I will shamefully admit, when I enrolled in this course, it was more out of need, than interest. Today, I am grateful for that need. I have enjoyed this class from start to finish. I have spent many years believing I knew what art is. It’s pretty statues, paintings, sculptures and other stuff made by people. I can not honestly say, I have ever known the true definition of the word. So I looked it up in Webster’s dictionary. What I found listed was not very satisfying. Art to me, is a physical representation of the maker’s feelings and thoughts, regarding the subject or theme of the piece. It is, in a sense, their unspoken voice, speaking to the viewer.
Before this class, I was vaguely familiar with some of the artists we discussed in class. I knew about Van Gogh’s ear, and was aware of his painting Starry Night, but that was it. I enjoyed learning more about him, and even developed some sympathy for him. His life seemed to be very sad and troubled. I had heard of Picasso, Michelangelo, and a few others, but had little interest, therefore no knowledge. Most of those we discussed in class were new to me, and I found myself more interested in their styles, and work.
As amazing and magnificent as it was, the work of James Hampton’s Throne baffles my mind. He was the first artists we discussed that really caught my attention. As I am looking at the details and what the piece consists of, I can only wonder, what it must have been like inside his head? What drove him? There had to have been more than a desire to make a beautiful piece to share with the world. I would like to read more about him.
I could go on and on about the artists we discussed. Because of this class, I have a newfound appreciation and interest in the art that is out there, as well as the mind, heart, and hands behind the beauty. I have developed a deep interest in Andy Goldsworthy and would really enjoy watching videos of the making of some of his work.
Overall, I would have to say, John Baldessari said it best, “What an artist calls his art, is art.”
stormborns
theartofmadeline
snowghoul
pixelskylines
germansingergirl
kianamaiart
andulkaphoto