Art Experience Assignment

Vase de Fleurs ~ Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919)
I decided to view an artist that I found at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. I viewed all the different art and came back to the piece of work that I remembered most vibrantly.

Initial Reflection
Beautiful picture of flowers
Brush Strokes very noticeable
Heavy use of reds, pinks, whites, and some greens
Up close it is harder to see the flowers; they almost blend in with the background.
From further away it is easier to see the individual flowers.
Simple but complicated
Colors remind me of love
Evokes happiness

The painting is a typical piece of art that I would be drawn to. The intense but subtle color of the flowers caught my intention. I walked through the rest of the museum but I knew that I would eventually end up back at the picture by Renoir. It is just so simple. The painting is simple vase of pinkish colored flowers. The flowers reminded me of peonies, just some kind of flower that you would cut from your garden and put in your house as a decoration. But at the same time there is so much more happening in the picture to be considered just simply, simple. With the color of the flowers contrasting with the turquoise color of the vase and all the different strokes used to distinguish all the different pieces of the picture (the flowers from the table, from the background) there are so many unspoken elements and emotions being evoked. It is a striking picture. As I stand here taking it in, many people have also stopped to observe the picture; some in great length others in a glance. This painting is something that I would definitely want to have hanging on the wall of house but at the same time the elegance of the painting makes it seem as if it deserves to reside on the walls of a museum for all to see.

Information

Pierre was born in Limoges, France but moved to Paris when was only 3. Pierre met Claude Monet and the two painted directly from nature. “The impressionist brushwork evokes a sense of immediacy, almost veracity, that what is painted is a faithful report of what the artist saw” (from the sign in the museum). Renoir used this technique to paint social settings, group portraits, and individuals. He had a passion for the still life and nature. “Still lifes and cut flower paintings were an opportunity to explore intimacy with the impressionist technique” (from the sign in the museum). An interesting fact, the day that Pierre passed away he was painting another portrait of cut flowers.

Informed Perspective

When I returned to reevaluate the painting, it was much easier to understand and see the different aspects to Renoir’s painting. You can really tell how much he loved to paint cut flowers. There was an essence of love being portrayed through the painting. The strokes were that of the impressionist era. Being informed on the artist and the painting hasn’t really changed my initial reflection on the painting. It still made me feel happy and I was still impressed with the detail paid to the strokes. I just understood the reasons behind the strokes. I still want to own it and have it on the walls of my house but I now see how it is even more important that it hang on the walls of the museum for all to see.

Remixing Using Google...

Research: Art and Technology

"Computer Animation," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2007
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2007 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Article #1

One article that I found online regarding art and technology was about computer animation. I think that this is a perfect example of art and technology working together to create an even more amazing masterpiece of work. The article starts off by giving a definition of computer animation and briefly discusses how the role of computer technology has changed regarding the animation of shows. “Computers were first used to control the movements of the artwork and the camera. Now computers create the artwork and simulate the camera”. Later in the article it talks about how computers can be used to assist or even replace every phase of the animation process. It talks about how different painting systems work and how much more effective they can be compared to old animation processes. Another major focus in the article was image rendering. Due to the advanced technology of computers image rendering is super useful for animations. It allows a three dimensional picture to made easily and precisely. In the conclusion of the article, it states that “modern computer animations require still faster and more powerful computers to exploit new techniques and potentially photorealistic effects”.

This was a very interesting article and related perfectly to what this weeks topic is discussing. When I think of art and technology, one of the first things that I think of is computer animation. I think that computer animation exemplifies perfectly how art and technology has melded together to make another type of creative art. In the article it discussed how the animation had always had the involvement of computers; that computers just didn’t produce the art. This reminded me of the article Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins by Beverly Jones, when she stated, “electronic and photonic art forms have been and will continue to be influenced by their origins and practices”(pg 1). The art of computer animation was influenced by it’s origin of computers functioning in animation processes. Another topic in the article that I thought was interesting was the information regarding the painting systems. I think this shows how you can take the traditional technique of “painting” and see how it is when it involves the computer. It is a perfect example of how computer animation is indeed art.

