Course Reflection: AED200

1^st blog post:

Hello, I’m Courtney Justus and this is my blog for AED 200. Setting up a Gmail account and then a blog was really simple and very fast. Everything was pretty self explanatory but at the same time very helpful. I’m really excited for this class to begin! It seems like there is a lot to learn, and I’m most excited to learn different techniques for interpreting art. I also want to learn about different artists and art in general. I really do enjoy taking online classes. The only negative for me is that you don’t really get peer to peer in-person contact, but they are very easy for me. I am a very self driven person so the fact that I can do most of them at my own speed with basic prompts from professors is a real plus for me.

1^st Discussion group:

All About Me: Courtney Justus

Justus, Courtney

8/25/2013

1.) Courtney Justus

2.) Interior Design

3.) It fulfilled a requirement and I was able to take the course online so it was more convenient for my schedule.

4.) I just hope to learn more about art in general (artists, mediums, and other techniques)

5.) No, I have taken a few different online classes here at Buff State.

6.) I think art is anything that is created that evokes some kind of feeling of makes you think.

7.)I would have to say Andy Warhol.

 

1.      What were you expectations for this course and where they met?

This course met and exceeded my expectation. One of the most beneficial art classes that ive taken at BSC.

2.      Now that you've been through this course, what is art? How would you define it now compared to your initial posting?

I think that art is anything around you that evokes feeling, makes you think, and presents itself as art. My original idea is not very far off of the new version but I definitely have evidence to back those statements up because of this class.

3.      Who was your favorite artist in your original posting and who is your favorite visual artist now? If there is a difference, why do you think so? If you have the same favorite artist, why do you think so?

The two are the same and my favorite artist is/was Andy Warhol. I think this course in general showed me a new side of Warhol and I think now I’m even more obsessed. The whole vibe of his art is carefree and no rules and I think that is just so great.

4.      Now that you've completed this course, how do you feel about taking an online course? Is your answer the same as it was in your first posting? How is it the same or different?

Basically, I have taken online classes before so it wasn’t really anything new of different for me.

1. Which projects did you review?

a.    Warhol Is Art-Brian Schiralli

b.    Nature’s Finest-Demi Flynn

c.     Looking for Love-Jenna Lettieri

2. Why did you select the Exhibit you critiqued?

Ultimately I chose Warhol Is Art, because I am a huge Warhol fan so I somewhat knew the subject matter. I was also eager to learn more and see some pieces that I have never seen before.

3. What challenges did you face in writing the critique article and how did you overcome them?

Already being a fan of Warhol I thought that I would not be able to be subjective and non-biased. But in a way I think it actually helped. Also, I’m not really good at giving criticism unless its 100% positive, so that was a little hard, but for the sake of the project and the critique I got over that.

4. How do you feel about critiquing your peers work?

Like I said before critiquing is not my forte but I tried my best.

5. Would you like to read the critique your peers wrote about your Art Curation Project?

I would love to! While I’m not really good at giving criticism , I’m very good at receiving it. I like listening to other people’s opinions, bouncing ideas back and forth and fixing or adding things to make something better.

6. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your finished article and why?

I would probably say a 6.5-7. While I think that I am a strong writer but my critiquing skills aren’t the best.
7. Did you enjoy working on this project?

Yes! The Part that I actually liked the best was actually looking at all the hard work that my classmates put into their work. I know that when I was working on mine that it took a really long time and a lot of hard work and when. I see their work I see the same thing.

 

 

Self Portrait

1.    Why did you select the inspiration pieces?

I really like when self portraits are more realistic and less abstract so for the majority of the three I used portraits that were actually pictures, and for the last one I used a painting that seemed really lively and vivid. I went to the MOMA gallery online.

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?

I wanted the picture to be really simple so I just used sharpie, charcoal, and graphite pencils on Bristol board.
3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?

I can’t really draw realistic features and things like that so it was pretty difficult, and in the end I wasn’t 100% satisfied with my piece but I tried my hardest and was pretty decently surprised at what I actually accomplished.
4. How does this piece represent you?

I highlighted the features that I liked most about myself with dark sharpie swirls, and accented them by making them larger.
5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?

