A few weeks ago, I introduced to you artist Chris Jordan, who explores Western culture through large scale images exploring mass consumption and waste, as well as other social issues and topics. Watch the video presentation of Chris Jordan discussing his artwork and then write an aesthetic response to his work. How do you react to his images? Does his artwork have a profound effect on you? Explain your experience/ reactions. As an artist, does he motivate you to explore any of these issues in your own personal work?http://www.ted.com/talks/chris_jordan_pictures_some_shocking_stats.html


Crushed cars #2, Tacoma 2004     44x62"

Happy New Year!

it is 2012 and second semester is upon us! i would just like to notify all of you that i am diligently working on letters of recommendation and will have them all complete within the next couple of days. i hope that you all have been able to work on your college applications and are nearing completion. i would like to add that if you haven't submitted an application to SCAD, that the representative did give us that code word that waives the application fee, so it might not be a bad idea just to submit an application as a back up. i am directing this mostly at June, Molly, Kivina and Luke...anyone remember the code word? post it for everyone if you have it written down somewhere.

Let this post be a friendly remnder that if you haven't made any artworks yet over the break, you have a week...I requested that you all investigate one of your concentration theme ideas. with that in mind, if the piece is successful and you are feeling motivated to continue explore the chosen theme, you may use this piece in your concentration portfolio...otherwise it can always be used in your breadth portfolio.

I am looking forward to getting back to work with all of you and having a productive second semester. it is going to be much much more demanding and deadlines will be much stricter. yes, this means better time management and more dedication on all of your parts. i am putting together a supply order form this week, so let me know if you have any special requests for materials! We will also be starting our in class still-life when we return and i will be teaching you how to stretch your own canvas!

Be Productive and Enjoy your Last Week of Vacation! Cheers! ~o'd

Jenny Holzer in her own words.wmv

For thirty years, Jenny Holzer has presented her astringent ideas, arguments, and sorrows in public places and international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale, the Reichstag, and the Guggenheim Museums in New York and Bilbao. Her medium, whether formulated as a T-shirt, as a plaque, or as an LED sign, is writing, and the public dimension is integral to the delivery of her work. Starting in the 1970s with the New York City posters, and up to her recent light projections on landscape and architecture, her practice has rivaled ignorance and violence with humor, kindness, and moral courage. Holzer received the Leone d’Oro at the Venice Biennale in 1990 and the Public Art Network Award in 2004. She holds honorary degrees from Ohio University, Williams College, the Rhode Island School of Design, and The New School. Holzer lives and works in New York.

Write a comment in response to the video. What are your thoughts about text as a medium of art?

Bill Viola - Ocean Without a Shore - Venice Biennale 2007

This is a video interview with artist, Bill Viola, of his installation Ocean Without a Shore, which we had analyzed in class. Take a look at it and write a comment in response to the artwork.

Supakitch and Koralie: Process of Contemporary Street Artists

Here is a great video clip that shows the process of how street artists, Supakitch and Koralie, work to develop a complex wall mural for The Museum of World Culture in Gothenberg, Sweden. Observe the different materials and layers they create to develop the finished project. Both Supakitch and Koralie started as street artists and have fused their unique styles together and have recently been recognized by "high art" establishments. Like many street artists today, they have one foot in what has previously been called "low art" and the other foot in the "high art world", making the division of the two art scenes blurred.

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Art Shows and Competitions

All of you will be required to submit artwork to at least one art show or competition this year. I am encouraging you to submit your artwork to more than one though! Here is a great link that lists a variety of art shows and competitions occuring throughout the nation. Please visit this link often to see if new shows have been added! You may look elsewhere for art contests and shows as well; sometimes magazines or organizations have contests too. I will assist you with the preparation, shipping and application fees for at least one art show/ competion. Good Luck!

http://www.artshow.com/

Art and Fear: Chapter One

Part One:

Writing [artmaking] is easy: all you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until the drops of blood form on your forehead. -Gene Fowler

Repost the following questions on your own blog and write your responses to them. This is due by Sunday, Sept 11, 9pm :

1. What does the face of uncertainty mean to you?

2. How do you feel about the notion of, "doing something no one much cares wether you do, and for which there may be niether audience nor reward"?

3. The Assumptions: take one of the assumptions listed below and consider your personal relationship to it. How does the assumption relate to your feelings and thoughts toward art and artmaking? Please write a short paragraph analyzing the chosen assumption and your relationship to it.

               - Artmaking invloves skill that can be learned

               - Art is made by ordinary people

               - Making art and viewing art are different at their core:

                          *to all viewers but yourself, what matters most is the product/ finished artwork

                          * your job is to learn to work on your work:

                              -even failed pieces are essential,

                              -you learn to make art by making your art,

                              -make art you care about and make LOTS of it!

4. Artmaking has been around longer than the art establishment.

      1. Definition/ Identity as an artist has both drawbacks and benefits. What does labeling yourself as an artist do for you or not do for you personally?

      2. What does labeling yourself as an artist do or not do for you as others view you?