Questionnaire and Reflections:: Foundations of Art Inquiry

COURSE CONTENT
1. Which assignment did you ENJOY working on the best? Why? *I enjoyed working on the self portrait the best.  I thought it was a good ending to the modules and a good way to reflect on the different elements and principles. It was much more enjoyable because it was a project on myself.

2. Which assignment did you ENJOY working on the least? Why? *I did not like doing Module 9 dealing with the art work of Leonardi DaVinci and other artists of that time period. I thought it was very boring and that I always go over artists of that time period over and over again.

 

3. How did you like using BLACKBOARD? *It is fine. I liked ANGEL better, but this was okay to work with because you had everything organized neatly. You had every module put together with clear instructions and even gave us helpful tips on how to complete some of the projects which was nice.

4. What is your opinion of the Discussion Groups in this course? *The discussions were good because they reinforce the readings. It always helps to write about what you read about in my opinion.

5. Did you participate in any of the extra credit projects in previous modules? If so, what was your opinion of them? (mandala, elgin marbles, culture, art critics) *Yes, I participated in the extra credit projects. I enjoyed the Mandala project especially because I used to work at the Buffalo Museum of Science all throughout high school so I knew about mandalas. I liked doing the research on it too because it brought me back to my high school days. 

6. If you had the opportunity to change this course:

What would you keep? I would keep mostly all of the modules.

What would you remove? I would not include module 13 and 14.

What would you add? I would not add anything.

7. Would you recommend this course to your peers? *Yes, I would definitely refer this class to my peers because it is thorough and everything we will have to do is explained at the beginning of the course which is very helpful.

8. Please list any other comments you would like to share. *Thank you for allowing me to take your course. I think it is very reasonable of you to offer extensions on any of the modules and allow work to be submitted late with penalty (even though the penalty is somewhat steep). 

Module 16: Bye Foundations of Art Inquiry

1. What were you expectations for this course and where they met? * My expectations for this course was that I would have a new found respect for art work and to truly understand how to approach art. I definitely think that my expectations were met. Going to the art gallery and learning how to analyze art work was actually an enjoyable experience. It takes more effort to breakdown the meaning of a piece of art than I initially believed prior to taking this course. I honestly believe all art courses should be structured like this one because it makes you work hard to understand art. It was fun to make drawings of myself and color wheels.

2. Now that you've been through this course, What is art? How would you define it now compared to your intial posting? *Art is a form of expression that includes elements and principles used universally to analyze and understand works of art. Art can be in the form of music, visuals, designs, etc. I think my definition this time, having taking this course, is more detailed and thorough.

3. Who was your favorite artist in your original posting and who is your favorite visual artist now? If there is a difference, why do you think so? If you have the same favorite artist, why do you think so? *My favorite artist in my first post was Vincent Van Gogh and I liked his painting called "Starry Night". He is still my favorite artist and that is still my favorite picture. The picture is just calm and collective feeling for me so I will always enjoy it.

4. Now that you've completed this course, how do you feel about taking an online course? Is your answer the same as it was in your first posting? How is it the same or different? *I like taking online classes and yes my answer is still the same as in my first posting. However, I realize that I need to pay more attention to deadlines and make sure I look ahead at course work before I start it so that I can have it done in a timely manner. I would take another online class again though.

Photo Credit: www.ignivomous.org

Module 15 Self-Portrait

Module 15: Self Portrait!! (I love sefies!)


1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces? I selected the inspiration pieces because i wanted my final self portrait to look similar to the ones I chose. I like each portrait in it's own special way and I wanted to include them in my reflection in my blog.

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait? I simply selected a pencil and paper to draw my picture. I think it is the simplest form of art. I like the way it looks too, it makes every aspect of the picture very defined. I think it looks original when drawn with pencil and no color.

3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them? The only challenge I faced when doing my self portrait was trying to make the picture look like myself. In my childhood I used to draw pictures often of cartoon characters or of my friends and family. But since then I have not been practicing drawing so I am rusty. So I struggled to try to make the real photo and my drawing match as close as possible. I just kept trying to remember how I used to draw and relaxed and enjoyed the drawing process.

4. How does this piece represent you? It shows how I can be happy no matter what the circumstances going on in my life. I recently lost my job and have been missing my grandfather who passed away around this time two years ago. However, I like that I am able to smile through any type of problem going on in my life. It is incredible how much a simple smile can do for your self esteem!