Value and visual texture were he parts of my piece also balance.
6. Did you enjoy working on this project?

It wasn’t my favorite, but I actually did learn more about myself and my art skills during the process of this project.
7. What do you think of your final artwork?

I really liked the piece for the sake of the piece, whether or not it looked like me was the real problem.

Art Critic Video Review

1.    key concepts: Video 1- Greenberg on Art Criticism: An Interview by T. J. Clark

This video was basically an interview that was touching on the life of an art critic and his previous projects that he had critiqued through the years and how they made an impact on art crit these days.

2.    key concepts: Video 2- The Critics: Stories from the Inside Pages

This video was a very in depth explanation of the critique business whether it be art, music, radio, tv, movie, etc. It discussed how people do it in a step by step manner and how to create a crit for special purposed and how to create a crit that will be successful.

3.    Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Criticism project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.

The 1^st video I found really confusing as I didn’t really know who the interviewer or the interviewee were and what context was taking place. But none the less it was informational but not so much for my project. The 2^nd however was really enlightening and informational and actually came to shape my art crit project.

4. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of art criticism?

I really thought that the 2^nd video was really informational with the whole idea of art crit it outlined different types of crit techniques and styles and separated the steps taken to achieve a successful critique.

Project #4: Art Exhibit Curation

Creating this art exhibit was at first very overwhelming.  I wasn’t sure if I was doing it right, but in the end it ended up working out pretty well if I do say so myself. I first watched the curator and curation videos then I pretty much just went on a scavenger hunt for images. I found art pieces in the book that I thought were interesting and then from there I entered the titles or artists into Google images and found common or completely different art works. From there I chose the most interesting and the ones that fit into my idea of found art and got more background information. I put the images into my PowerPoint with the links, I then added all the other information to finally bring it all together. The colors of the PowerPoint I kept to a minimum minimalist theme just because I wanted to play up the fonts to make them seem very mismatchy yet somehow balanced the way that found art feels to me.

Module 13&14: Video Review

Video 1:  The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art

1.      For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Low brow was a deviation from the “norm” when it came to the art world. All misfits were welcome into the community. In low brown art what you see is what you get, there were no hidden meanings like in the case of high brow art.

2.      Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.

This video helped me very much in the creation of my exhibit. Most of the art pieces that that I chose wouldn’t be considered high brow or even your usual piece of art.

3.      What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?

It was really enlightening to see a different side of art. The side full of misfits and people that don’t really fit anywhere else, because who doesnt love to see the underdog succeed

Video 2: Displaying Modern Art: The Tate Approach

1.      For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?

Video 3: Bones of Contention: Native American Archaeology

1.      For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.     

This video dealt with the very touchy subject of archeology and the remains of Native Americans.

2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
I don’t really find this very helpful with my project.
3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?
This video was very confusing when it came to relating to the project. It was a very informational and saddening but I still haven’t found the connection yet

Video 4: An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan

1.      For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

This video showed the inner workings of the Moma and what it takes to run a successful museum and all the people that it takes to make it work.

2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
Yes this video more so than any was really helpful so far with the project. It really showed me that while the pieces don’t need to be so alike but somehow they need to form a cohesive piece that meshes together.
3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?

This video seemed to be the host helpful when it comes to the project because it actually showed the background of what it takes to run a successful museum and all the behind the scene workings.

Module 12: Video Review

1.       Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

They both seemed to sound interesting!!! I’ve always been intrigued by Andy Warhol and the Uncertainty: Modernity and art also sounded pretty interesting.

2.       Key concepts: Andy Warhol: Images of an Image

This video introduced and added upon the ideas and ways in which Andy Warhol made his art pieces during the 60’s.

3.        Key concepts: Uncertainty: Modernity and Art

This video showed the inevitable switch from the pre modern era of overly realistic art pieces of everyday people and places to the modern era of shocking figures with hardly a sign of realisticness and uncommon thoughts and ways of seeing art.

4.       How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The videos went into more depth. In the first video they showed he way in which Warhol used different methods to create his screen printings. And in the second it showed the switch for ultra realism to the complete opposite that the book just touched on.

5. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

The video helped me to really see the differences between the eras and the way in which art evolved.

