Why did we do this project?

WHY?
I think the reason we did this project is because, well there is many reasons. First, I believe most artists have to accumulate whatever they need to for their pieces. Whether it be buttons, grass, money, or an audience. To be a successful artist you have to accumulate respect, things for your resume, and resources. Also, I believe that Malena wanted to have us constantly think about this project by having these monotonous blog posts- I thought it was such an ridiculous act. It made me lose interest in the project because I have such a sort attention span if I stay on something to long I get bored of it.

Actual Project

It took me a really long time to figure out what to do with all these buttons. I knew I wanted it to be about Galax. Why not make the project about the people of Galax because that is who makes up the town. In the past twenty years Galax has become more industrialized with a Walmart, Applebees, McDonalds, etc. Although these companies can be practical they ruin the authenticity of this small little mountain town. I believe that the people of this town don't really want these companies taking over their town. Most of the people there are pretty old fashioned and like to keep things the way they are. But I believe that this message that I will send them will remind them of the unity that they all share to this city.
PROPOSAL
For my project I want to send out these buttons I have collected to each of the residents of Galax. These buttons will be attached to a sheet of paper, explaining the purpose of my project. The message will read

This button is from a collection of buttons.
All from this town of Galax.
This button represents the history, and originality of this
Rural, mountainous, little city.
Help keep this area an historic landmark.
Stop industrialization now
And prevent the corruption of our small mountain town.
Next time you go to a chain store
I hope you think of this button
Supporting these corporations will only attract more.
Before you know it Galax will no longer be recognized
As a quiet, attractive, little treasure.

The paper represents the fragility of the town, how easily these companies can destroy the humbleness of Galax. The thread represents the people, together, although a small community, they can prevent industrialization. And of course the button represents the originality and individuality of Galax. See each button is different, but different in my opinion is a wonderful- who wants to have all the same stores and become cookie cutter just like every other suburban city in the United States? And receiving these button messages through the mail is also part of the process. I want people to compare this message to the annoying ads, and bills they receive. The more industrialization equals more ads, higher taxes, and more bills.

Accumulation Project

Accumulation Project
So beginning this project I thoguht what could I collect that would reflect me as a person. I thought of stupid things like tanning packets, and staples, but thoughs things don't have anything to them- completely materialistic (which is sort of who I am, unfortunately). So I went an antique shop and found a jar of buttons. I thought Buttons PERFECT- each button belonged to someone at sometime- I mean think what that button has seen/ been through. Maybe a wedding, a car accident, or even WW2. I hadn't planned on getting all my buttons in Galax, VA. But thats what happened- and half way through the project- I thought you know maybe I could do something with the small country mountain town. So basically, buttons are extremely expensive- but for the jars that they come in no the buttons- basically the buttons come with the jar you buy. I ended up spended around 100 bucks for all of the buttons I collected- The reason I don't have alot of posts is because I didn't go to Galax every weekend, and i really wanted this project to be about Galax.

4/28/08

LAST DAY OF CLASS!

I am glad this class is over- but I am going to miss it- it's like no other class Ive had, and I probably wont have again. I definately think the people made the class- such a great mix of personalities together with all different experiences and knowledge. But today we finished presenting our site specific projects. Joey's was so funny- I mean the concept wasnt with the eskomos dying out and everything, but it was almost like he was making fun of Scarlett Craafland's work. The photography was quite good as well. Arutyan's video was quite interesting I had no idea about the Armanian Genocide. And using his site as Youtube- so different, and smart. I would love to do a piece that I want people to see on virtual space. But i dont know if I feel that strong about anything. Ryan did urban sprawl which I thought was a great concept, but I think the piece would have been more understood on a larger scale, because after all it is happening all over the world- I cant believe that Charlotte is only going to have I believe 3% green space left- it's going to turn into Manhattan. That is why I do not want to live here in the future.

Unofficial Manifesto for Telling the Truth About Public Art

By Jeannene Przyblyski
(wow what a last name)

Well since every rule begins with "I am for" I assume this is for artists that display their art in public, which is almost everyone- unless your a closet artist. Only one rule that I dont agree with. " Rule number 8: I am for public art that doesnt pretend that everyone's story is instristically interesting to everyone else." Every artist that I look at I try to identify with them- like for instance with let's say Andy Warhol- without knowing anything about him I would say that he grew up in an urban city- tried to fit in, but couldn't and always wanted to be famous, loved the concept of identifying with the mainstream America. I find everyone's story interesting that is what makes people so interesting.
But I did identify with the quote that I want to put on my ceiling is that "I am for public art that believes with all sincerity that risk is a permanent condition." I feel that I dont but risk in a lot of my work. Well you know I take that back- with my Identity Project I put illegal drugs on the internet, and me "doing" them. For my time piece I went to private party- actually government property it was behind a school in broad daylight and dug hole (which is defacing private property). If I have an idea thats illegal, ill still do it. But does that define risk? I dont believe so, Risk is the chance of injury or loss; a hazard or dangerous chance. Risk in art is doing what you want without caring about what other people think- doing what you want- even if it disgusts, injures (like Arnaldo Morales' work), or upsets the viewer.

How Creativity is Killing the Culture

Ok this article is semi-interesting, I mean I usually don't read about bumper stickers. I would ram that person in the back just for that bumper stick and say "Boring people must be stopped" I mean seriously what does that guy have against creative people- he's just jealous. Anyway back to the article. Micheal Fallon is stupid to even question this statement. He says " Isn't it the case with all these creatives roaming around we simply dont have enough people left to ingest all the creative soup?" I completely disagree with this statement- artists feed off of other artists- that is what makes the creative world go round. Artists reflect on other artist's work and interpret their own idea for their art. It seems to me that Fallon is just feed up with the art world- I mean it is a dog eat dog kinda place. And there are so many young artists willing to sell their sole to be a famous artist. I do agree with his phrase "Just Create" because honestly that is all a person can do- and hope that people enjoy their work. Everyone isn't going to understand your work or like it, but the contemporary art world is so full of different styles someone is bound to like your work. I think one thing that artists have a problem with is negotiating their work to fill the needs of the public- which is good I guess If you want to sell out- I could understand if you are trying to make a living. I also think it's complete bullshit that rich people go out and buy art that has a name just so they can say they have a blah blah blah. It's just not fair, but I guess the world isn't fair and the only way you can make money is to be famous.