nighlok

[nighlok]

Final Exam

1.) My Work of Art

("Photograph of Culinary Fried rice and Beef Stew")

Artist: Sammy Anesca

Medium: Photograph (Still Life)

Date: 2023

For my final exam, I would like to showcase my still-life photograph of two dishes on a black table, which includes a plate of fried rice and a bowl of stew. Regarding the documentation, allow me to demonstrate the process I followed to prepare these dishes and present them.

As for the ingredients, I decided to use brown rice, soy sauce, sesame oil (although any cooking oil will do), garlic, onion, and beans. Even though I looked up two websites for ideas and ingredients when making fried rice. One article which showed a Chinese-style recipe with soy sauce, eggs, and vegetables. The other article featured a Thai-style recipe with shrimp, fish sauce, and basil leaves.

After constant advice from my Mom, I began by washing the brown rice before setting it on the stove to simmer. While the rice was cooking, I chopped the garlic and onion and fried them quickly in oil. Once they were golden brown, I added the prepared brown rice and stir-fried it to make sure the flavors were well distributed. In order to give the combination a rich, savory taste, I later sprinkled soy sauce and sesame oil over it. I finished by adding the beans and combining everything, letting them simmer and impart their flavors to the food. To be honest, I think the homemade fried rice I cooked turned out okay.

Then I needed to make the beef stew, so I washed my hands once more, called my mother once more (yeah…), and grabbed the ingredients from the fridge and kitchen pantry: beef, flour, salt, pepper, sesame oil (refined), onions, and garlic. I also took thyme, cornstarch, and water. To ensure that the beef would be tender and flavorful when cooked, I begin by seasoning the beef with salt and pepper, before dusting it with flour and browning it in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil. Then, I add sliced onions and garlic into another heavy-bottomed pan, causing the hot oil to continue to fry them quickly until they are browned or fragrant. Once the cooked beef has a browned appearance, I proceed to add the cooked beef to the pan with the minced garlic and onions. After the seasoned meat to forms a brown crust, which seals in the juices even more, I include some beef broth, thyme, and thinly sliced bell peppers to make the flavor even better. Next, I set the stove on low heat for a while so that stew could simmer since flavors could meld, and the meat would get softer. I finally added a finishing touch by combining cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce to the right consistency and give it a delicious texture.

Even though I was trying to eat straight away, my mother eventually reminded me that you have to wait a few minutes before eating the stew. This is because it helps the stew become tastier, and the meat to become even softer. However, because the smell of the stew was so irresistible, it made it extremely difficult to not want a quick taste. After a while, I gave in to my hunger and scooped out a sizable piece. With the meat melting on my lips and the onions adding a wonderful crunch, each mouthful bursting with flavor. Even my family could not wait to enjoy another bite of this fried rice and stew, which was a masterpiece.

Nevertheless, it was not until I later realized, OH MY GOD, THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN ASSIGNMENT FOR MY FINAL EXAM!

Afterward, I took what was left of "my final exam," carefully positioned it on the black table in my room and presented it as my still-life photograph.

So yeah, my bad on my part.

Ummmm, I hope I did well at least.

References:

Frank, Patrick. Prebles' Artforms. Twelfth Edition. Pearson with REVEL.

https://www.everydayeasyeats.com/chinese-fried-rice/ https://www.eatingthaifood.com/thai-fried-rice-recipe-shrimp/

[nighlok]

Virtual Sketchbook 4

1.) Writing, Thinking, and Looking Critically (Honoring Jackson Pollock for my viewpoint)

After much study and understanding about Jackson Pollock, I also begin to ask myself the same questions, throughout his artistic journey, how did Pollock truthfully become the supposed 'the art pioneer of abstract expression'? And what were his thoughts during these trances? Honestly, I believe Pollock desperately wanted to convey his frustrations in life into art and his emotions, rather than having to face reality, abstract art was escape from it all. And in order to do so, he ended up using various methods like pouring, splashing, sprinkling, and allowing paint to drip into his canvas, further expressing his emotions. Plus, he would often fall into his artistic trances and dance around, which lead to many people's beliefs in his performance of 'artistic magic' through illogical imagery. Additionally, it was his artistic trance that separated him from the outside world, allowing him to become one with his art. Because he worked on large canvases that were laid on the floor, it gave him the freedom to move around freely and interact with the painting from various angles.

2.) My Art Project

("One's Past Recollections")

Artist: Sammy Anesca

Medium: Photograph

Date: (2015-23)

While this photograph might seem odd to others, I did not take it for logical reasons. I chose this image as my artwork because I perceive it differently from most people, who see it as a mere screenshot.

