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.

Andy Goldsworthy

This is a rather thorough description of Andy Goldsworthy's Garden of Stones. His work in most of his pieces is quite conceptual. I do like the idea that is contemplated with this piece whether it is a garden of life or death. What Im understanding is that the trees planted in the middle of the rocks. Goldsworthy brings stone and trees together as a representation of life cycles intertwined. For example I see the stone(or grave) representing death or rememberance and the tree represents life or growth. In which I think is perfect symoblizism of the Holocaust. I believe that the trees growth wiill be greatly affected by the stones, but will still grow strong- Just like the Jewish people after the Holocaust. Making the impossible possible. THe stones are the burden and hurt put on the people by the tragedy. I do not believe that the Hebrew words are neccesary on the stones- maybe for the unartistic mind who wouldnt understand his piece, but I believe that the piece speaks for it's self.

4/23/08

Today we presented projects- I presented mine-I always go last and we never really get to talk about mine. But I guess thats ok. Anyways, I loved Ray's of course- shes always so creative with her concept and her execution. And then there's Drake's piece- my FAVORITE- everyone always shuns sex- and we can look at cruesome horror films with torture and gore- but sex is looked down upon. Such a create phenomenon to pick for this project- simply genious. I completely agree sex is looked down upon becuase of all of the christian values, but christians have sex- its how babys are born- and it should be embraced not pushed away. Its also such a fun topic to talk about- everyone enjoys sex, they just dont want to admit it.

Site Project

Project 3

For this project- I took site specific quite literally. I planned doing pictures but a video seemed more effective for what I am doing. This project is supposed to represent the stereotypes in the eastern US- more specifically country people and city people. I am constantly subjected to noticing this difference in people. My boyfriend lives in Galax, VA (know one has really heard of it)- and his town has 3000 people- and alot of what some might consider redneck. I go and visited him alot on the weekends and driving from Charlotte to this environment that is completely different was shocking for me at first, but I deal with it because I love him. Opposites attract. But I everytime I go up there I always see the differences of how these people live and how I live.

Process
THAT WATER WAS SO COLD


VIDEO- make sure sound is on

4/21/08

In class we viewed some contemporary artists- that where quite out of the ordinary. Malena compared alot of the artist's work with greek mythology in which I had never heard before. I really enjoyed Jenny Saville's large scale paintings they remind me alot of Will Puckett's work with the expressive paint strokes and color schemes. Mark Quinn probably the first contemporary artist that I had remembered his name- my teacher at Virginia Tech had to me about his work. That blood head was so out of the ordinary it just stuck in my head- who knows what will stick with me next year.

4/16/08

Today we had a guest speaker: Barbara Schreiber. Her work was EXTREMELY interesting as well as her personality- she reminded me of my Mary Kay lady who i used to work for-open minded, fun, and hilarious. Her work was funny- which you seldomly see in artists- most are sad and depressing. She described her current work as "irritable little paintings about the obsurdity of daily life. Loved her paperdoll like Happy Penis (ithink) and Miss Titty. It reminded me of something my girlfriends would get me at a bachlorette party or something. One thing she told me was that galleries take 50%! I had no idea- thats ridiculous I mean I could understand it was like an extremely detailed installation that took alot of work to put up- but for a painting - all they did was hang it- its just ridiculous- it just turns me off about being an artist.

4/14/08

We talked about Project 3 today. Malena showed us examples of site specific work. I thought my Time project was site specific- should have saved it for this one. I loved Scarlett Craafland's work. It was almost biblical - her naked body against nature- but we don't consider naked women with nature anymore- naked women are considered sexual, provacative, and in some ways sinful. But I consider the naked body as parts of nature, like Adam and Eve. Also, we looked at Andy Goldsworthy's work which was more obviously nature vs. nature. I would love to do something like that- but i dont think i would have the patience. In his videos he didnt explain what his work meant to him- I really wish he would have- it sure is aesthetically pleasing, but what does it mean?

4/11/08

Went to Galax again, the lady at Bonaparte Antiques now knows my name- she told me that all the buttons I get are from one vendor. i wonder where he gets all these buttons. Maybe estate auctions.

4/9/08

Today we went to Will Puckett's house- I LOVED this field trip- it was such a pleasure to see how artist's live- it was such a personal experience- ok I do have to say that it smelled like straight up pot when we walked in there - but I figure most artists do some sort of drugs- But Will's work was very developed. He has his own style- and its so apparent in everyone of his paintings- like if I walked by a picture he did I would immediately recognize it as his work. I loved his house too- the kitchen was adorable- it was so vintage. The color schemes in his paintings are so expressive and help create a mood in all of his work. I liked how he didnt tell us at first that the mural that he did represented each one of the stores there because I didnt realize it until halfway looking through it. I guess you could say that is kind of "selling out" yourself, but hey if he wanted to do it thats all that matter and it looks amazing. He did have a freedom and thought more commercially then personally- which is fine, but i wouldnt want to get stuck doing work like that.

4/4/08

Today we talked about the Piss Christ piece. I personally didnt really find that piece offensive, and I am a Christian. I guess I am just too open minded- I mean I talk about everything with anyone- But 15,000 for this I mean yes the photography is very aesthetically pleasing, but I think that the reason that people sometimes pay so much money for art is becuase it is so controversial. I mean picture it you have the Piss Christ piece in your living room- everyone knows about it- and will be very impressed that you own such a famous piece of art- just like the starving dog artist. The reason he did that was because he wanted people to make a big deal out of it. I think that Andres Serrano wanted the same thing- hey it worked right?