Moses, Alexa and Murray, Elicia (2006). ‘Good game but is it art?’, The Sydney Morning Herald. Retreived February 28^th, 2008, from http://www.smh.com.au/news/games/good-game-but-is-it-art/2006/09/03/1157222003715.html?page=2#

Article #2

In the article Good Game but Is It Art?, the authors discuss the debate of whether games should be considered art. They interview many prominent people in the gaming and entertainment world to see what their opinions are regarding the subject. One person that they interviewed was the film critic Roger Ebert. He doesn’t believe that games can be art. He states, “I am prepared to believe that video games can be elegant, subtle, sophisticated, challenging, and visually wonderful. But I believe the nature of the medium prevents it from moving beyond craftsmanship to the stature of art”. They go on to explain that there are even people from the game industry that don’t even believe that games should be considered art. After showing how some people don’t consider it art, the authors have interviews with those who believe that it is art. One major supporter of games being art is a gaming pioneer from Australia, De Margheriti. He states “the artform of games is simply a different artform. Artforms have different functions. Some architecture may not be considered art… a three bedroom red brick house in the suburbs isn’t art, but the Opera House is considered art. Some computer games are the three-bedroom, but others are the Opera House”. Other people talk about how it is art because hundreds of pages of script for plot and the cinematic moments in the game. By the end the article doesn’t really sum up if games are art or not. They leave up to the reader to make their own conclusions.

This article was really interesting to me for the fact that it actually discussed if games were art or not. I have always been a fence sitter on this idea. Sometimes I do think that they are art and other times I think that they aren’t. I really liked what De Margheriti said about how some games are like the three bedroom houses while others are like the Opera House. This I think sums up how games and art will be considered. In the article Trigger Happy, that were suppose to read the author states “Gamers of a certain age often argue that the oldies were the best, in much the same way as the pop records of one’s own youth seem so much better than the rubbish the kids listen to today…” (Poole, 7). I think that this relates to the Good Game but Is It Art?, by the fact that with games being considered art it all comes down to individual perception. What game is better, which looks nicer, which is the more entertaining? These are all questions that people ask themselves and they all have different answers and they all lead people to different opinions on if games are art or if they should be considered.

Creative Spirituality

How do you define “spirituality”?
I define spirituality to be an understanding, connection, or relationship with something of higher power or being. Spirituality is a connection with the divine essence of life. I believe that spirituality consists of something incorporeal and intangible. You have faith in that divine essence to really be there. You can feel it and be inspired from it you just can’t physically touch it.

Does spirituality differ from religion?
Spirituality does differ from religion. Although spirituality and religion are not synonyms they are very closely related. Spirituality is a connection or relationship with something divine whereas religion is a set of beliefs to be practiced. I do believe these two do go hand in hand. For me I believe that religion can give you the foundation to reach spirituality. Although, I do believe that you can be spiritual without being “religious” but I don’t believe that you can be religious without being spiritual. The definition is the faith in an upper being such as God.

How do you define “creativity”?
I believe creativity to be the ability to make something that expresses some sort of idea, story, emotion, or imaginative work. It is taking an original thought and expressing something unique. Creativity can really be anything. Every person has there own kind of creativity. Creativity is expressing ones self in a manner that is ones own.

What is the source of creativity?
I think that the source of creativity is really indefinable. It can be anything, although creativity does come from within the individual. Through different experiences (which are endless) and the way that individual deals with the particular experience there can be inspiration for a creative outlet. The source for creativity is the person and their reactions to the situations they find themselves in and their reactions to the world we live in and the knowledge of what was and will be.

