Schöne grüsse aus eine kleinstadt in Deutschland!
Hello from a tiny village in central Germany! It is so strange to come back to the space that I called home for four months. Living here was a wonderful and challenging experience, and the emotions attached to those adjectives resurface upon returning.
I boarded my night train on thursday night with two travling companions, both of whom are dead. I brought with me the principe indiano from the end of the Cascine, as well as the Portugese Prince from above Florence in San Miniato. I started my work in Florence by investigating a burial place for foreigners, and decided to continue.... examining other spaces constructed to commemorate the lives of foreigners who had happened to die in Florence. Strikingly, the Indian prince, or Maharaja, was only 21.... and he was also traveling to complete his education...
So, I still don't know what my projects is exactly, though a large part of it comes down to something that I will be doing this very afternoon. ....quite exhilerating...
I will be doing something that responds to the space in which I currently find myself - this village that I called home for four months.... another place where I was a foreigner, but a place where I temporarily had a very real sense of connection, of actually living here...
So, I have brought with me elements of, or my responses to, spaces designed to commemorate the presence of foreigners in Florence.....
and the question then becomes.... how am I going to commemorate my own presence here in this village....a foreigner, a former resident, returned, somewhere between the two?
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Stefania Ford
I absolutely love the neorealist style of lighting. Chiaroscuro found in film is so powerful and creates so much emotion in the viewer, the scene can often speak for itself regarding the mood the director is trying to achieve. I fell in love with the film Casablanca a long time ago for this exact reason. I would love to use this film for the project, however I feel as though the architecture in that film is much different than the architecture found in and around Florence and the rest of Italy. I really enjoyed Roma Aprita, the Neorealist film we watched in class, and of course the architecture in that film is much more relevant to my location now (as much as I would love to visit Casablanca/ Morocco – “Here’s to lookin’ at you kid.” – uhh! Best line in the history of film!) Both films use chiaroscuro and interesting uses of space, though Roma Aprita has people crawling in and out of spaces, across rooftops, etc. that I found really interesting. Also, after sitting on a rooftop drawing in Siena, I have fallen in love with the bird’s eye view of terracotta rooftops. I am hoping to incorporate all of this into my research and sketches. We will see! Also, I am having memory space issues on my computer add was unable to download the cool photos from Siena’s rooftops and the work from “art play/studio night” Mi dispiace! I will try to get them up as soon as I can!
vidya here.
It's only normal to have no idea what you're doing, right? Non lo so. This week has been tough for me in terms of channeling my creativity or something like that. Everything felt so mundane, somehow. My subjective drawing didn't manifest at all the way I had hoped, and I would rather like to not return to the idea or to the bar, at least for some time. It's quite fitting that I submitted the drawing to the lawlessness of chance at our play date and it is, I'm sure, completely unrecognizable. This doesn't mean I won't have something positive to take with me to the next project, of course. I am excited about the narrative. I have been itching to make a diorama installation and photograph it. Here's my chance...
I was jarred out of my banal rut in Siena. The city charmed me in much the same way Fiesole had. More specifically, I was simply overwhelmed by some alloy of delight and nostalgia and mourning that filled me almost beyond what I thought my heart could hold. Save the details, I cried bittersweet tears for I don't know what.
At our play date, I began to rediscover the whimsy that once came so easily. Still, though, I caught myself trying to make "finished works."
Here are some things that pique my interest of late
1. sounds and the task of drawing them
2. mailing things to people and then getting things back
3. making rubbings of the manholish things around Florence ("acquedotto") with the fleur de lis on the them
4. orange peels
5. seeing through one space into another/natural framing devices
Vedremo.
The photo situation is promising to improve soon; I will pick up my new camera from the post office tomorrow. However, this means that I'll also post my pictures tomorrow. Rejoice!
I was jarred out of my banal rut in Siena. The city charmed me in much the same way Fiesole had. More specifically, I was simply overwhelmed by some alloy of delight and nostalgia and mourning that filled me almost beyond what I thought my heart could hold. Save the details, I cried bittersweet tears for I don't know what.
At our play date, I began to rediscover the whimsy that once came so easily. Still, though, I caught myself trying to make "finished works."
Here are some things that pique my interest of late
1. sounds and the task of drawing them
2. mailing things to people and then getting things back
3. making rubbings of the manholish things around Florence ("acquedotto") with the fleur de lis on the them
4. orange peels
5. seeing through one space into another/natural framing devices
Vedremo.
The photo situation is promising to improve soon; I will pick up my new camera from the post office tomorrow. However, this means that I'll also post my pictures tomorrow. Rejoice!
film project (mary)
I have been concidering films that i want to use as a springbored for my piece. right now i haven't comitted to a specific one. i relly enjoyed the neorealism films that we watched but i want the film to be a film that is significant for me so i am watching my favorite movies and trying to se which ones really make use of body in the contect of archetecture. I watched philadelphia story and noticed the important actions usually seem to happen in a doorway and their is also lots of openng and closing of door. Also the mood is often set by the relative feeling of space in the room whether it is intimate or large. With my interest in temporary and transitional spaces like the bus it might be interesting to do a piece exploring doorways especially since florence has so many different doors and arches.