4/2/07

We presented project 2 in class today.I thought people did a really good job on grasping concept in their projects. David's was most interesting to me- I still dont really get it- I know that its about how television changes the world. So many elements in his piece were not explained- which I like because that leaves it up for your own interpretation- at first I thought it has something to do with identity and childhood. Drake's piece was also really cool. He was telling me about his concept- 2 classes ago and i told him to look up this band that i know Handsome Boy Modeling School becuase they do this one song that has a hiphop beat to a famous Beethoven song, "Rock and Roll." It's actually really good- I figured if liked mixing beats he might like this group- its abunch of artists like Linkin Park, Deftones, Jay-Z, Wutang Clan, Jack Johnson, and many more.

3/31/08

I wasn't in class today.

4/16/07

What's it about?
This project represents my personal views of what happened that awful day at Virginia Tech almost exactly a year ago- wikipedia describes it a the "Virginia Tech Massacre" Seung Hui Cho killed 32 students then himself. I fortunately was not in Norris Hall when this happened- unfortunatly 2 of my dormmates that lived down the hall from me fell tragically in the massacre.
Part of the Process

After brainstorming many ideas with different people- one stuck out to me the most- Digging 32 holes to represent the 32 victims- Then covering myself in the mud from the holes, and putting picked green leaves in these holes.
My Project
I have to give my friend jeff who is an amateur photographer credit for these pictures- he did a great job in capturing my vision. In all of these photograph I am covered in mud- this represent the emotion that overwhelmed me from these people dying all around me. An emotion I had never felt before covered my body and I didnt know how to interpret it.

In the first photograph you can see the shovel in the background- this is Cho- he dug these holes that blemish the earth. The process of emotion is first viewed here - confusion- and disbelief- as we go through the photos the development of emotion is shown as it comes over my body as I watch this incident unravel.

The 2nd photograph is when the numbers kept adding up from 9 to 12 to 15. This mud is shock.

The 3rd photograph at about 20, 22, 24. The mud is numb- as you see there is leaves in each of the holes, picked leaves- the lives of these victims was just picked away from them.

And finally the last photograph represents sorrow- not only for the victims but my school, how would we recover from this? These kids families- it could have been me. I also found out the names of the peopel which I recognized. The mud is in my hands - the spilt blood is on my campus.

Artists
Ana Mendieta
Whitney Museum of American Art, Ana Mendieta Earth Body, Sculpture, and Performance,
Resource Library Magazine, http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/4aa/4aa459.htm (Jan 2003)
Julie Taymor
Academy of Achievement, Julie Taymor Biography,
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/tay0bio-1 (Sept,17 2007)
Why these 2 artists?
Malena told me about these artists who concentrate on performing, and showing their work thorugh people in their pieces in which I had intended to do.
How will these sources make your aesthetic choices richer?
Mendieta really inspired me to work with the mud- she worked with lots of earth elements in her pieces and she makes it aesthically pleasing which is hard to do with mud. Taymor who directed Across the Universe is an amazing artist and closely works with costume to reveal her characters personalities- she taught me to alter everything you can to make it look like what you want.

3/19/08

Today we discussed Project 2 at Ritazzas with our classmates. It wasnt very helpful for me- nobody really knew what they wanted to do, and was really negative about the whole thing- not excited- with exceptions of a few people. I want to make a sculpture piece with bullets to represent the VT massacre- but Im not really sure that will be time sufficient- people didnt really seem interested either - so I dont know what Im going to do. I talked to Joey for a while and he tried to help me figure out what i was going to do- but I just kinda got confused haha. I was going to photoshop the bullets because they are so expensive.

3/17/08

So today we went to the McColl Center for their new exhibit: Phantasmagoria. I really liked this exhibit- it was so interactive and entertaining. So many of the pieces were interesting to me. I loved the piece with the motion sensored lights and the shadows projected on the wall- the electric engineering in that piece was very impressive- i dont understnad anything to do with wiring or motion sensing - it's like a foreign language to me. I didnt like the piece where you had to go in that room and it looked like their was an avalanche coming towards you- I just didnt think that the form of presnetation was very effective- it wasnt believable.

3/14/08

So Im realizing that I get all my buttons from Galax. Maybe I will do something for my final project dealing with Galax.

3/12/08

Today's class was rather nice cuz we got to go outside yay! I honestly only remember one of the artist videos because I was so interested in Quang's work with gunpowder. I actually right as I saw that I thought to my self it would be cool to work with fireworks! and then you mentioned a student had done it(totally not doing it now) I really do love looking at other artist's work- I tihnk that inspiration is 50% of what goes into art.

3/10/08

For class today we watched a video on Theo Jansen work is very site specific. Most of his sculptures it seems involve coastal land. After viewing some of Julie Taymor's work I wanted to work with the beach because I go there all the time. My parents have a condo at Ocean Isle Beach. I have probably spent 1/5 of life at the beach. It is mu second home- and Im really into doing pieces that reflects personal experiences. But the beach is so cliche'. Maybe sometime in the future I will learn how to do a landscape without being boring

3/7/08

This weekend I had some trouble finding buttons, but I found some at this consignment shop. Buttons are expensive!

