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Title: Tea Party

Media: Wooden fence panels, tea cups and saucers

Dimensions; 24″ x 23.75″ x various depths

“Tea Party” represents a childhood favorite of many little girls. I can remember playing tea party with my mom and stuffed animals for what seemed like hours on end growing up. The fun part is that now I am able to play tea party with my little girls!

(”Tea Party” was originally intended to be a variety of bird feeders, but I wasn't able to figure out how to accommodate for the rain and keep the project true to my intentions.)

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Sketchbook #4

Jackson Pollock was studying with Thomas Hart Benson but was still struggling to find himself and where he belonged in life. He started abstract painting after a 6 month stay in a psychiatric hospital that his family committed him to for his alcoholism. I think he began working in drip paintings because they depicted his life. They didn't fit the mold of what people expected; they were raw and messy and didn't follow the rules. Pollock could express himself through his paintings (which also meant that he had time alone where he seemed more comfortable,) and be recognized for his work and be "approved of." Pollock spent his life feeling like an outcast but found his calling in art. I find it amazing that even though he struggled to draw and paint, he continued on to find his strengths, despite his difficulties. He is also an example of how someone can feel so misunderstood but still has so much to contribute. I have great empathy towards those who self medicate with drugs or alcohol, I cannot imagine the pain he must have felt that led to this "self medicating." 

Pollocks' drip paintings express what so many feel each day. 

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Endless Endeavor

Media: Paper, glue, syringes, medication 

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Sketchbook #3

Veronese’s Rest on the Flight into Egypt (1572)

Oil on Canvas

Size: Nearly 8 feet tall (Unable to locate more exact size)

This painting, by Paolo Veronese was purchased by John Ringling in 1925-1926. One of the aspects that initially drew me to this painting, aside from its size, was the use of color throughout the painting.  We see Mary at the center of the painting draped in a deep blue, an angel in a brilliant red, various browns/tans, green foliage, and a beautiful blue sky. Jesus is seen as an infant, dressed in a white cloth, breastfeeding on his mothers’ lap. While these are all seemingly ordinary colors, Veronese arranged them all so as to provide a sense of balance to the painting. Another way that balance was achieved was based upon the placement of the subjects. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are seated beneath a tall tree taking shade from the sun. The blue in Marys’ garment balances the blue in the sky in the right side of the painting. Also, the angel at the very top of the painting is wearing a more subdued brown and helps provide a sense of balance among the subjects. Veronese creates a sense of unity in this piece by placing the family unit together under the tree, by their placement and positioning it is clear that they belong together and they aren’t just random people seated near each other. As Mary feeds Jesus, Joseph watches them, perhaps for safety, perhaps to ensure she is comfortable as she nurses Jesus. The painting is properly proportioned as each subject in the painting fits together with the size of the others. The trees/bushes in the background provide a more defined background for the family against the sky and the clouds.  The buildings to the right appear as though they are in the distance based upon their size and the angle they are placed at.

This paining evokes a sense of peace within its’ audience. The subjects are relaxing in the shade on what appears to be beautiful day. Mary, although likely tired, has a calm demeanor to her as she nurses Jesus. Anyone who has traveled with a nursing infant knows how exhausting it is, but this group seems to be traveling with ease despite the great difficulties they would have faced during this time. The blues and greens used by Veronese add to the sense of serenity and create a calming effect. Even the cow and donkey pictured appear tranquil as the angels fly nearby.

Veronese painted during the Renaissance period and was known for being overly decorative and was, at times, unappreciated for this.  After reading multiple analyses of this painting, I have learned that many feel that the “V” in the tree and in the collar of Josephs’ shirt are a nod toward the artist himself. I have also seen it stated that Veronese painted Joseph as an older version of himself in this painting. Veronese may have been simply painting this scene as a commissioned work, or he may have been representing an event as he “saw” it. Veronese clearly felt that this family, while traveling, would have had a sense of peace amongst them. Had I painted this scene it likely would have been much different as I cannot imagine traveling with a nursing infant as a calm experience. I was unable to locate information on who commissioned Rest on the Flight into Egypt, but I did note that several of his paintings were commissioned by the Benedictine monks and various churches.