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?  I applied the majority of art elements and principles to my picture. I used lines to define my eyes and pretty much entire picture so you can tell what is what. I used to value and contrast with the pencil to highlight certain areas to give it more definition. I liked that feature especially. I emphasized certain areas like my smile and the background. Lastly, there is unity in my picture because it gives a warm, happy effect, showing that not only is summer on it's way and the semester is over, but that I tried my best to keep a positive attitude and happy mentality through it all!


6. Did you enjoy working on this project? Yes! I liked this project the best. Not just because I was drawing a picture of myself, but because it was a liberating process. I like drawing so I enjoyed the entire thing.

7. What do you think of your final artwork? I think it came out nice. I am inspired to draw more often like i used to as a kid. Hope you enjoyed my picture.

MY INSPIRATIONS!!

Frida Khalo 1926. Photo painted with oil.
125x170mm. Mexican Museo Frida Khalo (google art project)

Vincent Van Gogh. 1889. Dimensions: 438.2x517.5 cm
oil on canvas. Dutch National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC
(google art project)

Evelyn Joyce McCrea. 1935-1936. 410x510mm.
oil on canvas. Iziko Museums of Cape Town.
(google art project)

Module 13&14 Reflection to Powerpoint

For my Module 13 &14 project I decided to dedicate my PowerPoint slides to African and Asian artwork. I wanted to honor how important family was in these cultures and how they were represented in their art.

My PowerPoint consists of 10 slides that alternate between African and Asian themed slides. The name of the PowerPoint is "Honoring Family in African and Asian Cultures". 

I found creating this PowerPoint was quite time consuming. Having to locate decent pictures, relate them to the theme, and type out the facts took time and effort. I learned a lot along the way and I am glad I chose the theme that I did. 

I am now interested in visiting more museums around the country to view other works of art! 

One of the slides from my PowerPoint, my favorite picture from the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

"Field Work" by Ellis Wilson
oil on fiberboard

Module 13 &14

 VIDEO REVIEWS:

1.  The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art

2. Displaying Modern Art: The Tate Approach

3. An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.

3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?

 Video #1: 1. In this video I learned that lowbrow art was defined as "a person regarded as uncultivated and lacking in taste". A lot of the artists from the video were not concerned by this definition and continued to create art as they pleased. Lowbrow art was art that contained explicit graphics such as naked women or exaggerated body parts. Lowbrow art originated in the West Cost of the U.S.

2. No, this video does not relate to my art exhibition project. My art exhibition project is more conservative and traditional looking, so I do not think it fits the criteria as being similar to lowbrow art.

3. I enjoyed watching this film mostly because of it's colors. The film was interesting because it showed various examples of lowbrow art, which I had never heard of before. Yes, this film did add depth to my understanding of the art concepts I practiced when creating my project, it reminded me that it does not have to be perfect or fit within the means of what society thinks my art work should look.

Video#2: 1. In this video, I learned about how art is displayed in museums and galleries. Political and Ideological themes were among some of the ways that art was displayed after modernism. The Tate approach divided the artwork into four different sections each having their own unique displays and organized specially.

2. Yes, this video related to my art exhibition project because my project was organized similar to the Tate approach. I did my project on exotic artwork of African and Asian roots.

3. This film was not that interesting, it taught me a lot about the Tate approach to displaying art work, but I did not find it that helpful. It somewhat added depth to the understanding of art concepts I practiced while creating my exhibit by reminding me that display is an important aspect in drawing attention to it. But otherwise it did not affect my thinking during the creation of my artwork.

Video #3: 1. In this video, I learned that Philippe De Montebello was the director of the Metropolitan museum for 31 years. He talked about how it was important to him when choosing which pieces of art, which ones were appropriate for display in the museum. I also learned that the conservation of art on paper is often a long process and to create the best results you should take your time.

2. Yes, this video does relate to my art project. My project was specially crafted to be seen by a variety of spectators and I strived to make it as interesting as possible.

3. This film was somewhat interesting. It was interesting listening to Montebello talk about how he chooses to display certain artwork and how he filters out the art that is not fit for the Metropolitan.

