Today was our first day of viewing the personal/public space projects. There were many good ideas however some worked more as far as garnering public response than others. I really liked the simplicity of Walter's walkway piece. The students seemed to follow blindly which was funny considering they had a choice. Jonathan's "worst ninja ever" was also very enjoyable. I do not know how much interaction he got besides the one man who stole his candy, but his execution highly improved his project. He seemed to be really in character and his natural awkwardness which he talked about during his confession piece benefited his non-ninja skills. The candy was a nice touch in order to attract more people.
If I had to choose one project that I think could have been improved, it would probably have been either Montana's or Sean's. Montana's project did not have that much substance to it. It seemed too simple, but not in the same way that Walter's was. I feel like holding a sign almost discouraged people from interacting any more than they had to. Sean's piece was funny but the location did not help his execution. I know that he mentioned that the hose could not extend any longer but maybe he could have figured out a way to transfer water into the pool after he moved it to the grass in front of the grass by the bike trail which is more populated. I think that this would have caused greater public interest and made a bigger impact in terms of other's personal space.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Art Show: Hamlet
On Thursday night, I went to see the play Hamlet performed by the theater students at UCSB. Hamlet is my favorite Shakespeare play and I had never seen a production of it so I was excited. Overall the play was wonderful. The actors added more elements of humor that I had not previously noticed while reading the play myself. They did a very good job of acting and performing the lines in a way that made them easy to understand even if you do not like Shakespeare. A lot of the male characters such as Horatio and Guildenstern were played by female actors which I thought was interesting. They changed the lines accordingly so that they would address the changed gender roles. Some people I talked to did not like this but I figured the actors were probably just the best for the part regardless of their gender. They did not have much of a set besides a few large props such as portraits and ladders so they made up that with excellent use of the lights. I feel like this added more of a dramatic and immediate affected then painted scenery would have. All and all, I enjoyed the play very much. It was quite long because they did not cut out any lines. At first I thought that they should have shortened it but thinking about it now I do not know which part isn't essential to the whole play. I am glad that I went though and I look forward to seeing more plays next year. Sunday, May 29, 2011
PSP #2: Least Favorite Place
My least favorite place would have to be the train station. Ever since I moved away to college I have had to take the train in order to get back to my house in Orange County. Although it is only about a three hour or less drive, the train takes nearly four and a half hours to get there. I always thought that taking the train would be fun, but I quickly found out that that is not the case. Whenever I arrive at the train station even if I am going home, the environment immediately turns into a depressing one. People generally shy away from talking to one another and the people that do end up talking are usually either too loud or not interesting. I feel the generally train population consists of people leaving their homes or loved ones for an extended period of time which also contributes to the sad atmosphere. Trains and train stations just seem so outdated to me. It is definitely not the quickest or most comfortable way to travel. I usually just try to sleep my way through any train ride that I am on although the significant number of stops makes this task more difficult. I hope that after this year I will not have to visit a train station ever again. Luckily all of my roommates have cars so that should make this wish come true.
PSP #1: Favorite Place
I would have to say my favorite place is the Polo Grounds in Indio during mid-April of every year. That is the time when the Coachella music festival happens and it is honestly the most wonderful time of the year. I have been to Coachella for the past 2 years and I will continue going every single year for hopefully the rest of my life. It is just an amazing experience. For three days, you are surrounded with amazing music, great art, and fun people. Everybody goes there to just dance and have fun. This year along with going to Coachella I am also going to Lollapalooza in Chicago. I have never been any farther than Texas so I am very excited to travel and of course go to another music festival. The hardest part about attending something so great is when it's over. It's just too much good at once and then it's all taken away just as quickly as it began. Fortunately, you leave with a ton of unforgettable stories and memories that will be told over and over again until the following year. Some of the best times of my life happened while I was at Coachella. I advise everybody to go at least one time in their life. I enjoy this space most because it is an exciting and optimistic atmosphere. I can't wait until next year!
Free Day!
I recently got a job at the school's radio station (KCSB) designing the flyers and ads they use to promote themselves. Basically, doing graphic design. I have never done any graphic design myself so I accepted the job with some hesitance. So this summer I have made it my goal to learn everything I can about graphic design. Regardless, I am still very excited about this. It's basically an art internship which is perfect. After I graduate, I am thinking that I will try to get a job similar to this. One of my favorite things to do is design album and band poster art. I have made some in the past and it was very fun.
Eventually this was made into a stencil and used for my friend's self-released EP. These pictures were from last year and unfortunately I have not done too much since. Next quarter I am talking L/D Drawing class so I hope to incorporate that and the tasks I will have at the radio station as well.
Eventually this was made into a stencil and used for my friend's self-released EP. These pictures were from last year and unfortunately I have not done too much since. Next quarter I am talking L/D Drawing class so I hope to incorporate that and the tasks I will have at the radio station as well.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Alternate Identity Critique #2
Well, I just got out of our last official class :( and now I must reflect on our last project. Today's projects were all very interesting but I have to admit, were somewhat lacking in documentation. I know after doing the project that is was difficult to decipher how to document since people often shy away from cameras. In spite of this, I think that Joshua's was my favorite of the day. His video was entertaining and well edited. I began reading the excerpt underneath and it went with the project very well. It told his life story on how he came to be a ninja, including the deaths of his parents and being adopted in to "the shadows." His documentation fit the project and I think it was a good choice to make it all black and white. It made it look like an old time ninja film.
I guess my least favorite execution-wise was Darcey's. i did like her video because it seemed realistic in the way that it was a "rant" but since she didn't have any other documentation it was hard to tell what her experience was really like. I saw her in lecture on Monday dressed very conservatively and being quiet so i know that she kept up the persona for two days. Perhaps she could have documented public activities or even have tried to go to a party dressed the way she did and see if anyone would have treated her differently. I just wanted to see the other side of the story but even in my own project it was difficult to get people's reactions.
I guess my least favorite execution-wise was Darcey's. i did like her video because it seemed realistic in the way that it was a "rant" but since she didn't have any other documentation it was hard to tell what her experience was really like. I saw her in lecture on Monday dressed very conservatively and being quiet so i know that she kept up the persona for two days. Perhaps she could have documented public activities or even have tried to go to a party dressed the way she did and see if anyone would have treated her differently. I just wanted to see the other side of the story but even in my own project it was difficult to get people's reactions.
Alternate Identity in the Digital Age
With all of the available social networking sites, I feel that it is nearly impossible to conceal your identity these days. I never thought that there would come a time where I would type my own name into Google and pictures of me, my friends, and private information would show up. However, I do not fully blame the digital age for this so called "invasion of privacy." After all, although it may not seem like it, being on facebook, twitter, or myspace is a choice that we each consciously make. It is similar to the whole cell phone phenomenon that has be on increase since the 80s to the effect that now even eight year olds are walking around with iphones. I think the general consensus for being so public is that people do not want to lose communication. Also, people enjoy talking and sharing things about their own lives.
I remember my history teacher in high school refused to get a cell phone. He also went on rants that "he never had to have a cell phone before and people still found a way to contact him." This was during my sophomore year. I also remember visiting him senior year and noticing the surprisingly obvious cell phone attached to his belt. He is not to blame for giving in to the technological temptations. These types of gadgets have allowed people to create their own identities, or at least public personas in the way Karl Jung describes them to be. They are what we put out there for the world to know and judge but not who we really are. I bet you could type the name of any person you know into facebook or Google and come up with a brief summary of "who they are." However if you asked them this very same question, i doubt you would get the same answer.