2/29.08

I got some more buttons today these I got from my moms dresser- I really am trying to stay away from buying them at stores like Michael's and purchasing mass produced buttons- I want my buttons to have some sort of history- Maybe I can portray that in the project- much things left to ponder- over Spring Break I plan to start actually putting my projects together Im not sure If Im going to glue them to a canvas or have them hanging rom strings.

For some reason the picture thingy isnt workin again

2/25/08

Since I was absent today Im am doing a magazine article. I chose an article from Art Forum Magazine- which showcases (in pictures) contempary artists work. I got this from their website so Im not sure what volume it is. But the artist that I choose was Ugo Mulas. His work is intrigueing to me because he caputures moments in art history (the past 3 decades). Its funny to think of an artist taking photographs of artists and then making that art. But the reason this article cuaght my eye is because well first I love black and white photographs and 2 Andy Warhol, one of the creators of contemporary art is in it, also Edie Sedgwick which I know is an Ameican actress that had roles in many of his movies. The photograph was taken in 1964 in the era of pop art.

An Incomplete Manifesto of Growth

WOW ok so I absolutely love sayings for some reason- I think they just inspire me at a level that most things don't. One statement that stuck out to me that I can apply to my life right now is "As long as you stick to good you'll never have real growth." I wanna like paste that one the freidge at my parents house- cuz I think their perseption of good is really messed up.
"Love your experiments (as you would an ugly child)" HAHA I love that! To me it mean love your art as you would a child- unconditionally- Number 11. Stay up late - Um well that is something I can live by- I definately think I get my best ideas when Im up at 4 am
Scat is actually a word or more a noise that my freinds and I made up and we use it kind of an inside joke. I really liked this handout- its very inspirational- I am going to save it.

The Story It Tells

Before this class I never thought so much about a piece of art - I mean now when I look at something I ask so many questions. Why did the artist put that there? What does the color mean in this piece? I get how all of these elements end of portraying to what the artist intended for you to feel, interpret, or take away from it. The thing is and I belive that many artists struggle with this -at least beginner artists- I find myself really trying to generate awness from my pieces like "wow that piece really spoke to me" But there are so many different interpretations how do you connect with a generalized idea that everyone knows aobut? MAybe I haven't really tried hard enough in my work to have people really understand my vision-I think I jsut havent the opportunity to create a project with what I really want to do yet.

The Happiest Day of My Life

I think that this is experiment is brave, but kind of juvenile as well. All I can take out of this experiment is that he must have been alittle insane- I mean this man must have obsessed over the idea of the feeling of everything he ever owned to be destroyed. Also,it kind of disturbs me that people would "nick" stuff form the trays ( i guess that means stealing) I mean this man is willing to destroy his possessions, dont mess with his experiment. I on one side of the exeriment completely agree with it ( I have mixed thoughts) I mean without any possessions you are.. completely yourself you cant hide behind anything- and you can be reborn.

As the Art World Expands

As The Art World Expands

Well First of all, I notice that this particular handout is pretty long and copied from a book- which tell me that Malena found it somewhere and thought that it would be interesting enough to make all these copies for us... I am intrigued.....

As I scan the first page I start reading about the project with the largely painted triptych which I just learned yesterday taht a triptych is a set of three panels or compartments side by side, bearing pictures, carvings, and was orignally created to have a place of worship and dawned with religious symbolism.
This article discusses contemporary artworld from 1980- as I read through this handout I can't help but wonder what the art world is going to be like in 20 years or even 50 years? I mean the things artists come up with today are so authentic and visual stimualting, and what some people call unorthodox. Are the works of art of today going to be considered boring like many of the realism paintings of the 17th century? I can't ever imagine thinking the Spiral Jetty is boring, and not creative. Will artists push the envelop so much that things we consider to be absurd today, will eventually become accepted in art in the future?

Artists

Charles Ray

1) What is that penis made out of ?
Apparently its sculpted it mentions that he uses alot of his body in his work- I wonder if that's a real mold of his penis- I doubt it. And by the way thats not a serious question.
2) What is he trying to portray in his work?
It seems he is trying to get us as an audience to ubblocxk a channel of awareness- he desribes the feeling as juvenile and yet sublime. He definately got me aware looking at his Male piece- nd I felt a little juvenile for looking at it.
3) What is my favorite piece ?
The installation that stood out the most to me was the "Shelf" piece. I really love the concept of it- to me it's genius. He places these objects on a shelf nd he places his own head iwth the objects- makes it look like all the other unactive objects. Therefore, his body becomes much more visually appealing. In todays society we look at the face in order to identify a person, but in his projects it's like your forced to look at his body as if the head wasnt even there- its just an inanimate object.
Personal Notes
WEll the first thing I obviously noticed was the naked man- more the penis though, it kinda catches you off guard cuz most manicanes dont have anything there but a bump. I like how he messes with your perception. The dummy looks exactly like a dummy we drew in my igure drawing class to study human form- ofcourse without the penis. In the second page it mention sthat Ray's success is measured by the reinvigoratio if his audience. That is how I measure my success - if the audience likes it, Im happy.
He mentions drugs alot in his interview- and I cant help but wonder how many famous artists have done drugs?Becuase he says it alters your perspective of the world. I have never done shrooms ( i guess thats what hes talking aobut) but all my friends have- perhaps I will try it purely for experimental purposes.
One thing in his story that stands out and quite bothers me, that is unanswered- I guess it has to b unanswered because he doesnt remember, but why was he lying naked between this couple? Had they taken him in as a sex slave, and he just forgot? Ad why did he not question why he was naked? Maybe thats why he appears naked in his pieces - it just doesnt other the man.
4) How should we view his work?
He says that his owrk should be for slow savoring but I dont agree wit hthat- at least I didnt slowly savor it. I mean maybe Im just bored easily, butit only stimualtes my brian for 30 seconds til I found out what Im looking at and then I get bored.
3 mroe questions
How could he do something more with his work? Has he ever seen a psycologist? And can I do shrooms with him?



