In Lawrence Lessig’s Ted talk “Laws that choke creativity”, he mentions that using of computer technology is a kind of read-write culture. That is, “It’s a culture where people participate in the creation and the re-creation of their culture” (Lessig). And then, he gives some examples such as the Internet and remixing music. That made me think about the music industries in the US and China are so different. The US music industry has a specific and systematical law of music copyright, but in China, the music copyright is vague. Couple years ago, people could download any music for free from the Internet. Recently, the big internet groups are willing to pay license music for their platforms because Chinese consumers are increasingly listening to music via a small number of streaming services controlled by the big internet groups such as Tencent, Alibaba and China Mobile. Compared with the United Sates, the next challenge for Chinese music industry is how to convince consumers to pay for the music.
Month: May 2014
Understanding Jones’s “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins”
In B.J Jones’s article “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins”, she talks about the new development of technology and its effects to art and media. She thinks that, “new forms of art and technology are frequently cast in the mode of old forms, just as other aspects of material and symbolic culture have been” (21). Her primary thesis is, “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” (21).
Jones gives three historical examples of the development of computer graphic technology. In the section of “Recent and Contemporary Computer Graphics”, she indicates, “In the face of emphasis on context by some contemporary art theorists, most artistic uses of the computer remain separate from practical, scientific or technical uses” (26). She also mentions computer technology has affected our daily life in advertising, entertainment, publishing, telecommunications, business, finance and education. The author uses John O’Niell as an example of computer graphics and video game, which is “the work of John O’Niell offers an interesting example of the interaction of theory and practice from the art world with the origins and practices of early technical/scientific graphics” (26). In addition to video game, the entertainment such as film production and advertising relies heavily on the appeal of technical special effects made possible by earlier scientific or technical development.
The new technology especially computer graphics can create new visual effects to audiences and give them a new perspective to view arts. The Ford Alumni Center is a great example to Jones’s conclusion, “In light of this discussion, I leave the reader to consider the relationship of possible and probable uses of computer graphic applications, including visual reality, in terms of origins and practices” (29). The Ford Alumni Center is a dynamic building that welcomes all visitors and immerses them in the pioneering spirit that defines the University of Oregon, providing equal inspiration and information. The inside designs of the building are fully interactive for visitors to actively understanding and experience the culture of the University of Oregon.
Jones. B.J. (1990). Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins. LEONARDO: Digital Image – Digital Cinema Supplemental Issue, pp. 21-30.
University of Oregon Ford Alumni Center (short demo). http://vimeo.com/41886273
Advertising and Digital Technology
Two weeks ago, I took part in an advertising major students program, which called “NYC Trip 2014”, in School of Journalism and Communication. We visited different advertising agencies and museums in New York. What I saw in the top ad agencies reflected the topic “Art, Technology & Game” of this week.
After reading Jones’ article, I agree with him that today’s daily life is affected by computing, even heavily affected by computing. In the “Recent and Contemporary Computer Graphics” section, he mentions, “Practical and professional communities of advertising, entertainment, publishing, telecommunications, business, finance, education, and medicine have joined the academic, scientific and artistic communities in using this medium” (26). Computer graphics has changed the ways of communicating and interpreting new media. When I was in New York, I went to several digital advertising agencies such as StrawberryFrog and ROKKAN. Most of their works are produced and presented in a digital way. They also make print and television ads, but digital channels has became the most important direction for these newly born adverting agencies. As Jones’ says, “Computer graphics in advertising and entertainment rely heavily on the appeal of technical special effects made possible by earlier scientific/technical development” (27). Here is a great example of a digital advertising agency, which is Second Story in Portland that focuses on creating new interactive experiences.
Creative Spiritually Reflection
Q: How do you define “spirituality”?
A: I think “spirituality” is an individual thing that relates to sociology, philosophy and psychology. One’s spirituality reflects his or her inner thoughts or internal world. Spirituality should include one’s belief, religion and desire. It can be different in many ways. Some people build their spirituality based on the real world such as their families, friends and experiences. Also, some people’s spirituality comes from books. They believe a particular person’s thoughts such as Aristotle or Plato. Therefore, I think “spirituality” does not have a universal meaning.
Q: Does spirituality differ from religion?
A: In my mind, the range of spirituality is boarder than religion. Religion really depends on one’s root in history. And the same religion could bring people together. They have shared beliefs and hopes. Otherwise, religion also has a long history and its own characteristics. But, spirituality might not have a very long history. It can be changed as time goes by. It also does not have any limitations or boundaries.
Q: How do you define “creativity”?
A: “Creativity” is one’s ability to make or create new things or ideas. It can be both instinct and acquired. Creativity should not have limitations. Some people may have talents in art, literature, politics or science. Also, there is no such an exact criterion to evaluate creativity. That is to say, we cannot grade someone’s creativity.
Q: What is the source of creativity?