I remember my history teacher in high school refused to get a cell phone. He also went on rants that "he never had to have a cell phone before and people still found a way to contact him." This was during my sophomore year. I also remember visiting him senior year and noticing the surprisingly obvious cell phone attached to his belt. He is not to blame for giving in to the technological temptations. These types of gadgets have allowed people to create their own identities, or at least public personas in the way Karl Jung describes them to be. They are what we put out there for the world to know and judge but not who we really are. I bet you could type the name of any person you know into facebook or Google and come up with a brief summary of "who they are." However if you asked them this very same question, i doubt you would get the same answer.
Alternate Persona
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYleWko7R6s
For my alternate identity I decided to take on a Steve Irwin-esque character on the UCSB campus. I tried to document it similar to the way most of the Discovery shows do. I think although many of the people on those shows deal with serious and dangerous situations, they never seem afraid and at most times are pretty cheesy. So, I decided to act this way as well. Unfortunately I did not get much interactions besides the occasional double take and glare. I think people on this campus are just too used to art students doing crazy projects. I honestly did discover a lot of the natural beauty we have surrounding our campus. There were flowers and look-outs that I had never seen until now. It was fun but also pretty difficult to keep up the accent. I've always loved trying to imitate people but I can't do it for long periods of time. I think that my friends just found it annoying after a while. I had to go to a few meetings in all of my attire as well which was interesting since we were discussing somewhat serious matters. It was a fun project though and definitely more interactive than my initial idea.
For my alternate identity I decided to take on a Steve Irwin-esque character on the UCSB campus. I tried to document it similar to the way most of the Discovery shows do. I think although many of the people on those shows deal with serious and dangerous situations, they never seem afraid and at most times are pretty cheesy. So, I decided to act this way as well. Unfortunately I did not get much interactions besides the occasional double take and glare. I think people on this campus are just too used to art students doing crazy projects. I honestly did discover a lot of the natural beauty we have surrounding our campus. There were flowers and look-outs that I had never seen until now. It was fun but also pretty difficult to keep up the accent. I've always loved trying to imitate people but I can't do it for long periods of time. I think that my friends just found it annoying after a while. I had to go to a few meetings in all of my attire as well which was interesting since we were discussing somewhat serious matters. It was a fun project though and definitely more interactive than my initial idea.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Alternate Persona Critique #1
I really enjoyed all of the projects that were presented today. It is difficult to pick a favorite and even more difficult to pick a least favorite. I really like Andrea's piece about her 48 hours spent in a frat house. I saw her yesterday and I was not sure what she had chosen to do. I thought maybe she was just being a tomboy. Her documentation really made it feel like a documentary. Her work reminded me of the work artist Nikki S. Lee does when she photographs herself in various social groups. It was funny how the guys didn't treat her like a girl at all. She seemed somewhat timid although she tried everything that they asked her to. It was funny because the guys actually liked being filmed. Her project seemed the most authentic to me. I am excited to see what Alex and Jonathan have in store for Thursday too. I thought there whole performance on Monday was hilarious.
If I had to pick a project that I think needed more work would be Sean's. I think his idea was interesting because it had to do with a local social phenomenon, "the can fairies." The only critique I have would be if he got better documentation. Perhaps he could have tried to speak with a few of the people he was imitating. He could have recorded himself acting the same way in which he described them such as sneaking up after he watched people throw away their cans and other recycling. I just think that more documentation could have improved the project and overall persona he was trying to convey.
If I had to pick a project that I think needed more work would be Sean's. I think his idea was interesting because it had to do with a local social phenomenon, "the can fairies." The only critique I have would be if he got better documentation. Perhaps he could have tried to speak with a few of the people he was imitating. He could have recorded himself acting the same way in which he described them such as sneaking up after he watched people throw away their cans and other recycling. I just think that more documentation could have improved the project and overall persona he was trying to convey.
Response to 05/23
I was nervous about the final beforehand but surprisingly it wasn't that bad. I had a lot of artists' names written in my notes but not that many descriptions. Luckily, I knew most of the images except for the last one. I am convinced it was from the lecture that I missed haha. Anyways, all and all it was good. I think that the point of the test was just to show what we have learned during the class and make sure we were paying attention. I don't think it was to confuse us.
The TA presentations were all great although I do think ours was the best. I am glad that Desiree decided to screen our flash mob video. When Alex and Jonathan got up on stage it was hilarious. When I was outside waiting to go to class (while in my costume) I thought that no one else dressed up. I guess that the other sections did their projects earlier. Anyways, their sections seemed interesting too. I enjoyed the video that Nick's class made. All of the artwork looked very detailed and professional. I had a great time in section this year. I feel comfortable with all of my classmates. I feel like we have all grown together and it is a very optimistic and supportive environment. I'm sad it will be over soon :(
The TA presentations were all great although I do think ours was the best. I am glad that Desiree decided to screen our flash mob video. When Alex and Jonathan got up on stage it was hilarious. When I was outside waiting to go to class (while in my costume) I thought that no one else dressed up. I guess that the other sections did their projects earlier. Anyways, their sections seemed interesting too. I enjoyed the video that Nick's class made. All of the artwork looked very detailed and professional. I had a great time in section this year. I feel comfortable with all of my classmates. I feel like we have all grown together and it is a very optimistic and supportive environment. I'm sad it will be over soon :(
Documentation Week of 05/16-05/22
So as I assumed, I did end up changing my project for my alternate persona. On Saturday, I visited the San Diego Zoo. My boyfriend and I kept laughing at all of the comments people were saying when describing the animals such as "how majestic" and the general shock and awe at the citing of anything "natural." I do love the zoo and all of the animals within it, but I just find the whole concept so odd. While we were there, we both thought of how funny it would be if people talked this way about humans as well. 
Monday, May 23, 2011
Discovering UCSB
Ello there mates! My name is Natalie and I have just landed from the beautiful land of Australia to uncover the hidden wonders here at UCSB. I am all set to go for what adventures may lie ahead of me. I was inspired by the natural land of my hometown and I heard UCSB may share many similar topographical qualities. I have been to "campus" already and seen many interesting lifestyles. Some things I noticed right from the start were the various modes of transportation people have available here. They can get from place to place while sitting down. Somehow they still move forward! I mostly watch the students from afar so as not to scare them away. I take cover in the many trees and brush surrounding the campus. Tomorrow, I plan on joining the locals in any typical activities that they partake in. I want to observe them in their natural habitat but I also think that it is important that I learn as much about their culture as I can as well. So far, some creatures have been shy to share their lifestyles so I think that I must be even more discreet. I am excited to apply my research here to my other studies in Australia. I come with an open mind!
Alternate Identity- Artist
If I could be any artist, I would definitely be a musician in pretty much any one of my favorite bands. For this entry, I've decided that to be one of the guitarists in the band Phoenix would be particularly fun. Not only do I love their music, but I have seem them in concert and it is sooo great. I was thinking that being a DJ or electro-pop star such as Yelle would be an amazing alternate persona. I would choose this because it seems so amazing to be able to share music with large groups of other people and all share the same experience. Every time I see a concert it feels like a party. Everybody is so happy and free and to be the one who causes the feelings for others would feel great as well. I love how everyone is immediately connected to one another through this shared experience and for just those few hours all feel the same way. The perks of being a musician in a major band aren't too bad either. i would be able to travel the world and meet creative people along the way. I feel like music opens so many other opportunities to make connections and learn about other cultures. I do not necessarily want to be the lead singer, because I like being somewhat hidden within the band. If I could live this alternate life, I would never be bored!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Villain!!