Module 12: Video Reviews

VIDEOS:

Andy Warhol: Images of an Image

Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the ’50s and ’60s

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above. *I chose to watch the Andy Warhol: Images of an Image because I wanted to know more about the idea of mass media in relation to art from his perspective. Since I've never heard of him, I decided to choose that video.  I chose to watch the Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the 50's and 60's because it seemed interesting to watch.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned. *Andy Warhol enjoyed artwork and photographs of women such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Often he would used one image and create multiple copies of it and put it all on one picture. He used a lot of overlapping photos and used silk screens. There was complex process to achieve a lot of the photos he released. It was called a "parable of mass production". In the Abstract Expressionism video, the "language of abstraction" was the main idea. This idea explained that this new type of art was "non figurative" and combined American and European ideas to create a new type of art.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text? *The videos relate to the text in many ways. Andy Warhol's photos showed some of the art elements and principles such as lines, shapes, color, and space especially in the pictures with multiple copies of the same image. In the Abstract Expressionism video, I learned that when beginning an abstract work of art, this is the most important part. An abstract artist is working in the "dark" when beginning a new picture.

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts? *I thought the films were somewhat interesting. They were not what I expected them to be. I thought in both films, there was too much commentary and not enough viewing of actual artwork. The Andy Warhol video was  interesting I liked looking at the Marilyn Monroe pictures and the way the film talked about how much of an impact she had on the culture at the time. I actually learned that he was a prominent artist during his time period. I mentioned him in a conversation with my mother and she knew exactly who I was talking about. The Abstract Expressionism video was very dull and boring. I did not think this particular video added depth to the understanding of the reading

Module 10 :-)

MODULE TEN:

Buddhism

African Art: Legacy of Oppression

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above. * I selected the  Buddhism video because I enjoy learning about this particular religion and their is always more to learn especially from different prospectives. I chose to watch the African Art: Legacy of Oppression video because I wanted to learn more about Africa and more about the history behind their artwork and how it related to their struggles and what they went through. I also was happy to watch this video because out of all of the art classes I have taken in my college career, we never discuss Africa in detail, just a small paragraph or short sections. I enjoy learning about all cultural artwork, not just limited to Greek and Roman artwork.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned. I learned a lot in the Buddhism video. My favorite concept about Buddhism is Nirvana, the eternal bliss one will achieve once he is enlightened. The entrance way into temples where Buddhist people prayed is called the Torana which is made of granite and has some of the teachings of Buddha on it. Tanho' was the teachings that as each person studies and worships the concepts in Buddhism, then he should break free of ignorant thoughts and live in his own way. The outside of the temples were made of high quality ivory with lions, pop belly dwarfs and people.

In the African oppression video, it shows the different artwork collected at a museum in Belgium. The narrator takes us through a short video showing how African artwork related the events that went on during the time period they were made in. One particular piece of artwork shown in the video that interested me was the masks. For example there were masks to signify manhood and masks to represent handicapped people. But there were also masks made to scare off enemies, like those made by Boan people to scare off European people they considered to be a threat to them. 

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text? *These videos compliment the text by putting the readings into live footage and helps the reader make connections to how the artwork is in real life. In the book, figure 19.4 (9th ed) shows the details of the east gate at Great Stupa, Sanchi made of sandstone. I seen a similar gate in the Buddhism video and it was explained more about how the entry ways of the temples were like entry ways into enlightenment. In the book I also noticed the masks they spoke about in the video such as the mask worn by the man from page 416 (9th ed). A lot of the masks resembled white European government officers during the early 20th century when colonial rule was imposed over the continent.

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts? I enjoyed the films, they both taught me a lot more about the Buddhist and African cultures. They were both packed with information I would have otherwise never found out such as architectural styles within Buddhism. The videos add depth to understanding the readings and art concepts because they reinforce the concepts through visuals and listening to the narrator tell the story. 

Module 9 Hand Drawings

1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing? *Using my hand as the subject matter for a drawing was interesting because it made me very critical making the drawing. 

2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why? * I used a pencil because it was simple and easy for me to use. I like using pencils because you can erase easily and make corrections. Using charcoal would've made shading look better but I think the pencil did just fine.

3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand? *It was difficult drawing with my non-dominant hand because I almost never use it to write. It was awkward trying to make it perfect and keep my hand steady because my hand was not used to drawing.

4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies? *I think my drawings are nice compared to each other. Since I am right handed, my picture of my left hand looks better and is neat. The picture of my left hand is more detailed because I was able to draw easier. I was a little impatient drawing my right hand because I kept finding myself wanting to put the pencil back in my right hand to draw with.

5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future? *I would consider using my non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future because I want to improve my drawing and writing skills and perhaps one day become ambidextrous.