I believe this painting is important to society because Veronese made a name for himself by not following the “rules.” Although he was viewed as being overly decorative this didn’t stop him from painting his in his own style. Veronese is an example of someone who paved their own way even though it may not have been immediately popular. Also, it gives us a picture of the scripture Matthew 2; 13-15 in which Jesus is taken to Egypt for His safety. Although this scene isn’t described in the Bible, it is reasonable to assume the family stopped to rest during their travel. I selected this painting because of the beautiful colors and effortless brushstrokes. It appears as though Veronese painted with ease because each area flows into the next. The painting is balanced, unified, proportionate; each of these factors make it easy to view without being distracted by areas that don’t seem to fit. The viewers’ eyes can appreciate the entire painting without struggling to take in the entire painting in pieces.  

While at Ringling, I enjoyed this painting so I selected it for this assignment. I find it interesting how much more I was able to learn and discover about it when I really took the time to sit and actually “see” it.

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Sketchbook #2 Journaling

Unity and Variety: Unity in design means that all of the pieces somehow fit together and belong together. Variety on the other hand, means that all of the pieces or aspects are not the same. While all of the pieces need to be able to be tied together, it would be quite boring if they were all too similar. 

Balance: Balance in artwork means that the piece doesn’t appear too “heavy” in any particular place. A piece of artwork may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, but various pieces of the work will help to give it balance. These various pieces may include color, spatial cues, use of lines, etc. 

Directional forces: A directional force is when an artist adds an element to the piece to “force” us to look a certain direction. This can be done with implied lines, actual lines, or by placing elements that appear to be connected. In “Jockeys Before the Race” in our text, the small tree under the sun uses directional force to encourage the viewer to look up and therefore create balance in this piece of artwork. 

Emphasis and subordination: Emphasis means that an artist will create their work to specifically draw us to a particular area of the work. Subordination means that the other areas of the art work will be designed to not draw attention away from the emphasis but will still complement it. 

Contrast: Contrast uses opposite items or effects to enhance each other, placing something light against something dark for example. By placing them in contrast to each other it makes each more effective. 

Repetition and rhythm: Repetition means that something (such as a symbol or specific element,) may be used several times to create unity in the artwork. This effect also provides emphasis to the item used. Rhythm is frequently used in poetry, music, and dance but can be used in visual arts as well. Rhythm in visual arts is when an aspect may be repeated in a pattern to create a sense of organization. 

Scale and proportion: Scale is the size of each aspect of part of the artwork in comparison to the other aspects. For example, the people in the painting compared to a building they are standing next to. Proportion is the size of them compared to the entire work of art. 

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Sketchbook 2, Artist’s Choice

“Visit from Above”

In progress picture:

#1

#2

#3

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Connecting Art to Your World

One of the most memorable experiences where color affected my life was at the burial of my brother in 2010. I can recall standing at the casket with my parents and we were each handed a red rose to place on the flag that was draped across it. Although not particularly a fan of roses, I can recall specifically noticing the deep red of each petal. Looking back, I imagine the deep red was a shade of the original red hue. Perhaps it was just the situation, but I recall thinking I had never seen a rose quite that color before. 

If I had to choose a color scheme for my life I would choose a contemporary color scheme of purple and yellow. Purple can be seen as a “sad” color but I feel like it bring joy and hope. It can be a light color, such as violet, or a deep purple that seems to have body. Purple is also the ribbon color for Overdose Awareness which is something I try to remain deeply involved in. Yellow is bright and full of light. It’s difficult to feel sad when surrounded by the color yellow as I feel like it brings joy and warmth. 

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Writing and Looking

Edgar Degas, “Jockeys Before The Race” (figure 4.10 page 75.)

A strong vertical line towards the right seems to disrupt the balance of this piece, however, by adding in a small focal point (the sun,) at the far upper left this beautiful piece maintains balance. By adding another small, vertical line below the sun are eyes are told to look up, therefore bringing us away from the right side of the piece with this simple directional force. By adding warmer colors towards the bottom it helps to reinforce the horizon line. Scale and proportion bring life to the horses and their jockeys. 