Module 11: Video Review

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I’ve always been interested in the cubist movement so i thought that Matisse and Picasso and The Impact of Cubism would be perfect.

2. Key concepts: Video 1- Matisse and Picasso

• Both of the artist thrived off of each other both in their art and their personal lives.
• Cubism was the main movement that they were involved in.
• They both utilized different practices but had pretty similar styles of art.

2. Key concepts: Video 2- The Impact of Cubism

• Discussed the various artworks that were made during the cubist movement.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text (Video 1)

This video elaborated on their styles on their styles and practices of cubism and their personal relationship with each other during their careers. Unlike the readings that just touched upon the art of these two.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text? (Video 2)

Comparative to the readings this went into more detail about certain art pieces that were made during the cubist movement.

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts? in the first video it was really went into the more personal relationship of Picasso and Matisse which was really cool. Everyone knows about their art but their personal lives were really entertaining to hear about.

Art Exploration: Mask Making

MY INSPIRATION

Mask 1: African Ritual Mask

Balance: The shell and bead elements  of the forehead and chin, add visual balance to a piece that is seemingly not 100% balanced.

Rhythm: The repetition of beads and the shells lead the eye all over the piece from the highest point to the lowest.

Color: The mask is a monochromatic with hint of yellow and red beads, and white shells. The contrast between the earth toes of the mask and the colors from the beads and the shells adds visual interest.

Mask 2: Aztec Ritual Mask

Texture: The texture that the mosaic like pieces create adds visual interest to a pretty simple mask.

Shapes: All the shapes in the piece are simple and can be easily recognized.

Color: The color of the overall mask is a sea blue color, and contrasts much with the yellow tone of the eyes and the white tone of the teeth.

Mask 3: African Ritual Mask

Texture: The feathers that placed on the top of the mask lead the eye up the piece because of the texture that they produce. 

Color: The mask is an overall monochromatic tan/brown and the different shades of brown and flects of color bring life to the mask.

MY MASK:

OVERVIEW

1. Explain why you selected the inspiration pieces.

The pieces that I chose had something really special to each of them, an added level of pizzaz that some of the others that I saw didn’t.

2. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask. 

I used elements of shape, color, and line. As for principles i used rhythm, balance, and texture

3. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.

I really enjoyed making the mask. I probably haven’t made one since grade or middle school.

Module 10: Video Review

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection.

To me these two seem to sound the most interesting. From the reading i became really interested in the ideals of Buddhism and wanted to learn more. As for the second video I have seen the wave picture all over during the course of my life and I’ve always wanted to learn more about it.

Video 1: Buddhism

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

In this video they discussed the practices, creation, and the way to nirvana of the Buddhist religion. It was started by a man of the name Siddhartha (the founder of the religion) whom wondered why there was suffering in the world. He came to find out through prayer and meditation, that it was because of desire and greed and that once you stopped wanting and having materialistic urges that the cycle of life and death could end and that you could progress to Nirvana which is a type of place of non suffering and peacefulness.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The text and the video discussed the same concepts but the video went a little more in depth.

Video 2: The Great Wave 

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

In this video the art of Japanese printmaking most specifically the Wave painting /print and the paintngs/prints connected in a series with this this one, and how that were made.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

Like the last video the text and the video discussed the same concepts (in previous chapters on printmaking and in the Japanese section of this chapter) but the video went a little more in depth.

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

 Both video were very informational, in the first various practices  and reasons for the Buddhist religion and in the second the process of making one of the most famous Japanese prints and the series that it is a part of. They wen into much more detail than that of the book and it was really entertaining.

Module 9: Art Exploration #3

1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing? At first it felt pretty strange to look at it and actually study them, but then it became normal and actually fun. 2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why? I used pencil just because charcoal is not my favorite medium because its pretty messy and smears easily. 3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand? It was pretty horrible I’m not that great at drawing to begin with and using my other hand was just atrocious. 4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies? I think the non-dominant hand was horrible but the first one was semi okay, it could use a bit of work but it was average. 5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future? Probably, maybe nothing as in-depth as an actual hand but maybe some kind of abstract piece.