Choosing a villain that I would want to be was kind of difficult. Since I am somewhat obsessed with Disney movies I choose Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove. Similar to my choice of super hero, Yzma also has a lab. So, basically what I'm trying to say is that I want to build a secret lab for myself. But really, although she is evil and turns Emperor Kuzco into a llama while trying to kill him, I find her quite comical. Every villain needs a sidekick and Yzma has this in the form of Kronk, who I would love to spend all of my time with despite the fact that he is portrayed as an "idiot." He knows how to speak squirrel so I am pretty sure he would come in handy at some point. Anyways, Yzma has this secret lab where she has tons of potions that can turn people into all sorts of animals. If I was her, I could make these potions and take the shape of animal I want! 
Superhero
If I could be any superhero I would choose to be Dexter from my one of my favorite cartoon shows, Dexter's Lab. Okay, the average person may not consider him the ideal superhero but I do. He accent is insane fro the first part. I have no idea where he is from but I always try to imitate him. It sounds like he may have been born in Russia. I like the idea that he is the typical "science nerd" who just happens to be a boy genius (my second choice would probably have been Jimmy Neutron). I envy his ability to understand science and math so easily. He always has to save the world, which he does so, despite the annoyances he encounters in dealing with his sister Dee Dee. 
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Free Day: Drawing
I feel like I do not sketch as much as I used to. Most of the art classes I have taken so far involve performances or sculpture. I have two sketchbooks that are nearly full and I just recently bought a new one. Unfortunately the last real picture that I consider worthy of signing and dating was done last summer. It is not that I do not like it but I do not think about it sometimes because I am usually busy doing something else. I have started a few sketches but then if they do not feel right to me, I stop and either tear out the page right then and there or save it for another day. I consider a lot of my sketches to be unfinished, because no matter how many times I look at them, there is always something more I could add. Hopefully next quarter I will be able to take the drawing/painting class. I know that it will take a lot of time but in regards to art, this is really where my passion is. As I look through my sketchbook today, there are still quite a few sketches I consider not quite finished yet. Because I usually draw them in pencil, I blur the lines too much that it makes it difficult to erase things. I guess that is why they are sketches and not finished products. Here are some that I often look back on and either change or think about changing for next time:
Inspiring Music Videos
I've been working on my playlist for my radio show on KCSB tomorrow night so I'm currently researching a bunch of new music. While doing this I thought back to some pretty awesome music videos that I have come across this year. I do not always look up the videos along with the song but when they turn out as great as some of the following ones I am glad that I do. I feel like music videos are not as important as they once were. They are rarely played on television anymore so as far as marketing goes, they are not vital to a band's image. I like when bands/directors still take the time to create a video that really fits a song. It gives the listeners another image to picture while they play the music. Some of the videos I am about to share I have watched nearly ten or twenty times. For me, they make the song so much better. I have a lot of ideas for certain videos to go along with the songs that I love but have yet to make them. Summer project maybe? We'll I guess. I hope everyone enjoys these videos as much as I do!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Last Lecture
I am very sad to see this class come to a close. I'm not sure if I'm up for all of the crying that Kip was mentioning in his other classes such as "Personal Narrative" but I may give it a shot in the future because I really enjoyed having him as a professor. I like how in this last lecture we mainly went over artists we have seen before to reiterate the connection between art and life. Basically I have learned that the two do not exist as two separate entities. Every performance piece or art work crafted came from questions that the artists had about the world around them. This was clearly exemplified in the student's piece entitled "My Circle." The concept was so simple and yet it caused such an ordeal. I was pretty disappointed at the way the observers acted towards the project. They all took it as an invasion on their own hidden "circles" as opposed to them invading the one drawn on the ground. Everything was changed because of the space he decided to do it in. This made me think twice about my personal space project. Although I have already come up with an idea, I feel like I could do something more interactive and telling of the people who choose to participate. I was thinking something with a wishing-well on campus. I don't know if I want to build it or use something already there. The truth would come in the "wishes" people make. I was thinking I would have them write them down or somehow confess them, while still remaining anonymous. The lecture today basically just made me think a lot more about how my work can affect those around me. I just hope that I do not change my mind again :P
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Progress thus far...
I have no official documentation for this week, mostly because we did not work on any projects besides planning them. We were, however, very successful in our flash-mobbing. I have watched the video numerous times and cannot stop laughing. After doing this, I feel inspired to do more flash mobs (I'm in the process of planning another one right now actually). One of my dreams is to start a musical but I always have problems figuring out how to play sound in a public space. While looking up videos of flash-mobs on youtube I was inspired by this Modern Family clip...
I really want to do something like this and also, I think that this show is hilarious :P Anyways, besides the flash-mobbing, i have been working on ideas for my public space and personal identity projects. I think I am set as long as my project gets approved. After that, I can fine tune all of the details. I will be glad to hear other students' ideas and hear their input on mine later this week in section. By this time next week, I will have documented my personal space project. I want to record it on video but the hardest thing about that is doing it unnoticed. I feel like we will all be extremely distracted during the final, especially if someone becomes an animal and decides to digest it again. I guess we'll all see :)
I really want to do something like this and also, I think that this show is hilarious :P Anyways, besides the flash-mobbing, i have been working on ideas for my public space and personal identity projects. I think I am set as long as my project gets approved. After that, I can fine tune all of the details. I will be glad to hear other students' ideas and hear their input on mine later this week in section. By this time next week, I will have documented my personal space project. I want to record it on video but the hardest thing about that is doing it unnoticed. I feel like we will all be extremely distracted during the final, especially if someone becomes an animal and decides to digest it again. I guess we'll all see :)
Alternate Identity
I might change my mind like I always do (I am going to try not to) but as of now I am set on taking on the identity of someone dealing with OCD. I really want to research and prepare ahead of time so that i give a realistic and proper portrayal of the disease. During this week, I would begin my list of obsessions that I would have to follow during the 48 hours. I have started thinking of some that would affect my normal activities. I already mentioned the one about sitting down multiple times. I though also regarding school, maybe I would have to write my name in a specific way or again, a certain number of times before feeling that it was "right." I have not thought of too many that I could do at work without getting punished, but I will this week. I have a few ticks of my own, that for the most part i do not share in public, but I know the feeling of anxiety if things aren't in their proper place or if something feels wrong around me. I would begin on Sunday and execute the project through Tuesday so that I could share it in section. The only difficult part about this is that I will be home on Sunday, so I am sure that my family would have no idea what i was doing. This might be better though in retrospect because I could observe and record how they treat me. My younger sister claims to have OCD at times, but now she may be able to really see the affects of the disease and might think twice before saying that again. I feel like this could be a unique experience. I think that OCD is a disease not many people take seriously. At most times, it is subtle which is why the people dealing with it carry on unnoticed. I think that I could perform this change of identity without exploiting the disease. My plan is to learn how it affects daily life and how people react to conditions which may seem absurd to them. Not all OCD is out of control, and it may be apparent within little things such as washing your hands a million times until they feel clean. I think that in their own way, everybody will be able to relate.
