Watch out, Gluten Free

Jan12

I think going Gluten Free for everyone is a great idea, but i agree with this blog.

I been recently diagnosed with lyme disease, so i have to go gluten free for a while, but also avoiding sugar as well. So I’ve learned that when it says GF, that doesn’t mean it is always healthy for you.

Most people when they say there going gluten free, they just want to lose weight. But going for things that say GF most likely contain more unnatural sugar then most.  So if you are going totally gluten free i would just stick with the Fresh veggies, the Fresh Fruit  and the protein.

anything natural, whole and organic.

Why You Might Want to Rethink Going Gluten-Free

 

Development of Arts Mural

Mar16

Development of Arts MURAL

OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn about public funding for the Arts.
  • Examine public art’s role in capturing history and place-making.
  • Explore the relationship of cultural values to civic dialogue, beautification and identity.

If you click on the mural above you will see a mural that i made. I decided to Make my own mural and use my skills that i learned last week with making a remix for this weeks assignment. This Development of Arts Mural originally portrayed the growth of art, by putting a big tree in the middle and having different panels starting from the bottom, and how it has evolved at the top.

Panel 1: On the Lower right- i used a cave painting image to represent how art started through Cave Painting,

Panel 2: On the Lower Left Panel, i used a image of a women Weaving to show the growth from cave painting to weaving as well there was pottery and decoration too.

Panel 3: Above Panel 1: i used a image of a scroll paper and a rock to show the growth from cave painting, weaving to Scroll decoration. The rock image to show an architect and builders.

Panel 4: above Panel 2: I used a greek women playing music to represent their own music, drama and dance. Their using their own skills to make music.

Panel 5: which is above panel 3: i used a image of stained glass, saying “songs of faith” portraying how music is moving into churches.

Panel 6: Which is above panel 4: i used a violin, and glass blower to represent a violin maker and a glass blower.

Panel 7: which is above panel 5: i used a image of masks. This panel shows the new additions of masks and performance and how its getting put together.

Panel 8: which is above panel 6: i used a image of a microphone representing the new and modern arts because everything thats modern is shown through radio, or film.

The growth of all the panels from the bottom to the top, shows the development of art. In each panel in the original mural, you see a little bit of everything squeezed into each panel. In a way thats saying that with out the previous ways of art, there wouldnt be anything to make grow or develop. they all grow from each idea making art what it is today.

 

Remix Discussion

Mar5

This article about Lessigs Comparing culture: Remix: Making Art and Commerce thrive in the Hybrid Economy discusses two different cultures. He talks about the differences between RO and RW. I like how he talks about how you have to understand the culture. The remark “It takes extraordinary knowledge about a culture to remix it well” is very interesting in the reading I think its saying that you have to understand the culture and the music before you have the ability to remix it well. Even if you only think they’re a certain amount of ways you can remix the piece before they all start sounding similar. To remix it well you have to have a different outlook on the piece and to do that you have to have a good foundation first. I think to a certain extent there is a line where we cant remix it anymore, even if you do have a lot of knowledge and understand the culture completely.

When i have tried to rewrite songs, and make it my own. I feel as if its nearly impossible to not make it just like the old version of it. which in a way maybe its because i don’t really understand the culture of the song. I think people who have the ability to remix a song and do it right, are quite talented.

Artifact 5: Technology

Mar1

Goals

  • Learn about the history of computer graphics
  • Examine the role of technology as force for cultural maintanence and change
  • Discuss the validity of art created with the aid of machines

This article Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins written by Beverly Jones explores the comparison and relations between technology and art. I think one of the main thesis was “Those who originate and use new forms of art and technology embedded their assumptions in the new symbolic and material forms. As time passes the users develop familiarity and facility. New users bring additional assumptions and considerations of form, content, material, technique, meaning and purpose. However, some traces of the origins and practices remain in these forms, which consequently contribute to both cultural maintenance and change. Cultural patterns are affected in proportion to the spread in the use of these forms.” (p.21) saying that everything from the past, The techniques and forms all influence everything in the present. Nothing today would be the same if it wasn’t for the past influencing it. Jones stated, “These changes contribute to maintenance and change of culturally conditioned conceptual patterns in the larger historical context” (Jones, 51). It shaped and reconstructed life as well as cultural background and knowledge.

 

2. Identify one of the three historical examples Jones provides as an illustration of her thesis.

A historical example is the Henry Drawing computer, “which was a modified analog computer signed by D.P Henry that produced imagery replaced by the prevailing analog imagery” (52) this is relates to her thesis due to the fact that henrys drawing computer is a digitally computed imagery of that specific time period.

