it and I’m fascinated by these things that we all have in common with everyone on this planet right now.

So here’s my bedroom, my procrastination, and unmativation for the world to see.

[tarable10]

The time lapse is impactful

[jpowel50]

This was a good idea. I’m pretty sure many people can relate to this. Often times I don’t know what else to do but lay down but that too makes me anxious so I just end up tossing and turning. 

[pnguye57]

Project 3 - Performance Art

The idea of this performance was inspired from one of my essays about the importance of images in media release, such as articles from magazines, newspapers or blog, regardless of print or online. The essay concentrated on the way visual elements attract attention easily, tell stories effectively and covey messages quickly, rather than a box full of text. Through this performance, I decided to demonstrate the idea under my perspective, particularly when I am a design student, about how I usually decide what article I should read just by its visual appeal. As the adage tells us, a picture tells a thousand words.

Apart from that, since we are confronting this crisis, I think this project is going to be interesting for us to have different perspectives and experiences with performance art. Especially when our performance did not happen in an ideal condition like in art galleries, we would have various perceptions when seeing each other projects.

The project includes a series of photos and a short video of the performance. Enjoy! ☺️

Phoebe Ng. - 2020

[williamlmoore]

So good!

[jpowel50]

There is so much thought put into this. I love it. I love how you chose to have a series of photos and a video as well. I’m truly inspired by your performance art. 

[svthekid]

Project #3 Performance Art & Artist Statement

I won’t lie I kinda struggled with this project. I continued to start new projects and ideas that I got half way through and felt unhappy with and scratched it all. I decided the main thing I wanted from this project was to express my emotions from all the craziness that’s taken place over the past few weeks. To do this I wrote a poem that encumpasses a lot of what’s been going on around the world and used that as the audio of the project. For the film portion I took various videos of all the shops and restaurants on south broadway that have been boarded up. Growing up these establishments have been a deep part of my culture so seeing them boarded up and shut down brings a deep sadness to my heart. However, I feel hopeful seeing all the wonderful art that has been put up in their place. I recorded myself speaking the poem in my garage, and recorded all the video on my iPhone 6 using the splice editing app so it’s not the best quality but I’m also posting my poem to read if you have trouble hearing me. Enjoy!

Day by day blending together

Blending fruits in my diet so I can live forever

Never thought I’d see the world in such disarray

Hoping my loved ones and I make it till May

Maybe we’ll be okay and I can stop all this stress

But my grandmas 83 and alone through this mess

An introverts dream is what my brain keeps telling me

But after week three all I can think is fuck being solitary

Only so many dramas I can watch on tv

But each news stations coverage has me ready to scream

I get so much satisfaction from the bubbles and suds

Washing away dirt but leave my hands cracked with blood

what kills me the most is the those left to lie in dread

Who the fuck wants to die alone in a hospital bed

Please don’t get it twisted I’m keeping high hopes

Love how even in distances we’ve all grown so close

Let’s keep that mentality even when this is all over

And meet at restaurants and bars that have been boarded for closure

I know that right now life seems dark dim and damp

And we all feel our houses are getting too cramped

But use this time wisley to improve your mental being

Do yoga, make art, write down everything you’re seeing

Because eyes can wander and our minds can get lost

In the stresses of things like how much will rent cost

But If there was ever a time to value things other than wealth

Spring 2020 is where we finally realize we should treasure our health

[tarable10]

Love the poem. That neighborhood is also rooted in me. I lived there for years when I lived here. I didn’t realize what they had done with boarding it up I am ecstatic about the art down there as you are. I’m going to see it now that you’ve made this piece

[jpowel50]

Love the poem as well. I can definitely relate to this video and i’m probably not the only one.  Also the video is quite eerie but I love it. 

[mollyyleee]

Project #3: Performance Art

The concept behind my piece is really focusing on enjoying the mundane moments. We are so so busy all the time that it’s easy to get lost in the speed of life. Making breakfast, drinking coffee, and sitting down to create some art has been peaceful in times of extreme chaos. 

I personally liked working on this assignment in quarantine because it made me realize that a lot of things we do everyday can be artistic depending on the lens you view it in. It’s important to try and use this time to focus on things that make you feel happy when there is so much devastation and sadness going on in the world. 

[jpowel50]

I love the vibe of this video. Even though times are stressful, it gives off a brighter side to all that is currently going on. It makes me feel like its ok to just relax and enjoy the quiet time that we are all able to get. Especially because most of the time all of our lives are so busy and hectic. 

[artbykieran]

The Fear We All Have- Project #3

There is a lot of fear in the world right now with everything that is happening in the world and it can be easy to be afraid and feel all alone. For my project, I represented the fear we all probably have right now. I incorporated another project I worked on of a 3D model of a wire heart and I made this a pretty big part of this video. The fear is leaving it’s host(me) feeling alone and sheltered until finally there is someone to take away this fear. However, the fear still lives on.

At first it was difficult to create this project but I began to realize that I should bring what’s happening in our world into an artistic sense. Since the biggest emotion everyone must have is fear I felt like that was the perfect chance to show that. I enjoyed playing with different lights and colors in this piece to really enhance the emotion of fear and mess with the mood of the video by changing it from black and white to color. Additionally, I purposefully made the heart harder to see because even though you can’t really see it you know it’s there the same as with fear. The heart served as a way to both be a symbol for fear and also a way in which I can use two different mediums(3D and 4D).

[mikaylasart]

This is really cool and I like how it’s related to what everyone is most likely going through right now. I also like the merging of two mediums.