Alternate Identity Proposals
So I have had a few ideas regarding this project, but since Kip's last lecture when he said "this is not Halloween" I thought that I should take a different approach. Here are some of the identities I have been considering so far...
1. OCD- I thought that for 48 hours, I could take on the personality of someone who deals with extreme Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Everybody has little compulsions, even myself, but they have never prevented me from doing other activities the way that OCD does for some people. Before I start the 48 hours i would write down a list of my compulsions that would affect the everyday tasks I do, such as going to school and work. For example, one could be that I have to sit in my chair at least 11 times before finally taking a seat. Another could be walking only on the left side of the sidewalk. I feel like this would be a good identity to choose because there are so many possibilities. I could also record how I was treated and other reactions to my obsessions.
2. Valley Girl- I think that this identity would be closest to my initial idea of taking on the persona of a Disney Princess. However, by playing a Valley girl I would probably blend it a lot better and thus be able to interact with people more realistically. This identity would basically be the opposite of what i am now. I think that a lot of my friends would be surprised to see me all dressed up and acting ultra-girly. The only problem in executing this identity would be that I probably would not stand out that much, especially at this school. It would be more of an experience for me instead of for those around me.
3. Speechless- This one may still need some work, but I thought that I could lose the ability to speak for 48 hours. This would be pretty difficult because I will probably have to work on Monday during the time where I would not be able to speak. I feel like this would be interesting though because I could pay better attention to everything else going on around me. I wonder if I couldn't say anything if anybody would even bother talking to me? For this identity I would basically imitate the teen in Little Miss Sunshine. I'm not sure if I would carry around a notebook with me to communicate or just use what I could find. After the two days I'll be sure to let out a loud scream to relief my inability to communicate.
1. OCD- I thought that for 48 hours, I could take on the personality of someone who deals with extreme Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Everybody has little compulsions, even myself, but they have never prevented me from doing other activities the way that OCD does for some people. Before I start the 48 hours i would write down a list of my compulsions that would affect the everyday tasks I do, such as going to school and work. For example, one could be that I have to sit in my chair at least 11 times before finally taking a seat. Another could be walking only on the left side of the sidewalk. I feel like this would be a good identity to choose because there are so many possibilities. I could also record how I was treated and other reactions to my obsessions.
2. Valley Girl- I think that this identity would be closest to my initial idea of taking on the persona of a Disney Princess. However, by playing a Valley girl I would probably blend it a lot better and thus be able to interact with people more realistically. This identity would basically be the opposite of what i am now. I think that a lot of my friends would be surprised to see me all dressed up and acting ultra-girly. The only problem in executing this identity would be that I probably would not stand out that much, especially at this school. It would be more of an experience for me instead of for those around me.
3. Speechless- This one may still need some work, but I thought that I could lose the ability to speak for 48 hours. This would be pretty difficult because I will probably have to work on Monday during the time where I would not be able to speak. I feel like this would be interesting though because I could pay better attention to everything else going on around me. I wonder if I couldn't say anything if anybody would even bother talking to me? For this identity I would basically imitate the teen in Little Miss Sunshine. I'm not sure if I would carry around a notebook with me to communicate or just use what I could find. After the two days I'll be sure to let out a loud scream to relief my inability to communicate.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Projects so Far...
We only have two major projects left! As I look through my past blog entries, I realize how much we have done and learned in this class so far. I remember being hesitant at first, but each assignment helped me shed that shyness because I realized that I had to do them no matter what. I definitely liked some more than others. Let's take a trip down memory lane...
We started the quarter with our Pun Assignment-http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/work-progress.html
That one was very fun. I remember having a bunch of ideas for it. I think that everybody ended up just having fun with it. It was a great way to start off the quarter becuase it was not too intense and allowed for ultimate creativity.
Daily Nexus- http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/your-highness-world-premiere-brings.html
When I first started this exercise I thought that I would not be able to think of anything to write about. Then I realized that it was not that serious of an exercise. That is why I chose to write about the "Your Highness" world premiere that our school had just hosted. I was very happy to see that we had successfully invaded the nexus when I saw the article on our class in the next paper. It made me see how one simple act could really affect a wider audience, which was afterall the point we were making about truth and fiction in the media.
Public Space Activity- http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/brushing-my-teeth-in-public.html. I had a hard time figuring out what to do for this assignment, just as I am now figuring out what to do for the bigger assignment. Although I felt my action was successful, not many onlookers seemed all too interested. That is why for the bigger assignment I plan on making it more interactive with the public.
Act of Kindness- http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/acts-of-kindness.html
Although I did not have documentation in the form of photos or videos for the exercise, I still felt like it worked out. There was just one week where I gave the last two pens I had away to people who wanted to borrow them. Luckily while we were playing duck-duck-goose on Thursday I found a pen in the bike loop. I feel like this is karma returning the favor.
Confession- http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/progressconfession-project.html
I decided to take a more interactive and light-hearted approach to this assignment. I was glad that my confession was not too serious because it made it a little different than the majority of the class. I am no longer afraid of popping balloons (at least when i do the popping) so double success!
Sequence/Narrative- http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/05/humpty-dumpty.html
I feel like this was the first project that I got to apply my artistic aesthetic to. I had fun manipulating the photos to give them a more surreal feel. They turned out better than I had hoped and I was really happy with the end product.
We started the quarter with our Pun Assignment-http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/work-progress.html
That one was very fun. I remember having a bunch of ideas for it. I think that everybody ended up just having fun with it. It was a great way to start off the quarter becuase it was not too intense and allowed for ultimate creativity.
Daily Nexus- http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/your-highness-world-premiere-brings.html
When I first started this exercise I thought that I would not be able to think of anything to write about. Then I realized that it was not that serious of an exercise. That is why I chose to write about the "Your Highness" world premiere that our school had just hosted. I was very happy to see that we had successfully invaded the nexus when I saw the article on our class in the next paper. It made me see how one simple act could really affect a wider audience, which was afterall the point we were making about truth and fiction in the media.
Public Space Activity- http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/brushing-my-teeth-in-public.html. I had a hard time figuring out what to do for this assignment, just as I am now figuring out what to do for the bigger assignment. Although I felt my action was successful, not many onlookers seemed all too interested. That is why for the bigger assignment I plan on making it more interactive with the public.
Act of Kindness- http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/acts-of-kindness.html
Although I did not have documentation in the form of photos or videos for the exercise, I still felt like it worked out. There was just one week where I gave the last two pens I had away to people who wanted to borrow them. Luckily while we were playing duck-duck-goose on Thursday I found a pen in the bike loop. I feel like this is karma returning the favor.
Confession- http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/progressconfession-project.html
I decided to take a more interactive and light-hearted approach to this assignment. I was glad that my confession was not too serious because it made it a little different than the majority of the class. I am no longer afraid of popping balloons (at least when i do the popping) so double success!
Sequence/Narrative- http://natsart7ajournal.blogspot.com/2011/05/humpty-dumpty.html
I feel like this was the first project that I got to apply my artistic aesthetic to. I had fun manipulating the photos to give them a more surreal feel. They turned out better than I had hoped and I was really happy with the end product.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Flash (ahhhh) Mob!