Henrys drawing computer was a form of art and it would produce different calculations and graphics. “Usually these images were done by engineers and technicians employed by government, industry or large research institutions” (53). People that made this machine is considered the actual artists. This machine represents how something that is technology , computer graphics is a piece of art.

 

3. Provide a compelling and accurate illustration of Jones’ thesis at work in todays culture.

An accurate illustration of Jones’ thesis at work in today’s culture is from basic technology form to today, its so more more advanced in high-technology. Technology can be presented in a variety of forms rather than using the basic and traditional form. There are always improvementsI think we can find many proofs about jones thesis. I think all technology that has been innovated is an example. Such as icloud on the iphones and computers. This concept helps out society so much. It might not have to do a lot with art, but it can be viewed as a new form of technology that was developed from the old ones. Like is said before, the thesis stated that new technology and art would not be the same with out the past. We would not have the updated laptops and iclouds with out the past.

4. Use of alternate sources to support statements and conclusions.

In this Video, it explains how technology such as computers hasn’t changed art, but has provided it with the ability to do more. Ability For more to happen. He also explained how it provided longer lengths, better resolution, more color. This whole video correlates to the articles thesis, in how the past of technology and with out the new inventions of technology , art and technology would not be the same.

Art and technology definitely were not believe to be in the same category or related, but as years go on, the get more related to eachother. With out the past , their would not be a present.

Reflection:

The world of art and technology has many different point of views.  Learning the characteristics of online gaming and technology, I was able to learn a lot more as well and the different roles of it. Due to the improvement of technology, it improved the validity of Art. Art that was created with machines have been very much improving due to the improvement of technology.

bcd28e14005dd8a8ffb652cf888d65ca (Image of a robot that creates art)

I really enjoyed Jane Mcgonigal speech on how online gaming effects the outside world. She explains that “gamers are a human resource that we can use to do real-world work, that games are a powerful platform for change” (McGonigal, TED) People can learn cooperation and team work through online gaming. this thought of hers, that I am not fully convinced is true, is one role that technology can play in the society.

In an article about How  Technology has Changed Art by John Meada, the President of Rhode Island School of Design, that I brought up previously,  he discusses how his art would not be the same with out the improvement of technology. He explains how with out technology, he wouldn’t be able to morph things together, or even spread the word of what he does. All these new tools that are being invented are helping art as a whole grow.

John Maeda working on an art piece

John Maeda working on an art piece

Future:

It amazes me how far and how fast technology has developed today. When watching this video, we can see just how far the internet has come just within 50 years. When I think about the future I get excited as to the fact that technology is only going to continue to grow. Its going to allow art to keep growing and improving as well.  But in the end, I hope art does not all conclude to technology. I hope they’re still museums with true paintings and drawings. It will be interesting to see what happens in the future.

Next Page

Main Page

Work Cited

“How Is Technology Changing Art? – Curiosity.” Curiosity. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. <http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/technology-changing-art>.

Arts, Games, and Tech Discussion

Feb26

Goals

  • Learn about the history of computer graphics
  • Examine the role of technology as force for cultural maintanence and change
  • Discuss the validity of art created with the aid of machines

Online Gaming

The TED talk was really interesting to hear.  Gaming Can Make a Better World by Jane Mcgonigal had many great ideas. I really liked the topic of the “why were better in games then we are in real life” which relates to some peoples ideas of “i’m not good at life phase”. I thought this was a really good point. Do People hide in online games? Do they make themselves feel better? She stated that in the game world “we come our best version of ourself” which is I think is quite accurate. I think gaming is way to hide from everything such as real life problems.  She stated “if we want to solve problems like hunger, poverty climate change, global conflict, obesity, I believe that we need to aspire to play games online for at least 21 billion hours a week by the end of the next decade.” Gaming allows people to do something they never thought they could do, which I guess in the end with a lot of gaming, Mcgonigal thinks that it will start appearing in real life and not just the games.

Reflection: The world of gaming has many different point of views. For me, I think the social aspect of ones life is really affected when they play a life that is so involved with gaming. Learning the characteristics of online gaming, i was able to learn alot more as well and the different roles. Due to the improvement of technology, it improved the validity of Art. Art that was created with machines have been very much improving due to the improvement of technology.

I really enjoyed Jane Mcgonigal speech on how online gaming effects the outside world. she explains that “gamers are a human resource that we can use to do real-world work, tha tgames are a powerful platform for change” (McGonigal, TED) People can learn cooperation and team work through online gaming. this thought of hers, that im not fully convinced is true, is one role that technology can play in the society.

