JRV

[drakekam1]

Art Project 5:

The collection of stories were very inspiring and unique. The story that inspired me the most was “Tomi”. This is about a woman who returns home from jail to a stressed and very different life of nothing. I decided to use the “matrix” vibe to create some sort of prison bar scene. She’s turning away from it entering her new life. The city is completely empty as it was in the story. She came back with nothing but the pain, suffering, and sadness she had with her, her whole life. As shown inside of her head. This story was about being alone and my main focus point is a female who is in solitary.

[jrv27]

Very interesting perspective. I like the symbolism of the bars still being over the city, just barely not over the person. Giving a sense of freedom not really being free

[kiacino]

In the book of short stories by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, I found the story Cheeseman Park beautifully written and painfully relatable. For my final project for this class, I wanted to draw attention to this tale. 

My grandparents grew up in North Denver. I know for a fact, that they roll over in their grave each time someone calls it, “the highlands”. For the narrator to begin the story with a shout out to North Denver, immediately caught my attention. But as I continued reading, I shared more similarities with her than I would ever care to admit. 

I also moved to a west coast city for a brief period of time to escape Colorado only to meet a guy that would break my heart and also force me to call 911, just as Liz did when she moved to California only to fall in love with a married man to do the same. When I moved back to Denver, I turned to the comfort in alcohol and other vices to release built up trauma and pain that I had held in. I also found bizarre comfort in meeting strangers and rebelling against my mother.  

I will never forget that period of my life because it was my darkest ever and the reference in the chapter to how Cheeseman Park used to be a cemetery and how I felt close to death in a controlling and toxic relationship. But because of it, I will always appreciate the best moments. The poppies symbolize those moments. Poppies break through the snow after a long, and dark winter. They rise bright orange and strong. 

“Always remember, this is our home” is a quote Liz’s mother says to her about Denver. When I came to Colorado after returning from this dark time in my life, I could feel that message pulsing through my veins. 

[jrv27]

Very impactful. Thank you for sharing. The collage looks great!

[aitani]

Project 5: Sugar Babies

[jrv27]

This arrangement is great! 

[anthony-baker]

Artist Statement 5

I chose to do our final Art Project as a Performance Art piece. For my performance, I chose to read Lady Lazarus by Sylvia Plath. The poem relates to the book that we read in that the book was about many people from diverse backgrounds facing adversity in one way or another. Sylvia Plath was an inspirational and powerful woman who faced adversity throughout her life as she struggled with mental illnesses. Unfortunately, she eventually succumbed to her mental illnesses and took her life. I interpret this poem to be about Plath facing challenges throughout her life and feel as if many aspects of her life reflect the themes that we explored in Sabrina and Corina. This poem also explores themes of anti-racism and anti-nazism, which is great. Thank you.

[jrv27]

Love to see it! I really liked your connection between the short stories and Sylvia Plath. Great job

[jwoodarts]

Doña Sebastiana

Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine shares any new viewer what its like from her eyes and others. During the first chapter titled “Sugar Babies” I was quickly drawn in when the young boys accidently dug up some bones near their town. Further long within the chapter, it was Robbie and his visions that drew in my inspiration for this final work. When Robbie was explaining how he wasn’t scared when he discovered the bones but more so scared of the skeleton lady that was at the foot of hid bed one night. His grandmother explained that he might have seen Doña Sebastiana. In other words, lady reaper. I went and did some more research about this lady reaper and found out that  … “She is more a symbol of mortality and penance, a bleak reminder of our fragile and sinful state. The Aztec figure known as the “Lady of the Dead,” presided over such celebrations…”* This lady reaper is known for protection and watches over those who need it. With this notion I wanted to create what I would think Doña Sebastiana would look like. I also wanted to incorporate some natural Colorado elements.

If I were to take more time on this piece, I would mess around some more with watercolor. It is a hard element and I feel like I could have done better for the boarder and her head piece/hair. I also wish my photos would have picked up on the gold highlights more then presenting them in a pale yellow tone. Over all I am pleased with this outcome and Happy to finish strong.