A: There are many sources of building and improving creativity. We can write a journal from what we see in the world. We can create a lyric after listening to a music concert. We can draw a picture of our dream last night. We can cook a dinner because of a smell. We make a sketch when we visit a museum. In this digital age, people have a lot of ways to be creative. If you are curious about something, you will find your own way to explore it and create new things.
Deeply Seeing
In the article “Deeply Seeing”, the author talks about the importance of seeing. When we see the subject, the meaning is coming up in our mind at the same time. He says, “Seeing determines every aesthetic decision” (72). First, artists see the subject that inspires them to create new things. Second, they scan the subject, then “dissecting the relationships of part to part balanced within the forms, appreciating the rhythm of its structure”. Furthermore, the author talks about his adaptation of the scientists finding of creative process. The creative process includes formulation, saturation, incubation, inspiration, translation and integration. In my opinion, I don’t think seeing determines every aesthetic decision. Artists can get inspiration beyond seeing. They can hear, touch and taste. Many ways would inspire people to create such as sound, music and smell. For the creative process that the author introduces in the article, I agree with him, but it is also a little complicated for me. This kind of creative process is very logic and strict. Also, the author says, “Not all artists will recognize each phase in their work, and each phase takes its own time, widely varying from work to work” (76). Everyone has his or her own way to create things. I think some artists might just have two or three stages of the creative process that is mentioned in the article. When I took my creative strategist class, I drew a map of my creative process. My creative process only has four stages. I wote, “I am seeing what is going on in the world” – “Then I use my DSLR to record what I am seeing. The images are like puzzles” – “When I close my eyes, all of the images become a mess picture. I don’t know what it is, but it’s colorful” – “Images + Key words + Ideas = Story. Telling is the center of my creative process”. Finally, I complete the puzzles, a beautiful and colorful puzzle.
Enjoy Horror Research
I remember in the first class of my ENG 109, which is Introduction to Television, my professor asked, “What TV shows/series are you guys watching now?” Almost everyone said, “Walking Dead.” It seems that watching horror TV shows and films has became a popular trend among our generation. Why do we enjoy watching horror films? Does it change the genre structure of Hollywood?
In the article “Why Our Brains Love Horror Movies”, Sharon Begley uses Paranormal Activity 3 as a successful example of horror movies. She also gives some quotes to explain the relations of scary movies and human mind in terms of media psychology. “Horror movies are one of the better ways to get really excited,” says Fischoff. And then she discusses why horror movies are more popular among younger audiences than older people. They find that “a cathartic effect” can offer people emotional release and escape from the reality. Otherwise, Begley indicates that horror films attract people who like predictability and neat ends. Also, horror movies can help young people learn how to manage terror. “Horror films are popular because they speak to the basic human conditions if existential fear, the knowledge that we are all doomed.” Finally, she lists the top 25 favorite films, but horror is not in that list. Horror is less popular than other genres because they “often leave people feeling nervous and unsettled”.
Another article I read is from Hollywood Reporter, which is called “From ‘American Horror Story’ to ‘Walking Dead,” How Horror Took Over Hollywood”. The authors first introduce the makeup trailer of American Horror Story as a hook. And then they mention horror is flourishing film and television, also, they give a brief introduction to the horror films in Hollywood history. They also point out that based on Jason Constrantine, horror film can be cost-effectively produced and is popular with men and women regardless of age and race. The authors discuss some horror TV series such as The Walking Dead, The Following, Dracula and The Exorcist and American Pycho. There’s a long pattern of young audiences flocking to horror movies. Furthermore, the article talks about the budget issue of horror movies. Also, in the past, horror films targeted white younger teenagers, but now, “women and Latinos are fueling the surge”. Then they introduce several examples of the successful horror films since 2002. In addition, the horror genre also grows in the international markets such as the U.K., France, Russia and Latin America. Finally, back to American Horror Story, it is very hard to believe that horror films were laughed out of TV networking meetings. This kind of TV series also reaches international audiences’ eyeballs.
Why do young people like watching horror films? Begley says, “Freud suggested that horror was appealing because it traffics in ‘thoughts and feelings that have been repressed by the ego but which seem vaguely familiar’ as a 2004 paper explained.” That is to say, horror could provide people another different world that they seem vaguely familiar. They might have some feelings and thoughts but they are not real. Also, young teenagers like excitement, and horror films can bring this kind of feeling to stimulate their inner desires and help them release pressure. “Horror movies help young people learn to manage terror,” Begley mentions in her article. That’s true. I’m not a fan of horror films, but sometimes I watch it because I want to get some excitement and different feelings in my life. At the end of the article, the author asks a question, “Why is horror less popular than other genres?” Then Fischoff answers, “Generally, people anticipate feeling entertained and feeling good when they leave a film”, but “they often leave people feeling nervous and unsettled.” However, in the second article that I find from Hollywood Reporter, the authors introduce how horror has been a very popular genre in TV and film industry. In my opinion, I’m not sure if horror would be a “fast food” in young generation’s entertainment world.