Module 9 Video Reviews

 Velazquez and The Power of Art: Caravaggio

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above. *I chose to watch the video Velazquez because it was interesting and showed how he was a great influence on artwork in Spain. He chronicled the life of his friend King Philip the fourth among other work that changed the way artwork looked in the 1600s. I chose to watch the Caravaggio video because I wanted to learn something new because I have never heard of him or his artwork.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned. *In the video Velazquez, I learned that he was an educated artist and created art that reflected worldly events such as battles and current events. He was good friends with King Philip the fourth and created many works of art based off of his life as well. Velazquez mostly drew portraits of the royal family and jesters. Caravaggio enjoyed creating controversial pictures with himself in it such as him holding the head of Goliath from the Bible. He created art like this to reflect what was going on in his life and his struggle to be accepted.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text? *The Caravaggio video shows Baroque style of artwork. Although his artwork showed much tragedy, it had characteristics of this style of art because the colors were bold and the scenes realistic. The Velazquez video also showed characteristics of baroque style. He created portraits of baroque writers during his lifetime as well.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts? *The films I watched were interesting, but I did not enjoy them as much as I thought. I understood the objectives and how they relate to the class material but it would be interesting to learn more about female artists or artists from other cultures that may have be involved in these types of art styles (baroque and rococo). The videos just compliment the reading by bringing the concepts of baroque style to life and add some history to the learning.

Module 8 Video Reviews

More Human Than Human and 

The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure

1. Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above. * I chose the selected video "The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure because it related to the required video and I am interested in learning more about human art figures. I enjoyed looking at all of the sculptures and statues from the video and learned more from the video and text than I have ever learned in classes from high school.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned. * In "More Human Than Human" I learned a lot about human art figures throughout history. In the past and even today, we as humans preferred images that do not look like us. We are obsessed with images that are typically unrealistic. For example, the sculpture Venus of Willendorf depicts a nomadic woman with exaggerated features. The tiny sculpture shows the woman having large breasts, reproductive features and other parts but ignored others.  Experts from the video explained that humans were basically mentally wired to envision themselves this way. As the years went on, other civilizations such as the Egyptians began to display their art as appearing more realistic. They had an obsession with precision and order in their statues. Human art figures really lay the foundation of how we view ourselves as a human culture.

In "The Greek Art and the Human Figure video", I learned that the Greeks were obsessed with the body and carved a lot of their sculptures from wood and marble. Most of their artwork is of women and range in small to large sizes. In the sixth century began to make 3-D sculptures, more realistic views such as exposed reproductive parts, and statues that show movement.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text? * The videos help to reinforce the material in the textbook. For example, when the first video covered the Venus of Willendorf sculpture, it helped me to understand it's existence better because they went into detail about it from another persons perspective (the experts).

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts? * I liked the films a lot they were interesting and kept my attention with all the examples of sculptures they showed. The experts they had on the videos were very knowledgeable in their areas and helped me understand new concepts in regards to human art figures and how it relates to how we view art today. The videos add depth to the readings and concepts by using real life examples to teach us about past and present art work.

Module 7: Video Review

For module 7, I will be reviewing the following videos:

Frank Lloyd Wright: Prairie Style  

Frank Gehry: Architecture is Art

________________________________________________

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned. *In Frank Lloyd Wrights: Prairie Style video, I learned many key concepts. I learned that prairie style describes a series of horizontal planes throughout the homes. He put in a lot of open concepts throughout homes he designed such as an open living room area. He placed fire places in the center of the house which was not common; it freed up more space for windows. Lower ceilings focused on the horizontal style of the house. Wright took pride in calling his homes organic because they blended with nature. The base of the houses were planted in the ground so that it would seem like the house grew with nature. The rooms in the home flowed into one another instead of being sectioned off. He fluctuated high ceilings and low ceilings throughout his homes. Wright inspired many architects such as Dan White and Donald Fraser.