It was an interesting semester, but I am happy to be apart of this class and still be able to see everyone’s work. I hope everyone enjoys their break and stays safe. (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧

For the artwork I did a mix-media. I used watercolor, ink wash, acrylic paint, and pen ink.

*https://delgadoarts.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/dona-sebastiana-lady-sebastian/#:~:text=She%20is%20an%20unusual%20figure,our%20fragile%20and%20sinful%20state.&text=The%20Aztec%20figure%20known%20as,%2C%E2%80%9D%20presided%20over%20such%20celebrations.

[jrv27]

This is awesome! Love the mixed media

[jrv27]

Project 5

[jrv27]

4D Project 5 Artist Statement

This piece follows after the story Tomi, from Sabrina & Corina. I choose to write another poem as I am more comfortable with the medium. Spending most of my time attempting to not retell the story. Bringing focus to some of the “important” portions that I found throughout the story. At the end of the day, it’s not about being better than someone through status. It’s about knowing who you are, and how that breeds in those around you. Each moment becoming an opportunity to observe and take away the “important” pieces that benefit you most.

[jrv27]

Reading and Response 5

I’m not sure how to feel about Sabrina & Corina. I liked how casual it was. The stories regularly felt as though someone was talking to me. Maybe it would make an even better audio book? There is a lot of relatability and I drew up some external attachment because of some of the stories being in Colorado. I think she is a great writer, I just don’t think I’m currently in a place to appreciate it to it’s full extent. I’ve never been fond of reading, and I was judging myself throughout the stories because I would take a long time to complete each one. I like the way they are written. All the stories are extremely approachable and give insight and detail that I prefer. There is a lot of development in the people rather than the places which I find great, because it leaves room for interpretation. But at the end of the day, I don’t think I want to say that I liked it because I don’t like to read. It makes it hard to give a response as well, because I don’t have enough reading experience to express the stories in a compare and contrast.

[zhooven]

Overthinking

I really hate talking on the phone. I’m not great at communication in general, but having to make a phone call is something I especially dread. It doesn’t matter if it’s a friend, family member, work, or someone I barely know like the doctor’s office, I waste so much time agonizing about what I’ll say and how dumb I think I’ll sound. This is an abridged version of that process. 

 To record I couldn’t use my phone, luckily I was able to borrow a camera. The lens was too big so I wasn’t able to get quite the angle I wanted, but I don’t think it looks awful. Something else I hate is appearing on camera. I specifically chose a field where I could be behind the camera for a reason. If I could have done this project without showing my face, I would have.

[jrv27]

This is a very strong piece. I feel like there is a lot of people that can relate with the anxiety that takes place when talking on the phone. Thank you for sharing!

[staysbreezy]

STIMULATION

This video was meant to be aim towards the feeling of wanting constant stimulation. Recently, I’ve sometimes noticed, or felt, that I have been caught in a sort of trance of wanting consistent entertainment. Sometimes it seems like I obsessively scroll through my phone, play movies, or re-watch shows that I’ve seen too many times already; not for any reason in particular, but just because I have this urge to do so. I think this constant “need” for stimulation, and maybe even escape, is “sucking me in” and then draining me of my energy or even my life in a way.

The video inside of this video with music to the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO9aot9RgQc

Max Cooper - Repetition

Directed by   Kevin McGloughlin

[jrv27]

This was trippy! Very cool concept. I had to stop because my eyes were screaming, but I think that tells so much about how this project works. Great job!

[mayaquinnscloud]

Remnants : Performance art project

[jrv27]

Ayyye! This was dope! The mirror is so well placed, the songs are relatable, the expression is very relatable and felt pure. Very cool!

[dunlapel]

4D One Minute Performance

I wasn’t too confident about posting this project if I’m being completely honest. I’ve always had issues with my appearance and sometimes my body just doesn’t look right to me. Sometimes my hands look too big, sometimes my face looks too long, and sometimes everything just looks alien to me. Even with those thoughts I chose to stare at myself in a mirror for this project. I think it’s important to look at yourself and see what your reaction is from time to time. I mean, we’re in this body until the day we die so we might as well live with it right?