Arnaldo Morales

1- He is obviously of Spanish ecent- does he let this affect his work?
It doesnt really seem like his ethnic background makes much difference in his work, but the life-changing events of violence in his life. The main thing he says is when he got shot in head. But maybe the whole reason he was attacked is because he was Puerto Rican- what if he was white- would he have gotten shot? So maybe his ethnic background does correlate to his work.
2- What is he trying to porttray in his work?
It seems as though the artist is trying to study the way people resond to fear, aggression, and vulnerability- through creating these scul[tures that spit, swing, and can physically harm you.
3- How did he learn how to engineer these if he only got a sculpting degree?
Apaprently he taught himself how to work with electricity- it says he created that bus project when he was ten. Gosh I bet his parents thought that he was some kind of special. I really admire people that teach themselves in all honesty - I am a very dependent person and have to be "Spoonfed" alot.
Personal Comments
It seems to me that he audience members aren't always angry, or hostile after the experiment ( which is what it said he was trinyg to study) but taht had fun with it- I wonder if that upset him that they werent fearful like he was in his near death experiments. I bleeive that alot of people- like myself- enjoy the act of being scared and surprised- we get a sick thrill out of having our minds "jump". I think thats why, some peopel like scary movies and some dont. I think that he should create somthing that would totally blow peopel away. I mean acutally put someone in a "life threatening" situation - but of course have it be fake. Kind of like the Saw movies but the person couldnt actually die(but have them think that they could)- and totally pyche them out. How cool would actually watching that be! Hia owrk definately intrigues me
3 other questions
How could I create something of this magnitude without having any engineering experience? What dopeople say after they go to see his work? Why cant I think of somthing this neat?


Scott Greiger

1) What is he trying to prtray?
Apparently he wants to study how people are intrigued by popular images and corporate propaganda. I personally fnd his mission boring- i think its apparent why people like tehse certain images- they were brought up to like them- either it's bright colors or a personal experience that involves that image
2) How does he want me to feel afrter seeing his wrk?
It seems to me that like Charles Ray he wants us to be aware- but not visually- he wants us to be more aware of what is going on in the world around us- liek the books says - he wants to capture a moment in time and reveal a truth that most people woldnt think about
3) What inspires hiim?
It seems as though he has started collecting these images through his study of anthropolgy in college - which I guess is the study of culture at a certain period of time- so I guess he is trying to understand the anthropology of our period in time. I thinks its so weird to think of our decade as a period in history. We hear aout all these past moments in history and we dont think how they affect our life today but they do- I mean we are actually in a war right now- that is gonna be in history books for our children to read- CRAZY!
Personal Comments
His work is not particularly appealing to me- I can't really quite put my finger on it- maybe its a visuals thing. It seems he has got this awesome concept of "caturing a moment in time- and revealing a truth. Or maybe its becuase the problems of today- although they apply to me like global warming, the war, the riduculous media- just dont interest me whatso ever- I should care but I just dont!
3 questions
CAn you focus on one thing going on in the world and not everything? CAn you possibly not bore me? How I start caring aobut these issues in our world today?


Kim JOnes


1) How does he portray his work?
It seems as tohugh his art isnt really for people to view in a gallery- but his alter ego- is an art form- He does art for hiself- He becomes his alter ego and manifests himself into a completely different person. He says that he tryed to do scultures and display them in a gallery to portray his alter ago- but found that attaching the sculpture to himself made more sense. I wonder if I will ever have something so personal to me that I will wan to attach it to myself to get my point across. I might have an alter ego- but what is it?
2) What does the building have to do with this photo?
I read later that he actually makes himseld into the alter ego and ewalks around in citites and public places in which is muddy/ almost prehistoric appearance is displayed. This might be odd to some peopel but makes perfect sense to me. I mean he is 2 differnt people all day everyday- and he should be himself whether it is "mudman" or Kim where ever he is- and if he lives in the city than so does Mudman.
3) What is this mudman?
Mudman is Kim and Kim is Mudman they are the same, but not really- Mudman is created through disgusing himself completely with mostly natural objects- But it I like how it just isnt about his appearance , disguise changes his total attitude and peoples perception of him- which I guess is his goal. He says he tell peopel think aobut him being a tree- well in that case they would jus twalk right by him- but is that what his alter ego wants?
Personal Comments
Kim Jones is definately an inspration to me - I love how he made his alter ego come to life- I think some people wouldnt consdier this art but it is! He makes people see him as Mudman and not Kim. Sometimes Iwish I oculd alter my appareance so much that I am portrayed as a completely different person- I wonder if Kim actually comes through wen Mudman is there-
3 More ?s
Is this really a personality disorder? Do I have an alter ego? If I altered my appearance to the point were I coudnt tell who I was- would it change my personality?




