Blog 8- Wallace

               The article by Wallace was very interesting to me and revealed many truths that are frequently overlooked.  He brought up a good point that sometimes the most obvious and important realties are the ones that are looked over the most.  I also agreed that a college education does in fact teach you how to think or at least think in a different way.  College education and life experiences teach you to look at life from other’s perspectives and realize that you are not the center of the universe.  I liked when he talked about his trip to the grocery store after work and mentioned how one could have an entirely different perspective on the situation by simply realizing the experiences of others and how it may be determining their behaviors. He also touches upon how people tend to over think abstract things or get lost in things that really have no significance. I agree that instead it is important to pay attention to things that are going on right in front of you-things you would normally overlook.

               I think that this speech may have been a little lengthy for a graduation speech and I am not sure how much of it would be internalized after hearing it verbally. It is a good and meaningful speech and something that everyone should really think about.  Having it written down, I think made it more meaningful.

Micro Project 4- Identity and Places

The object that I chose for this project is a glass triangular shaped figurine filled with beach sand, sea glass and seashells. This object is of great significance to me. Every time I go on vacation, I bring back a glass object or figurine with that represents the city where it is from. This particular object that I used in this project is from Boothbay Harbor, Maine. My family and I have traveled to this quaint, picturesque town along the coast of Maine 3 times. It is one of my favorite cities in all of the United States. Whenever I look at this figurine on my desk, I think of my family and the memorable times we shared in this coastal town. I also really like beaches and the shoreline. I feel like this object represents my love of the ocean as well as a part of me that I wanted to share with campus. The spot I chose for this object is the stone wall that lines an almost hidden pathway that bridges the main oval and Mirror Lake. this pathway is very easy to walk right by and I used to do just that. However, recently I began to realize the true hidden beauty of this path. The stone wall runs parallel to the oval and then stops and turns into a cascade of steps down to the lake. As you walk down these steps, it's almost as if you are not on campus anymore. There is lush vegetation and flowers surrounding you. Walking along this stone wall and down the steps is very peaceful especially after a stressful day of classes. Therefore, I chose this spot because it represents "hidden beauty." This also correlates with the object that I chose because the town where it is from is all a hidden beauty of the United Sates. Boothbay is a small town that not many people have heard of, yet it is one of the most peaceful and relaxing places that I have been to.
To create this object, I used two large panels of glass that are completely transparent. I also used sand from Boothbay along with authentic seashells and sea glass. The perimeter surrounding the two pieces of class is made from aged stainless steel. This object fits seamlessly into the stone wall. Those who walk by this instillation will be able to touch it, sit on it, or just admire its uniqueness. This glass triangular shaped object is made to look like it fits in with its surroundings (even the vines have started to grow over top of it.) I want the audience to appreciate it's beauty and intricacy and feel asense of inner peace when they look at it.  And of course during the warmer weather, it will add an actual beach element to the infamous "oval beach."

Identity and Spaces Images

Blog 7- Kaprow

               The article by Kaprow discusses what can and cannot be considered art depending on what context it is in.  I agreed with the point that when the word “art” comes to mind, typically one will think of something  that is within an “art identifying frame” like a museum or galley.  However, it was interesting how the author delved into what else can be art even when it is not within these parameters. He points out how even the simplest of daily activities like brushing your teeth, can be considered art forms. Another point that was mentioned in this article that even though virtually anything can be art, where are the limits that makes the distinction between art or “non art.”

               Though this article discussed an interesting topic, it was not very long or in depth. When I was reading it, it was over before I knew it. I thought the article could have continued on for a bit longer and provided a longer discussion on these concepts or art and non art.

Micro-assignment 3 Identity and Objects Part 2

I feel that this project shows my identity in a few ways. The whole idea of this project was to select objects that had a special meaning or were important in some way to my life. I feel that the way I arranged the objects for this project reveals my identity. I chose to arrange the objects in a sort of radial fashion around the box. I did this because, I feel the box holds the most sentimental value to me as it is full of memorable objects and notes that could never really be replaced. Therefore, I also made this box the focus of the background of the image as well. I feel like the objects I selected do represent me well and reveal things about me that might not be that evident. The use of a radial arrangement also conveys that no single object surrounding the memory box really has a stronger meaning than the other. I wanted all of the objects around the box to be relatively the same size. Also, the variety of objects that I chose is very diverse, which I feel also represents me well. I chose things from a stuffed animal to a laptop.  The quote notebook is a very important aspect of my life that many people do not know I have. For this reason, I also chose a few of the one/two word descriptions to include in my image as well. I feel that words and quotes are very valuable can can convey a lot of meaning. The words that I chose for the image represent the importance of the objects that I chose to include. Finally, the way in which the image looks aesthetically also represents me. I did not use many filters or very evident effects because I feel that draws a parallel to how I am as a person. I do not focus too much on trying to convey a too showy or superficial outward appearance.
I feel this image may not represent me so well because it includes quite a few objects which are technology based. This may make me appear to be too reliant on material goods. To an extent, I do need these objects to get through life on a daily basis. However, I am not an extremely materialistic person. This image also may not reveal my true personality, morals or values. This image may superficially show what I like and hold importance to. However, I do not think someone would be able to define me just by this image.

