Week 10, Progress & Reading Response

Progress:

Inspiration Images:

For Block:

For Marionettes:

Reading:

Scott Grieger, Corporate Hype, Spiritual Coll, Military Heat, and Global Warming, Pages: 150-155

I felt Scott's perception of corporate control is well established. I find it so strange how symbols and brand names make society feel and act a certain way. Even though I am greatly aware of the tricks caused by usage of color, advertisement and displays utilized by companies, I still sometimes find myself pulled to pay more money, for something just because it's, Ganier, Pure Protein, or Bath & Body Works. While I think some companies do provide better products than store brands, or knock-off brands, I have also discovered that many times the cheaper brand works just as well. So why is this important? I think Scott's recognition of this mind trick is essential to our general awareness; using his art to reach audiences and influence the flow of consumerism and capitalism, has the ability to better individual lives and ways of living. As Scott noted, this relates to all kinds of "high power" control, that while arguably, not always negative, should however, be recognized and monitored to insure societal well being.

I was also drawn to Grieger's message of environmental misconduct; as much as I would rather say I am responsible in all of my own choices, in consideration of the environment, I would not be stating fact. I believe it is all too simple to become caught up in one's own life and routine and to ignore the consequences our actions cause. Whether is it the carelessness, of throwing away perfectly recyclable containers and packaging, or using unnecessary excesses of water, our simple movements throughout life, can do a great deal of damage. Greiger's sense of responsibility, can be a revolutionary addition to all of our consciousness.

Week 9, Progress

For this week, I have my completed mosaic, as well as, one finished, 3-D, pattern design & one in progress.

Week 8, Progress & Reading Response

Inspiration Images:

For Painting:

For Mosaic:

Progress:


For Painting:

My third piece in the elements series, is inspired by fire and the colors I associate with this element.

For Mosaic:

For my third mosaic, I cut my pieces and back board, based upon the design I drew below. This character, is how I imagine a particular person, in my favorite book, The Clockwork Angel. Whenever I begin a book, I pause as each role is introduce and invent how I want to see that character, for the rest of the narrative.

Reading Response: 


Julian LaVerdiere, Imagination - Inspiring Inspiration, Pages: 143-149

I find myself greatly kindred to Julian's inspiration, of past events, inventions  and intriguing stories. For myself, there is immeasurable beauty in past cultures, which is over looked in the modern day society; from hand crafted and one of a kind items, extravagant clothing, poetic language and literature, whereas our generation is one that is largely virtual, disengaged and many times, un-inspired in comparison. I feel that the past is rich with inspiration and inventive wonder; Julian's desire to capture this history, presents opportunities for his audience to step into the shoes of those long gone, but who have made their mark by creating and doing what was then, incomprehensible.

I think back to the great Expositions, held in the 19th and 20th centuries and of the active fascination over what was being presented. The inventors were genuinely honored in society's recognition and excitement. However, it seems today that the most important inventions are items such as the next iPhone, or Mac Book, and even these fail to amaze audience expectations. I also feel that a virtual world, has taken over the world of hands-on invention. What could be created that compares to the daguerreotype, or motor car, that does not involve a digital screen? Without a desire to pursue such thoughts, these possibilities may be lost.

Week 7, Progress & Reading Response

Inspiration Images:

My primary inspiration is based upon a series I'm doing, with the first two pieces, in the 1st image, below. I chose the element of fire and decided to use, oranges, yellows, purples and pinks to compliment the imagery.

Progress:

Image 1: My digital sketch

Image 2: My painting progress

   

Reading Response:


Rirkrit Tiravanija, Providing Free Food, Pages: 102-109

Rirkrit's selfless and kind attitude towards people in general, is truly inspiring and made reading about his ideas and pieces, very enjoyable. In the essay, it is mentioned that Tiravanija is well loved and admired. In reading about his actions and persona, it is not at all difficult to know why; although I have never met him personally, I feel that I myself admire his outlook on life and the way he uses his art to benefit others. An artist's collection of work, is many times, largely selfish; it is about the artist's own intentions and desires. Yes, the work may be selfless, in the way it is chosen to be used; however, the aesthetics and specifics of the piece are generally of the artist's own decisions and direction. Rirkrit's work however, is completely open and dependent on the needs of others and kindly requests participation.

I found myself laughing, as Rirkrit commented, that he would not be dismayed, if a participant's need, or wish, was to burn his piece to the ground. I think this statement shows a great release of power, on the part of the artist; Rirkrit does not wish to sensor his audience's experience with his work, even if it means the absolute destruction of his piece. To whatever extreme, I believe that Rirkrit's show of hospitality and of art that gives more than it takes, is something that can be welcomed, as an enriching element in every artist's body of work.