Research: Enjoying the paradox of horror

Article #1
Pittman Linder, Constance. “The Horror Paradox: Why Being Scared Can Feel Good”. Retrieved February 14, 2008, from http://www.swedish .org/17032.cmf

In Constance Pittman Minder’s article, “The Horror Paradox: Why Being Scared Can Feel Good,” she raises some very interesting points regarding why people are repeatedly drawn to the genre of horror. The article starts off by talking about how people who generally go to the movies to see something scary are usually “sensation seekers” and these “sensation seekers” tend to be younger males and sometimes females; although, there is an increasing change in the profile of movie goers. The average person is in line to see movies like The Ring and The Grudge , which lack the blood and guts but have more of a subtle building of tension. “’It may be more intellectual sensation seekers that are drawn to these films,’ Zuckerman guesses. Either way sensation seekers draw on their ability to empathize—to put themselves in the characters’ shoes while taking in the chilling story”. A little later in the article, Constance Pittman Minder discusses that some people may have an addiction to fear and the physical, biological reaction that is experienced. Other researchers theorize that people who suffer from pos-traumatic stress disorder may also enjoy the films due to the sensation it provokes. These theories are highly debated though. She ended the article nicely stating: “Perhaps we’re all just looking for the same thing—a periodic jolt to the nervous system and a roundabout peek at our innermost fears, all within the comfort of a secure environment”.

I found her closing statement very relevant to the readings that were assigned this week. In “The Paradox of Horror” by Berys Gaut, he discusses this same theory; the theory that fear can be enjoyable as long as the situation is secure. On page 299 of the reading he states “Morreall holds that one can enjoy negative emotions when one is ‘in control’ of the situation which produces the emotions, where control is understood in terms of an ability to direct one’s thoughts and actions”. I think that this theory is very logical. When I watch a scary movie there is an element of entertainment to it because I know what I am watching is fiction (or safe, nothing can really get me). But if I were to be in that same exact situation in real life, I would not find it entertaining but rather a very scary situation. I am able to control my emotions in the first situation, I can stop the movie or I can change the genre of movie I am watching. Where as in the second situation I can not control how I may eventually feel because it is real and I have no control of the situation. I can not make it stop when ever I want.

Article #2
Shaw, Daniel.,(1997). ‘A Humean Definition of Horror’, film-philosophy, vol.1 no. 4. Retrieved February 14, 2008, from http://www.film-philosophy .com/vol1-1997/n4shaw

In Daniel Shaw’s essay A Humean Definition of Horror, Shaw discusses Noel Carroll’s essay The Philosophy of Horror. Ultimately the essay of Shaw’s agrees with the over all points of Carroll’s essay. But for the majority of Shaw’s essay, the flaws of Carroll’s essay are pointed out and Shaw disputes much of the reasoning behind Carroll’s article. One point that Shaw repeatedly makes throughout his essay is “he[Carroll] provides an ingenious solution to the paradox, but fails to come to grips with the essence of horror in the process”(Shaw). Another point that Shaw makes throughout his essay is that he believes that the psychoanalytic approach to monster movies the way to go. Shaw believes that it is human nature to want to experience the negative emotions as long as the emotions are in a controlled setting. Shaw states “I differ with Carroll on what the emotional and intellectual effects of horror are on the audience, and about he significance and meaning of those effects”(Shaw). But he does conclude his essay with the fact that there are many ways to explain the paradox of horror.

I found Daniel Shaw’s essay, A Humean Definition of Horror, to be interesting and relevant to the classes’ readings and discussions about the paradox of horror. Shaw raised a lot of counterpoints to many issues in Noel Carroll’s essay. Both authors agree that one main element to the enjoyment of horror is the curiosity that many people have towards the unknown creatures in the narratives. I think that this is a correct assumption on both the authors’ part. I have never studied or done research on the human psyche when it comes to horror, but from personal experience with horror films I am curious to know more about the fictional character/creature. Both authors also bring up the idea of how the plot behind the horror narrative is actually what makes the genre interesting. Here they do differ a little in opinions. I find this point to be very interesting. Overall Shaw’s essay was extremely relevant to the other readings in the class. I enjoyed reading a counter argument to Carroll’s essay.

