Module 8 Video Review

1.    Explain why you selected each of the three videos you choose from the selection listed above.

The video first video I watched was More Human than Human, which was required.  The other videos I watched were Cataclysm: The Black Death Visits Tuscany.  I chose this video because it sounded super creepy and it interested me to find out what the video was about.  The other video I viewed was The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5^th Century BC.  I chose this again because the title was interesting.  After watching it I found that I was right.  The video goes into detail about Greek Architecture that I didn’t know a lot about.  To say the least it was very interesting.

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

In the Video More Human than Human I learned how our human mind will choose objects and images that are visual pleasing to focus on.  What the main focus of this video is how the human body as been viewed in art and in different cultures.  We see how the human body has changed from early times in art to present day.  The video begins with a statue called Venus of Willendorf.  It exaggerates many features on the woman’s body.  Other cultures show a different way to show the human body.  Each culture has their own view and representation of the human body that they translate onto their sculptures, statues and such.

The second video I viewed was Cataclysm: The Black Death Visits Tuscany.  As soon as I seen Black Death in the title I knew it was going to talk about the Black Plague.  Tuscany was a beautiful place in Italy and instantly became a disaster over night.  The plague had taken almost half of it’s populations lives.  The fact that it lasted seven months gives an indication how torturous it was.  This video really hit me in the heart when I thought what it would be like to live in this time, losing everyone around me and watching people suffer.  Soon after all of this horror, the Renaissance has made its way into history.  It was a time of new beginnings in art and literature just to name a few.

The third video I viewed was called The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5^th Century BC.  Overall this video discusses the history of Greece and the ideas behind Greek architecture.  What I learned that I found interesting was that their architecture had very few straight lines in their architecture.  The reason that this was done was to make it more visual pleasing to the eye.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

Each of these videos adds depth to the reading.  The video More Human than Human relates to the text when it talks about the human body and how they were portrayed in Egyptian and Greek art.  The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5^th Century BC relates to the text as they talk about the construction of the Parthenon and Acropolis.  Both the video and text came together to give me a better understanding on Greek architecture.

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

In past modules I have usually said the videos were outdated and didn’t hold much of my interest.  This week I think quiet differently.  I have to say the video More Human than Human was a great choice for all of us to watch.  It was interesting to see how other cultures view humans in their work.  The other two videos I chose held my interest as well.  I was able to stay interested throughout both videos that are hard sometimes.  It made me think that I was missing out not viewing all the other videos.  Each video linked to a topic in the textbook which made it come alive when watching the video.  I would see something in the video and say “Oh yea I remember reading about this.”  Overall this week I thought the videos were great!!

Module 7: Video Review

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

In the video Science of Design I learned about the materials used to make large structures.  What I found super interesting is that skyscrapers sway due to wind, which I couldn’t believe.  It’s scary to think that skyscrapers can actually move it makes me question how save they really are.  What really shocked me is that some buildings can sway up to one whole meter!  The other film I viewed was Imperial Rome, Ostia, and Porus: Ancient Architecture and technology.  What really amazed me from this video was how the Romans designed full cities years ago.  Their architectural skills were beyond belief to create all of these buildings the way they did.  I would say we got most definitely got our current ideas of architecture from the Romans.  I was very impressed.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The videos related to the text as this weeks chapter dealt with Ancient Civilizations and how they architecturally built things.  The videos connected to the architectural and design factors that I had read in the text.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?

I thought the films were helpful in adding knowledge about architecture and the design process.  I did think the videos were slightly out dated but even at that they were still helpful.  After reading I was able to see visual examples that help me remember and understand the material.

4. Why did you choose the films that you watched?

I honestly just chose the two videos because they sounded the most interesting out of the rest.  They stuck out to me, which is why I watched them.  I was happy with my choices because they held my interest and I enjoyed watching them.  I really got a lot out of the videos.

Reviewing Peer Responses of Artwork

1.    Hyperlink the Blogs you reviewed into your Blog

First Blog Review:  aedartem.blogspot.com

Second Blog Review:  123art321.blogspot.com

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?

In both blogs I agreed with the photos the artist took that go along with the elements and principles.  I could tell that both artists took a lot of time planning and thinking about the photos they have taken.  In all photos I agreed with which principles and elements that had connected to their photos.  I of course had seen other elements and principles in the images, it would be impossible not to.  A pattern on a bed sheet can also be texture as it has a soft and fluffy texture, which you can see within the photo.  It would work better as pattern but you can see texture as well.  Seeing only one principle and element within a single photo is nearly impossible. 