In an article about How  Technology has Changed Art by John Meada, the President of Rhode Island School of Design, he discusses how his art would not be the same with out the improvement of technology. He explains how with out technology, he wouldnt be able to morph things together, or even spread the word of what he does. All these new tools that are being invented are helping art as a whole grow.

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Artifact 8

Bibliography

Gaming can make a better world. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world.html

http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/technology-changing-art

 

Artifact 6: Spirituality Reflection

Feb23
  • GOALS
  • How do you define “spirituality”?
  • Does spirituality differ from religion?
  • How do you define “creativity”?

              What is the source of creativity?

 How do you define spirituality?

         The general term of spirituality is related to religion. I believe there are a variety of definitions of spirituality. But I think the basic meaning of spirituality goes along with Greys idea of looking vs. seeing. It is a term that, I think represents how we cannot see directly with our eyes. It relates to the idea of Oscar Wilde “ Things are because we see them, and what we see, and how we see it, depends on the Arts that have influenced us. To look at a thing is very different from seeing a thing. One does not see anything until one sees its beauty. Then, and then only, does it come into existence” (71).  This quote I think defines spirituality and how looking is quite different from actually seeing and understanding.

 Does spirituality differ from religion?

I think spirituality isn’t exactly the same thing as religion but it does have religion involved. I think spirituality is how they act on those beliefs and Religion is specifically what they are taught through the religion. Which in a way provides the flexibility of religions, and that’s what people tend to enjoy.

 

How do you Define “creativity”?

I think Creativity is pretty much the imagination of an individual and how someone uses their originality. They use that in away to express themselves. It can come through singing, dancing, drawing, Even playing soccer on a field. Such as someone decides to do a specific move like a Mara Dona or a rainbow around someone on the field. They don’t know how they decided to do it, but they used their creativeness and originality to get around the other player.  Creativity is such a broad term I don’t think you can narrow it down really.

Someone using their creativity, on the field.

Someone using their creativity, on the field.

 

What is the Source of Creativity?

 I don think anyone has the same creativity. It Comes from within I believe. Due to the fact that everyone has different ideas. Everyone has creativity though. Some have better creativity then others. But in the end I just think some people don’t know how to express their creativity like others do. Some people might kind have some ideas but don’t know how to put them together or express them. That’s why the creativity of people appear differently to others.

 

Reflection:

In this artifact, I explained the differences and similarities involving spirituality and religion. I said that spirituality differs from religion, because spirituality is based on how people act on what they believe. Religion is what is taught at a young age. In the end, I think spirituality is based on more of how you act on the the beliefs that you were taught. I really enjoyed this assignment because it gave me the chance rely  on my own beliefs and feelings for spirituality and religion. It gave me a chance to think about what I actually thought. 

When it comes to spirituality and Creativity, I don’t really consider my self as either of those. So this assignment i thought was very helpful, because i have never even thought about before. Its cool to actually look at the differences between Spirituality and creativity and realize whats different about them. You realize the differences, but you were also given the chance to learn what actually binded them together. I really enjoyed realizing what my values were and this assignment made me realize how I defined my self.

Some people find creative tasks such as knitting to be a very spiritual experience.

Some people find creative tasks such as knitting to be a very spiritual experience.

Future: I think learning the differences between spirituality, religion and creativity will really help when some one is looking and observing a piece of art. I think this artifact will benefit me in my life, when i get the chance to explore more art in the future.

Next Page

Main Page

 

 

Artifact 8: Spirituality

Feb19

Objective

  • Become familiar with ways in which spirituality influences artists

Spirituality 

There are many key points within this week’s article. Grey discusses different processes that artist goes through when choosing what to do for there piece of art and how the interpretations will be viewed.

 One of the key points for artist is Inspiration. Inspiration comes differently to each artist. Everyone has different processes to how they come to start or end there own piece. It’s interesting on how some people think differently. Some people have complete ideas before they put there pencil down, however, others don’t. Some people work well under pressure, some people crack. Grays main point is about how artist get inspirations through different processes such as looking. “To see deeply and to understand are different from mere looking or observation. (Pg. 74)” looking is a method that is a new idea to me. Gray also thinks how this method of looking allows the artist and the people to have different interpretations. “‘Depth perception’ is an ability of the mind to understand visual space” (pg 75) allows these interpretations. Some people don’t get the different cues. Interpretation of art is all-different. The difference interpretations are what make art so fun.