Laura Mart
So, I would post images of my subjective image with this post, but since my camera is temporarily guasto, that plan will not work. I will post pictures of it when my camera actually has batteries. I kind of like the sculpture I made during art play night better than the drawing I spent such a long time on. Not that I don't like my drawing... it pleases me. I feel like I'm going to do a little more to it, like destroy it a little bit.
As far as the video goes, I really enjoyed the open spaces of Miracolo a Milano. I'm thinking of doing something regarding the Arno bridges, especially involving nutrias if I can manage it. But since I can't give nutrias acting directions, that might just not work. We'll see.
As far as the video goes, I really enjoyed the open spaces of Miracolo a Milano. I'm thinking of doing something regarding the Arno bridges, especially involving nutrias if I can manage it. But since I can't give nutrias acting directions, that might just not work. We'll see.
kaityli
So my last post got eaten, so forgive me if this is rushed and useless.
Saturday night was so fun, and I'm really glad that I did it. I learned a valuable lesson in not overthinking and needing always to have control. I worked with my materials rather than trying to make something behave as something it's not. However, I feel like I'm slipping back into my old ways despite my efforts not to. Once again, I feel like I have no idea where to start because there's this jumble of thoughts, and it's intimidating me to just choose one path and follow it. I love the idea for this week, but at the same time, there are so many movies to consider. Do I want to choose a movie based on a concept that I like, or do I want to brainstorm an idea based on a particular movie that I choose? I really don't know. I'm beginning to suspect that I hate concentrating or thinking or doing anything intellectual. I do like the idea of how spaces can suggest what they are used for or what type of people use them despite the absence of people. I think I'll explore that for now.
Saturday night was so fun, and I'm really glad that I did it. I learned a valuable lesson in not overthinking and needing always to have control. I worked with my materials rather than trying to make something behave as something it's not. However, I feel like I'm slipping back into my old ways despite my efforts not to. Once again, I feel like I have no idea where to start because there's this jumble of thoughts, and it's intimidating me to just choose one path and follow it. I love the idea for this week, but at the same time, there are so many movies to consider. Do I want to choose a movie based on a concept that I like, or do I want to brainstorm an idea based on a particular movie that I choose? I really don't know. I'm beginning to suspect that I hate concentrating or thinking or doing anything intellectual. I do like the idea of how spaces can suggest what they are used for or what type of people use them despite the absence of people. I think I'll explore that for now.
Tyler 2/10/2008
I thought my critique went pretty well and I got some good feedback for improvements to my layered drawing. I have chosen my film to use for the new project; it is a bmx video that I just happen to bring along from the states. Riding bikes is something I love to do and I think the video will fit the theme of the project perfectly. The whole idea behind riding bmx is finding new ways to use and have fun with the architecture around you. When riders go street riding, they take the architecture they have been given and use it for everything but it's intended purpose. So the basic idea is there: bodies, architecture, and the interaction between the two. I'm still working on what to do with it.
Liz Walworth
I wanted my subjective piece to have a layered feel to it, but the end result looked too careful. So I remedied the problem by pouring some gesso on it during critique. This gave it a less predictable look, so it was a positive move. I'm not sure where I'm going to go with the layer/movement/activity theme in my video project. I haven't worked with video too much, so it will be more of an experiment than anything else. I'll try not to be too careful with it, let the video do what it wants to do, and if need be, pour some gesso on it.
Jessica Wetterer: Body and Film
My last project, the subjective drawing, went reasonably well-- though perhaps I could have pushed it a bit further. Its best feature was the mix of materials in rendering the different figures for their relative purposes (the broken statue/ emblem in contrast to the foregrounded spiderweb.)
I am really excited for this next project. I've really been wanting to work with images in film and making my own small piece, and this is the perfect opportunity! After taking film studies last semester I have been obsessed with the short surreal film "Un Chien Andalou" by Bunuel and Dali. It really emphasizes the use of bodies to transition from frame to framein their form, shape and lighting. It is a very bizarre (surreal... go figure) exploration of dream sequencing and though the film notably has no significant meaning in its plotline, that is one of my favorite aspects. For my own project I want to take the elements of abstract imagination - which really fits in with my selected garden space- and make a short story out of it. I am envisioning some rerendering of time or place or reality... That's a broad overview, but I have always been a fan of spontinaeity.
I am really excited for this next project. I've really been wanting to work with images in film and making my own small piece, and this is the perfect opportunity! After taking film studies last semester I have been obsessed with the short surreal film "Un Chien Andalou" by Bunuel and Dali. It really emphasizes the use of bodies to transition from frame to framein their form, shape and lighting. It is a very bizarre (surreal... go figure) exploration of dream sequencing and though the film notably has no significant meaning in its plotline, that is one of my favorite aspects. For my own project I want to take the elements of abstract imagination - which really fits in with my selected garden space- and make a short story out of it. I am envisioning some rerendering of time or place or reality... That's a broad overview, but I have always been a fan of spontinaeity.
