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Not Seen On TV

The artwork Ascension by artist Bill Viola is a brief minute and 50 second video showcasing a man submerged in a dark body of water. The video commences with a fully clothed man plunging into the water, illuminated by a blue light that reveals the scene. The clip portrays this enigmatic man slowly ascending towards the surface, with his arms outstretched and legs together, reminiscent of Christ on the cross. The video conveys a spiritual and cultural message as it depicts this seemingly lifeless Christ-like figure gradually moving towards the bright surface, symbolizing heaven. It presents a melancholic portrayal of an individual transitioning towards the afterlife. The video prompts contemplation on various profound concepts such as religion and the nature of existence after death. It suggests the existence of spiritual encounters as we witness the submerged figure, possibly deceased, gradually moving towards the light. The video also alludes to Christian beliefs, where baptism signifies one's allegiance to Jesus, and after death, the soul ascends towards the heavenly light. These themes are prominently depicted in the video, reflecting a cultural perspective on Christianity. The visual narrative offers a fresh perspective on Christianity, particularly in understanding the symbolic connection between Christ and water, which is considered "spiritual nourishment." The abstract imagery of the video allows viewers to interpret it individually. The static camera angle creates a sense of confinement, akin to a photograph, yet the video unfolds a narrative. Unlike traditional television, this video compels viewers to engage critically due to its fixed perspective and minimal movement.

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Tragedy Scripted and Staged

For this assignment I chose the scene of the climactic final duel between Hamlet and Laertes in Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. In this intense moment, the long-standing conflict between the two characters reaches its boiling point. The duel is orchestrated by the king as a treacherous trap to eliminate Hamlet and solidify his own power. Unbeknownst to Hamlet, Laertes conspires with the king and poisons his sword, leading to a tragic outcome for both of them. It is during this duel that the truth about King Claudius is finally revealed. In a final act of defiance, Hamlet manages to kill Claudius with the poisoned sword before succumbing to his own wounds.

This pivotal duel serves as a powerful climax for the play, highlighting themes of betrayal and fate. Shakespeare skillfully employs language and insults throughout the scene, showcasing the characters' inner emotions and turning their words into weapons. When Laertes accuses Hamlet of being responsible for the deaths of Polonius and Ophelia, Hamlet responds with a cutting remark, saying, "Give me your pardon, sir: I've done you wrong; but pardon't, as you are a gentlemen. This presence knows, and you must needs have heard, how I am punished with sore distraction." This quote exemplifies Hamlet's intelligence, wit, and his ability to handle accusations with grace.

Shakespeare's language in this scene truly brings depth to Hamlet's complex character. The final duel also reveals the characters' motivations and actions. Hamlet is driven by a sense of duty and confronts Laertes with courage, while Laertes is consumed by anger.

In a live-action performance of this scene, the actors have the opportunity to embody the characters and breathe life into them in a way that a script alone cannot achieve. The use of costumes, props, and stage direction further enhances the experience. The choreography of the fight and the physical interactions between the characters contribute to the dynamic and overall impact of the final duel.

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Anatomy Of a Scene

For this Anatomy of a Scene assignment I chose the two movies, "Freaks" by Todd Browning and "Black Klansman" by Spike Lee. "Black Klansman" was released in 2018 and directed by Spike Lee. The film is based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Taking place in the 1970s, the plot follows Stallworth as he infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan with his partner to expose their criminal activities. A standout moment in terms of cinematography is a scene where Stallworth is on the phone with the local KKK chapter, effectively conveying the film's themes. The scene begins with a close-up of Stallworth dialing the phone with intensity, followed by a shot that shifts from his face to his partner, creating a comedic effect. The fast-paced editing in this scene heightens the tension as the characters navigate the dangerous territory of white supremacist ideologies. While "Freaks" directed by Tod Browning in 1932, is an American horror film that follows a group of circus performers seeking revenge on a trapeze artist. Initially met with controversy and negative reactions, the film has since gained acceptance and is now considered a significant and influential piece of cinematic history. Known for its technical prowess, pacing, lighting, and other elements, Freaks effectively utilizes these components to enhance its dramatic impact. The use of lighting sets a dark and suspenseful tone, while the slow pacing builds tension throughout. Shocking scenes evoke strong emotions in viewers, and techniques like close-up shots and sound effects intensify the storytelling.