Overall today was quite successful. I was a little hesitant on Tuesday as I am sure many other people were about our execution. But in the end, everybody actively participated and made the flash mob experience pretty hilarious. I think we all know which ones worked best. Our first stand-off in the UCen was amazing!! I feel like the whole atmosphere contributed perfectly. Everybody was quiet and we all blended in pretty well. I had to control my silent laughter at first when I saw Eddie in the corner reading a newspaper and Desiree pretending to read random bulletins. I did not even realize that we had started because everybody was so spread out and covert. By the time we were all laying "dead" on the ground the mellow elevator-music was still playing in the background which made it all feel complete. I love how one guy attempted a slow-clap and i would have joined in had I not been just shot.
Our other flash-mobs attempts were not quite as successful, but they were still very fun. Duck-duck-goose was more like a game in a public place, but I think the bikers all got a kick out of it. The ninja one we did not fully plan beforehand so unfortunately it seemed really random. The library tunnel was fun too. I liked seeing how people willingly walked through the tunnel, especially the older guy at the exit.
If you ever watch "Trigger Happy TV" they play some awesome pranks and I think that these in particular could be considered a flash-mob. In these pranks they target one specific person, similar to our library idea. For me, the more outside participation the better! I can't wait to see the video Michael and Kate are putting together :D
Our other flash-mobs attempts were not quite as successful, but they were still very fun. Duck-duck-goose was more like a game in a public place, but I think the bikers all got a kick out of it. The ninja one we did not fully plan beforehand so unfortunately it seemed really random. The library tunnel was fun too. I liked seeing how people willingly walked through the tunnel, especially the older guy at the exit.
If you ever watch "Trigger Happy TV" they play some awesome pranks and I think that these in particular could be considered a flash-mob. In these pranks they target one specific person, similar to our library idea. For me, the more outside participation the better! I can't wait to see the video Michael and Kate are putting together :D
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Quotations
When I was about fifteen year old, I began to really start getting into reading. All of a sudden I felt a connection to books, and the more I read, the better I felt. This was a shock, even to me at first, because I had previously publicly announced my hatred for all books. Just a year before, no one could inspire me to read anything. In school I was forced to read certain books and one day, I figured for some reason that I would actually choose one to read on my own. I began reading The Catcher in the Rye and I literally couldn't put it down. My fondest memory reading that book was finishing it outside on the porch in my father's apartment in the pouring rain. Everything at that moment just felt perfect. Ever since then I have been somewhat "hooked on books" (I just made that up). A few years ago I was inspired by my stepmother to record my favorite passages and quotes from the books I have read. By doing this, I am creating my own book filled with the best moments from what seem like distant memories of my own. Unfortunately I have not added anything since last summer but as I look through my almost completed book-journal today, I figured I would share a few quotes. I starting writing dates later by each book I entered because they represent the person I was at the moment that I wrote the quote down. It is funny to read them now and either still feel attachment or not recognize what I found so profound in the words.
"My dear countryman, companion, renowned discoverer of Musca pragensis, heroic laborer on the scaffoldings, I can no longer bear to watch you standing stock-still in the water! You're going to catch your death of cold! Friend! Brother! Stop torturing yourself! Get out! Go to bed. Be happy you're forgotten. Snuggle into the self shawl of universal amnesia. Stop thinking about the laughter that wounded you- it no longer exists, that laughter, it no longer exists just as your years on the scaffoldings and your glory as a victim of persecution no longer exist. The chateau is quiet, open the window and the fragrance of the trees will fill your room. Breathe."
-Milan Kundera, Slowness (August 2009)
"I was exhausted. You should sleep. Wake up early. That's not the way. It's the same. It means less that way. We sleep when we fall. We only sleep when we can't move anymore. That's juvenile. But it means everything. It's the illusion of progress. Staying awake isn't progress. The illusion is enough."
-Dave Eggers, You Shall Know Our Velocity!
"I been away a long time."
-Ken Kesey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
"Atticus, are we going to win it?"
"No honey."
"Then why-"
"Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win," Atticus said.
-Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird
"It was this burning, which I couldn't stand anymore, that made me move forward. I knew that it was stupid, that I wouldn't get the sun off me by stepping forward. But I took a step, one step, forward."
-Albert Camus, The Stranger
"Yes yes yes, there it was. Youth must go, ah yes. But youth is only being in a way like it might be an animal. No, it is not just like being an animal so much as being like one of these malenky toys you viddy being sold in the streets, like little chellovecks made out of tin and with a spring inside and then a winding handle on the outside and you wind it up and grrr grrr grrr and off it itties, like walking, O my brothers. But it itties in a straight line and bangs straight into things bang bang and it cannot help what it is doing. Being young is like being like one of those malenky machines."
-Anthony Burgess, A Clockwork Orange
As I type these out now I realize how many quotes I have written down. I always figured it was a way to record my thoughts, just written down more profoundly and clearly than I ever could. It's been almost five years now since I have been doing this. If I ever lose track of myself or someone asks me who I am and I do not know how to answer, I'll just hand them this book, and I think they will know.
"My dear countryman, companion, renowned discoverer of Musca pragensis, heroic laborer on the scaffoldings, I can no longer bear to watch you standing stock-still in the water! You're going to catch your death of cold! Friend! Brother! Stop torturing yourself! Get out! Go to bed. Be happy you're forgotten. Snuggle into the self shawl of universal amnesia. Stop thinking about the laughter that wounded you- it no longer exists, that laughter, it no longer exists just as your years on the scaffoldings and your glory as a victim of persecution no longer exist. The chateau is quiet, open the window and the fragrance of the trees will fill your room. Breathe."
-Milan Kundera, Slowness (August 2009)
"I was exhausted. You should sleep. Wake up early. That's not the way. It's the same. It means less that way. We sleep when we fall. We only sleep when we can't move anymore. That's juvenile. But it means everything. It's the illusion of progress. Staying awake isn't progress. The illusion is enough."
-Dave Eggers, You Shall Know Our Velocity!
"I been away a long time."
-Ken Kesey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
"Atticus, are we going to win it?"
"No honey."
"Then why-"
"Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win," Atticus said.
-Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird
"It was this burning, which I couldn't stand anymore, that made me move forward. I knew that it was stupid, that I wouldn't get the sun off me by stepping forward. But I took a step, one step, forward."
-Albert Camus, The Stranger
"Yes yes yes, there it was. Youth must go, ah yes. But youth is only being in a way like it might be an animal. No, it is not just like being an animal so much as being like one of these malenky toys you viddy being sold in the streets, like little chellovecks made out of tin and with a spring inside and then a winding handle on the outside and you wind it up and grrr grrr grrr and off it itties, like walking, O my brothers. But it itties in a straight line and bangs straight into things bang bang and it cannot help what it is doing. Being young is like being like one of those malenky machines."
-Anthony Burgess, A Clockwork Orange
As I type these out now I realize how many quotes I have written down. I always figured it was a way to record my thoughts, just written down more profoundly and clearly than I ever could. It's been almost five years now since I have been doing this. If I ever lose track of myself or someone asks me who I am and I do not know how to answer, I'll just hand them this book, and I think they will know.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
School school school!