Module 9: Video Review

Video 1:Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance 1. Explain why you selected this video: I knew a little about Da Vinci but i wanted to know more so i chose this video. 2. List/discuss the key concepts you learned: His drawings were very in-depth and complicated and they seem to be very much ahead of his time. Video 2:The Drawings of Michelangelo 1. Explain why you selected this video: I didn’t know much about Michelangelo except some of his more famous works of art so i thought i could learn more. 2. List/discuss the key concepts you learned: For many or almost all of the art pieces that Michelangelo made in-depth sketches before actually executing the piece. 3. How does this relate to the readings in the text?: I think it was enlightening how they showed that Michelangelo, like in previous chapters that we read, used “superhuman” forms that had hints of actuality mixed with over exaggerated features that in real life couldn’t actually work but for the sake of art they work. 4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts? The videos added to my knowledge of both Michelangelo and DaVinci, and the specific art practices that they used to make their art.

Module 8: Video Review

Video 1: More Human Than Human 1. Explain why you selected this video. This was the original movie that we had to watch. 2. Key concepts: The video talked about the differences in cultures and their body acceptance when it comes to art and the portrayal of these bodies. From the earliest humans to now. It also talked about the evolution of ideal human shapes in art from symbolic to realistic and then a mixture of the two. 3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text? In the readings they discussed the same concepts, the videos mimicked with more attention to detail. Video 2: The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figures 1. Explain why you selected this video: From the title this video seemed to be the most interesting. 2. Key concepts: The progression of human form in art and why and what certain techniques were taken into account during these times. 3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text? Like the first video and the readings it discussed the important role human figures played in art, and their progression. 4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts? I really like the videos and the way that they showed the progression over the years. And the fact that they went more into depth than the readings.

Module 7: Video Review

Video 1: http://proxy.buffalostate.edu:2048/login?url=http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=1819&xtid=32994

1.     For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

The architecture of Frank Gehry is just amazing and is so original and inventive.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

This one was a little different than the textbook because it went into more detail with the architecture of Frank Gehry, but still discussed the basic features of architecture.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?

I like how it showed the progression of architecture through this one designer, and even though in the beginning he seemed like an oddball but then he grew to become a world renowned architect and was at the top of the game.

4. Why did you choose the films that you watched?

Being an interior Design major, I had already heard and known a lot about Frank Gehry so I thought it would be the perfect one to watch.

 

Video 2: http://proxy.buffalostate.edu:2048/login?url=http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=1819&xtid=5546

1. Key concepts: This video was very informational and discussed certain mediums and construction techniques that prominently had to do with skyscrapers and bridges.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The video was basically a restating in greater detail of the readings they discussed certain concepts and materials that are used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and houses.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?

This video I found especially informational and interesting especially when they were showing the effects of wind on tall building. I thought it was really interesting that they built a whole mock city to test wind speeds and other environmental conditions that may harm a structure.

4. Why did you choose the films that you watched?

From the title it seemed to be the most basic informational video, so I thought I’d give it a try.

 

Module 6:Peer Review

1.    Hyperlink the Blogs you reviewed into your Blog

Assigned: http://sarahjacobsartblogging.blogspot.com/

Chosen: http://courtneypepper421.blogspot.com/

2. When looking at Project #1: (Elements and Principles), did you agree with the element or principle the artist listed with the images? Did you see other elements and principles in the images?

All of the elements and principles I agreed with definitely. I think that some could have definitely had numerous other possibilities but that’s what happens when people analyze different pieces of art and have different viewpoints. There were none that i disagreed with.

3. When looking at Project #2: Where there any images in the Peer Blogs the same as your own? If yes, what were they? Where the reasons the image was selected the same or different as your own?

Actually on Sarah’s blog 2 out of the 6 of the pieces we had were the same. They were View from the Bone Marrow Transplant and Serie 14 No. 2. And while mine and Sarah’s views on the pieces weren’t completely the same and we had the pieces in different categories the similarities were on the same page.

4. Where there any images that your Peers selected that pique your interest now? If yes, what are they and what is your connection with them? What would you want to know about them?

One of the sculptures entitled Born was really different and out there yet when I looked at it I really wanted to know the representation and the whole story behind it.

5. What do you think about the process of reading your peers reflection? Do you find this to be a valuable in your learning?