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PHOTOGRAPHERS EYE

The theme of my photo collection is family. I think the most important moments to capture are with family. Families are constantly growing and everyone changes physically. Each photo I've taken conveys the same message but at different times. While analyzing these photos you can infer the close relationship between these family members due to mainly the body language and facial expressions. You can see the connection of certain people growing older and certain people being an addition to the family. I have a big family that lives in various parts of the world and these photos help show the joy and chaos that comes along with our family. Each photo has a different location including different states. They also have different lighting which makes the photos mood pop more. Taking a look at these photos you understand the perspective of family on vacation and the changes of family.

Title: SIBLING TRIP TO SCHOOL

This photo shows an unusual morning routine for these siblings. Big sister finally got her license and can now take the little's to school. We don't usually do this but I had some extra time one morning and decided to drive them. I had also gotten them ready for school and fed them breakfast. My sister was super excited to have her hair done and asked if we could take a picture. In this photo we are capturing the moment of happy students ready to go get educated due to a great morning with family members.

Title: FAMILY HALLOWEEN NIGHT

This photo shows a big family ready for Halloween adventures. Each family member is dressed differently but everyone was so happy with their costumes. Even if we weren't in a matching family costume, we were all excited to take an adventure together. We wanted to involve every family member of the house to spend quality time for one night. We still had to attend school the next morning but they didn't stop anyone from getting a huge bag of candy. This photo captures a fun tacky night for a family of brothers, sisters, aunts, moms, and boyfriends.

Title: SAYING GOODBYE

This photo shows an aunt, her son, her niece, and her nephew. They all are standing in the middle of an airport getting ready to part ways. Her niece and nephew were visiting from Las Vegas and it was time to leave Arizona. Many tears were shed after this photo so we intended to capture a moment of happiness and final goodbyes. We spent an amazing week in the hot Arizona weather and loved every moment. We didn't want to leave and saying goodbye is the hardest part. This photo is a great example of a family not wanting to end vacation.

Title: GRANDMAS BUNCH

This photo was taken to capture a family who lives in Las Vegas while they visit Georgia. We were on a family trip to visit even more family in Georgia. The people in this photo are from my grandmas side which is the lady in the middle. She is surrounded by her grand babies which were gifted by her two daughters on each end. We all traveled as a big package and during this time we knew this group as home. Our group has changed much over time but this was the root in the beginning.

Title: LETS GO CRUISING

This photo is a family photo taken on a cruise in April. My mom, sister, aunts, uncle, and best friend are all around me. We were all so happy and grateful to be on such a great trip together. We all were matching for our white night and after these pictures we attended a great dinner. Everyone has a nice tan and a glow so bright it takes over the picture. The closeness of everyone shows that we aren't scared to love each other. We are better with the more of us and our smiles are bigger when we are next to each other. This photo is a great example of a happy family on vacation.