This quarter I am only taking 13 units (mostly because I did not get the classes I was trying to crash) but so far it has been pretty decent. In addition to Art 7A I am taking two English classes; one focuses on women in literature and the other on Southern California. They are both pretty good classes but unfortunately the lectures are not as exciting as Kip's. Both classes require a lot of reading (which I am currently catching up on), and writing essays, which is to be expected from any English course. Although we discuss interesting topics and read books like The Grapes of Wrath, which I enjoy very much, I hope that next quarter I will have the chance to find English classes that better fit my interests. I took a Shakespeare class last quarter that I really liked. I feel it is difficult to lecture about English and with most professors it's hit or miss. The times where it gets boring is when there is too much plot summarizing. I've had professors that do not use any visuals whatsoever and just read from their typed lecture notes. This makes it extremely hard for me to pay attention. Next quarter I plan on finishing up my English minor. I have about 8 units left. This way, I will be able to focus only on art for my remaining college years. I plan on taking Art 7B and hopefully L/D Drawing or Print.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Response to Lecture
I'm so sad that we only have one more lecture left :'( In today's lecture we mostly concentrated on sequence/narrative aspects in film, comics, and photographs. I really enjoyed the work that Kip showed by Duane Michals. Although we have already completed our sequence/narrative projects in class, his photographs gave me a new perspective that I had not thought about before. I never considered making my narrative circle back around in the way that he did. My biggest problem was thinking of an original narrative. I guess the way he dealt with that was by choosing topics super broad topics such as life, death, and "the human condition" to start from. It is so amazing to see what he could achieve in photography before the use of any digital effects. As I was looking through some image results, I can say that this one is one of my favorites:
I like this sequence in particular because Michals plays with serious subject matter (life/death, youth/elderly) and what they mean in an almost comical way. The first picture is completely opposite of the third in terms of a shift in tone. In the first shot, the tone is ominous and bleak. By the next photo, we can see the wings attached to the back of the old man so the comical elements start to creep in. The third I think, is extremely funny because you can tell without even seeing the young boy's face that he is confused. The old man seems crazy which explains his action in jumping out of the window in the next frame. By the end, the boy seems to be peering out across and we do not know if the man was successful in his attempt to fly. The child waves to him in the distance and in my mind, the man is flying. Just in scratching the surface of this sequence I realize that I could write a ten page paper on all that is said in it. It reminds me of Peter Pan as a grandfather, escaping death and deciding still to remain a boy forever. I love it's simplicity because it still raises such complex analysis. In this way, Michals tells a story through the sequence which is perhaps where I was confused in starting my own project. I tried to find the story first which made it more difficult. It had not occurred to me before now that the sequence and subject matter you begin with develops the narrative as things are pieced together.
I like this sequence in particular because Michals plays with serious subject matter (life/death, youth/elderly) and what they mean in an almost comical way. The first picture is completely opposite of the third in terms of a shift in tone. In the first shot, the tone is ominous and bleak. By the next photo, we can see the wings attached to the back of the old man so the comical elements start to creep in. The third I think, is extremely funny because you can tell without even seeing the young boy's face that he is confused. The old man seems crazy which explains his action in jumping out of the window in the next frame. By the end, the boy seems to be peering out across and we do not know if the man was successful in his attempt to fly. The child waves to him in the distance and in my mind, the man is flying. Just in scratching the surface of this sequence I realize that I could write a ten page paper on all that is said in it. It reminds me of Peter Pan as a grandfather, escaping death and deciding still to remain a boy forever. I love it's simplicity because it still raises such complex analysis. In this way, Michals tells a story through the sequence which is perhaps where I was confused in starting my own project. I tried to find the story first which made it more difficult. It had not occurred to me before now that the sequence and subject matter you begin with develops the narrative as things are pieced together.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Personal Space Project
I honestly still want to do the caution tape idea that I discussed before (it was option 3 on my blog entry). But I do not know where I would be able to buy any caution tape. I might have to steal it ;) I plan on figuring out all the complications tomorrow so as of now my choice is my Option 1- I'm going to buy a large hamster ball, maybe 2 if I can afford it, and fit inside of places around campus. My main location would be the large grass field by the Chemistry building.
There I want to set up a game (I talked about human-bowling before) so that others can interact and even get inside of the ball themselves. From there I would go to various places on campus as well such as the lecture halls, buses, restaurants in IV, maybe even the pool at the Rec Center, so that I can observe the physical issues with space around the city and campus. The only problem i have now is finding someone with a Costco card so that I can buy the ball. I believe that this project will not only be fun and interactive, but allow me to manipulate space. I will have to find my boundaries in terms of where I can physically fit. I also figured that having a hamster ball that I could fit inside of would always come in handy so it's a good investment. I will know all of the details tomorrow for sure so I plan on being completely ready to execute later this week.
There I want to set up a game (I talked about human-bowling before) so that others can interact and even get inside of the ball themselves. From there I would go to various places on campus as well such as the lecture halls, buses, restaurants in IV, maybe even the pool at the Rec Center, so that I can observe the physical issues with space around the city and campus. The only problem i have now is finding someone with a Costco card so that I can buy the ball. I believe that this project will not only be fun and interactive, but allow me to manipulate space. I will have to find my boundaries in terms of where I can physically fit. I also figured that having a hamster ball that I could fit inside of would always come in handy so it's a good investment. I will know all of the details tomorrow for sure so I plan on being completely ready to execute later this week.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Documentation: Sequence/Narrative Project
This week I mainly focused on my sequence and narrative project. I am very happy with the end result. I did however promise that I would post the individual photos so that they can be compared/contrasted to Vladimir Kush's paintings which I used as inspiration. So here is a closer look:
This first painting is what really set the tone for the whole project. I was able to photo-shop the photos so that they all had the light effect created by the egg as the sun.
I tried to make the trees emulate the curving shapes I recognized in the clouds. This gave the pictures a more surrealist feel.
I used this next painting when editing the pictures of humpty dumpty actually falling off of the wall. Again I wanted to keep the same light effect prevalent and I adjusted the colors so that they would be consistent. In the next picture you can see how I distorted the plants to once again takes on the Dali-like melting effect which Kush attempted in the trees.
The last picture is the one I am most proud of. Most of the natural elements from the original pictures just happened to mirror those in Kush's work so I just enhanced the colors in this one.
I faded the corners to makes the background look just like the setting sun in the painting. Although there is no egg in the painting I think that the orange-yellow color of the sun and white sky implies the same egg motif present in Kush's other works. The broken humpty-dumpty egg on the ground in my picture takes the place of the figure in the painting and sets a somewhat bleak tone. I like this aspect because it contrasts the somewhat comical tale of Humpty Dumpty by adding more serious and artistic aesthetics. That was the overall goal in using a nursery rhyme for my narrative inspiration.
In executing this project I was able to learn about surreal techniques and apply them to photographs instead of just the drawings that i normally work on. I learned that the egg is a very prominent object in a lot of artists' (especially those pertaining to the surrealist genre) work. Perhaps it symbolizes life or rebirth. I was happy to make the egg the focus of my project for this reason as well. The colors and still childlike narrative helped my capture the humor within most surreal work while stay true to the expectation of the nursery rhyme. I think that this is the goal of most surreal artwork. Often common objects are used but they are just distorted in a way to create new meaning that hinders on fantasy and the extraordinary.
I used this next painting when editing the pictures of humpty dumpty actually falling off of the wall. Again I wanted to keep the same light effect prevalent and I adjusted the colors so that they would be consistent. In the next picture you can see how I distorted the plants to once again takes on the Dali-like melting effect which Kush attempted in the trees.