         When looking at a piece of art, the article has three levels of viewing art: “…the viewer first encounters a work of art as a physical object seen by the eye of the flesh. Second, the eye of reason sees a harmony of sensations that stir the emotions, and a conceptual understanding of the art arises. Third, and only in the deepest art, a condition of the soul is revealed, one’s heart is opened, and spiritual insight is transmitted to the eye of contemplation” the article describes these 3 levels a necessary item in a piece of art. If a piece of art claims to have meaning, it needs to have these 3 levels. This really popped out to my attention, because I have never thought of these things when I looked at art before.

This idea that art only comes with emotion has really stuck with me.

This idea that art only comes with emotion has really stuck with me.

Another idea that Grey brought up was the creative process. I think an interesting idea is that Inspire is related to breath, which is “ known as life and spirit” (82) I really like that he referred inspire to these words. Inspiration comes through life and the spirit within. Spirit and life brings vision to the artist. That’s how the ideas come flow, there are endless possibilities.

This is my element where I feel the most inspired and spiritual. When I am out running.

This is my element where I feel the most inspired and spiritual. When I am out running.

 Is the term inspiration only limited to art? Or can you relate it to a variety thinks in life? I don’t think inspiration only relates to art, I relate it to my running as well. The way I train as well as my worth ethic. My inspirations that I have seen or met through out life, have related to my worth ethic and push me.  Which relates back to the idea of relating inspire to life.

Reflection:

I really enjoyed Greys personal views and beliefs on spirituality. It was really interesting to learn the different levels, and methods of how artist worked. i learned how artist used their own spirituality to get them started on a piece of art. They use ones own inspiration. i really liked learning how the word “inspire” is related to the words life and spirit. These 2 concepts bring vision to the artists.

Even thought spirituality is a subject that is very broad, i believe that this article of Grey makes me believe that spirituality influences artists in so many ways. it provides them with vision that gives them many possibilities.

Future:

In the Future, I think it would be cool to learn specific examples of artists, and how they think. Learn how they work, what inspires them. It would be cool to really get in their head and figure out how they do their best work.

Next Page

Main Page

Grey, A. (2001). Art as Spiritual Practice. The Mission of Art (1st ed., pp. 205-233). Boston & London: Shambhala.

Bibliography

Feb18
 
 Work Cited
 
Dissanayake, E. (1991). What is art for? In K. C. Caroll (Ed.). Keynote adresses 1991 (NAEA Convention), (pp.15-26). Reston, VA: National Art Education Association.
 
Grey, A. (2001). Art as Spiritual Practice. The Mission of Art (1st ed., pp. 205-233). Boston & London: Shambhala. 
 
“How Is Technology Changing Art? – Curiosity.” Curiosity. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. <http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/technology-changing-art>.
 
Jones, B. J. (1990). Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins. LEONARDO: Digital Image – Digital Cinema Supplemental Issue, pp. 21-30.
 
Tefler, E. (2002). Food as Art. InNeill, A. & Riley, A. (eds.) Arguing About Art: Contemporary Philosophical Debates (2nd ed., Chap. 2). New York, NY: Routledge.

Tsui Hon-Lung .Gordon Ramseys Home Cooking S01EO9. Retreived Feburary 12, 2014 from  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVOsBmR6XRw

undefined. (June 2010). Customs and Traditions . In Fabric Online. Retrieved Feburary 12th 2014, from   http://library.thinkquest.org/COO4179.customs.htm.

 

Horror Research

Feb16

CUROSITY

Horror genre in films and televisions have evolved and grown over the years. When I watch horror movies I usually end up not wanting to look. So what exactly makes me watch it? Movies like The Shining, paranormal activity, The Walking Dead, The exorcism and so many more. Horror has the intention to instill people with fear, yet everyone including my self still want to watch it. Why is that?