Amy T 2.10.08
well i like our new assignment i think. mostly because i have quite the obsession with film. i need to brainstorm the movies ive seen with good cinematography/directors. i did rent a hitchcock film as it was suggested to do so, but i havent watched it yet. i was really interested in miracolo a milano and i think i might order it on amazon, so maybe we could watch the part we missed. if i end up getting it. anyway, i also have yet to find my little "backpocket" element from my last piece, the subjective drawing. i was thinking maybe the difference in mark making depending on subject and position in space (the closer to the viewer the more scratchy and clearly made the marks were, or the fact that the more feminine things were smoother, since my theme was roundness...). but that's definitely not my solidified idea. i really enjoyed the very very special effects from the milano movie, and might be inspired by that for the next piece. i also enjoy the idea of having a narrative in our next piece. I am really interested in the idea of framing figures and being able to see their faces but not see what they are looking at or what is making them react. i am almost sure that will be an element in the next piece. i also love the extreme characters in the last movie. very stylized and exaggerated. i loved it.
also, last night was really fun. i'm glad it was called "playing games" rather than "making art."
also, last night was really fun. i'm glad it was called "playing games" rather than "making art."
Christy - week 3
Right, this week, I've been feeling rather unproductive, but at the same time have been thinking lots about things, which I suppose is productive in a rather invisible sense. Anyways, for logical reasons (see as how all of our project stuff is relating to space), I have been thinking a lot about space, the way in which people move through it, and how it makes us feel.
The way people move through a space is something that I have always thought a lot about. I think it is fascinating to sit still in a place that everyone is constantly moving through. There is just this strange concept of space that is personal for each person walking through it, and yet incredibly public because that space is occupied by a different person each moment.
In terms of space framing, in relationship to film, I've been thinking a lot about this one scene, in "Roma Citta Aperta", where the boys are climbing back into the building from a small tunnel and the director shows their movement through the space by putting the camera at knee level. As a result you see their feet and legs climbing through the gap. It enhances the small-ness of the space by quite a lot in that scene, as well creating an interestingly framed space. I have also been thinking a lot about tight spaces and how they make us feel, thanks to the contemporary art exhibit we went to in Sienna. The particular piece I am thinking of is the one that I forgot to write down the information for, but my inherent reaction to it as a long dark hallway full of loud and scary noises, as well as the reactions of the others I saw experience, got me thinking about how space triggers us emotionally.
I learned a lot about layering in my subjective drawing. It is something that I think I may want to explore in this next project. The idea of a space as a multi-dimensional emotional experience is rather intriguing.
The way people move through a space is something that I have always thought a lot about. I think it is fascinating to sit still in a place that everyone is constantly moving through. There is just this strange concept of space that is personal for each person walking through it, and yet incredibly public because that space is occupied by a different person each moment.
In terms of space framing, in relationship to film, I've been thinking a lot about this one scene, in "Roma Citta Aperta", where the boys are climbing back into the building from a small tunnel and the director shows their movement through the space by putting the camera at knee level. As a result you see their feet and legs climbing through the gap. It enhances the small-ness of the space by quite a lot in that scene, as well creating an interestingly framed space. I have also been thinking a lot about tight spaces and how they make us feel, thanks to the contemporary art exhibit we went to in Sienna. The particular piece I am thinking of is the one that I forgot to write down the information for, but my inherent reaction to it as a long dark hallway full of loud and scary noises, as well as the reactions of the others I saw experience, got me thinking about how space triggers us emotionally.
I learned a lot about layering in my subjective drawing. It is something that I think I may want to explore in this next project. The idea of a space as a multi-dimensional emotional experience is rather intriguing.
Hillary
My subjective drawing was... an interesting experience. I made a 360 degree photo collage of piazza Santo Spirito with an overlay drawing / tracing of graffiti, people, birds, trash, bikes, and other "stuff." I think that the collage was successful to an extent, but I wasn't super-happy with the way the overlay turned out. I think that the material i chose and the way the two layers were integrated didn't really translate from my brain into reality.
As for the next project, I'm still really unsure of what I want to do with it. I was intrigued by some of the images in Miracolo a Milano, especially the hats chasing after the traitorous man, and also the "human architecture" of the mass chasing the "sole." I was also inspired by the playtime, and I am hoping to create something using my newly rediscovered playfulness with materials. Hopefully I'll be able to combine the two in some way....
PS. My pictures absolutely will not upload, so I'll keep trying and post again if need be. Sorry!
As for the next project, I'm still really unsure of what I want to do with it. I was intrigued by some of the images in Miracolo a Milano, especially the hats chasing after the traitorous man, and also the "human architecture" of the mass chasing the "sole." I was also inspired by the playtime, and I am hoping to create something using my newly rediscovered playfulness with materials. Hopefully I'll be able to combine the two in some way....
PS. My pictures absolutely will not upload, so I'll keep trying and post again if need be. Sorry!
Professoressa Julia
Well what a week it has been! I am still buzzing from the excitement of seeing all of the Subjective drawings, films, the wonderful Siena trip, and the supremely fabulous "Play date" on Saturday night--which many of the studenti are calling the "Art Party". I was thrilled to see how everyone was able to let go of the pressure to make "art" and really experiment with materials, and enjoy it. Bravi!
Of course the evening had its lesson; that play is part of discovery, discovery leads to new findings, new findings challenge what we already have fixed in our heads, and allow us to sidestep predictability and familiarity. Ah-ha! I hope that the spirit of play from that night stays with everyone while we embark on our new work..I am really looking forward to this week in studio!