Begley, Sharon (2011, October 25). Why Our Brains Love Horror Movies. The Daily Beast. Retrieved May 12, 2014 from http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/10/25/why-our-brains-love-horror-movies-fear-catharsis-a-sense-of-doom.html
Marisa Guthrie, Tatiana Siegel (2013, October 9). From ‘American Horror Story’ to ‘Walking Dead’. Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 12, 2014 from http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/american-horror-story-walking-dead-645007
Week 6: Horror Discussion
The non-diegetic sound could be a narrators’ commentary, sound effects and mood music. In the episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, when the boy kisses the girl (01:38), there is a short music creates a miserable mood. I can hear the sound of wind and thunder. It is non-diegetic sound because the music and the sound of wind and thunder are not from the actual stage. When I heart the sound, I thought something strange and horrible would happen later. I think sometimes the non-diegetic sound implies what will happen next and create a sense of mood to the audience.
Based on the course materials, the diegetic sound is “whose source is visible on the screen or whose source is implied to be present by the action of the film. In 02:29, there is a little girl singing a song. Her singing is diegetic sound. Because of her singing, the female character is curious about the voice, and she asks, “Do you hear that?” The little girl’s voice is clean but unpredictable. She repeats the lyrics again and again. It sounds weird and horrible. Her singing definitely brings up some questions to the audience. Who is she? What is she singing?
One example of mise en scène is the lighting in the beginning of the episode. When the students sit in the classroom, the light is natural. It indicates that they live in a real world. After the boy kisses the girl, the light turns dark. It creates a strange environment and an anxious feeling. The dark light and the empty classroom show us they are in an unreal world like a dream or an imagination.
Personal Reflection Essay – Looking Myself in the Mirror
“Mirror, mirror! Is this the girl I really want to be? Am I in the right place? ” The mirror in my bathroom is not the magic mirror of the Queen in Snow White. It cannot give me a right answer, so I have to reply the questions by myself.
“Siyang, I think you are at least not ugly.” The “self” in the mirror says. I am satisfied with my appearance that my parents give me and make up by my BB cream, eyes shadow, dress and shoes. Thanks to people’s criterion about beauty, I pay more attention to my eating habit and health, so I have a normal body type. I’m a girl, a Chinese girl, a Chinese girl with big eyes and black straight hair. When I was a little girl, my mom told me, “Beauty is natural.” She doesn’t like making up too much, so I didn’t have any makeups until I was 19. My parents like clean and simple dressing style. In my mind, my father always wears business causal when he goes to company, and he has never messed up. Their standards of beauty influenced me a lot before I went to school.
In China, students have to wear uniforms from Monday to Friday when they go to school. What really surprised me is that I wore uniforms for 12 years. The time period covers elementary school, middle school and high school. I think people in other countries might not believe all of the students in a high school wear the same uniforms. Before I was 19, which is the year that I came to America, I think I didn’t know how to dress up myself and what kind of body adornment fit my style. We were not allowed to wear personal decorations such as necklace, earrings and bracelet in school. I only wore them when I went out with friends on the weekends or holidays. If I looked through the photos that I took in my high school, I must say, “Oh my god! I looked so stupid. Why did I choose that skirts?” I think the school rules in China prevented our creativity and freedom of perusing beauty. I even did not know my personal style until I went to America.
When I went to America, I started to lean how to dress up and make up. I realized a personal should have his or her style. The way of dressing will represent one’s personality, not every parts of personality, but the first impression is very important. In Eugene, I think most of us like to wear comfortable. I always wear T-shirts and jeans to school. If the weather is nice outside, I will wear skirts or dress. However, it really depends on where I will go and what people I will meet. If I have a presentation or meeting, I must wear business causal. It shows my serious and polite attitude to other people.
Do I have my own criterion of beauty? Yes. But I have to change it according to others’ values because most of the time, my appearance is showing to other people not to myself. For example, if I want to wear high-heel tomorrow, maybe I will give up because it would be weird in university class. “Siyang, you look tired but happy.” It is true. I choose my current life style and role by myself, so I am happy. Although sometime things could be hard for me, I have enough confidence to deal with them. “Siyang, you are not the little girl; you changed a lot. Do you like that?” Half and half. I feel busy and happy at most of the time because I am learning what I am interested in and doing what I want to do. However, when I live alone or have to face some challenges, I will miss my family and miss the past “simple and innocent” little girl. Choosing to study abroad in America and being a new comer, I have to learn how to suffer the problems and get used to others’ judgements. This society forced me to change and adapt. “Siyang, will you still persist in your current choices and style?” Definitely. This is the way I want to live; this is the person I want to be; this is also the way I want to exist in our society.