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Musical Theme

My Playlist

Rock: https://g.co/kgs/vTUuBP4

Hip/Hop: https://g.co/kgs/SQMiJgq

Country: https://g.co/kgs/HPzZEGu

Rock: https://g.co/kgs/m3Jeeix

Rap/Hip-hop: https://g.co/kgs/CPtAWCQ

Classical: https://g.co/kgs/ozrXDHThttps://g.co/kgs/ozrXDHT

The playlist I created revolves around songs that delve into the complexities of life and offer insights on how to navigate through its challenges. I selected this theme to explore the varying levels of passion and lyricism across different music genres, as life itself is a roller coaster of emotions. Drawing from my personal reflections, I delved into researching this theme to broaden my cultural experiences. For instance, the rock anthems "How To Save A Life" by The Fray and "In my Life" by The Beatles features consonant harmonies that enhance its energetic vibe, following the traditional rock structure that complements its theme. Similarly, the country hit "Life is A Highway" by Tom Cochrane adheres to the conventional country structure while incorporating both consonant harmonies and dissonance to convey the message of not taking life too seriously. On the other hand, the hip-hop track "Good Life" by G-Eazy echoes a similar musical theme, highlighting the positivity in life despite its inevitable end. Contrastingly, the rap song "Life Goes On" by Tupac uses dissonant harmonies to create a tense listening experience, reflecting the artist's raw emotions. These songs transition between slow, dramatic moments and faster-paced sections to illustrate the tumultuous relationship between the artist and the subject matter. A key element of these songs is their ability to convey genuine emotions through honest and evocative lyrics, setting them apart from other tracks that rely solely on harmony to evoke feelings. Furthermore, the classical piece "The Circle of Life" from The Lion King encapsulates the essence of this theme by blending dissonant and consonant harmonies in a structured manner, making it relatable and emotionally engaging for younger audiences. Despite their differences in genre and emotional approach, all six songs in the playlist share a common thread of exploring the multifaceted nature of life. It was truly fascinating to discover how songs with a similar theme can be crafted in distinct ways to evoke varied emotions.

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Plotting

I got my very first car in February 2023 and purchased it all on my own. It was a beautiful 2018 Dark blue Honda Civic Sport. I worked two jobs to save enough money for my own vehicle since I was 15. When I first got the car, I drove to the other side of Florida and went over 100 mph for the first time ever. My favorite color is blue so having my dream color car felt great and gave me a strong confidence boost. I felt so pretty being in the car and just standing next to it when I got out. The plan was to have this car all throughout high school. I even decided that I wanted to drive it to prom. Not only would I save money instead of getting a rental, I would match my dress to it. I didn't have a prom date my junior year but I didn't mind since I had my car that I worked very hard for. Our prom was in the beginning of May so I made sure to find the perfect dress in April. Once I did find the dress I was extremely excited just for pictures. However the end of April was the worst timing possible. A week before prom I was in a tragic accident. I was driving alone late at night and had just gotten off the highway. As I was making a left turn I was struck by a large truck and the front of my dream car was completely gone. I had lost everything I worked for within 3 months of having it. One week away from my perfect prom pictures was taken away. I never wore my blue dress next to my blue car. I ended up having to get a rental which just wasn't the same.

Situation A- Plan to attend prom with a dark blue dress and a Honda Civic.

Change- A car accident totals the vehicle.

Situation B- Has to attend prom without the Honda Civic.

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Poetic License

For this assignment I chose the poem "I Love You" written by Vahni Capildeo because it caught my attention with the certain words used. The lyrics poke around into the speakers reflection on the refusal of their partner to utter the phrase "I love you," attributing the potential damage caused by the verbalization of love. It goes on to examine the profound implications of love and the ways in which language and action intersect. The opening lines, "I love you; he wouldn't say: it was against his philosophy; I-Love-You / didn't mean what it meant," quickly establish the central conflict. This touched me personally because getting a man to say I love you has been hard for me and I think this is a great way to express where a man is coming from. Through intricate wordplay, vivid imagery, and philosophical musings, the lyrics embrace individuality within the realm of love. This poem portrays a lot for me and reminds me of self love because three words can be difficult. This poem is the freedom to express oneself authentically and fully that brings joy and a sense of fresh air. I don't read many poems on my own however a see the sense behind them and if you truly take the time to break it down and understand the lyrics then you can find a piece of art to connect to. Im always up for giving new things a try, just like men should try expressing themselves better.

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I decided to use my house as my piece of domestic architecture. This space is divided into multiple living spaces, the largest being the main living room and the smallest being the laundry room. You are welcomed by the first living room with large open windows to your left, along with large sliding glass doors to enter the backyard. To the right you will see our kitchen which sits right in the middle of our home, leading to a hallway to the laundry room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. This space was made more homey with the addition of furniture to filter out the plain colors of its interior. The sliding glass doors and the large windows allow the light and the illusion of a more open atmosphere to fill our home in dire need of reorganizing. My job, which I spend the majority of my time at, Is somewhat comparable in size to my house. My restaurant's interior is small and most of its seating is booths which are surrounded by full wall windows. My job is small enough to view the entire restaurant at one glance and is a little smaller than my house making it more of a clustered feeling. It is an ongoing family owned business of 20 years so its structure is way less updated and hid away in a corner. The environment is too small and not much to describe. I truly enjoy all the curves and light aspects in my home. However my job is a good place to enjoy some free time. Having a 360 view of any Florida weather while you eat is peaceful. I like to pay attention to the different ways you can use the environment around you. I like to change up my environment and don't enjoy staying in one place too long.