Personal Adornment Reflection

My choice of dress on a daily basis is very casual. I like to wear jeans, a colorful t-shirt of sorts, maybe a sweatshirt or jacket, and some tennis shoes. Some days I am in the mood to wear my athletic clothes. This is usually on a day when I don’t want to get too dressed for school and I am going for more comfort than fashion. I never dress very flashy and I would say that I dress fairly conservatively. I think that my clothes do reflect that I am an easy-going person. I also think that my clothes reflect that I value to look nice but don’t feel the need to be following the latest fashions of New York and high European fashions. I choose to dress with my casual attire because I feel it is safe. I don’t have to worry if I am wearing something correctly or if I am making a huge fashion mistake. Also to be quit frank, I am not a morning person and I would prefer to sleep an extra 20 minutes than to contemplate what to wear. You can’t go wrong with a cute t-shirt and a pair of jeans. My style has changed a lot over the last few years though. I have always had a casual take on latest fashion but in high school I would say 4 days out of the 5 days I was wearing a cute outfit that I picked out the night before(due to the lack of motivation in the mornings) with a pair of boots or more designer looking shoe. I also did my hair and make-up everyday. I think that I did this in high school so much because of my maturity level. I was very concerned with how my peers viewed me and I never wanted to be talked about in a negative way. Now as I have grown and matured I realize that there is no right or wrong fashion, it is what ever makes you comfortable.

I was raised in a Catholic household and I attended a Catholic school from kindergarten until 8^th grade. All nine years I wore a uniform. I feel as if the uniform reflected our values in a very apparent way. My mother would pick me up from school and we would go to the store for dinner supplies, and there I was walking around in my little plaid skirt, polo shirt with the logo of the school. But growing up in my house my parents always allowed for me to express myself as individual but due to the influences of my schooling I naturally dressed more conservatively and still do to this day. I never found anything odd or lacking in my fashion choices then and I still don’t to this day.

I feel that my peer community here in Eugene is very large and diverse. You see all walks of life here, and I love that. It really depends on the person in how they express their beliefs through their dress. My little group of friends is a good group that illustrates this. One of my friends is all about the high fashion, she wants to move to New York, where she can wear the fashion comfortably on the street. Then there is one girl who doesn’t really have a specific kind of fashion. Everyday it is a little different. Some days she is really dressed up, then the next just casual, and then she might wear athletic gear. We are all really similar in values and beliefs but at the same time we are very different. I think that the way we dress exemplifies this.

Values

My 20 values, listed from the most important to the least important.
Family
Integrity
Friendship
Health
Wisdom
Loyalty
Personal Development
Security
Enjoyment
Community
Creativity
Independence
Leadership
Personal Accomplishment
Service
Prestige
Location
Expertness
Wealth
Power

I found this to be a lot harder than I expected. With the middle values i found it incredibly difficult to rank. I feel as if a lot of the values build off of each other, for example without security for myself and family, i do not think I could have that much enjoyment. With my days activities laid out in front of me in a chronological list, I can see that my list of values are reflected in my daily activity. I started my day by heading to class, which reflects my #5 value of wisdom. From there I made the effort to see and talk to my friends and roommates throughout the day reflecting my #3 value of friendship. As the afternoon approached I took the time to hit the gym for some cycling action, and then returned to my apartment to figure out what I wanted to eat for dinner. This reflects my #4 value of health. After i started my homework, I received a phone call from my little brother and talked to him about his day and all it entailed. I found this to be one of the most enjoyable activities of the day. I feel that this truly reflects my value list with family being my #1.

My family is very important to me, you can see this clearly in my value list because they are my number one. I have inherited many belief patterns from my family, for example schooling. My parents have instilled in me the importance of education. They have always told me that I have all the potential in the world and education can only help me achieve it not hold me back. There really is not a belief pattern that my family has exemplified that i view as invalid. I feel that they all have had a positive influence and they are beliefs patterns that I will pass on to my children one day. One goal that i haven't quite accomplished yet is graduating, but really the thing that holds me back from that is time; you can only take so many classes in a term, hahaha. And hey I'm on track to getting my four-year degree in four years.