Daniel Joseph Martinez


1/ Why is he in the measuring success portion of this book?
Apparently he doesn't refer to himself as an artist becasue artists success is measured thourhg criteria-which he doesnt agree with at all. I still dont know how artists measure success- I think each one is different- I honestly dont know how Malena grades our projects- I mean I guess she grades it on effort- and ideas. But how do artists in the real world measure their own success? If a piece isnt popular-but the artist loves it- is it still considered successful?
2) What inspires him?
Like Scott Greiger he lets his work be inspred by the world around him- it seems that he has a lot of hatred for how our country is being run- as well as society- He also had a childohood experience by getting bet up so he began to form a hatred in my eyes for society- It seems to me that within his works he wants to promote change.
What are some of his theories of solving society?
Well this sotry didnt really answer that for me, but throgh his Musuem tags piece he definately believes racism is a root for alot of the problems in this country. Which I completely agree with- racism represents intolerance- intolerance represents difference- and diference leads to hatred- It is a root of alot of problems that peopel don't realize, it is the root of violence in this country.
Personal Notes
It seems to me that he would be a kind of bitter, unpleasant person in real life- apparently the interviewer said that he was a pretty nice guy. He views his work as social and not political- and says its about power...Well isnt that was politics are Power and socialism? Politics are about trying to change the worl around us to believe in what that politician believe in and to change the wrong things- isn't that exactly what he is doing? His work is political no matter if he wants to admit to it or not- and he is an artist as well.
3 More Questions
Will I ever not want to consider myself an artist? Will my art ever make politcal statements? Is he a republican or democrat?

2/20/08

In class today we watched a video on Janine Antoni from the Artist 21 series. Her piece with the chocolate and soap was amazing- I believe it was called Lick and LAther! It showed how she washed the soap mold of her face to wear it down to depict her self image. She used very out of the ordinary methods to construst her piece in which in the end changed the interpretation of her work as well as become the title. Her rope construction I felt was a rather personal piece. I mean she had piece of a hammock thatt she swang on- i dont believe than anyone could really interpret this piece the same way that Antoni does, but does that weaken the piece? I dont think so- I hope to do a personal piece like that one day and display it publically. My all time favorite video was the "Touch" video where she learned how to walk on a tight rope in oder to film her touching the horizon on the ocean- I mean how would think of this stuff- it's not only visually appealing, but masterfully constructed. She is a new inspiration!
We also broke off into small groups and discussed our projects- which was especially interesting because usually in thoughs situations Im the last to talk about my work- but i found myself speaking alot- maybe too much. I think that these projects are going to be very personal- I mean it is an identity project so I guess it has to be...

2/18/08

Today in class we had a guest speaker, Elizabeth Alexander, who reminded me so much of my friend kelly with her curly brown hair and the way she described thing- its like they could have been twins- shes an art major as well. But really enjoyed her presentation- I love how she let her Grandmothers house influence her work so much. I like the piece that she worked on in New Zealand the most it was very aesthetically appealing and your like "what is that?" I think she said there was like a piano or something in there- crazy! I dont know if the drawers in her pieces were necessary because you really cant even tell they are there unless she tells you. I took a quote from her that I completely agreed with,"I don't wanna pay 30,000 a year to learn how to paint- I wanna do something I never thought I could do." Thats eactly how I felt at Virginia Tech- that they weren't letting people open their reative minds and do things out of the ordinary.

2/13/08

We watched the Tony Orsler video in class today. I believe I have seen his work about 5 years ago at a contemporary art museum in Winston Salem. The video was very creepy at first and through watching it I jsut wanted it to be over! I wanted to hear what his interpretation of this piece was it was like almost like a disturbance inside me that would be calmed until I found out what his motivation was. It reminded me of childhood and all the negative things that surrounded my childhood. We also watched a video on Oliver Herring- which in my opinion was mildy entertaining- i just didnt like is work particularly. But there is one thing that stood out that he said, "Much more people are more playful, and creative than we have time to express." I completely agree with this statement and am guilty of it myself.

2/6/08

Today we went to the Museum of Craft and Design. Ok so first of all I had a HELL of a time getting there- I parked at the McColl Center (for free) cuz I didnt know about free parking, had to walk in the rain 4 blocks- anywho! I really enjoyed the museum I have been there before, I went in I think 11th grade with my art class. The installation in the lobby of the glass piece is something that I remember, and also remebered that really cool desk that I think was orange, and the swiveling bench that Drake wrote(which I thought was pretty funny). This month they had the "fibers" exhibit- which I think of is very interesting because dealing with fibers is so meticulous and I dont think I would have the patience to do it. For instace just looking at that piece with the "quilt ofsteel" and all those found objects on the fist floor in front of the stairs just made me cringe, but at the same time admire the artist- who knows how long it took them to construct that piece. Also another piece that stood out to me was the wedding dress, I mean tell me that any women would love that! I think she did this on purpose but far away it just looks like a light pink dress but up close it has all those funny quotes and common thoughts of a bride before the big day. Vey appealing and funny! "I want to sleep wth the best man." and my favorite " I dont want my cousin in the wedding because she'll ruin my pictures." ahah

1/30/08

In the begining of class today we talked about how artists are the makers of meaning in which we do through subject matter, form, etc. But I believe that we make meaning not for just use but for everyone- when I am working on a piece I already know how I want to interpret it and usually do so. But someone else might think of something completely different, but does that make my art unsuccessful? But maybe becuase we use for example dark colors in a painting does that mean that it is a gloomy, sad, and depressing piece? Why can't black mean happy? I think we need some new interpretations of this world.