[jpowel50]

This is great! I did a similar thing for my video. I feel like there is so much meaning behind this video. I think the 3D model of a wire heart is awesome. I love the sound of the beating heart in the video as well. It gives off a sort of silent vibe to the video. It’s pretty intense. 

[chloe-maryellen-blog]

Final Project...

Pink sound bowl - heart chakra (compassion, affection, & love)

White sound bowl - throat chakra (communication & creativity)

Selenite - unblock negative energy for better, more positive energy flow in your body. Amplification of sounding crystals. It purifies and cleanses, bringing calming energy, deep peace, and mental clarity.

Amethyst - relieves stress, balances mood swings, Amethyst. Alleviates sadness and grief, and dissolves negativity. Amethyst activates spiritual awareness, opens intuition and enhances psychic abilities.

Tigers eye - resilience in overcoming situations & protection

I am also wearing jade for abundance and turquoise for feminine/creative energy

I am new to sound bowls, so far they have been very therapeutic during this time. I am considered “high risk” to this virus because I am living with Type 1 Diabetes. I also live with anxiety and depression so these times my emotions have yanked me up and down. Some days I am happy to be home and safe and then some days I’m afraid to even be around the people I live with because of random paranoia. But I have come to the conclusion that I have my faith in God and where we come from we will return. Our bodies/vessels are temporary but our souls are eternal. In the past I have played percussion instruments like the drums and bells so I have found these to be similar. I wanted to do something to help the collective and without physical touch I feel like this is a great alternative. I hope you are all doing well and if anybody needs someone to talk to don’t be afraid to reach out ✨ blessings ✨

[jpowel50]

This video is so calming. I’m a spiritual person as well so I can truly relate to this video. Love your idea. Great job!

[truthtattoo3]

Project 3: Performance Art

I chose to demonstrate the breakdown and burning of an old rocking chair for my performance. I enhanced the sounds in particular areas to create more intriguing and interesting parts. I also edited the speeds in certain areas to achieve more focused and climatic scenes for the viewer.

[jpowel50]

I love the enhanced sound in your Performance Art project. I especially love the sound of the fire crackling. I love the variations of speed in your video as well. Great job!

[jpowel50]

Project #3 Performance Art

Artist Statement

 This project was one of the hardest projects for me so far. Performing in general is one of the hardest things for me but I think I came out with something great in the end.

My performance is based off of the idea of being isolated for long periods of time and how that allows us time to think and ponder and often times discover “shadow parts” of ourselves. In other words, during this stay at home order I have found myself thinking a lot about myself, who I am and what I want to do with my life moving forward. It has also allowed me time to discover darker sides of me that I haven’t seen such as how I react to being confined to a space of my own with no one to talk to (since I live by myself).

This was a bit difficult because I chose to make a costume that can be interpreted as a shadow and therefore, I am unable to express emotions through my facial features. I can only express myself through my body language.

Basically In this video I discovered my “shadow self” by deciding to take a look in the mirror after suffering from anxiety and boredom. It is surprising to see this side of my self but in the video I wave to my “shadow self” in the mirror as a way to start the journey of getting acquainted with this new part of me that I will be forced to live with and get to know for as long as this stay at home order stays in effect.

[jpowel50]

Project #3 Performance Art

Artist Statement

 This project was one of the hardest projects for me so far. Performing in general is one of the hardest things for me but I think I came out with something great in the end.

My performance is based off of the idea of being isolated for long periods of time and how that allows us time to think and ponder and often times discover “shadow parts” of ourselves. In other words, during this stay at home order I have found myself thinking a lot about myself, who I am and what I want to do with my life moving forward. It has also allowed me time to discover darker sides of me that I haven’t seen such as how I react to being confined to a space of my own with no one to talk to (since I live by myself).

This was a bit difficult because I chose to make a costume that can be interpreted as a shadow and therefore, I am unable to express emotions through my facial features. I can only express myself through my body language.

Basically In this video I discovered my “shadow self” by deciding to take a look in the mirror after suffering from anxiety and boredom. It is surprising to see this side of my self but in the video I wave to my “shadow self” in the mirror as a way to start the journey of getting acquainted with this new part of me that I will be forced to live with and get to know for as long as this stay at home order stays in effect.

[jpowel50]

Exercise 3

Verb List:

1. To erase 

2. To bounce

3. To stretch

4. To scribble

5. To light

6.To tie

7. To scatter

8. To wrap

9. To hang

10. To smear

11. To lift

12. To splash

13. To twist

14. To crumble

15. To tear

16. To open

17. To type

18. To write

19. To feel

20. To scratch

[jpowel50]

Reading and Response 3

Performance art is such a confusing, and new concept to me. I knew there was a such thing as performance art but I haven’t seen very many examples of it myself therefore my understanding of it is a bit clouded. It was interesting to read about performance art and how it was something that was used a long time ago in many different places and cultures.

I had no idea that performance art was something that some artists have used previously for marketing purposes and to gain exposure. I feel like this makes sense though. This was especially a good tactic for artists a long time ago before the internet even existed.

It is also interesting to think that performance art at one time contributed to the commotions that abrupted during the World War I period. Of course, it’s not talked about much but that is highly in part due to the fact that performance art wasn’t a popular medium that lived on continuously. It was a medium that was used for very short periods of time on and off throughout history so we didn’t get many opportunities to record its existence.

It’s also interesting to think that at times, performance had more of an influence on an audience then a sculpture, painting, or drawing did.