Julia
Of course the evening had its lesson; that play is part of discovery, discovery leads to new findings, new findings challenge what we already have fixed in our heads, and allow us to sidestep predictability and familiarity. Ah-ha! I hope that the spirit of play from that night stays with everyone while we embark on our new work..I am really looking forward to this week in studio!
Julia
Emily
Well I spent a lot of time in my shed this past week working on my subjective drawing. I started by working in coffee, which smelled nice but really didn't look all that different from watercolor. The beginning layer of coffee really reminded me of a sinopia underdrawing of a fresco, which I liked, but I knew I wanted to keep working on top of it. I was pretty happy with the end result although I definitely think I could have pushed it further. So...I put it into the pot for our play time in the studio, and Liz went wild with it. I'm really glad she didn't hesitate to cover it up. I really like that now you can only see traces of my drawing through the pink paint.
During the critique of that drawing Liz mentioned how the kitchen items that were added in might have something to do with my spending a lot of time cleaning dishes; Julia joked that it was a protest piece, but I actually think that would be a fun theme for my upcoming movie. Some kind of kitchen narrative maybe without an actor, but with the presence of dishes suggesting use by characters. We'll see where that goes. I'm not sure yet what aspect of the movie(s) I would like to incorporate--maybe the popping up of objects when Toto had his magic dove and was able to make things appear. I could have dishes popping into the kitchen sink.
I've spent a lot of time this weekend exploring my area for the mapping project. It takes a pretty long time to walk down all of those streets, but it's really rewarding to find places you've never been or might never go otherwise. I initially thought that I wanted to have a plan of action before I set out in order to look for specific things, but I decided that all I really wanted to do was explore. I've been walking around taking pictures and writing notes about anything that strikes my fancy.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23219926@N02/sets/
During the critique of that drawing Liz mentioned how the kitchen items that were added in might have something to do with my spending a lot of time cleaning dishes; Julia joked that it was a protest piece, but I actually think that would be a fun theme for my upcoming movie. Some kind of kitchen narrative maybe without an actor, but with the presence of dishes suggesting use by characters. We'll see where that goes. I'm not sure yet what aspect of the movie(s) I would like to incorporate--maybe the popping up of objects when Toto had his magic dove and was able to make things appear. I could have dishes popping into the kitchen sink.
I've spent a lot of time this weekend exploring my area for the mapping project. It takes a pretty long time to walk down all of those streets, but it's really rewarding to find places you've never been or might never go otherwise. I initially thought that I wanted to have a plan of action before I set out in order to look for specific things, but I decided that all I really wanted to do was explore. I've been walking around taking pictures and writing notes about anything that strikes my fancy.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23219926@N02/sets/
Kate Owens 10/2
Soooo.. I finished my subjective drawing and overall I am pretty content with it. However, I realized that it ended up a lot safer than I initially planned and a LOT less abstract. Seeing others projects in the critique along with the activities this weekend definitely made me feel that I should have been a lot riskier with my materials and the way I use them. I don’t know how far I really want to go into that direction though… While it was fun this weekend to be reckless with material and rip, pour paint, and draw on other peoples’ finished work, I wasn’t exactly thrilled with my end products. I’ll take from the experience the idea of being “free and playful” with your materials but a little bit more subtly and in my own way.
I’ve begun to start thinking about our next project and what I want to take from the films we’ve been seeing. So far, I’ve been most interested in the use of light and contrast to establish hierarchy of space, which we’ve seen in the Milano movie. This is kind of a build off from my subjective drawing where I used contrast in black and white to create space. However, instead of solely doing a 2 dimensional piece of work I want to expand it into more of a combination of 2D and 3D and perhaps incorporate some sort of installation. How I will do this... I’m not sure yet.
I’ve begun to start thinking about our next project and what I want to take from the films we’ve been seeing. So far, I’ve been most interested in the use of light and contrast to establish hierarchy of space, which we’ve seen in the Milano movie. This is kind of a build off from my subjective drawing where I used contrast in black and white to create space. However, instead of solely doing a 2 dimensional piece of work I want to expand it into more of a combination of 2D and 3D and perhaps incorporate some sort of installation. How I will do this... I’m not sure yet.
Tyler 2/03/2008
Well, I apparently haven't gotten the hang of blogging yet because my last blog didn't show up. It must be floating somewhere else on the worldwide web. I hope you all can see this one. I have been thinking and collecting ideas for all my projects a lot this week with the exception of going to carnevale in Venice, where I shot a few nice photos. My subjective images so far are drawings of grapes for their resemblance to a portion of my space, and also a charcoal drawing of the stone surface, which looks a lot like honeycomb. I would really like to go back and photograph my location some more but haven't really gotten a chance with so little daylight and terrible weather. For now, I guess I'll rely solely on drawings. I have a couple of plans for drawings, however, I have to wait till the stores open tomorrow to buy paper. I would like to buy some mylar paper and do sort of an architectural drawing in ink of the portion of my location that I perceive as very geometric. On another paper (possibly Vellum), I will do some sort of drawing (on the same scale) representing the organic feel of my location. Perhaps I can cut the drawings into strips and interweave them as they seem to do in real life. I hope all this makes sense to anyone reading. Oh, and the internet was down for a little while, but we just got it going again, so I apologize for the slight delay...Okay apparently my blog has "illegal characters" and it will not post. Great
C E S 2/10
After being given such an open assignment, I was both excited and overwhelmed. Its funny how art students are always complaining about restrictive assignments that we receive, but once given a little leeway, we cringe and have no idea where to start. This week, I have been sifting through all of the movies that I have seen and trying to pick out different techniques filmmakers use that inspire me. I was really drawn to Alice and Wonderland. The obvious tension between the characters and the fantastic world around them is intriguing. I thought about translating that tension into the architecture of florence (namely the duomo). I also enjoyed the odd film that we watched on Saturday evening, Miracle in Milan. The moment when the man was being chased by the translucent hats really stuck with me. So now, I am thinking about how I can combine both of these visual elements. I also am taking influence from my previous exploration of the fish market and the octopus. In my subjective piece, I believe that the moment where the photo transfer and the octopus suckers (scientific terminology :)) intermingled was the most successful area. I guess I would call that "integration of abstract and recognizable form". This could really continue in this next piece. I also hope to bring the same attitude that I used in our "playtime". I know I am apt to over-think and be cautious about making marks and really letting myself go and be CRAZY with art. I got to do that on Saturday and its a good feeling.
for pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23421757@N03/
for pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23421757@N03/
Alison 2.10.08
Ciao everyone! My subjective drawing of my space as a “framed” image of graffiti was most successful in the layering of different images on top of one another to create a sense of the passage of time… I want to used this idea of layering in this next project, maybe in a three-dimensional way. Unfortunately I was sick and missed the Saturday night “play time” but I still want to try and expand my comfort zone and be more experimental in my work… When watching the movies “Roma Città Aperta” and “Miracolo in Milano,” I realized how the architecture creates a setting around the characters, and seemingly small and insignificant architectural elements can really help and set the mood of a story. I haven’t yet figure out what architectural aspect I want to focus on, or what movie for that matter, right now I’m just in the process of brainstorming.
Andrea N. (ps)
Hey, sorry... I forgot to talk about the movie I'm going to use.
I was intrigued by the use of doors in "Roma Citta Aperta." Not only was there a door in practically every shot, but these doors came to symbolize many things (such as hiding, lying, acceptance, etc). I think this could tie in well to the train station since there are doors on all sides leading to the streets, as well as the many doors inside the station itself. A number of these doors are huge, and some don't even appear to be doors because they are always open to the outdoors.
Also, near track #8 is a memorial plaque in remembrance of train loads of Jews deported to camps during World War II. Thus, this could be an interesting way to tie in the moral themes of "Roma Citta Aperta" into my piece.
Furthermore, the plan of the building (as seen from above) is based on the Fascio Littorio (the symbol of Mussolini's fascist movement.) Therefore, it could be interesting to incorporate some of the capitalist criticisms featured in "Miracalo A Milano.
I was intrigued by the use of doors in "Roma Citta Aperta." Not only was there a door in practically every shot, but these doors came to symbolize many things (such as hiding, lying, acceptance, etc). I think this could tie in well to the train station since there are doors on all sides leading to the streets, as well as the many doors inside the station itself. A number of these doors are huge, and some don't even appear to be doors because they are always open to the outdoors.
Also, near track #8 is a memorial plaque in remembrance of train loads of Jews deported to camps during World War II. Thus, this could be an interesting way to tie in the moral themes of "Roma Citta Aperta" into my piece.
Furthermore, the plan of the building (as seen from above) is based on the Fascio Littorio (the symbol of Mussolini's fascist movement.) Therefore, it could be interesting to incorporate some of the capitalist criticisms featured in "Miracalo A Milano.
Andrea N.
Allora, I'm going to use my same space for this architectural project (the train station). Originally, I was thinking about integrating some type of implied, ambiguous narrative-- I was looking toward Cindy Sherman for inspiration. However, after receiving Julia's email, I was interested in what she said about not having to use direct representation. Now, I am going to experiment with mark-making, as this was the strongest element of my subjective drawing. (The two different types of marks creating an atmosphere.) Also, I spoke with Julia about possibly doing some type of video to portray the movement in the train station. Perhaps I could do something like the two videos at Systemi Emotivi, in which the artist redrew over his own drawings and made a video. As for the actual "story line," I'm quite sure what I'm doing yet. I was thinking about incorporating the way in which the train station opens to the outdoors, but I think I'll have to see how my sketches go.
Ciao!
http://flickr.com/photos/23224315@N04/
Ciao!
http://flickr.com/photos/23224315@N04/
Allegra
This last week we finished up our first project profiling a space. In my subjective response I was pleased with how the background the image turned out but the rest of the space did not work as well. However, after the critique I now have a few ways I could have approached it differently that will be helpful in moving forward with the next project.
And going into the next project, I am excited to look at bodies and architecture in film because I love films. One of the first films I thought of was Ashes and Diamonds (1958, Poland) because of the cinematography. Most of the film takes place in a bar and the camera floats around the space often moving away from the main character to take in the surroundings... continuing to place the action in the broader context of what else is happening that night, in that bar. The content of the film also had some parallels to Roma, Citta Aperta, and Miracolo a Milano as it is about the end of WWII and the tension of what will happen next in Poland. As in Roma, Citta Aperta, the youth in Ashes and Diamonds are pulled by material wants but faced with the destruction of WWII. There is a sense of possibility for the future but also a hopelessness because of the violence from the war and between factions looking to take control. What mostly interests me is the story of loss youth from the war and the attempts for normalcy. Here is a link to a short clips from the film:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8YVqKiZCkrk&feature=related
I would like to explore a narrative that places this look of this film in an Italian location. There is a lot of mystery and moral ambiguity throughout the film that I enjoy and want to keep as a part of my narrative.
