My Art Experience

The painting that I chose to respond to is a painting that is split into 3 sections.  It appears as though the painting is set at some terminal or maybe a train station.  There are multiple people entering what looks to be trains on both sides.  One of the most notable aspects of this picture is that there are only African American and Caucasian people in the picture.  The Caucasian men are all dressed in Black suits and the African American people are dressed in various colors and outfits.  The African American people are all carrying bags while it appears that no Caucasian people are carrying anything.  This painting makes me think of segregation between the White and Black communities.

Reflection:  Upon reading information about this painting it turns out that the title is “Train Station” and was painted in 1935.  It was meant to bring to light the situation between Black and White communities at that time.  Upon further inspection it turns out that the left side of the painting says South and the right side of the painting says North.  The majority of passengers getting on the South side of the painting are Caucasian and are supposed to be heading to touristy destinations while the African American people are heading North in hopes to escape the South.  This thought process is not too far off from my own personal reflection of the painting.  This painting was created to illuminate the feelings of the societal conflicts that many felt around this era.

Remixing Google

Nature, Collaboration, Serenity, Creativity, Abstract

Art, Technology, & Games

Article #1

This article is talking about how technology and video games are reaching a plateau in respect to the graphics that are being used.  Only about 8 years ago, video games were unrealistic.  There was still so much to be imagined and created in respects to making them more life-like.  Now, video games make you feel like you are there and actually in the game.  Our technology has evolved so much that now there is nowhere else to go within video games.  This article discusses the fact that since we have reached this “creative block,” our society is going to have to find some other form of entertainment or start a extreme new creation of video games that was never thought up.   One important aspect of this article is that the author discusses that our technology is just building off of itself.  That we have come so far by using past technology and making it better that maybe our society has not looked out into the bigger picture that maybe there is some other form of creativity that is being overlooked.  If we do not step back and realize that, we may be missing out on an extremely new establishment .

The computer graphics presentation states that “It is a dawn of a new millennium and the next chapter in our story is being written by a new generation of pioneers.”  This is exactly what this article is talking about.  Technology has such a big history in our world within the past 100 years and to create yet even more technology we have to build off of where we have come from.  Our society must take the work from past pioneers and use it to create the amazing graphics, visuals and images that we have today.  Our world has so much more to offer and if individuals step out from the norm and realize that “the sky is the limit” our technology can become even more amazing then it already is.  Video games have been shaped by our technology and have become extremely realistic so I just wonder what is to come.

 

Jansen, Mick.  (2009, May 28).  The Evolution of Video Games.  Retrieved November 22 http://www.examiner.com/x-3414-Minneapolis-Video-Game-Examiner~y2009m5d28-The-evolution-of-video-games

 

Article #2

The article that I researched was about video game players being linked to faster response times.  The article was discussing how individuals that play video games a lot were tested to see if they are naturally faster at things then others are due to the fact that they have to be fast and hasty when playing these games.  It was determined that these players were not necessarily more fast at things other than video games which led the researchers to believe that the fact that they were so good at video games was a learned practice.  They used this information to realize that specialization in something can be a good thing.  If you practice and are interested in a specific thing then you tend to be better at it.  The article then went on to say that video games may actually be useful and not such a bad thing as once thought.  They improve your “quick mental processing and rapid eye movements.”

This article relates to the topic of this week because it determined that video games may be useful in the real world.  That the emergence of this new technology has in fact created benefits.  That our mind has evolved over the years to specialize in what we are interested in.  The emergence of this video game technology has allowed this to happen which has brought up new studies and new facts that have contributed positively to other areas of our lives.  Technology was created and shaped around cultural change and this article proves that.

 

Washington University in St. Louis (2005, June 10). Gamers’ Brains No Different Than Yours Or Mine. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 22, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050609234142.htm

Creative Spirituality

-          How do you define “spirituality”?

I define spirituality as a feeling that one receives.  I think it is very much linked to the world around us and the experiences each goes through.  These experiences allow people to make sense of the world around them and create their own individual idea of how life is supposed to be.  This is what spirituality is.  Spirituality drives everything else around us.  It is knowing that there is more to life then what lies on the surface.

-          Does spirituality differ from religion?

I believe that spirituality and religion are two completely different things.  That is not to say that I think there is such a thing as religious spirituality.  Once again spirituality is in my opinion a feeling that comes from the life experiences that occur in each person.  So religious spirituality is the feelings that occur in relation to the religion one believes in.  Religion is more centered around a certain topic whereas spirituality affects our whole lives in every aspect.  I believe religion does affect every aspect of our life as well but it does not so much have free reign like spirituality does.