0 notes

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Downtown Fort Myers has a lot of historic sculptures that tell a story and give people a different view of past events. The sculpture that drew my attention the most was this piece called " Uncommon friends." It falls under memorializing the friendship of famous Fort Myers winterers Thomas A. Edison, Harvey Firestone and Henry Ford. The life-like figures gather around this bonfire, as they so often would do on their camping expeditions around Southwest Florida. It is the centerpiece of a fountain pond holding bronze alligators, manatees, and other local water creatures. A local artist, D.J. Wilkins is responsible for building it along with more than 20 other sculptures around town. To make "Uncommon Friends", Wilkins needed to combine the skills of sculptor, landscape architect, swimming pool contractor, plumber and electrician. He started with sculptures of Edison, Ford, and Firestone. Edison was depicted reclining next to the campfire, possibly listening to something Ford and Firestone are discussing, but his far-off gaze probably belies that he’s working out the aspects of a new invention in his head, like he was known to do from time to time. Wilkins seated Henry Ford on a chunk of rock at the water’s edge, looking at Firestone and listening intently with a cigar between the fore and middle fingers of his right hand. Today, three men out camping would probably be dressed in T-shirts, shorts and boat shoes or flip flops, but Wilkins has attired the three men in three-piece suits, ties and dress shoes undoubtedly because that’s how men would dress in the 1920's, even in the extreme heat and humidity that typifies this region of the south. The view of this piece says a lot itself however the information you can research is far beyond what I thought the sculpture held.

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Hello everyone the painting that stood out to me and really made me read into it was "THE VILLAGE" by FERNAND LEGER. The piece I chose has a background and I believe that gives it more vision when you hear the past behind it. Leger started an unused gathering of works of about 150 depictions he referred to as "Contrasts of Shapes." They share a common theoretical lexicon of stylized geometric components with earnestly brushed forms and immersed essential colors. It is likely that he built the picture from either memory of travel, or conceivably indeed of another portrait. The composition epitomizes "the law of plastic contrasts" that he looked for to investigate through cautious resistances of line, shape, and color. Shapes diminish in measure and colors help move from the fore- to the foundation of the canvas. Leger used this to connect color with small respect for naturalism; his recognition of chiaroscuro created into an investigation of the syncopation that dark and white can strengthen across a surface.The central portion of the town is painted within the colors of the French flag blue, white and red a enthusiastic note amid the expanding political pressure in which Leger worked. Completed within the summer of 1914 the town comes full circle the Contrasts of Shapes arrangement, which came to an conclusion with the flare-up of World War I.

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For my art piece I chose the song Halo by Beyonce because not only is it one of my favorite songs, it holds so much meaning behind it. As a little girl I always wanted to listen to this song with my grandma. I would get up on a table and dance like nobody was watching, except everyone was watching and I loved being the center of attention. So as I got older this song became my confidence booster and a number one hit at events. Every time the song comes on my whole family starts to connect and enjoy the night a little more. Since my grandma passed the song continued to be a confidence boost but in a different way. Even on my hard days I come back to this song and put myself in the mindset of better times. So not only does this song hold a good time but it brings back the best memories since I was a three year old little girl. It's a reminder of the beginning and gives me hope in the end. I never understood the song until I got older but truly listening to the lyrics gave me a different perspective. I like to passionately sing my music and relate to it and this song does just that for me. I will forever love this song and have many stories to tell about it.

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ABOUT ME

Hello everyone my name is Jasmyn Russell. I am a 17 year old dual enrollment senior. I currently attend Island coast high school and work as a server at Jerseys Sport cafe. This is my second year in FSW classes and I am currently applying to other colleges to get my degree in business. I am unsure of what career path I will end up in but I hope this class helps me understand people and the cultures better so I can expand my range of different aspects of life. I love learning new ways of how people achieve everyday tasks and I am always curious about the different lifestyles around the world. I am very motivated and determined to see what my future holds.