And going into the next project, I am excited to look at bodies and architecture in film because I love films. One of the first films I thought of was Ashes and Diamonds (1958, Poland) because of the cinematography. Most of the film takes place in a bar and the camera floats around the space often moving away from the main character to take in the surroundings... continuing to place the action in the broader context of what else is happening that night, in that bar. The content of the film also had some parallels to Roma, Citta Aperta, and Miracolo a Milano as it is about the end of WWII and the tension of what will happen next in Poland. As in Roma, Citta Aperta, the youth in Ashes and Diamonds are pulled by material wants but faced with the destruction of WWII. There is a sense of possibility for the future but also a hopelessness because of the violence from the war and between factions looking to take control. What mostly interests me is the story of loss youth from the war and the attempts for normalcy. Here is a link to a short clips from the film:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8YVqKiZCkrk&feature=related
I would like to explore a narrative that places this look of this film in an Italian location. There is a lot of mystery and moral ambiguity throughout the film that I enjoy and want to keep as a part of my narrative.
Michelle Israel 2/10/08
Ciao! So this week in Julia's class, we had our first critique. Mine went okay, not the greatest, but it's all good. I learned a lot about how to improve my work - not only the piece I handed in, but my artwork in general. Next time, I will work on making the perspective and the space that I am working on more convincing, instead of ambiguous and confusing.
For our next project, I am going to focus on the movie we saw yesterday, Miracle in Milan. The thing I noticed most in this movie, in relation to bodies and architecture, was that there was often a large group of people that moved together: these masses formed a moving, breathing architectural element that I found really intriguing. I want to take this idea and apply it to my project by building on my previous project (the subjective drawing of the bus stop, my space). In my subjective drawing, although I am not too crazy about it, I did like the way I conveyed a mystical, eerie mood. I began to think about how large masses, such as the ones from the movie, can create different moods through motion. I haven't worked out all of the details yet, but so far I'm thinking that I will create a narrative of emotions, and each emotion will be conveyed through the different movements of masses. Maybe I'll do a movie and incorporate sound into it, somehow. If so, I can play with the idea of how different audio tracks can change the mood of the same visual track. We'll see.
Arrivederci!!
For our next project, I am going to focus on the movie we saw yesterday, Miracle in Milan. The thing I noticed most in this movie, in relation to bodies and architecture, was that there was often a large group of people that moved together: these masses formed a moving, breathing architectural element that I found really intriguing. I want to take this idea and apply it to my project by building on my previous project (the subjective drawing of the bus stop, my space). In my subjective drawing, although I am not too crazy about it, I did like the way I conveyed a mystical, eerie mood. I began to think about how large masses, such as the ones from the movie, can create different moods through motion. I haven't worked out all of the details yet, but so far I'm thinking that I will create a narrative of emotions, and each emotion will be conveyed through the different movements of masses. Maybe I'll do a movie and incorporate sound into it, somehow. If so, I can play with the idea of how different audio tracks can change the mood of the same visual track. We'll see.
Arrivederci!!
vassallo
SOOO this week was eventful... we turned in our first studio project on thursday- i attached a picture of my glorious gelato wonderland. i drew it using charkoal and an intriging silver pastel i enjoyed. post-critique, the one thing that i would like to do to the drawing is add more gelato. i plan on cutting off the top, which is meant to be the edge of the gelato case, and glue the rest onto an empty sheet of paper where i can draw more and more icecream. i want to create an endless gelato case! gelato everywhere!!! well see how that goes...
and in reference to the new project, im overwhelmed. i have tons of ideas but im going to have to do some experimenting. right now, im thinking of either photography- using a slideshow to show a gelato container throughout the day. in the morning it would be full and beautiful, and slowly it disappears after many-a-gelato customer take advantage of it. or, something very different than that would be something abstract, kindof focused on the same idea. who knows, im woking on it.
and i would like to send a shoutout to julia and regan for planning the much anticipated and overwhelmingly successful playdate!! haha... i really enjoyed it. the pizza and company were both delicious and entertaining, and i had fun just doing whatever i wanted. were so used to having guidelines and limitations, so it was fun to go wild. and now i really want to do that in my next project... so who knows whatl happen with that. i attached pictures of my abstract creations also from the playdate, hope you enjoy!!!
ciao ciao for now!
and in reference to the new project, im overwhelmed. i have tons of ideas but im going to have to do some experimenting. right now, im thinking of either photography- using a slideshow to show a gelato container throughout the day. in the morning it would be full and beautiful, and slowly it disappears after many-a-gelato customer take advantage of it. or, something very different than that would be something abstract, kindof focused on the same idea. who knows, im woking on it.
and i would like to send a shoutout to julia and regan for planning the much anticipated and overwhelmingly successful playdate!! haha... i really enjoyed it. the pizza and company were both delicious and entertaining, and i had fun just doing whatever i wanted. were so used to having guidelines and limitations, so it was fun to go wild. and now i really want to do that in my next project... so who knows whatl happen with that. i attached pictures of my abstract creations also from the playdate, hope you enjoy!!!
ciao ciao for now!
