Lexicon Week Five

Judgment– “The forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion.” Humans judge constantly. We form judgments about people, movies, food, and art. We can judge something or someone to be ‘low brow’ or ‘elitist.’ Everyone judges, but everyone judges differently, it is all based on our own experiences and prejudices.

Participatory–“Taking part of or in.” One of the most important aspects of art and arts management. We talk every day about what counts as participation, how do we create participation and participatory events, it goes on and on. No matter how one defines “participation in art,” it is vastly important to all types of art and art experiences.

Atmosphere–“A surrounding or pervading mood, environment.” It can also be defined as the literal gasses that surround us and our planet. But when thinking of atmosphere in an artistic context, one thinks about the dominant feeling the art is supposed to be creating. There can be an atmosphere of creativity around art, or an atmosphere of fear around a political situation. The atmosphere of a situation colors how people are feeling and seeing the moment.

Character–“The aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person of thing.” Your character is what makes you who you are. Someone can be seen as having a strong character, a weak character, etc. It is one of the many terms we use to define ourselves. Art can also have a character; art can be characterized as gloomy, effervescent, political, sexual, childish, elitist, etc.

Lexicon Week 4

Convergence– “to tend to meet in a point or a line; incline towards one another, as lines that are not parallel.” I automatically think about when people’s ideas converge or when people work together to get to the same end. Convergence when talking about art may mean that two artists who come from different places and backgrounds end up being inspired by similar things and create similar art, even though there are vast differences in their lives and perspectives.

Connections– “association, relationship.” Connections, or links, are important for all parts of life. When thinking about advertising and marketing, a company may want to make connections visible (or implied) with another well respected or known company by using a similar logo, or showing that their models of business are related. Connections also make me think of networking. Making a connection with someone in the field of work that one wants to be in is a great way to get into the particular job market.

Identity– “the condition of being oneself or itself, and not the other.” The definition of identity can be endlessly discussed. To me, identity is who you are and being yourself. Identity can be expressed by modes of dress, ways of speaking, by what art you like, or what kind of art you do. You are expressing yourself by showing your personal aesthetics.

Lexicon Week Two

Process– a way to do something step by step. I have a process when I am packing my backpack or when I am thinking through an essay question. An artist also has a process, “artistic process” is likely the most relevant way to use the word. It is a way a person does their work one step at a time. When someone changes their process, many things can happen, breaking a rigid process and create a whole new way of doing something.

Environment– I automatically think of nature and the world around us. I think of environmental policies, ecology, and all associated sciences. But it does not have to be nature. A classroom is an environment, and one specifically for learning. A studio can be an environment for art. It can also be something that influences those associated with it. If I was creating some kind of art outside, I might be moved by the weather or the trees, if I was inside the library i may be inspired by the quiet clacking of many keyboards.

Technology–Computers, cell phones, tablets, things I only have a basic understanding of. Technology is what is changing our world day by day. As more advanced technology comes out it changes our ways of communication, learning, advertising, etc. Transmedia immediately comes to mind. With more and more platforms share information on, each can become a new way of showing art, advertising an art show, or sending pictures of an event.

Lexicon Week Three

System– “a coordinated body of methods or a scheme or plan of procedure,” or “an assemblage or combination of things or parts forming a complex or unitary whole” (dictionary.com). When it comes to defining system in general it is easy, we all are part of various systems: a government system, school systems, etc. But in a arts context I am less sure of its definition. It would still have to do with parts coming together to create a whole, or a way of doing something, but I cannot think of a specific example that would make sense in the context of this class.

Transparency– openness, honesty, ability to see through something physically, easy to tell how something or someone works. It is utterly important to our current society. People, agencies, schools need to be transparent. In the physical context, it is the ability to see through something (which could relate to some design aspects). Transparent can be used in different ways in various contexts.

Quality– Something we all want. Quality can be somewhat relative, what is quality to some can be judged as not good enough by others. It is a measure of a product, if something has a higher quality, it is more valuable. If a printed poster is a higher quality, it costs more. But if something is not a quality product people will pay less for it or assume it is cheap and not worth much.

Student Survey

1. Where did you move from to attend the UO? And, briefly describe how you landed on the UO AAD program. Any interesting, funny, anecdotal stories/details are welcome.

I graduated from University of California, Davis in March 2013. In August I moved to Arizona for some time off. I began applying to various graduate programs all over the country. My main interest is history and working in history museums. This program is well rounded and I have always loved UO, so when I was accepted to the AAD program I decided to go for it!

2. Area of concentration in AAD? Museum Studies

3. Describe your knowledge and use of technology systems. Responses should include the following:

  • Computer platform you use (Mac, PC, Linux, other)
  • Smart phones, tablets, other hand held/smart devices
  • Digital Cameras, Video, Audio devices
  • Peripherals – printers, scanners, other necessary and/or cool gadgets

My current laptop is an Asus touch screen. I generally work with PCs. I have a iPhone 4S. I used to do photography and have had multiple cameras both digital and film.

4. What software do you commonly use? Briefly describe purpose/application for software on your list.

I have a very basic knowledge of computers. I can use all of the programs in Office(word, ppt, excel, ect), but beyond that I am pretty lost.

5. Do you have any graphic design or media production/management experience? Have you taken any graphic design or media production courses?

I have no experience in graphic design or media production.

6. Know anything about typography?

No.

7. Do you use Web 2.0 apps? Name those that you use or are familiar with.

No.

8. Do you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine, Yelp, etc.)? Name those that you engage in.

I use Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, Pinterest, and Snapchat.

9. Tell me something unique about yourself.

I love all kinds of history. But I particularly love ancient history. In the last few years I have become more interested in my family history (my grandparents live in Ireland, and I am very proud of that part of my heritage), and want to learn more about genealogy. My family history is interesting from what I already know and would love to go as far back in time as I can.

10. Anything else?

I am eager to learn, but I definitely will need some help with this class.