Category: Assignments

My own artistic version of the Runquist Murals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am new to mac and I am not sure of any editing tools, so I created a basic collage of my thoughts about art and how art is created.

The key words that came to my mind were: An Idea, paper, easel, paint and paintbrush.

I watched this weeks TED talks video, I really enjoy them.  But I thought it was interesting.  First, Sousa was upset with the changing technology with what I assumed to be a phone, or a radio? Regardless, he didn’t want to take away from the Read Write society.  I think it is a generally cultural gap thing.  I see the same confliction with my parents and texting. They grew up differently, in a very different culture.  We now live in a very technological culture.   But here is my question, what is wrong with change?  It may not all be bad.  Larry Lessig shows great examples of new cultural creativity- taking the old, and making it more modern, accommodating to the changing times.  This seems difficult for the past generations.  But Facebook now is so much faster than paper mail, and texting can be so much more efficient than a phone conversation.  However, I think it is also important to note that just because we use Facebook and text, doesn’t mean we have completely forgotten the old ways.  A mailed letter is special sometimes and a phone conversation is still often utilized.

In this weeks reading titled “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins”, I believe Beverly Jones main thesis is “It is a premise of this paper that old cultural patterns do not die. They may fade or become more evident; that is, they may be deemphasized or emphasized. Only as part of the general ‘nonexpert’ culture can such patterns contribute significantly to maintenance and/or change” (Jones 21). Interpreting this quote in my own definition, older cultural tendencies may not always be on the front page, but they can be found in newer, changing times.  Art has been around much longer than technology but now the two have evolved together and co-exist. With the relation ship between the two, we have given light to a new medium of art- through technology.  Jones sets out to find the cultural patterns and symbols present in computer graphics from 1945.

During what the author calls the middle period, art and technology made great improvements and continues linking science, technology and art.  “In the mid and late 1070’s further increases in speed and memory led to faster graphics and then to displays of three-dimensional, colored, shaded and textures images on computer screens” (Jones, 24).  With these advancements in technology came advancements in the price as well making it more difficult for all artists to access.  At the University of Utah, Sutherland created a device that when wearing, the visual world around someone becomes computer-generated and gave birth to the concept of virtual environments.  Today this concept can be seen in all kinds of animated movies and video or computer games.

Without an exact timeline, I can’t say exactly when, but I know now that computer graphics can display amazing analysis of the human body.  With the use of sensors placed on the body the signal is transmitted through 3-D motion capture systems and displaying the images in real time on the computer screen.  This is amazing science and is used for hundreds of different things, gait analysis, force and loading rates on various joints etc.  I have seen first hand the fascinating technology work its magic.  This technology is present on our campus as well has several other college campus for research-intensive purposes.

It can be seen though this timeline of computer graphic and technology developments, that the original concept never died, it simply expanded.  Starting back in 1940 with D.P. Henry and his “ modified analogue computer… that produced drawings by a combination of pen movements and table movements” (Jones, 22), to now producing drawings with actual human body movements in real time.  Going even further, these real time human figures translated onto a screen are used in video games such as the Wii and Xbox Connect.

C-Motion | Home. (2013, January 1). CMotion. Retrieved May 26, 2014, from http://www.c-motion.com

Jones, B. J. (1990). Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins. LEONARDO: Digital Image – Digital Cinema Supplemental Issue, pp. 21-30.

Interestingly, Jane McGonigal in the TED talks video says her goal is to get people to spend more time playing online games.  Her argument is that people do not spend enough time playing these games to solve the most urgent world problems.  She explains that her goal is to get more people saving the world in real life as much as they do in games.  This sounds ridiculous.  My question is: “What kind of game would be beneficial enough to stop world hunger, global climate change, obesity etc.?” World of War craft is Jane’s example. I disagree, these things she says gamers become virtuosos at, apply within the game only.  If there was a game that was made that all these billions of gamers could get their minds on, that was actually real life, then perhaps I could agree.  Given all of the tools we actually have, all of the information we actually have, and putting into a game to solve an actual problem then maybe it could be beneficial.

1. My definition of spirituality was very vague: being in touch with ones own spirit.  I think I might have also considered the part of being in touch with another spirit as well, church related.  I think a person’s spirit contains feelings and desires and therefore spirituality is being connected to those things, and being connected to another spirit you follow, or look up to.  It could be God, or it could be someone else you connect to.
2. After the reading my ideas kind of cross a grey area.  My definition of religion is the ideas you practice or follow.  An example of religious practice would be waiting to have sex till marriage. The difference between spirituality and religion is that for spirituality you connect to the ideas, and religion is practicing them.  In my own opinion a spiritual person spends time looking within and a religious person spends time projecting out what the feel within.  I think they go hand in hand with one another.
3. My definition of creativity is having the ability to think outside of the box.  Being original.  Creativity involves creation, whether it is music, art, photography, landscape, writing etc.  Taking a vision and putting it to work and appealing to any of the senses.  Creativity is the production of something valuable, something others appreciate.  You can find creativity in just about any aspect of creating, whether it is the finished product, the original thought or the process of producing.  I think be creative needs admiration, one cannot call them creative unless someone else agrees.
4. It takes vision.  Not literally, but figuratively to be creative.  It takes a brain, a mind, and a thought.   The brain is the anatomical machine, but the mind is the tool.  The source of creativity comes from looking at, seeing something, feeling something, thinking something and therefor producing as a result.  Taking something external, internal analyzing in the mind and brain, and then externally producing.  The source of creativity is the ability to see beyond the exterior and create something of value.