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?

After viewing both blogs I was able to see that neither of them had chosen the same pieces I have.  One reason for the difference was that one of the blogs went to a different art gallery than I did being The Museum of European Art.  The other blogger went to Albright Knox Art Gallery; just as I did and I was surprised we didn’t pick the same pieces at all.  Everyone has different interests and it was fun to see what I find interesting and what other people find interesting.  Some photos they took, I wouldn’t have taken but it just gives me an insight that art can mean something personally different for everyone.

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?

I had never gone to the Museum of European Art but after viewing all of the photo's the one blogger had taken, I definitely want to! My favorite piece that they had chosen was "Velvet Sirens Under A Hot Sun", By Tana Christiansen. The piece just screams warmth and with the hot colors of orange, red and yellows it uses. Without even seeing the title you can understand that this piece has to do with the hot sun. Also the use of pink in what looked to be two women definitely stood out to me. I can appreciate this piece, and I feel a connection to this piece with the vibrant colors it uses.  I know if I had seen this piece I would walk right to it as vibrant neon looking colors are something I love.  I would like to know more about this piece as I do not know the meaning.  I am unsure what the two women represent in this piece and I would like to.

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 reading my peers reflection.  I think it is not only important to obviously think the way I do but see how other people think while doing the same work I am doing.  It is valuable because I can gain an understanding of different ideas.

6.    Check your Blog and read comments posted by your Peers. Do you find their comments helpful?

After checking my own Blog and reading the comments by my peers I found them very helpful.  It made me smile when my peers say that they enjoyed my own work.  The feedback I got back was very positive and encouraging and overall made me feel good about the work I have done.  I enjoyed seeing what other people thought about the decisions I made and how they had agreed with most of them.

Module 6: Video Review

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

 The first video I had viewed was Through the Eyes of a Sculptor, which is where I learned about clay and marble.  I was able to appreciate the hard work that goes on when creating a sculpture when watching this video; it takes a lot of hard work and precision.  Marble needs to be chipped away precisely and not cracked.  Something that I thought was interesting and that I learned from this video is that you can tell how good marble is by tapping on it with a hammer.  The sound that good marble should make is similar to tapping glass.  If it doesn’t sound just right there may be a crack within it, which than you would want to stay away from it and use a different marble.  It is very important to make sure the product your working with is good because a crack within the marble could ruin the piece.

The second video I had viewed was the Glass and Ceramics video.  I had already heard that glass was made of sand but learning about the actual process was interesting.  Making glass is slightly time consuming, as you have to wait for it to cool and harden.  What I was most intrigued about was glass blowing.  I heard of it before and saw pieces but never seen someone doing it.  It amazed me that you can simply blow into the glass, which causes it to expand and gives you the final product.  When firing glass with a propane torch it sets the molecules in motion, which allows for the glass to become malleable and sticky, without melting.  Glass can also be worked cold as well, which I thought was interesting.  I had always thought heat had to be involved in order to create glass.

The third video I had viewed was the Installation Art video.  I learned what exactly installation art meant because I had no idea prior to this video.  Installation art is an artistic genre of 3-D works that are site specific and designed to transform the perception of a space.  Installation art is large pieces that take up a large area of space.  I find this very interesting and I like the feeling of being consumed by large pieces.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

All three of these videos completely related to the chapters in the textbook.  The chapters were a good background of information about the different mediums used to create pieces.  The videos interconnected and allowed a better understanding of each medium.  Not only did the video go more in depth but also I was able to see how these pieces were actually created which the book doesn’t offer.  I liked these videos because it gave added knowledge to the chapters.  I can read about stained glass but seeing it really happening makes it more memorable and understandable.  The intricate measure it takes to outline individual pieces of glass for the final product is amazing!

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics: Sculpture, Installation, and Craft?

I enjoyed the videos that were assigned for this Module.  The last video about Installation I would say I liked the least.  After seeing the large installation pieces I thought they were interesting but they lost my attention quite quickly.  The first two videos on sculpture, glass, and ceramics I found especially interesting, as I was able to see each of the techniques actually being used.  The videos definitely added to my knowledge about the topics introduced in the textbook.