1/28/08

Today we presented our Material's Invention project. Man I felt really bad- mine was awful in my opinion, thank goodness this isnt graded- Im mean a fork- how creative is that? NOT. I really liked Ray's hers was very well thought out. And I love the photgraph quality it remeinds me of a movie that I saw at a film festival one time- it was a long time ago- but I remember that it reminded me of the beauty of being alone- and I interpretted her like that as well. I thought Drakes was very visually appealing when I first saw it, maybe it's because I love food and it had alot of that in it. Although the food in his project didnt look very appetizing. My favorite thing aobut his piece was the koolaid coming of the table in a line. Who thinks of that? It was really interesting it gave the pciture depth. I really liked it!

1/16/08

We went to the McColl Center, which is prob one of the neatest places I've ever been! Until this class I had no idea that art residencies even existed! The whole concept of staying somewhere were they provide you with a studio to work with and you get to display your work is like a 2fer! The exhibit they had at the museum was a tribute to women in the textile industry. The first room we entered has many embroidaries- that were quite beautiful. I particularly like one with the stitching, " I had to hide my successes in the dresser drawer." I like this one becuase it not only applies to the history of the textile industry, but to every industry in which women were looked at as just workers of the lowest placement. Many of the embroideries had bold statements like that. The McColl center was one of the first places that I have been to that I have actually really interpretted the artists' work, it was pretty easy becuase many of the pieces had many bold statements. Such as the Misconception Labeling Installation, so simple and yet so genuis. The woman working there mentioned that we could volunteer for opening receptions I definately want to do that.

1/23/08

Today we had a guest speaker in class. I always love when we have guest speakers becuase it's always more interesting and much more inspiring. Mary had many different intrepretations of her work than I did. For most of her work I interpretted childhood- for some reason being scared of death reminds of me of a child. I guess I was scared alot as a kid- maybe her work scared me. She was very interested because she was talking aobut ghosts as though they were real. The afterlife is still something Im not sure of and it fastinates me to meet someone who does,

2/27/08

Wasn't in class today


Art in America June/June 2005
"Taiwan's New Bunker Museum"

This museum was founded by a artist we viewed in class recently, Cai Guo- Qiang. This museum he created is meant to represent the bunkers created for Kinmen to prevent invasion of Taiwan. Cai msut have been greatly affected by the wars going on. In the video I remember it said that he was a soldier. The museum have a very interesting interior, resembling mud on the walls, and very small windows. I can only imagine how being a soldier would afffect your artwork. He is most famous for his gun powder works- His work is alot like mine. He takes his personal experiences and shows them in different ways to the public.

Identity Project

For my Identity project I created a video. Someone that has had a profound effect on my life is my friend catherine. I met her in 7th grade and thought she was the coolest thing I had ever seen. I had just moved to a new middle school and was meeting all types of people and had never met anyone like her. She was just a badass- she had already done everything! I wanted to be just like her. So I started smoking, drinking, doing drugs, and having sex. Yes I was a bad kid- and at a really young age. But even though my lifestyle was unfavorable- it made me into who I am today, I never would have met some of the people I did, and learned life lessons so early. In my video, it begins with a picture of me under a blanket to represent me before I met catherine- I didnt really know who I was, and that why I was so drawn to her- So the blanket represents me before I met her. Thoughout the video Catherine offers me cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. The white outs represents peer pressure and me giving in to it. -the whole video is a progression of how she affected my decisions in life and how it got to even doing illegal drugs. At the end of the video is a picture of me now (without the blanket), to represent how even though I did these things in my life it made me into who I am.

I basically went over to her house and filmed her in my perspective offering me these things. And edited the clips into a video all on iMovie.





This project I had many more illegal drugs in it- but I thought that the 3 that I chose were enough to convey my point. The others would give people the idea that it was a video about drugs- in which it wasnt - it was a video about how my life was changed through peer pressure, and I am not trying to blame my bad choices on anyone-My process was pretty simple and actually pretty fun! It was like filming things that we usually do (smoking and drinking) and not really acting what so ever- I just called her and asked if I could come over and if she had the materials- of course she does! It's weird how now I dont look up to her what so ever- its liek this girl that I was best freinds with is addicted to drugs and doesnt have any life goals- funny how people grow up, or dont....

2/22/08-Accumulation Project

This Wekk I went to Galax, VA. again to Bonaparte Antiques. There is a vendor there that always brings in jars of buttons they range from 5 dollars to 15 dollars becuasethe jars are valuable(Usually some sort of mason jar). I cannot wait to begin working on my picture with all these neat buttons.

2/15 Accumulation Commentary

This week it was Valentine's Day and my bf (who knows Im collected buttons) made me this button heart with a really cute poem to go with it- heres a lil snip it of the poem; ". Our love has traveled great distances and many buttons have taken their place. Now together they have formed a great bond and stand with passion and grace. This is Love. A dance of moments great and weak. A dance I love to have each day and every week. However let us not forget, there are many buttons in this world. So let us not stop now and let us gather more buttons forever more." But he figured I could use it in part of my project- not quite sure if I will use a heart image in my overrall piece but I will see as my vision for this project progresses.