The last picture is the one I am most proud of. Most of the natural elements from the original pictures just happened to mirror those in Kush's work so I just enhanced the colors in this one.
I faded the corners to makes the background look just like the setting sun in the painting. Although there is no egg in the painting I think that the orange-yellow color of the sun and white sky implies the same egg motif present in Kush's other works. The broken humpty-dumpty egg on the ground in my picture takes the place of the figure in the painting and sets a somewhat bleak tone. I like this aspect because it contrasts the somewhat comical tale of Humpty Dumpty by adding more serious and artistic aesthetics. That was the overall goal in using a nursery rhyme for my narrative inspiration.
Art Show! Yummier/Brainsickly
On Tuesday evening I went to the opening reception for the MFA students entitled "Yummier/Brainsickly." I was intrigued by the title because it confused me but once I saw the artwork, it all seemed to fit together. Most of the artwork was produced out of common or everyday materials. They were made to stimulate the brain, whether due to their complex meanings or literally by the use of lights and installations. The bright colors and materials chosen, which were often everyday objects like vacuums or masking tape, also seemed to fit the theme. Even the food seemed planned accordingly. I basically ate a bunch of candy, juice, and jello. Here are some of my favorite art pieces put in slide-show format:
I got excited and used Movie Maker for some reason haha. Anyways, I was really impressed by the work I saw. My favorite were the light installations I believe were by Nick Loewen. Nick was my ta last quarter for Art 1A so I was excited to see some of his work. These were my favorite because of the use of changing colors, patterns, illusion, and messages that he incorporated into the pieces. I am still not exactly sure what the meanings of each piece were but they definitely made me think, which is always an artist's objective.
I got excited and used Movie Maker for some reason haha. Anyways, I was really impressed by the work I saw. My favorite were the light installations I believe were by Nick Loewen. Nick was my ta last quarter for Art 1A so I was excited to see some of his work. These were my favorite because of the use of changing colors, patterns, illusion, and messages that he incorporated into the pieces. I am still not exactly sure what the meanings of each piece were but they definitely made me think, which is always an artist's objective.
Upcoming Project: Personal Space
I still am contemplating on ideas for this project because I want it to be really big and definitely interactive. these are three that I have been thinking about so far:
1. When I was at Costco recently I saw that they sell large, inflatable balls (I know that sounds awkward) that people can fit inside of. I am not exactly sure why but it sounds fun to me. So I was thinking about buying one of them and spending the day inside of it. I could walk around campus and just try to fit in to the spaces that do not accommodate someone inside of a ball (i.e lecture seats, buses, the elevator, pretty much everywhere). As I write this now I realized that this could even work for the transformation project. I could be bubble girl! That is why as an alternate or in addition to, I could make a game out of it. I thought it could be like "human bowling". Anyone could get inside and be the bowling ball while I gather volunteers to be the pins. I would probably execute this by the Chem Building because there is a large grass area there.
2. My second idea involved imitating the professional musicians sometimes hired at restaurants who play at your table. I have a few guitars and my friend has an accordion. I was thinking I could execute this around the tables in the library and in the Ucen, and possibly in IV although I would have to get permission from the restaurants. Basically i would go up to random people and sing a song about what they were doing. I am not the best guitar player and definitely cannot sing so this would be extremely embarrassing for me as well but I am interested to see how people's reactions would be. Some people might think of it as an invasion of privacy or it me enhance their dining/studying experience.
3. The last idea I have yet to fully develop but it would involve me getting a hold of a lot of caution tape and orange cones. I thought that I could tape of places that would never be taped off or or do it after someone has just walked in to say a lecture hall or bathroom. I could create diverging paths that would not necessarily be mandatory but it would be fun to see how many people would follow them just because there was tapes or cones saying so. This would probably be really hard to get approval for but I would not cause any accidents. I just want to see why/how people respect authority even if no one is watching. I know most of the times people just follow the crowd.
So far I really like the first and last idea. I discussed the giant ball idea with some of my friends and they think that the human-bowling idea resembles a Jackass idea. I'm still not sure if this is a good or bad thing. Although the first idea would be the most interactive I think the last idea would be the best to study responses. I could be the observer. The only problem with this one would be getting approval. I think it would make sense since have of the school and IV have been blocked off for the last few months because of the construction. Maybe I could tape some of their cars off or something and see how they change their paths like we have had to.
1. When I was at Costco recently I saw that they sell large, inflatable balls (I know that sounds awkward) that people can fit inside of. I am not exactly sure why but it sounds fun to me. So I was thinking about buying one of them and spending the day inside of it. I could walk around campus and just try to fit in to the spaces that do not accommodate someone inside of a ball (i.e lecture seats, buses, the elevator, pretty much everywhere). As I write this now I realized that this could even work for the transformation project. I could be bubble girl! That is why as an alternate or in addition to, I could make a game out of it. I thought it could be like "human bowling". Anyone could get inside and be the bowling ball while I gather volunteers to be the pins. I would probably execute this by the Chem Building because there is a large grass area there.
2. My second idea involved imitating the professional musicians sometimes hired at restaurants who play at your table. I have a few guitars and my friend has an accordion. I was thinking I could execute this around the tables in the library and in the Ucen, and possibly in IV although I would have to get permission from the restaurants. Basically i would go up to random people and sing a song about what they were doing. I am not the best guitar player and definitely cannot sing so this would be extremely embarrassing for me as well but I am interested to see how people's reactions would be. Some people might think of it as an invasion of privacy or it me enhance their dining/studying experience.
3. The last idea I have yet to fully develop but it would involve me getting a hold of a lot of caution tape and orange cones. I thought that I could tape of places that would never be taped off or or do it after someone has just walked in to say a lecture hall or bathroom. I could create diverging paths that would not necessarily be mandatory but it would be fun to see how many people would follow them just because there was tapes or cones saying so. This would probably be really hard to get approval for but I would not cause any accidents. I just want to see why/how people respect authority even if no one is watching. I know most of the times people just follow the crowd.
So far I really like the first and last idea. I discussed the giant ball idea with some of my friends and they think that the human-bowling idea resembles a Jackass idea. I'm still not sure if this is a good or bad thing. Although the first idea would be the most interactive I think the last idea would be the best to study responses. I could be the observer. The only problem with this one would be getting approval. I think it would make sense since have of the school and IV have been blocked off for the last few months because of the construction. Maybe I could tape some of their cars off or something and see how they change their paths like we have had to.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Flash Mobs
We did some research on flash mobs in class yesterday and I think that we finally decided on an idea. Jonathan mentioned an idea that he had seen on a supposedly banned xbox commercial.
Basically we want to have a stand-off in the Ucen, because it has multiple levels inside or maybe by the bike loop. Our other option was having a slow motion ninja fight but I think that the subtleness (at least at first) of this plan would work perfectly. It reminded me of the same situation on the tv show "The Office"
I think that this resembles the ideals that are set forth in performing a flash-mob. They are meant to be extremely outrageous and random actions made to get immediate reactions from observers. In contrast to this definition, anyone performing a flash-mob knows that they are well-thought out and organized in order to be most affective. I think that this idea would be affective because it is not immediately in-your-face. I think it will be interesting to let the tension build and see if we possibly gain any other participants. In the end we will all fall to the ground, then leave the building. I am very excited to see people's reactions.