In the first article I found it’s called Why do Some Brains Enjoy Fear? Which is the science behind the appeal of haunted houses, freak shows and physical thrills. This certain article is interviewing Dr. Margee Kerr who is a scare specialist. And the question that was asked; what fear was and why some people enjoy it so much. What happens in our brains when we are scared? Is it different when were scared in a fun way or versus being actually afraid. This article stated that “to really enjoy a scary situation, we have to know were in a safe environment”. Watching scary movies is all about trigging different responses and getting the adrenaline, endorphins and dopamine flowing! But when triggering these certain responses you need to be in a safe place. That is the difference of being actually scared more then just the fun way. Horror movies allow us to be scared but not a real scared for your life scared, more of a controlled scared. This fake form of fear lets us get away for some time and enjoy fear that really poses no real threat to any individual. The Adrenaline, endorphins and dopamine all start flowing, but in a safe way which allows us to enjoy it. Both of the two articles Carrolls and the interview with Dr Margee Kerr suggest that the people who love horror are the ones who know that it just a movie, there is no possible way they can be harm. They are all in a controlled environment while watching this film. Horror films are all about the unknown, but while feeling safe. Horror films are all based on curiosity, trying to find the unknown. Being Safe in a environment allows you to have the curiosity which relates back to Carrolls article. The difference between people hating horror films and not is the unknown and the curiosity of the unknown. One of Carrolls  main ideas is that ‘Monsters, are the natural subjects of curiosity” (Carroll).

The Second article I found was called Why Some People Love Horror Movies While Others Hate it by Margarita Tartakovsky. The first thing she explains is the excitation transfer process which you get while watching a horror film. This is one of the ways why someone would enjoy a horror film because the way it makes them feel after the film. There are negative reactions and positive reactions but the spark of it sticks with you for time after the film. People have different wiring, and you might have a different physiological reaction if your more sensitive. Tartakovsky said “about 10 percent of the population enjoy the adrenaline rush.” He also explains why some people turn to scary movies because of novelty. Sparks happen in horror films when you say “you don’t see that everyday” Which means that in horror films you get to see things that isn’t the norm. Like I said in my discussion topic, You don’t see little girls in real life singing creepy songs, you see them singing fun songs like ring around the rosie. This whole article explains why people do and don’t enjoy horror movies, which I think some of the main reasons tie back to the Noel Carrols article, Why Horror.

One of Carrols ideas that ties back to Tartakovsky is that horror story’s is driven explicitly by curiosity. “It engages its audience by being involved in processes of disclosure, discovery, proof, explanation, hypothesis and confirmation.”(Carroll) Which compares to what Tartakovsky said. “Since danger disrupts routine, curiosity about change is important for survival.”(Tartakovsky)  I think both of them have a main point that horror films create curiosity. Curiosity keeps everyone coming back for more and searching for that unknown.

It’s interesting that in the end, I related both of the articles to the theme curiosity. Both articles main ideas I found all revolved around curiosity of the unknown.

 

Ringo, A. (2013). Why do Some Brains Enjoy Fear. Atlantic Media Company. Retrieved on February 17,2014 from, http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/10/why-do-some-brains-enjoy-fear/280938/

 Carroll, N. (2002). Why Horror?. In Neill, A. & Riley, A. (eds.) Arguing About Art: Contemporary Philosophical Debates (2nd ed., Chap. 17). New York, NY: Routledge.

Tartakovsky, M. (2012). Why Some People Love Horror Movies While Others Hate Them. Psych Central. Retrieved on February 17, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/10/31/why-some-people-love-horror-movies-while-others-hate-them/

 

Horror Discussion

Feb12

Non-diagetic example

There is a mix of non-diagetic and diagetic sounds through out this Buffy episode. The one that I noticed first started at 15:44, was a non-diagetic sound, which appeared as mood music. Both characters lose their voices and figure out that they cant speak. When they figure out this, you can imagine they have fear. The fear is not shown through their voices but the background music that was playing. There are a lot of instruments. A violin is playing and it sounds almost creepy. The violins are playing screechy noises and its not pleasant to the ear. Everyone is in the stage of FEAR. And the music in the background does a great job portraying that. The background music adds the aesthetics of horror. It does this by informing the audience of the fear of the specific situation.

Diagetic Example

A diagetic sound from the Buffy Episode is the basically the main part of the video. Its any two characters talking or having a conversation. It is any actual sound.  The conversations between characters tell us what’s going on the in the story. When the boy and girl talk in and out of class is a diagetic sound. Buffys’ daydream in the beginning of the episode is a diagetic example. Showing Buffy walking down a dark hallway walking towards a little girl chanting shows the aesthetic horror. It shows aesthetic horror because it’s for seeing the next episode.

Mise-en-scene

I think the first scene with Buffy and riley about to kiss is an example of mise-en-scene. Where there kissing on the table, and everything around them disappears in the audience. The way this scene was edited, it influenced this scene in a big way. The elements helped express what the scenes purpose was. The Frame just closes in on them, closing out the whole rest of the environment. The background is darker and everyone disappears. The ascetic horror is a big part of the actors’ performance. Having the camera so close up and always on Buffy helps tell the story. The position of the camera sets up the mood and sense.