Alexandra Nason february 10
i know we're kind of in a period of transition, having just finished a project and now we're moving into another, so im not quite sure where to start.
i really enjoyed making the subjective drawings and found that even though i started with a good idea of what i wanted to do, my process changed as the piece developed. i had fun adding string, organic lines, and color using watercolor, which i had not planned to do from the start. what i thought would be an intricate pen drawing turned into this explorative coloring process, indicative of the energy in the courtyard that a viewer might be able to feel, not see. that may sound completely silly, but there are so many wires, it gave me this idea of energy running through them, and that in conjunction with the colorful pieces of trash provided as nice point of departure.
i agree my piece is "safe"- my line quality is safe, the piece itself is definitely contained. and this leads me into the next piece, which has definitely been a source of confusion for me the past few days. in my next piece i am psyched about exploring containment/expansion of figures in space. ideas such as coming in/going out/entrance/exit-- of figures and how they relate to space. i realize this is vague, but its still vague in my own head so articulating it better might not be happening.
that said, i am still narrowing down my vision for where this film project will be going because there are so many different possibilities for creating a narrative on bodies in architecture that makes this project exciting, but a little nerve racking. i attached a photo of an octopus i drew lying on a bench --i was just playing around--to maybe make my ideas on bodies and space interacting a little more clear...but at this point anything could happen. oh the possibilities.
one more thing- while we were watching miracle in milan, i tried to keep in mind the different conversations on bodies v. architecture in play. things such as point of view/perspective/framing/symbolism/materials (such as the pieces from which the little huts were constructed) were overwhelming in their potential, but im looking forward to seeing what you guys gather from these elements and ideas that we are all working with
i tried to upload three photos but only one worked, i will try to post the other two later this evening, i think something is wrong with the internet connection- its very spotty
i really enjoyed making the subjective drawings and found that even though i started with a good idea of what i wanted to do, my process changed as the piece developed. i had fun adding string, organic lines, and color using watercolor, which i had not planned to do from the start. what i thought would be an intricate pen drawing turned into this explorative coloring process, indicative of the energy in the courtyard that a viewer might be able to feel, not see. that may sound completely silly, but there are so many wires, it gave me this idea of energy running through them, and that in conjunction with the colorful pieces of trash provided as nice point of departure.
i agree my piece is "safe"- my line quality is safe, the piece itself is definitely contained. and this leads me into the next piece, which has definitely been a source of confusion for me the past few days. in my next piece i am psyched about exploring containment/expansion of figures in space. ideas such as coming in/going out/entrance/exit-- of figures and how they relate to space. i realize this is vague, but its still vague in my own head so articulating it better might not be happening.
that said, i am still narrowing down my vision for where this film project will be going because there are so many different possibilities for creating a narrative on bodies in architecture that makes this project exciting, but a little nerve racking. i attached a photo of an octopus i drew lying on a bench --i was just playing around--to maybe make my ideas on bodies and space interacting a little more clear...but at this point anything could happen. oh the possibilities.
one more thing- while we were watching miracle in milan, i tried to keep in mind the different conversations on bodies v. architecture in play. things such as point of view/perspective/framing/symbolism/materials (such as the pieces from which the little huts were constructed) were overwhelming in their potential, but im looking forward to seeing what you guys gather from these elements and ideas that we are all working with
i tried to upload three photos but only one worked, i will try to post the other two later this evening, i think something is wrong with the internet connection- its very spotty
Sarah Q.//2.10
Alright, so here we go with another update on my process (and hopefully progress) with body and architecture projects…
My mind has completely opened up after our critique about my specific place, the Joshua Tree Pub, and how I’ve been depicting it. For our subjective assignment, I ended up doing the grid idea: I mapped out where certain textures were in the bar that I was personally attracted to (there’s pictures of the final project on my photo flickr page). There were both positives and negatives in my critique, obviously. My close attention to detail and things that I personally notice are strong, especially textures for me. Since it was so detailed, however, my mark making was not extremely varied and each aspect that I depicted was very contained and controlled in its little box within the grid. I think that if I tried to make things more free form and added transitions it might have been more successful. I might return back to my first idea of LAYERING textures and go a more free and abstract route.
Julia also remembered an artist that was doing almost the same thing as I was with trying to portray a bar and what I personally responded to and noticed. Her name is Joan Linder... after looking her up and seeing her artwork I totally understand what Julia meant. Her bar project called “The Pink 2007” I found here:
http://www.mixedgreens.com/ArtWeb/html/artisthome.asp?WorkInvNum=10254&artist=44&whatpage=artist&editionset=
http://www.artcal.net/event/view/1/5701
… I bet it’s really different in person. So cool though! Thanks Julia…
The art-party-game-night-activity we had was very fun too… it was even a little challenging for me to just let go and “have fun” with whatever materials I could find… I guess I do really have to concentrate on letting go more and just being free with my art and not CONSTRAIN myself! So, for my narrative I was thinking along the lines of how people relate to and feel in my space (a bar) and how it changes over time, for example with more drinks. For a film that I could relate to it I was thinking of using Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas… one of my all-time favorites. Oooh this will be an interesting project indeed.