In this weeks reading about Deeply Seeing, Grey addresses the necessities involved for creating accurate artwork.  Rather than just simply looking at someone or something, and artist must see to create.  The idea of including spirituality into artwork comes from this idea of deeply seeing.  Look past what is on the outside, material, and look into someone’s soul.  The author addresses Saint Bonavantures three eyes of knowing, “The eye of flesh sees the outer realm of material objects; the eye of reason sees symbolically…and the mystic eye of contemplation sees the luminous transcendental realms” (Grey, 73).  Spirituality comes from the later two of Bonaventures three eyes and includes the radiant beauty of the art object. The concept of including spirituality into artwork is brought out with creativity.  The author breaks down creativity into formulation, saturation and incubation, which is the process of finding, seeing and interpreting the subject. Following those are inspiration, translation and integration, which is the process of the artist creating his mental artwork and putting into action and showing it off to the world (Grey, 75). By actually being inspired, saturating, and integrating spirituality into the work rather than just looking and creating, the work becomes much more personalized.  The difference to me, after reading this article, between spirituality and religion is clear.  The article expresses spiritualty as someone’s inside beauty and nature versus what is seen on the outside.  It is the deeper meaning behind the first glance.  Religion is more the organized beliefs of some higher power.  I think religion is seen though examining someone’s spirituality; it is a part of the substance within a person.

We watched an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer this week and were looking for diagetic, non-diagetic and mise-en-scene examples.  At the beginning of the clip we see almost immediate mise-en-scene.  The scene starts as her in a college classroom and the teacher ask her to come to the front and lay on the desk.  Next, a man comes to her and says don’t worry; if I kiss you the sun will go down.  The camera zooms in slowly to their faces, and the room is silent except for their kisses.  As the camera zooms out, the classroom is empty and dark and no longer a classroom, it is a church seen.  This is eerie because being in an empty dark, cob web filled room that has transformed from you full classroom into a church is creepy.

Secondly, there is an example of diagetic almost immediately after the classroom/church seen.  Buffy walks out of the room hearing a little girl singing. Coming from the set change right before, this add creepy effect.  The little girl is singing softly, standing all alone in a dark, quiet hallway, dimly lit, also creepy.  She is singing about someone coming to take people and then says “you’re gunna die screaming but you won’t be heard”.  That is creepy within itself.

There was also some diagetic sound following this scene.  When Buffy was daydreaming in the previous scene, she was kissing a guy.  It is implied in the next scene she is into that guy. I can infer this based on the non-diagetic sound.  She is discussing weather or not he had been a person in her dream.  The music in the background is light and airy, almost fluffy, with violins, harps, guitars and triangles.  The tinging of the triangle makes the scene seem lighthearted.  The combination of his and her actions mixed with the flirtatious does not contribute to the aesthetic horror of the video.

 

Reflecting on how I dress is going to be somewhat of a difficult task, I don’t fit into one certain mold, nor do I want to.  However, when putting myself next to someone else who is perhaps from a different nationality or culture there are clear differences in our dress.  In general, I am simply dressed without anything over the top.  I wake up, and put on something comfortable most of the time.  But I did shop for those clothes; I have a style that I set out for when I go shopping.  The prompt for this assignment asked if family values and influence factors into my choices and I think it does.  In this essay I will attempt to examine who I present myself the way I do and where my reasons stem from.

Looking through my closet, I have a lot of basic t-shirts and long sleeves, and most of my tank tops are fancier or more brightly colored for summer time.  I don’t normally wear a lot of prints, but if I do it will be with a solid pairing.  Most of my clothing is loose and comfortable maybe slightly fitted but not revealing.  I do have ‘going out’ attire such a dresses that are different from the rest of my attire.  I think it is expected in my peer group and surroundings that when going out you dress out of your ordinary to some extent.  I will never wear anything I am uncomfortable with.  On the other end of the spectrum, I also have a lot of athletic attire.  As far as accessories, yet again I am simple with nothing too fancy or expensive.  I wear plain studded earrings (fake) with most of my jewelry from Forever21.  As far as shoes, I wear mostly vans, converse or Nikes for tennis shoes.  I have a few pair of nicer riding boots and rain boots for colder weather.  I occasionally wear toms and sandals when the weather is nicer.  As far as high-heels, I would say I have less pair than the average girl, but some for those ‘going out’ dresses mentioned above. I don’t currently have any tattoos and have no real desire to get one either and I have two ear piercings in each ear.