Micro-assignment 3 Identity and Objects

This object that I chose is my quote notebook where I write down every quote that I find inspirational, funny, or just interesting in general. Quotes are a very big part of my life and whenever I am having an off day, I just open this notebook up to a a random page and start reading quotes.  Once I do so, I usually feel better. I am always in search of new quotes and this quote book will never truly finished. Meaningful Words

 

 

 

 

This object is my keepsake box which I store under my bed. In this box, there letters and notes from friends and family, meaningful memoirs, pictures, and other miscellaneous items. This box is very important to me and holds various items that hold a lot of meaning to me. Whenever i go through this box, I seem to find something new or discover a memory which I had not thought about in a while.  Cherished Memories

This is my stuffed dog who I still to this day take to every place that I travel to that requires an over night stay. Though it may seem childish, I find comfort in having my dog with me even now that I am 21 years old. I received this dog from grandma when I was 8 years old just before she suffered a stroke. Therefore, I find comfort and a sense of ease in this stuffed animal. Comfort Creature

This is my Ipod which I always have with me wherever I go. I am constantly adding new songs to my Ipod and discovering new music. Listening to music can help me feel better after a rough day, it can motivate me to complete a hard task, or it can be my source of words that I could have never come up with myself to describe how I am feeling. Music is a vital aspect of my life. Limitless Emotions

This is my wallet/purse that I carry around me wherever I go. Inside this wallet, I have all of my credit cards, identification, and usually some cash. This object is vital for me to have when I go just about anywhere. It is a source of my identity and allows me to essentially survive.  Essential Identifier

This is the my Iphone which is an important aspect of my life. As superficial as it may sound, I really do not think I could go for very long without my phone. It not only is my link to my friends and family, it also has numerous nursing programs on it which are essential for me to have access to, and it also has various meaningful pictures and images on it. I have grown accustomed to carrying around my phone and I am always finding new ways that it is helpful to me. Lifeline

This is my laptop and it is an essential aspect of nearly every college student's life. This laptop holds various documents, pictures, and programs which all lend to a successful college career and thereafter. Without the convenience of a laptop at my fingertips, I would not be able to be a successful student. Significant Storage

Blog 6- "Feet in Smoke"

I found the article “Feet in Smoke” to be very interesting to read.  I could already tell after reading the first paragraph that this article was going to involve a tragedy in some way. As I am studying nursing, I found this article particularly interesting as it talked a lot about the how the human body works.  After reading stories like this or hearing about them, it is truly amazing how the human body works and even against all odds it can have such resiliency.  I also found it quite remarkable that Worth was able to essentially make a full recovery from what could have been such a devastating accident.  It was also interesting to read about the vision Worth right after the accident involving characters created by Mark Twain which had to have some significance. I have heard of other stories where people “die” and then come back to life and are able to recount strange visions from that time.  It makes you wonder about the line between life and death and what truly happens if one crosses over it.

               The one area of the article that was a little disturbing was the moment that Worth writhed his body around with almost “nonexistent pupils.” This area of the article was very vivid and it was unexpected.  It makes you wonder about how the body works and the inner brain functions which may have played a role in this occurring.

This is a link to the actual story that was featured on “Rescue 911” years ago. I just thought it was interesting because I remember watching this show when I was younger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_GoLsZwsDY