-           How do you define “creativity”?

Creativity is hard for me to define.  I think it is anything and everything that is created.  Not just what is put down on paper by a pencil or paint brush but can be applied to many aspects of our lives.  It is anything that is created by an individual, or yet anything that can bring forth creativity.  Creativity generally comes from the world around us as does spirituality but I believe creativity draws from the spirituality in each person.

-           What is the source of creativity?

Again I believe that spirituality is the main source for creativity.  Without feelings within one’s self there would be nothing to create.  The source can be personal stories, experiences, nature, love anything and everything that one draws ideas/feelings from.  I do not so much believe that some people are born more creative than others, it is just this idea that some know how to use their creativity to the fullest.  So the source is completely open to interpretation and does not need any set of rules to decide what can be called art or where one draws creativity from.

Enjoying Horror

Article #1

This article that I read was about the many different reasons as to why some people may enjoy horror films.  The article states the different theories that have arose due to this odd question of why people seek out horrible scenarios and why enjoyment may be taken from these scenarios.  The main point in all of these theories and discussions is this idea of curiosity.  They point out that people would not like to actually physically be in these horrible situations but they are curious as to what will happen or what could happen if this were to happen to them.  People look to the consequences of the characters actions in the movies and it ignites their curiosity as to how it happened and why it may have happened.  This article uses 2 main theories to discuss the topic of why individuals enjoy horror.  The two theories are co-existentialist and integrationist.  The co-existentialist theory describes the idea of what is natural.  That the reason we are curious is because we know it is not natural for these events to occur so we take a look from an outside perspective and it ignites our curiosity of what could happen.  The integrationist theory has to do with feelings and emotions.  That we use our emotions as guiders.  When we see a scary person in a movie, if we are not completely grossed out by this monster/person then we will in turn end up enjoying watching it.

The one thing that this article did not possess that was much talked about in our readings/articles was the idea of the feeling you get from watching a scary movie.  This article more so tried to discuss ideology behind why people enjoy watching something scary that they would not actually like to have happen to them in the real world.  It did not discuss the potential theory of endorphins that scary movies release in your brain to make you enjoy an otherwise horrible incident.  The article and the reading connect very much in the fact that they both discuss this idea of a certain curiosity that one receives from these plots.  The reading says “Thus, to a large extent, the horror story is driven explicitly by curiosity.  It engages its audience by being involved in processes of disclosure, discovery, proof, explanation, hypothesis, and confirmation.  That is in essence exactly what the online article is describing.  People may not believe what is being shown to them but they are curious to how the plot will unfold before them so they use their senses to give explanations, hypothesis’ and confirmations to make sense of their feelings about the enjoyment they receive from the horror.

Klus, Helen.,  (2008).  ‘Why Do We Enjoy Horror Films?’.  Retrieved November 8^th, 2009, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Do-We-Enjoy-Horror-Films?&id=1060951

Article #2

The second article I read was more so focused around the idea that individuals who watch scary movies first off are around 25 years or younger.  And that the reasons as to why we watch these movies has to do with the fact that these movies release fear into our systems and the reason we enjoy watching them is because we “master that fear and anxiety by working through it.”  By taking steps to analyze and organize what is happening and how it best fits into our world, we can master these feelings of fear and use it to our excitement.  Another major part of this article was aimed at the younger generation.  That the reason we watch these movies more so then the older generations is because we are “less civilized” then say someone who is 45.  We still have some uncivilized characteristics about us that we are best fitted from these movies.  These movies give us enjoyment and curb our enthusiasm.  Younger generations know they cannot and will not go out and repeat the things they see from these horror movies but it is always nice once in a while to watch the unexpected.  To have an outlet from the everyday norm of society.

In the Gaut reading he states “the emotions of pity or fear aren’t painful in the way that stepping on a thumb-tack is.”  This is a lot of what the reading was talking about.  Young individuals wish to see less civilized things occur but these emotions that they feel are completely different than the actual emotion would be if this were to happen.  The feeling of pain and sadness are different then the feeling of the unknown and the thrill that one receives from watching these films.

Rappoport, Leon.,  (1997).  ‘Why We Like to Watch Scary Movies’.  Retrieved November 8th, 2009, from http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/seasonal/listscarymovies.html



Personal Adornment

I would like to think that I dress nicely.  I definitely dress comfortable but I generally always look presentable and well-dressed whenever I am in public.  Growing up my family was never that much into brand names but they did think that we should dress in the “latest fashions”.  Until middle school I felt that getting clothes from anywhere was fine and I would wear anything but once I reached high-school the issue of what to wear took up much more importance to me.  That was when I started to dress in more brand name pieces.  I do not think that this change came about consciously but I observed all of my friends dressing in nicer brand clothing and so I followed suit.  My values in regards to my clothing and body choices definitely changed once I saw what everyone else was wearing.  I would like to think that I do not just follow the crowd but I generally dress in what I see others wearing.  It is because I do like the actual clothes but in some way I guess there is an issue of fitting in.