In Frank Gehrys: Architecture as Art video, I also learned a lot of concepts. I learned that Gehrys architectural processes were precise and and complex to create beautiful works of architecture. He did not follow conventional rules of architecture; he developed his own vocabulary to make buildings that interacted with humans emotional responses. He tried unconventional materials as well and used spatial dynamics that were different from typical architecture. For example, music artist Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey shot videos at Gehrys famous Guggenheim Museum in Spain which featured aesthetic emblems of the 20th century.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text? *The videos relate to the reading in the text in several ways. I noticed that Frank Lloyd Wright described his designs as being organic.This reminded me of green architecture because it is all related to nature and how architecture can interact with it's surrounding environment in a positive way. Gehrys video reminded me of the true meaning behind architectural art and broadened my understanding of aesthetics. Art is not just limited to painting or drawing (original fine arts; Gehry expressed his love for paintings) but crafting/designing buildings should include aesthetics as well.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture? *I enjoyed watching the films and I thought they were very insightful. The Wright video added to my prior knowledge of his work, but this time it made me think of it more as artistic than just a creative and historical way he made his homes and buildings. The Gehry video introduced me to him and his work and how he thought of himself as an artist and his architecture as art. He stressed the importance of sparking an emotional response to people viewing his architecture. This concept adds to the depth of understanding architecture and even includes aspects of philosophy. The crafting/designing process of buildings requires deep thought, innovative ideas, knowledge of construction, and a profound set of artistic skills.

4. Why did you choose the films that you watched? * I chose to watch Frank Lloyd Wrights film because I already had background knowledge about him. I wrote a paper about his famous Darwin Martin house here in Buffalo, New York, the Larkin Soap Administrative building, and the summer house in Derby, New York. I admire his architectural style and if I could, I would have a prairie style home built for myself (except with high ceilings). I chose to watch the Frank Gehry film because prior to now I never heard of him and wanted to know more about him. I also was attracted to the title "Architecture as Art" because I think of buildings as being art. For example, a lot of the architecture here in Buffalo display many different forms of architecture. City Hall and the Frank E. Merriweather library designs are very impressive, unique, and beautiful.

Reviewing Peer Response to Artwork

1. http://myartdiscovery.blogspot.com/2014/03/art-gallery-visit-1.html

2. http://myartdiscovery.blogspot.com/2014/02/elements-of-art.html

3. http://francocardillo.blogspot.com/2014/03/art-visit.html?showComment=1394326711725#c571245024335815665

2. When looking at Project #1: (Elements and Principles), did you agree with the element or principle the artist listed with the images? Did you see other elements and principles in the images? * When reviewing Michael Ushman's blog on project #1 I thought his slide show was very simple and straight to the point. It required no explanation and I was immediately able to understand that each picture represented an element/principle of art. I liked his pictures and thought he made good choices. I agreed that his pictures matched the element/principle. I did notice other elements and principles within the pictures. For example, in his picture on unity had variety in it with the my little pony toys in different shapes and colors.

3. When looking at Project #2: Where there any images in the Peer Blogs the same as your own? If yes, what were they? Where the reasons the image was selected the same or different as your own? *When reviewing Michael's blog on project #2 there were no images that were the same as mine. I did notice that I passed by one piece of artwork he posted. I seen the "La Toilette" painting by Picasso when I visited the museum. His selections had lots of variety and his explanations he posted about were interesting as well. He and I have the same thoughts about the "La Toilette" painting that we think our society puts too much emphasis on a persons looks.

When reviewing Francesco Cardillo's project #2, I was able to connect with him on his view of Anselm Keifer's artwork. He liked the wall art, while I enjoyed the bigger displays on the upper level called Die Milchstrasse. Francesco did not post about the same images as I did on my visit to the art gallery.

4. Where there any images that your Peers selected that pique your interest now? If yes, what are they and what is your connection with them? What would you want to know about them? *Michael posted a painting by Pablo Picasso entitled La Toilette and while it is a picture of a nude woman looking in the mirror held by another woman, the picture seemed more intriguing than how it looked. I think it reflects societies attitude toward personal appearance and how we depend on our reflection in the mirror to tell us about ourselves and how we should be. I want to know why Picasso chose women in this picture instead of men and what was his inspiration.

In Francesco's blog I thought the picture he described by Edgar Degas about women looking at their reflection in the water as a picture that would be similar to Picasso's. I would like to see this picture and learn more about it. I think he is referring to this picture: 

5. What do you think about  the process of reading your peers reflection? Do you find this to be a valuable in your learning? * I enjoyed the process of reading my peers reflection. It is refreshing to read work from my peers and read about other perspectives. I think it is valuable in my learning because I think your peers are sincere when they critique your work. It is also easier to discuss problems with work with your peers than it is with the teacher. Sometimes students feel slightly intimidated when talking to teachers; peer review can be less stressful.

6. Check your Blog and read comments posted by your Peers. Do you find their comments helpful? *Yes, I found the comments left on my blog very helpful. My peers let me know that I am doing a good job keeping up with the class and assignments. I am happy and proud that they noticed the color schemes I use to try to keep the blog interesting (and my love for color). I think peer review and reflections are beneficial to any student.