Micro-Assignment 2, Identity/Mapping

In thinking about my usual journey to class in the morning, there are actually a number of things that go into getting from point A to point B. On the first day of class, the only thing I knew about the location of this class was that it was in the stadium. I was not sure exactly how to go about getting into the stadium or that there even were classrooms there.  I left a little earlier than I usually would as I was walking to class and did not want to be late on the first day. After leaving my house, I found the entrance to the stadium between gates 22 and 24 about 20 minutes later after having to go a longer way around all of the construction. I then proceeded in to find my classroom. Everyday after, I have been able to find the classroom easier and therefore, I have been able to sleep in a few minutes later.
In thinking about walking to class, my five senses are always activated yet I rarely pay to much attention to them.Since I walk to all of my classes from campus from my house on east 14th Ave., I usually listen to my I-pod to make the walk go by quicker.  I am also usually am on my phone doing something whether it be texting, checking Facebook, or just pretending to look busy for at least part of the time  I am walking. However, in walking to class without my I-pod on and really paying attention to my surroundings, I was able to perceive more things in my surroundings that I usually tune out. I was able to visualize a lot more of my surroundings that I usually take for granted. I saw that there were many people walking to class all looking half asleep. I also noticed how picturesque campus really is, especially now that it is spring and all of the plants and vegetation are in full bloom. I also was able to hear a lot more sounds in my surroundings. For example, I heard the birds chirping, the sound of the cars on high street, the sound of people's footsteps, the brisk wind, and the lawn mowers cutting the grass in the oval. I also paid close attention to the different smells on my walk. As I crossed high street, I smelled exhaust from the cars that whizzed by. In the oval, I could smell fresh cut grass. By the RPAC, I inhaled the scent of bacon and breakfast in general was quite evident. As I got closer to the stadium where the construction is occurring, it smelled just like "construction." There was a heavy scent of dust and the air seemed heavier in that area. As I walked, I also paid attention to anything that I was able to taste. Throughout the entire walk, I was able to taste the mintiness from the remnants of my toothpaste as I had just brushed my teeth before walking out the door. I also could almost taste the fresh cut grass as I walked through the oval where it was being mowed.  As far as my sense of touch, I was able to feel the brisk wind on my exposed face and hands as I walked. In particular, my hands became almost numb because on that particular morning there was a cold, gusty wind blowing. I also could feel a slight warmth of the sunshine on my face when I passed through certain exposed areas on my walk to class.
Overall, my usual experience walking to class is much different than when I actually pay attention to my surroundings. I guess I do tune out and miss numerous things in my environment usually. Therefore, the map I created represents my usual walk to class. The picture of my house and the picture of the stadium, I feel stand out the most as those are the two points of my journey that I am usually most focused on. The rest of the pictures in between represent the rest of my journey as a blur as they are usually just like "white noise" on my walk to class. The middle images also have a gray and colorless effect to them which also conveys my message that they are usually just part of the background on my journey to class. The images of the crosswalk and the construction bridge a bit more clear than the others. I did this because, my attention is usually heightened at least a bit more as I cross High Street in the mornings and when I am attempting to maneuver through the never ending construction on campus. I also weaved my headphones throughout the pictures to show how music and my I-pod are a major part of my walk to class.
Overall, I enjoyed learning how to use Photoshop a little better and the limitless filters and effects that are available on the program. I am looking forward to working with it more.

Blog 5-Wexner Center

Upon going to the Wexner Center, I decided observe the gallery of David Smith’s artwork.  David Smith’s artwork demonstrates early modernism.  The use of geometric shapes especially squares and circles are readily apparent throughout the display of sculptures, drawings, and photograph.  I really enjoyed how Smith’s theme of industry appeared throughout his works. He seemed to strongly identify with the working class especially the factory.  Everything from the appearance of his works to the materials (frequently steel) lend to his tendency to identify with the working class. I enjoyed the clean lines that appeared throughout many of his cultures and also how massive some of them were. I also really found it interesting that he had photographs of his own artwork on display.  These black and white photographs were of the sculptures in the process of being made and put a very unique touch on this exhibit. 

I noticed that many of his works were “Untitled” and I found this to be unexpected for an artist who has created so many works.  I also noticed there was not a lot of color in his creations and of there was it was muted down by darker colors.  Though this makes sense in the context of which he created his works (factory), I seem to be drawn to works that include more vibrant colors.

Micro-Project 1

Asymmetrical

Symmetrical

Radial

Person in their surrounding space

Person up close

Point of view of an ant

Point of view of a bird

Stable

Unstable

Name on campus

 

               The experience in creating Micro Project 1 was similar to the first time I took pictures in a few ways. Both experiences involved taking pictures in my surrounding environments and they both required 10 photos to be taken. However, the experiences were definitely more different than they were similar.  In taking photographs for Micro Project, I put a lot more thought into specifically what I wanted to photograph.  It took a lot more effort and planning to achieve the final result for the micro project.  In my initial 10 pictures, I photographed things that were in my immediate surroundings and it was more or less random. The Micro Project had a rubric and a set of standards which streamlined what I was to photograph. I also took a lot more pictures for the Micro Project and then narrowed it down from there to the final 10 photographs. I also paid more attention to how I was shooting the photographs including the lighting of the environment and the angle of the camera for the Micro Project.

               I really enjoyed the process of taking photographs for the Micro Project.  I was able to let my creativity show in using my camera to shoot numerous images for this assignment. I realized there is a different way of thinking involved in taking pictures for an assignment. I enjoyed being able to exercise different aspects of my mind that I do not use on a daily basis. I also really enjoyed being able to go out into my surrounding environments and take pictures of images that I normally would not see or pay close attention to. This project made me realize how much I really do enjoy art especially the process of taking photos. It was interesting the amount of pictures that I actually took on my camera as compared to how many I actually used in the project. I enjoyed going through all of the images and picking the best ones, which actually proved a bit more difficult that I had anticipated. I realized that all of the images that I shot each had unique qualities to them and I had to pick the ones that lined up most closely the rubric.

               Out of the 10 images for the Micro Project, one of my favorites was the one from the point of view of an ant. The process that went into shooting that image was unique. I actually ended up lying on the ground with the camera to capture the effect that I was going for. I wanted the blades of grass to appear large for this image and the background to be less detailed. I think I captured what I was going for well in that image. I also really like my unstable image. I have never really thought to rotate my camera slightly to the side to create an image. However, after doing so, the image takes on a whole different effect. I actually took a similar picture with the camera held in a neutral position and compared it to the unstable image. The differences are actually very evident and the differences between the two pictures are more evident that the similarities.

Overall, I really enjoyed this project and the process that went into creating it.