My abstract artwork reflects the emotions and thoughts I had eight years ago. It serves as a means of expressing my hidden feelings without relying on words or symbols. The colors and shapes are not intended to resemble anything in reality but rather to provoke curiosity and evoke emotions in viewers.

For instance, while the orange color could signify warmth, energy, or passion. To someone else it could also indicate a desire for something or someone, or a challenge that needs to be overcome. Similarly, the color pink can indicate love, affection, or romance. It can also imply tenderness, kindness, or empathy towards oneself or others. Lastly, the color blue can symbolize calmness, peace, or serenity, while to others it can also reflect inner wisdom, insight, or creativity.

As for the shapes, they might have an organic and fluid nature rather than being regular or symmetrical. It could portray the complex yet different qualities we have as a society, in my opinion. Rather than being separate or isolated, the shapes seem to connect and engage with each other. This could depict the relationships and interactions a person has with themselves and others. Furthermore, the shapes could demonstrate the balance and harmony that the people strive for or wish to obtain in their lives.

To better explain, this abstract artwork is a unique and personal expression of myself. Just like me, the artwork itself is not meant to be understood by everyone but rather to be appreciated by those who can relate to it. It is a way of communicating without words and of revealing without showing.

[nighlok]

Virtual Sketchbook 1

1.) Hello, my name is Sammy. My little fact about me is overworking myself and overthinking things (too much). I'm usually a quiet person but it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm very sorry for my sudden addition to this classroom, and my inability to contact the teacher earlier.

For my assignment, I decided to use Hokusai's 'The Great Waves off Kanagawa' (1823-1829)

Hokusai (1760-1849) was 60 years old when he created his most famous print. (Source 2) This artwork was produced in the 19th century (ex. January 1,1801 - December 31,1900). "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" is regarded as one of the most iconic pieces of Japanese art history. (Source 1) 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' was painted in 'Kanagawa-juku' ('juku' means relay station in Japanese), at one of the inns on the Eastern Sea Route, called the 'Tokaido' or the 'Tokaido Highway.' (Source 1) 'Tokaido', meaning 'near to the coast', was a very important route during the Edo period (1603-1868 AD) (Source 1) When I first saw Hokusai's "The Great Wave Off Kanagawa", I thought it as an old tapestry, a spiteful and threating piece of history, an example of how the sea can be both angry and sad. That it was an omen for misfortunate sailors and travelers alike. On the closer inspection, however, I began to see it in a very different light. The duality of conflict and tranquility between the destruction wrought by the incessant violent waves, the disintegrating ships to the weariness of the sailors, and the power of the open sea in comparison to the calm serenity of the golden sky, gives it a kind of mantra of heaven and earth.

Source 1: The Great Wave Off Kanagawa: 5 Little Known Facts About Hokusai's Masterpiece. Edited by Lou Mo, TheCollector.com, 25 Aug. 2021, www.thecollector.com/the-great-wave-off-kanagawa/Links to an external site.. Accessed 1 July 2023.

Source 2:

The Great Wave off Kanagawa: 20 Fascinating Facts about the Famous Japanese Print. SurferToday.com, www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-great-wave-off-kanagawa-fascinating-facts-about-the-famous-japanese-printLinks to an external site.. Accessed 1 July 2023.

2.) I made this Valentine's Day project with my mom when I was in elementary school. For me, this piece symbolizes the special bond between me and my mom, because I remember her always helping me with my projects when I was a little boy.

It was a big heart-shaped decorative bag. We would sit together for hours, cutting out shapes, doing arts and crafts together, collecting candy and cards on Valentine's Day.

It was embarrassing to carry it (as a boy), but many people thought it was cute, (plus it was full of candy), which made the project even more enjoyable.

I think this Valentine's Day project was one of the first moments when we connected creatively. I felt it was an important part of my mom's life, because it represented that period of my life.

3.) The 'burden' I bring with me when I look at artworks is that I am too absorbed in it. I am very careful with others. I have a knack for reading people's minds and predicting their behavior, but this sense of insecurity and shyness makes it difficult for me to get close to new people. This makes it difficult and frustrating to develop meaningful relationships.

I am 20-year-old Male. Both of my parents are from Haiti, so I would be Black/African American. I was born in Broward County, Florida. I currently live in North Port. For fun, I love crafting and designing are something I'm interested in, and I think they would make a great future career for me. In particular, I love practicing soccer, reading, gaming, watching cartoons and anime, and martial arts. Another quirk is that I love music and singing (although I'm shy about this passion and usually keep it a secret). What makes me unique might me my passion for art itself, I always had it rough and believed that nothing was perfect. Which is why I always found it amazing that I could create something out of nothing, that I could turn something that seemed like trash into a treasure. It is about being someone who can do things on their own and master most of the arts.

4.) My Collage