2/8- Accumulation Commentary

So I finally figured out what Im going to do for my accumulation project. I am going to collect buttons- all sorts of buttons! This week I went to Galax,VA, home of many antique shops. And as I was looking around I found this awesome mason jar of buttons and I tohught to myself- I bet I could make something really neat with that!

2/4/08

Malena mentioned an artist residency in Greensboro called Elsewhere, which really excited me because Im from Greensboro. As I mentioned before I had never heard of an artist residency before this class. I looked it up and they have an exhibit going on that I am going to visit over spring break. But during class we discussed how identity changes thorugh history. I find that particularly interesting becasue now its so free to interpret who you are- and you will find someone that is like you- like for example, a goth in the 18th century- I dont think so, but now a days some people look up to that particular stereotype. For me I dont think I fit into a particular stereotype- maybe preppy- cuz of my clothes, but if you saw my freinds and got to know me, you wouldn't think I was preppy anymore.

Material Invention Project

My Interpretation for this "experiment" was choose one thing and transform the rest of the objects into that one thing. I choose a fork- (which is one of my objects(luminous)) After I interpreted and gathered the objects that match each different characteristic I simply stuck them all to my wall in the shape of the fork.

Accumulation Commentary

So far I have collected these two Tanning packets- Iam still confused about what I am going to do for this project. I was discussing this project with my art professor from Virginia Tech- and he said he would do paint layers- then I thought why not paint chips- from buildings- So I am still not sure what I should do for this project.

Accumulation Commentary

* The blogger program is not letting me upload my photo- Even though it is in Jpeg format!

On the accumulation website I actually looked and read about 3 artists the first artist that actually intrigued me was Shaun Raofi with the Opinion accumulation. I admire Raofi in having the guts to do something like that! Getting out in public half naked and asking people," Do I have the perfect body?" and Even times to collect one hundred opinions a day! All the people with no preconcieved notions of him or actually no who he is, which can sometimes make a person less or more attractive. I honestly dont think you could do that anywhere besides Manhattan.
The second artist I looked at was Caleb Larson with his Voicemail Messages accumulation. This interest me because I always have so many messages and never really pay attention to what they say, I believe the expression is " Goes one ear, and out the other." But to docemt them is kind of like a study- you could find out so many things this way like- Who usually leaves messages- Wny do people call mostlly? - What is the mood of people when they usually call me?
The third artist I looked at was Sergio Milla withe the Public Transit Sounds accumulation. The sounds a public place is something people take for granite. Everywhere you there are different sounds made. The one that partically interested me was the one with the "squat-clapping" It jsut goes to show youll never know what you'll see or hear.
The reason I have choosen to read about these particular projects is becuase I love to hear what anything a person had to say. I mean listening to a person talk is how you get to know them- and so many people dont actually think about what people say. Ill admit I do it too, if its not of interest to me I dont usually listen carefully or remember. I am such a push over sometimes when people actually say negative things that I just agree. And when someone says something negative about me I just either brush it off and agree, and not think aobut it. It's like a mental block that says,"allyson dont remember this, it's not good for you." Sometimes it's a good thing, but I never realy know what people think of me- this kind of correlates with the Opinion accumulation- but I am only going to accumulate negative opinions of myself from other people- insults if you will. But I will not force the insults I will just allow them to come to me in a conversation. I will record them on my phone- make an audio clip out of them or maybe a photo of all of them collected.
Another accumulation I might do is accumulate tanning lotion sample packs. Because I just recently started tanning and thoughs things are only useful for about 3 visits if that. So if I collect them all semester it would be a really great experiment to see how much money I spend- and what kind I prefer or is it just a certain color type packet that intrigues me. At the end I could do a really colorful collage of the packets.