My mind has completely opened up after our critique about my specific place, the Joshua Tree Pub, and how I’ve been depicting it. For our subjective assignment, I ended up doing the grid idea: I mapped out where certain textures were in the bar that I was personally attracted to (there’s pictures of the final project on my photo flickr page). There were both positives and negatives in my critique, obviously. My close attention to detail and things that I personally notice are strong, especially textures for me. Since it was so detailed, however, my mark making was not extremely varied and each aspect that I depicted was very contained and controlled in its little box within the grid. I think that if I tried to make things more free form and added transitions it might have been more successful. I might return back to my first idea of LAYERING textures and go a more free and abstract route.
Julia also remembered an artist that was doing almost the same thing as I was with trying to portray a bar and what I personally responded to and noticed. Her name is Joan Linder... after looking her up and seeing her artwork I totally understand what Julia meant. Her bar project called “The Pink 2007” I found here:
http://www.mixedgreens.com/ArtWeb/html/artisthome.asp?WorkInvNum=10254&artist=44&whatpage=artist&editionset=
http://www.artcal.net/event/view/1/5701
… I bet it’s really different in person. So cool though! Thanks Julia…
The art-party-game-night-activity we had was very fun too… it was even a little challenging for me to just let go and “have fun” with whatever materials I could find… I guess I do really have to concentrate on letting go more and just being free with my art and not CONSTRAIN myself! So, for my narrative I was thinking along the lines of how people relate to and feel in my space (a bar) and how it changes over time, for example with more drinks. For a film that I could relate to it I was thinking of using Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas… one of my all-time favorites. Oooh this will be an interesting project indeed.
TARYN RILEY!
alrighty roo. so. in regan's class i am exploring the marvels of the delightfully disturbing foldy fleshy meats of the italian market and the ways that i can juxtapose them with architecture. As of laaate i have been wrapping support structures/beams (such as those for ceilings etc) with this hairy looking flappy meat. its terribly satisfying and great great fun.
in julia's class we recently had a critique on the photo in my flickr account called "julesprj1" and its of my space... ripping away from its wall on the arno. so i kinda hate it, yeah? but from my failures i have pulled a lot of success and i actually had a crapload of fun making it because i never use watercolors and that thing is primarily watercolors. it was fun to see how much i could control them versus let them do their own durn thang. the only part of it i really dig is the viney stuff supporting the structure. i also enjoy the way i did the bricks, which you cant really see, but i created a stamp out of an eraser that i chopped up and then dipped in different colors and washes of watercolor. i totally and completely loathe the composition. its hideous and im embarrassed of that aspect of it. so what i learned is that i certainly need to plan better where things will go - i have a tendency to DIVE RIGHT IN and not always in the good artsy way because it often results in strange, confusing overly triangular compositions. w0rd.
the picture right after julia's prjct picture is a picture of my hillariously messy room (typically messy as well though) and you can see the same drawing as it was in process - this is just how i work. amongst the mess. spilling and dripping on all my junk. it sucks and im sure completely hinders me in multiple, multiple ways.
the next four pictures, which are handily labeled for ye, are from the tremendously joyous ART PARTY THAT WE HAD!!!! GAH!! it was such fun. i wish you could have been there. whoever you are. maybe you were there. ok. um, but essentially it was just freeform art fun - no rules and no boundaries which i think resulted in some incredibly cool stuff. im not particularly crazy about my two pieces - the first two pictures are of my "sculpture" (i have no idea) but it was fun to make something 3D. Then my second was a response to a drawing carter had done. i like yellow black and gray.
ok i guess that is all. sorry.
in julia's class we recently had a critique on the photo in my flickr account called "julesprj1" and its of my space... ripping away from its wall on the arno. so i kinda hate it, yeah? but from my failures i have pulled a lot of success and i actually had a crapload of fun making it because i never use watercolors and that thing is primarily watercolors. it was fun to see how much i could control them versus let them do their own durn thang. the only part of it i really dig is the viney stuff supporting the structure. i also enjoy the way i did the bricks, which you cant really see, but i created a stamp out of an eraser that i chopped up and then dipped in different colors and washes of watercolor. i totally and completely loathe the composition. its hideous and im embarrassed of that aspect of it. so what i learned is that i certainly need to plan better where things will go - i have a tendency to DIVE RIGHT IN and not always in the good artsy way because it often results in strange, confusing overly triangular compositions. w0rd.
the picture right after julia's prjct picture is a picture of my hillariously messy room (typically messy as well though) and you can see the same drawing as it was in process - this is just how i work. amongst the mess. spilling and dripping on all my junk. it sucks and im sure completely hinders me in multiple, multiple ways.
the next four pictures, which are handily labeled for ye, are from the tremendously joyous ART PARTY THAT WE HAD!!!! GAH!! it was such fun. i wish you could have been there. whoever you are. maybe you were there. ok. um, but essentially it was just freeform art fun - no rules and no boundaries which i think resulted in some incredibly cool stuff. im not particularly crazy about my two pieces - the first two pictures are of my "sculpture" (i have no idea) but it was fun to make something 3D. Then my second was a response to a drawing carter had done. i like yellow black and gray.
ok i guess that is all. sorry.
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