[jrv27]

This was deep. I think you nailed the concept you were striving for. Thanks for the post!

[kiacino]

Art Project 4: One Minute Performance

In honor of the legendary Masters golf tournament, I decided to dedicate this project to the the game of golf. For the first time in history the Masters tournament will be played in the fall instead of it’s usual early April weekend. It is a historical weekend that anyone of the fan of the game looks forward to all year, including me!

Golf is game that requires a great deal from the person playing and can teach you many things of life as well as golf. It is not only a game for guys in goofy pants and a fat ass as Happy Gilmore would suggest. In my years of playing, I can make parallels with personal situations to the game of golf. For instance, I started playing serious golf when I was 25. I was so embarrassed to start and felt I was too old in the game to start playing. I am 31 now and have competed in countless tournaments, religiously playing in leagues and have even made a hole in one! When I contemplated on returning back to school and I was so nervous, I somehow compared it to when I started golf. I was new to that and it took time and practice but the best things in life do. I never found so much solace, frustration, friendship and have found the love of my life in what I have found playing this stupid, addicting game. And now I am finding that same enjoyment and achievement being back in school.

Here is my One Minute Performance of me putting on the practice green this beautiful, fall evening. Much love, friends.

[jrv27]

This was ASMR worthy. Not necessarily the geese, but the hits of the wall with the steps on the green. This was something I didn’t expect to see when going through these videos and it was very fun. Your passion for golf  shines through, and it was great to see the morning sun.

[raymakesartthings]

I found this project both fun and challenging. As an artist I don’t like to be involved in the viewing of the art, but this was definitely more fun than I expected. I focused on the monotony of the recent few months, and because I work in the service industry I work almost everyday and we’re busier than ever. The last few months it feels like all I do is get up, do school work, go to my job, and then rinse, wash, and repeat. That’s what I wanted to capture in this video. I struggled with portraying night and day because my blinds fail at blocking light in the first place but I think the point gets across. I am not the most confident person, especially in front of a camera so it was cool to push some boundaries with this piece.

[jrv27]

Very relatable!

[ejwoj]

Title: Video of me reacting to the video I made for this project.

The making of art is an experimental process. As artists, we constantly test out ideas, mediums, colors, and techniques to get a feel for what works to best to express our intention and… what does not. This project was one such example of this, and an example of how concepts can evolve over time.

Initially, I believed that I had a very solid concept for this project. I created a story board and shot the video. It did not work, but I still believed in the concept and enacted it in a variety of ways in hopes of producing something that would adequately express my initial idea (the clock projected in the background of the video was a leftover of my initial attempts). By this point, I had watched several minutes of video of myself and decided to record myself watching the videos 1) because of the boredom that came with watching bad videos of myself and 2) the intrigue and curiosity about my reaction during this painful viewing session.

Ultimately, I felt that the video of me watching the other video had more to say than the initial video I created for this project.

[jrv27]

This was interesting. I felt connected to this from the aspect of digital learning. Being online is a lot more reacting than being in person. There isn’t really he pressure to have a certain expression since nobody can see you anymore (except through the camera). I think the black and white added a lot of emphasis on the emotion, and the clock in the background gave this sense of endless time. Great work!

[jrv27]

4D Additional One Minute Performance

[jrv27]

4D Project 4 Artist Statement

From the beginning, I knew what I wanted to do for my performance. I’ve spent many years writing to learn not only how to express myself, but how those expressions reflect on others. I get giddy looking back on all the things I’ve written through the years and seeing how much I’ve changed. It’s a great way of keeping record of the events that took place in my life. This performance is something I will remember even better than the writing itself. This was the first time I spoke my poem, or verse, in front of a camera. There is was a sense of anxiety when doing it, but it ended up becoming something I really enjoyed. Most of this anxiety comes from the insecurity of my body, but after watching the video a few times, I start to realize that my body is so much more than a visual appearance. My body is a tool for my disposal.