I really liked reading other people blogs from the class it kind of closed the barriers that online classes create. You get to know the people in your class without really getting to actually meet them. I think this experience was very valuable.

6. Check your Blog and read comments posted by your Peers. Do you find their comments helpful?

At the moment there aren’t any comments on my blog.

Module 6: Video Review

Through the Eyes of a Sculptor:http://digital.films.com/play/RUXEGP

1. The first video explained in vivid detail about how artist go about finding materials, using different processes, finally the use of different sculpting methods. The process

2. The book and the video discussed the same processes like the act of making molds and casting, also carving and assembling.

3. I really enjoyed the videos this time around they seem to have more of a hand on approach than the other videos that we watched in the past. And it was really cool to see the whole process through in through. From finding the perfect slab of marble to carve, to making a mold to cast out of, to the carving,  to the finished sculptures. And unlike the book with was a little confusing on some of the details the video made the processes much clearer.

Glass and Ceramic: http://digital.films.com/play/Q7KFZA

1. In this video we were introduced to glass and some of the processes used to make glass products and ceramics.

2. Like the book it went over how glass is made, certain types of glass, and it briefly talked about ceramics, and things that can be made out of clay and the whole firing process.

3. Unlike the last video, comparatively, this one was more informational but it seems like they were just spitting out facts. They did show some of the processes, but I have to say that I truly like the book’s descriptions better because I could understand that much better..

Project #2 Art Gallery Visit #1- Responding To Artwork

A. Impact or impression:

1. Temple of Albers (Acrylic on canvas), Richard Anuszkiewicz, 1984:

When I first saw this painting I was so drawn in. The perfect symmetry and the color combinations were so fascinating I didn’t want to stop looking at it.

2. Serie 14 No.2 (Acrylic on Canvas), Julio Le Parc, 1970:

Like the first painting this also drew me in from the start. I really like contemporary art and the colors in it were so harmonious and the symmetry of this piece as well was very  appealing to the eye. I didn’t want to look away.

B. Feel a connection:

                1. View From the Bone Marrow Transplant, unit #1 (Chromogenic color prints), John Pfahl, 1993-2003:

                When I saw this series of paintings I began wondering what they were about, and then I read the description and felt very sullen and yet proud at the same time. Growing up I spent a majority of time for weeks at a time in the hospital room. My problems were nowhere near as bad as cancer or anything like that, but I know how sad and depressing they can be. Some of the prints were sand and gloomy and some of them were happy and I somehow felt like I understood the struggle that the author was trying to display.

                2.  Zobop (Stairs)(Vinyl tape), Jim Lambie, 2003:

 This art piece is pretty “hands on” and interactive seeing as you actually have to step on it to navigate through the Albright. I thought that was so cool and when I was walking down the stairs I felt like really connected with the piece, because unlike the others in the museum you could actually touch and feel the art. The one question I would think to ask the artist is how they felt about thousands of people stepping on their artwork?

               

C. Want to know more about:

                1. No Title (Folding table and chairs, beige) (paint, metal, and fabric), Robert Therrien, 2006:

                This piece was by far my favorite in the whole gallery. It made me feel young and small and made me question so many things. Like how on earth Therrien got the chairs and the table that big? and where on earth did he come up with the idea? The whole thing was just genius.

                2. Model for Room No.2 (Mylar on wood), Lucas Samaras, 1966:

This piece was just beautiful and they was that it was exhibited was just great but my one and only question was what room this would intended for, and what kind of house or space was it for?

 

 

Art Making/Material Exploration #2: Logo Design

1. At first I thought creating a logo was going to be really hard and complicated. But in the end its was actually pretty fun.

2. After reading all the documents and watched all the videos I started to think about things that described me or that I liked and then integrated my name in them. I started out pretty generic and simple and then everything got progressively intricate. I tried to keep all the elements and principles of designs in mind as well.

3. There is actually a lot that goes into creating the logo. Like anything artistic there are certain steps that need to be followed for the final project to come out successful.

4. When I was watching the first video the participants brought up a really good point that I had never thought about. They said that when you are considering a logo you have to be sure that it will look good not only for print on paper but also other mediums and items. I’d never really thought about that being the case but it makes complete sense.