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Photojournalism:

This photo is a mom and baby being rescued during the flooding from Hurricane Harvey in Houston. The photo clearly tells a story of desperation and suffering, but also hope. As a mother myself, I struggle with this photo each time I see it because I can almost feel this mothers pain myself. The fear she must have gone through would have been unimaginable as she was trying to save not only herself, but her baby. But I can also feel her relief when her rescuers arrived. I can’t help but wonder if other family/friends were left behind at this point. 

Photojournalism:

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1st Virtual Sketchbook

Ai Weiwei. Kippe. 2006. Media: Wood from dismantled temples from the Qing Dynasty and iron parallel bars.Â

This piece is created from the dismantled temples from the Qing Dynasty and iron parallel bars.

Ai Weiwei is considered a contemporary artist and human rights activist. He also sings, sculpts, enjoys photography, and film.

The artist incorporated some of his childhood memories into this piece, he is quoted recalling the parallel bars and basketball hoops near his home as well as the neatly stacked firewood at his home.

Ai Weiwei served as an artistic consultant for the stadium during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Ai Weiwei was secretly detained for 81 days in 2011. The government made a case against him stating tax evasion, online dissemination of pornography, and bigamy. The artist feels these charges were brought against him as he openly speaks out against the government.

The first time I looked at this piece I honestly felt it looked like someone spent a little too much time arranging their firewood. Once I looked at it a little closer I noticed the detail pieced throughout but didn’t even notice that the iron on the outside was from parallel bars. Once I read more about this piece I have much more appreciation for it. I loved learning about different views of what it represents and why it was created, I definitely see it as a creative piece now versus a pile of firewood!

                                                                                                                  The piece of artwork that I chose is a cow picture that hangs in my laundry room, my oldest daughter has lovingly named her Callie the Cow. Callie appears to be an oil on canvas, however, Callie is from Wal-Mart so she is a cheap knockoff. Callie's sole purpose in our house is to bring me a little bit of joy while I fold mountains of my families laundry. I think she is beautiful, at least to me, because she always makes me smile and she adds a pop of color to a room that is notoriously mundane.

I am a 30 year old caucasian female who lives in Venice, FL but I am originally from Mequon, WI.  I don’t have any activities that I specifically engage in for fun because my life basically revolves around my kids; ages 10, 2, and 8 months. Whatever fun they are having, that is my fun too! My family and I are actively involved in a non-demoninational Christian church and serve with a few local community organizations as well.  I am an LPN and work at an assisted living facility. One thing that is unique about me is that I genuinely enjoy working with the memory care community and have done so for approximately 12 years. The majority of my life revolves around my family and our close friends (most which have young kids as well.) Reading was a past "love" of mine, but I don't seem to have much time for that these days. After the loss of my brother 8 years ago, I spend a great deal of time advocating for better treatment options for those struggling with addiction. 

My “self-portrait” con be found at the link below. 

http://play.smilebox.com/SpreadMoreHappy/4e4459784d5449794d4452384d5441324f4451324e6a67780d0a?title=Laura&image=4e4459784d5449794d4452384d5441324f4451324e6a67780d0a.jpg

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Kippe

 Ai Weiwei. Kippe. 2006. Media: Wood from dismantled temples from the Qing Dynasty and iron parallel bars. 

This piece is created from the dismantled temples from the Qing Dynasty and iron parallel bars.

Ai Weiwei is considered a contemporary artist and human rights activist. He also sings, sculpts, enjoys photography, and film.

The artist incorporated some of his childhood memories into this piece, he is quoted recalling the parallel bars and basketball hoops near his home as well as the neatly stacked firewood at his home.

Ai Weiwei served as an artistic consultant for the stadium during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Ai Weiwei was secretly detained for 81 days in 2011. The government made a case against him stating tax evasion, online dissemination of pornography, and bigamy. The artist feels these charges were brought against him as he openly speaks out against the government.

The first time I looked at this piece I honestly felt it looked like someone spent a little too much time arranging their firewood. Once I looked at it a little closer I noticed the detail pieced throughout but didn't even notice that the iron on the outside was from parallel bars. Once I read more about this piece I have much more appreciation for it. I loved learning about different views of what it represents and why it was created, I definitely see it as a creative piece now versus a pile of firewood!