Above I addressed all of my personal and body adornment.  My personal beliefs are represented by my adornment.  I believe that what is on the inside speaks more then what is on the outside.  Meaning, I don’t dress bold to get attention or portray who I am, I let my actions and speak louder. The biggest value I think I have that is portrayed by my dress is self-respect.  I only speak for myself, but I don’t like to dress revealing to gain the approval of other people, I have enough self-respect for myself without seeking it elsewhere. Another value I have is health.  I wear a lot of athletic attire because I enjoy working out.  I have been an athlete for all of my life and pursuing a medical career currently, I know even more now how valuable the human body is.  Personally, I don’t have any tattoos because they are permanent.  I have nothing important enough to ink onto my body forever.  Perhaps this can tie back into my modesty somewhat.  Another value I have is practicality.  I don’t spend my money on frivolous things such as expensive jewelry and purses.  I believe I can dress stylishly and more than anything comfortable without an expensive price tag.

The way I was raised also has a lot to do with my personal values and they way I dress.  My family is fairly modest and reserved for the most part.  No wild tattoos and extensive piercing.  My parents are both professionals and have passed along the value for success to me.  Since I want to be in the medical profession, I know tattoos and piercings are not preferred.  The value of self-respect, I believe was also passed on to me by my family.  It was important to them that people see me as a self respected women, and now I value the same.  By not showing off my skin excessively, or having facial piercings and tattoos I think I portray that.  In general, I think it is still seen as less sophisticated and professional if you do these things and I would not like to be seen that way.

Over the years, I have generally had the same values and therefore dressed the same.  As I have grown up however, I have become more of a professional in attire and presence.  When I was younger going to the park and getting grass stains on my jeans was not a big deal, however now I would change.  I like to look presentable and clean.  Overall, the way I dress does represent who I am and what I value.  What I value comes from my internal desires as well as the things my parents and family value.

Person 1:  The first person I saw was a young lady maybe 23 years old.  She was short and a little curvy. She had short red hair that was styled messy curly.  This look makes me think she is a little sassy. I believe she was a college student because I saw her studying what looked to be medical related.  She was wearing a Dutch Bros jacket with a loose grey shirt underneath and faded jean capris with converse.  Based on her appearance I think she is probably a laid back, more casual person, easy going with a little bit of edge.  I also think she might work at Dutch Bros based on her sweatshirt.  I believe this young lady has a strong work ethic with goals and determination. To be working and going to school is enough of an accomplishment, but the medicine related study is an even loftier goal.   I feel she values this part of herself and probably grew up with strong values and a supportive family.

Person 2: The second person I am writing about was another young lady; I would think a freshman in college.  She was tall and slender with long blonde straightened hair.  She wasn’t wearing a lot of make up, but her nails were done.  She was wearing flashy Nike leggings, Nike frees and a sorority sweatshirt. By her height and slender not skinny build, I would think she was an athlete.  Her sorority sweatshirt leads me to believe she is involved in one and also she’s a student.  I feel she values friendship and community because that is a big part of the sorority lifestyle. The way she was carrying herself makes me think she is light hearted and spirited. I also feel that while she cleans up nicely with her straight blonde hair and French tip nails, she isn’t over the top because she barely wore make up. Also, not only was her height and build present, but also her Nike attire makes me believe she was concerned about her fitness.  French nails, Nike clothes and sororities are no cheap things, so I believe she comes from a wealthy background.

Person 3: The last person I observed was a middle aged Caucasian man.  He might have been in his late 30’s or early 40’s.  He had brown hair and a small 5 o’clock shadow.  He was walking alone with a saddle bag/briefcase around his shoulder.  Since I was on a school campus, I believe he may have been a professor or a businessperson.  Somewhat conflicting, he was wearing relaxed jeans, a button up flannel shirt and hiking style boots or tennis shoes.  I feel his appearance makes him look very relaxed and laid back, friendly.  I think with the weird combination of style that he might be a bachelor or have a lady of the same relaxed nature.  The hiking shoes make me think he has an outdoorsy nature and enjoys nature. If he does enjoying hiking, then I also think he would value fitness or health. The briefcase/side bag makes me believe he is educated, or possibly in the process of achieving an education.

Overall, all of these assumptions are based on a few second glances at a person.  These are all quick to judge comments based off of appearance.  While I believe that the way people present themselves can say a lot of about their culture, character and values, it is not always the case.  Considering I wear a lot of athletic gear doesn’t necessarily mean I work out as much as it appears. My comments above are very superficial.  I don’t go too deep into who a person is or where they come from because I cannot form that opinion based on a few quick looks at a person.