Recently I have gotten my nose pierced.  I have wanted to do this for quite some time.  My family has always supported my decision in getting this done, but many people I know have looked down upon getting this done.  Some people see it as tacky and cheap.  The fact that others think this almost made me not get it done but my parents have always told me do what you want to do and not what others want you to do, and that it does not matter what others think of you, so I decided to pierce my nose.  I realized that I it does not matter how others look at you and to be happy you must do the things you desire.  Upon getting this done I have received much more positive feedback then I would have thought I would get.  Another thing that has helped shape me in the past 2 years is the fact that I am now in college.  My peer community has now changed vastly and I know many more types of people then I knew before.  Being content with who you are and who you know makes you into a greater person and there will always be people that believe it does not matter how you dress they will like you for the person you are.
I do believe first impressions are important which is why I continually will wear nicer clothing.  I do think it is sometimes not fair that others are judgmental about a person before knowing them just by the clothes they wear, the tattoos they have, the piercings they have, but I know this is life so I believe this is why I hold the clothes and the brand names that I wear so highly.  I personally try not to judge others from how they choose to dress because I know that clothing in no way should represent a person, but I know that this is an everyday occurrence.  If only everyone could break down those stereotypes and get to know others based on their personalities, only then would our society progress in a positive manner.

Food as Art

Article #1

This article is discussing the issue of whether food can be considered art.  It starts off by talking about a very prominent Spanish chef that has been invited to a German art show.  The article is discussing the views behind why a chef should be invited to such a classified show as this.  The author believes that art is anything one makes it.  That there is so much debating over whether or not a piece can be considered art, when there should not be arguing in the first place due to the fact that art can be anything a person sees, feels, touches, tastes etc.  The article discusses different perspectives on the issue such as food cannot be art because cooks are simply cooking to please the customer, all the way to “art is work that moves individuals.”

This article starts off describing what the opposed say to why food cannot be art.  They describe that “food can never be art, because chefs are cooking to please the customer.”  I believe that some chefs cook food to please many people, but other chefs cook food purely because they enjoy what they do.  They enjoy making artistic pieces out of something as simple as food.  The article describes that a counter argument to the fact that chefs cook food to please others and not to just create something they truly believe in is the fact that some restaurants may be booked for months in advance.  This is true, some people have never even tried a restaurants food but have heard how well it is and may have seen how it looks and simply wanted to try it for themselves.  That to me is art.  The chefs create their own masterpieces and believe so much in them that others wish to try them.

The article hits on another interesting perspective.  “The act of eating engages all the senses as well as the mind. Preparing and serving food could therefore be the most complex and comprehensive of the performing arts.”  If one really thinks about this, it is true.  Just as the reading we have done this past week states, food takes more senses then just taste.  One uses the majority of their senses to evaluate food as art.  Since most senses are being used this shows that food must be art.  It is something that someone takes in and evaluates just as if someone is looking at a painting and is trying to take in the true meaning of it.  So I believe that the chefs should have been invited to this art show.  There should be no criticism because food is art.

Smillie, Susan.  (2007, May).  Is food art?  [On-Line Blog].  Retrieved October 25, 2009 from http://aaablogs.uoregon.edu/aad250-shuette/course-assignments/week4/

Article #2

This article is a Washington Post article that describes oppositional arguments as to whether food is art.  It brings up many points as to why food is not considered art, and comes up with a point to counter that argument that describes how food can be considered art.  This article is also promoting a new restaurant.  The arguments that this article poses are many different points that explain two sides to this continual food as art battle.

This online article poses different questions to consider through each argument that is expressed.  The first argument says that “there’s no object left over when a meal is finished.”  This may be true, but it’s not about whether there is still something there to enjoy, it is about the enjoyment one gets from that food.  The counter argument was that just like food does not last more than a short time, music doesn’t either.  It is over before one knows it.  It was still there to be enjoyed at one point in time.  Another important argument this article poses is that food “can’t go beyond immediate sensory pleasures.”  This is completely not true.  Within food are stories, experiences, history.  Food represents more than just something simple to eat, it can bring together societies and cultures and unite people from all over.