Basically we want to have a stand-off in the Ucen, because it has multiple levels inside or maybe by the bike loop. Our other option was having a slow motion ninja fight but I think that the subtleness (at least at first) of this plan would work perfectly. It reminded me of the same situation on the tv show "The Office"
I think that this resembles the ideals that are set forth in performing a flash-mob. They are meant to be extremely outrageous and random actions made to get immediate reactions from observers. In contrast to this definition, anyone performing a flash-mob knows that they are well-thought out and organized in order to be most affective. I think that this idea would be affective because it is not immediately in-your-face. I think it will be interesting to let the tension build and see if we possibly gain any other participants. In the end we will all fall to the ground, then leave the building. I am very excited to see people's reactions.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Royal Tenenbaums
About a month ago I decided to watch the film, The Royal Tenenbaums. I was not exactly sure what it was about but it kept popping under the section, "If you liked ______, then you would love..." whenever I watched other movies. So then I looked up the trailer and decided that yes, maybe I would like this film.
In regards to its artistic expression, what I noticed most about the film was that as much as it is a story about the family, it really becomes multiple films by following each character's individual lives. The director, Wes Anderson, achieves this through slow, up-close shots of each individual. As an audience member, I can learn more about the character through the shots that only include their faces. Although it often seems like they are giving a blank stare, for me the fact that they are looking at you but at the same time not makes it seem like an intrusion of their life. This way of filming is successful because we learn the specific traits attributed to each of the characters that can not be revealed in a public setting with all of them together.
What i also noticed about this film was the use of color. Many of the scenes are monochromatic as you can see above. For example in Margot's close-up her hair, coat, and the sunlight all create a yellowish image. The shot of Richie is tinted in blues, and the last image of Eli is mostly full of neutral tones. I feel like this was also an effective decision because the colors became an external resource to reflect the characters' internal feelings. The last image below of Chas uses red to expose his controlling and angry temper, which can also be seen through the position of the children below him and the matching outfits.
In addition to the artistic elements, the movie was also very good as well. i recommend it to everyone!
In regards to its artistic expression, what I noticed most about the film was that as much as it is a story about the family, it really becomes multiple films by following each character's individual lives. The director, Wes Anderson, achieves this through slow, up-close shots of each individual. As an audience member, I can learn more about the character through the shots that only include their faces. Although it often seems like they are giving a blank stare, for me the fact that they are looking at you but at the same time not makes it seem like an intrusion of their life. This way of filming is successful because we learn the specific traits attributed to each of the characters that can not be revealed in a public setting with all of them together.
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| Margot Tenenbaum |
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| Richie Tenenbaum |
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| Eli Cash |
What i also noticed about this film was the use of color. Many of the scenes are monochromatic as you can see above. For example in Margot's close-up her hair, coat, and the sunlight all create a yellowish image. The shot of Richie is tinted in blues, and the last image of Eli is mostly full of neutral tones. I feel like this was also an effective decision because the colors became an external resource to reflect the characters' internal feelings. The last image below of Chas uses red to expose his controlling and angry temper, which can also be seen through the position of the children below him and the matching outfits.
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| Chas Tenenbaum |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Free As Can Be
While looking through my sketchbook recently, I began to notice a trend in subject matter...
Some may call it being obsessed. I call it being focused ;)
Some may call it being obsessed. I call it being focused ;)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sequence/Narrative Critique
While they are fresh in my memory, I figured I would discuss my favorite piece from today right now. I know I always say this but I really thought there were a lot of successful projects today. Although I though Erika's and Alex's were hilarious, I think that Amanda's was my favorite. When she said that her video was a very "rough-cut" I expected it to be just that. Although it was short and not completely finished, I felt that her video almost seemed like a preview for a new documentary on divorce or something. Just with the editing she had done so far as far as chopping up the images, including the names and ages of the children in the introduction, and overlaying the voice tracks, I could already see that the video will be successful. Her editing skills are apparent and I think that the serious subject matter contrasts nicely with the children performing everyday activities such as eating sandwiches or making funny faces. Something that I struggle with most in terms of art projects is editing them to make them seem more professional and less like an assignment. I hope that she can finish by the end of the week because I am excited to see the finished project.
Sequence/Narrative Project
Surrealist take on the tale of Humpty Dumpty (click on the image to play)
I was inspired most by the work of Vladimir Kush, a surreal artist who uses the egg as a recurring motif in his paintings:
Monday, May 2, 2011
Response to Lecture
I learned a lot about spoken word and performance today while in lecture. From the moment Beau Sia began his introduction I was not sure what I should believe. It seemed like his performance began when he walked into the room and only ended once he started taking questions. All of his actions, tone of voice, words, and dialogue between added to his performance. I honestly never thought that spoken word involved so many aspects. I feel like it was an extension of a lecture, like he was teaching us about how to perform spoken word while doing it at the same time. I like how this form of art functions as a logical and well articulated stream of consciousness. Every word had a point for being in the poem or being said in a specific way. It gave them more meaning then if they were just being recited. All of the students that went beforehand also demonstrated this. My favorite was Chanel who went first. I felt like she started off with one idea as her problem and then presented all these other aspects as effects and then was able to circle back around to her main point at the end. Hers was the most entertaining as well which I also believe is an important part of performing. Each presenter found a way to connect to the audience even if they did not share the same experience. I have a lot of respect for any person that can do this. As they were up there speaking I just thought to myself how difficult that would be. In spite of this, maybe I'll try it one day :)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Upcoming Proyectos
Both of the upcoming projects seem like they are going to be a lot of fun. I watched the video posted on the class facebook page about the personal space but I feel like many of the projects did not go far enough in terms of ideas. I want to execute something big so as of now I definitely need to begin brainstorming. I do not have any ideas for the personal space project yet unfortunately. However, I have began thinking about the personal transformation. So far, the idea I like best is to transform myself into a Disney princess. I know somewhere in my parents house my older sister left her winter formal dress from about ten years ago. At that time the fashion was a little bit more extravagant for such events which explains why the dress would work as a perfect costume for this idea. I remember she got it from David's Bridal so basically it is a big, poofy, wedding dress except that it is pink. All I would need is a tiara and heels to complete the physical transformation.
I feel like not only would this be very fun but it would actually be a challenge for me. I generally do not dress up girly or flashy at all. I like to blend into the background instead of being the center of attention. Transforming into a Disney princess would complete shatter that persona I have created for myself. I will have the chance how I am treated based mainly on my appearance and overly optimistic attitude. Anyone that knows me would probably be shocked if they saw me in character. This project also initiates discussion about the images we are presented to as children, and how they affect our appearances and expectations as adults. I am really excited about this idea although it scares me at the same time.
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| The dress is most similar to Ariel's |
I feel like not only would this be very fun but it would actually be a challenge for me. I generally do not dress up girly or flashy at all. I like to blend into the background instead of being the center of attention. Transforming into a Disney princess would complete shatter that persona I have created for myself. I will have the chance how I am treated based mainly on my appearance and overly optimistic attitude. Anyone that knows me would probably be shocked if they saw me in character. This project also initiates discussion about the images we are presented to as children, and how they affect our appearances and expectations as adults. I am really excited about this idea although it scares me at the same time.
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