Art Lecture

We did not have a speaker for our lecture this week.  Instead, we went over schedules and all that fun stuff.  There are some things I am excited for and some things I am not looking forward to next semester. First, I love color so the fact that we get to work with that next semester is something that I am really excited for.  One thing that I am kind of upset about is the fact that I have grown to really like all my teachers and it is a little upsetting to know that we are going to be switched around for the spring.  I do think it is going to be a little easier though.  I have less classes so my work load should be somewhat smaller.  Overall, I just hope that I am going to get the classes that I want to take.  Scheduling can be stressful at times.

Kadinsky

So I think for my assignment I am going to use the influence of Wassily Kandinsky.  His work is very abstract, but I think it is so interesting, colorful and expressive and I really think I will be able to make a very interesting self-portrait.  Wassily Kandinsky was born in Moscow, Russia in 1866.  Because of his parent’s influence he became a musician, learning how to play the piano and the cello.  In 1886, he studied at The University of Moscow and afterward, became a teacher with the Moscow Factory of Laws.  It was not until he was thirty that he showed a real interest in art and went to study life drawing in Munich.  He showed a real talent in art and soon exploring with new ideas.  He added color and lines to his paintings, which soon developed into abstract art.  His work was inspired by a variety of things from music to controversial issues.  But he continued to create even with all the criticism he received.   Wassily Kandinsky died in 1944 as one of the founders of abstract art. 

 

Doug Bucci

I have to give this guy props.  I am exhausted because of all the projects and homework.  I could never imagine going through this with a child.  I am so impressed that he did not give up on his dreams.  I am also impressed, not just that he was able to make it through art school, but that he was successful afterward. We have had impressive people come in to speak, but I admire him the most.  He went through so many obstacles.  I mean, he is fighting for his life due to his diabetes and he is raising a family.  The odds were against him from the start and he was able to make it through on the top of his game.  He worked with royalty and Bam Margera after all.
Another thing that I liked about this guy was the fact that he was willing to give up his success to create work that really means something to him.  He made a line and gave the profit to organizations that relate to helping those with diabetes because it is what inspired his line.  I liked how he took something life-threatening and was able to make beautiful work from it.
One last thing, he gave great advice.  One of the first things he said was that it was the best thing to be uncomfortable.  I feel like I am always trying new things so it is nice to know that uncomfortable is a good thing.

Patterns!!

This would be my first pattern.

 

Second pattern.  

Third pattern.

And so on...

Creating the patterns were actually pretty fun.  I had some problems with borders.  I did not understand at first that the images had to be lined perfectly in the square we made or we got a large border in between the image we created.  However, I think I eventually got the hang of it and was able to make some interesting designs.  I really like working with the different brushstrokes.  The water colors are very appealing to me. 

Marianne Dages

This week our lecture was with a Miss Marianne Dages.  It is funny because in my 2-D class the next day, unfortunately, nobody could remember her name.  She was a good speaker and talked about interesting things, but she only mentioned her name once.  She emphasized the importance of finding your own space to work once you leave school.  Throughout the speech, I grew very envious of this girl.  She spoke of this magical place where artists go to do work.  They have infinite time and limited distractions.  I cannot help but crave the time she was given.  When were all waist deep in work, time sounds like the most beautiful thing in the world.  Besides the wonderful work we create of course.  Anyway, she also talked about her friends who were also successful in finding studio space.  The one that really caught my attention was the story of the married couple she was good friends with.  I couldn't imagine working in unison with your spouse.  They must have so much fun together. 
As for Mariann's work, I never would have thought of book binding as a career, but her work is beautiful and unique.  I personally would be so proud to be able to carry around a book that was hand bound by me.  She is very talented in her field of work.

I'll call him Bob

So this is the chihuahua that I created in adobe.  It was really easy after a awhile; once you get the hang of it.  I think he looks a little frighting personally but overall, I think it was fairly successful.

First Friday

I just wanted to post a few pics I took from my first experience at First Friday.  Thank you, Clarice for telling us about it because it is amazing.  First of all, I did not realize going in to our adventure, we would be going to Penn's Landing, a place that has recently made its way to one of my favorite locations in the world!  I was in complete bliss from the start and as we carried on walking up and down second street, my love grew.  There were people everywhere and you would expect the stands to get redundant, but all of these people were so unique and interesting.  Now I just cannot wait for next month.  As for the pictures, I think they are a little interesting.  It was night time so some did not come out very clear, but I think the effect was really neat actually.  I love the pictures I got last night.  Especially when I would walk up to people and ask for a photo.  Have I mentioned the people there were awesome?