Another important issue raised in this article and that was brought up in our reading from this week, is that food can only be enjoyed by a small number of people.  Not many people can eat the same exact meal so therefore no one can truly experience the same thing.  This may be true in some respects but I believe it’s not about how many people experience it for it to be art.  As long as one person thinks a piece is art then it can be considered art.  It does not matter the size of the spectators.  And finally the most important of all arguments that this article brought up was that some believe that “its goal is to feed people, so it’s too functional to count as serious art.”  Why does art not have to have function?  I do not agree.  Art is anything.  It can be functional, it may not.  That is the beauty in it.  Just like films, food is there for enjoyment.  That is their function.  It is to excite people and bring them together.  This article showed many oppositional views for food as art, but every argument this article posed was countered by an argument as to how food can be art and I think it is good because it allows interpretation and everyone’s own opinions on the issue.

Gopnik, Blake.  (2009, September).  The Big Debate: Can Food be Serious Art?  [On-Line Blog].  Retrieved October 25^th, 2009 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092203137.html

Paleoanthropsychobiological and “Making Special”

The term paleoanthropsychobiological was coined by Ellen Dissanayake.  This term refers to many different aspects that when combined describe art in a multifaceted way.  First paleo is humans history; the past.  Anthrop refers to human societies and cultures.  Psycho describes the feeling and the many psychological factors that may go into a piece of work to create art.  And finally biological is referring to the idea that art is in our biological makeup.  It is a part of human’s everyday life and world.  All of these factors together create the idea that art is all around us.  It stems from our history as far back as we can remember, it cultivates within our societies, it describes and brings forth our emotions and it is who we are as humans.

The phrase “making special” is referring to the idea that with anything in our world, humans tend to make events special because it is valued as important.  With anything people make things special.  Art is no different.  That by making things special they are remembered more, so therefore artists should make their pieces special.  They should bring to light their point of view and never forget that art has a place in everything.  By believing that their art is special, will therefore make their art special.

Life Values Assessment

My Life Values:  Family, Friendship, Leadership, Security, Health, Personal Accomplishment, Service, Loyalty, Integrity, Personal Development, Wealth, Wisdom, Independence, Enjoyment, Location, Community, Power, Expertness, Prestige, Creativity.

Today was a pretty common normal day.  I slept in semi late,  I got up and then cooked breakfast with a bunch of my friends (friendship).  Next I cleaned up my apartment and decided that I wanted to exercise because staying fit and healthy is very important to my life (health).  I worked out and while walking home from the gym I called my mom and dad (family).  Next I came home and got ready for the day and decided to start homework which is where I am at now.  I achieved 3 out of the 5 values so far within my day, even though some days my values may not always fall into place as they should.  Sometimes I find that I place certain values higher than other values even though they may not be as important to me.

I inherited very many belief patterns from my family.  They are the major factor in why I believe, cherish and value some of the things that I do.  They have always taught me from the beginning that family is the most important thing and should always come first.  This I believe very much.  Another thing they have taught me is being a hard-worker and showing leadership will get you very far in life which is why I try so hard in school and work.  Even though I believe being secure in my life in regards to money is important because there will be no need for worry later on down the road, I can acknowledge that money is not the most important value in my life.  It used to be pretty close to the top but as of now it is lower in my core values.  What still stands is being secure and taking charge of the life I would like myself to have.  I generally place goals that are attainable but not easy.  Like getting good grades for instance, that is very attainable but I have to push myself to get those grades.  That goal is generally always at the top of my list.  I will try as hard as I need to too make sure my work is acceptable.  Sometimes all of the extra-curricular activities that I wish I could be doing stands in the way of my goals, such as friends (which is somewhat ironic since they are my second most important value).  But even though I may have barriers in my way I realize that as soon as I get those goals done I will be able to go out and enjoy myself which always gets me through them.

Text messaging, causing poor spelling?

Text messaging has in some ways taken over many forms of communication.  Instead of calling someone up, many refer to their cell phones to text message their thoughts, opinions, conversations to others instead of conversing with the person face to face.  But that is not the problem here.  Some people think that text messaging causes poor spelling in teenagers because of the usage of slang and abbreviation.  I have to say I agree with this.  I am only 20 years old, but I find that a lot of people my age use text messaging in a lazy deliberate manner and tend to type things such as lol or rofl instead of things such as that is really funny or I am laughing out loud right now.  Yes it is easier, but I think why not spell it out.  It is making younger generations think that that type of conversation is okay and leads to poorer communication skills.  This blog feels that spelling and text messaging really do not have any influence on each other, but they have to right?  With so many people using their SMS text messaging to communicate there has to be some correlation.

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/35914#more-35914