First Assignment

Pgs. 8-11
- First of all I have never, as most beginning artists, been formally introduced to contemporary art. And I love how there are so many different types of art out there ("one may plug into a bank of computers while the other sorts through debris, and a third sketche the orgins of the universe") But I diasgree with the statement, "there is no predetermined measure of success" because I believe there is for each different art field. Maybe this book will change my mind.
- I do beleive that each artist generates a portotype with what ever they do in which generates from different cultures and traditions. I do not beleive that I am a "traditional" artist because I am influenced by the current culture and I do not limit mysef to anything.
- Art can have a profound influence on a society, I do not believe that alot of people would agree with that. But what they do not realize is that art is all around us. It's in our coffee shops, our buildings, our parks, our streets. It affects what we see, how we look at objects, how we drive, where we go, and how we learn.
- This paragraph states that artists today are challenged much more because of the limitless creative resources. I totally agree and that is one of the reasons I believe being an artist is so competitive- if people think its competitive in the classroom, it must be 10 times more in the real world.
-I would like to see how artists in the 1500's dealt with the midevil guild. I can imagine being limted to such conditions of work. Also, having a master take all the credit for it would be awful. One of the reasons people do art is to make an individual statement and to be recognized for it. I would be very different to be alive then.
-After the guilds shut down, Im sure the artists just went crazy with all of their creative ideas that were boiling up inside that they couldnt create because of the standardized guild system. But i can understnad how the freeing of the guild can cause unavoidable competition, because you actually wrk for yourself now, just like it is today.
-I love the idea that artists created their pieces without knowing their fortunes, in stead of just sticking to the traditional.
pgs. 16-17
-I didnt realize the artist's audience was so important. I have always created art with my intention of it looking good not other peoples' comsumption. I believe my rrelationship with my art would be described as "populism" becuase it typically refers to my fellow students and usually they can judge pretty well. I like for my art to be contradictory to others becuase if everyone liked it all of the time then what would be the challenge?
-If I do end up working in an advertising frm I will have to recognize that today's culture is media dominated, and that what I produce is not just for me but to capture the attention of my consumer. I will have to learn what kind of art my intended audience desires.
- I want to consciously design for my audience but with hold my personal style as well, Im sure that can be a challenge.
pgs. 122-24
- I love how they describe the words "inspiration" and "expiration." They relate it directly to an artist's life. I never knew that they were opposites.
-It would be nice to know what inspired such famous artists as Monet, Warhol, and DaVinci. But I guess I will learn that in art history. You cant really tell what influenced an artist unless the piece is purely objective. I bet some artists don't even know what inspires them.
- I beleive that I am currently living in a static world where I need to be consciously influenced. I would liek to be one of thoughs artists thatfinds their inspirational influnce within themselves. At least for a part of my artist career. Meditating or takin hallucinogens would be very interesting to do once. I acted know someone that panited while they were "tripping" on shrooms and it turned out very well- they painted a scene from Alice In Wonderland inwhich he personally interpreted.
- The book talks aobut how inspiration can come so sudden and so intense, I believe that is a reason to keep a creative journal on hnd- becuase you never know what will influence you.
- I do believe that tragic events such as war, poverty, and personal events are great ispiration igniters.
- Wow. I do believe this is a quote I will have to keep in my journal- "Viewer's also benefit from artist's inspired state because art confirms the existence of this elusive stateof being." That makes so much sense.
pgs. 194-95
- Everyone has their own sense of personal style whethere its the clothes you wear, the car you drive or where you live. I dont think my since of "self" is identified yet becuase I am still trying to figure out who I am, and I believe that finding your "self" comes with age.
- Who you are is defined by your life experiences and your self-image. I dont understand why a "wego" applies to someone who follows a historic style becuase ego means your own self image- but I guess thats why there is a "w" is front of it.
- I dont know what kind of ego I am yet- definately not a superstar ago YET!
-I am excited to see how my sense of "self" is defined as I continue to create art.
pgs. 234-235
- An attitude is a preconconcieved notion towards something. And can greatley influence not only the artist but the viewers.
- In most art pieces a person can figure out the artists attitude and what they were going for just by looking at it. A specific emphasis can determine the attitude, or the colors or the materials.
- I beleive I have a moderate" attitude and matter of fact sense of style with a self-important personality. My sources do vary I wouldnt say that I use religious or financial sources.
-It is my hope to make my work influence others and "strike an emotional chord" in others as I am sure it is for many artists.
pgs. 282-283
- If personally asked what artists do in relation to ballerinas dance I would say "artists' influence through means of their own creativity." Maybe thats my mission as an artist.
- I agree that art does over lap with what people call non art professions. Such as cooking, preaching, and teaching. Alot of people dont realize that jsut becuase a person doesnt have the title "painter, designer, etc. doesnt mea nthey aren't an artist.
-I dont think that alot of art is interpreted with a mission- alot of peopel just do it for their own enjoyment, but I bleieve having a mission as an artist is much more rewarding, and having their viewers understand the mission is half the battle.
pgs. 354
- Meaqsuring success to me is having goals and reaching them, enjoying my work, having a personal stlyle, and having my viewers appreciate my work. I would be fine with just self-satisfaction. Money and popularity would be nice but you cant think of that when you create art- it does not result in self-satisfaction.

1/14/08

I dont know what I would do with out today's class. I had NO IDEA how to work this blogger thing. Jason was very helpful- even though he got off to a rough start. I was also pleased he came because I have been dying to meet someone in the graphic design department. It is what I am interested in concentrating in. Today's lecture was once again very different than regular art classes, but I guess i sohuld get use to that. I love how you realistically described the world of art, and how things work in today's culture. You mentioned starting a creative journal and I am a true believer in that! Some creative ideas althoguh great may slip out of you head and this is a great way to keep track. And also how artists' can't procratinate- in which I usally have a problem with, I learned this over studio at summer school. I would procrastinate every project and my work did suffer. I am gratefu that you gave us so many resources in which to get our pieces out there. My long term goal is to eventually work in a Graphic Design/ Advertising firm, but for now since Im in school I have to build up my porfolio and that artdeadlines website seems like a great place to get your self out there. I learned alot of new terms which was very interesting such as Guerilla- I would ike to do something like the statue in the major's yard that you discussed. Maybe not to that extreme but something that makes a statement that may not necessarily be legal! I am excited to see McColl Center on Wednesday. I've never been to an art residency before. It should be very influential!

1/11/08

Maybe I Will do something with staples- I mea we get them all the time in class- they are what binds paper- I bet I could do something really cool with 4,000 stples- maybe not- I would prob end up bleeding to death. Well see, still not sure what Im going to do.

01/09/07

During the discussion of the course syllabus my creative opened up for the first time in a while. It reminded me of how much fun and inventive art can be. I took 3 studio art classes at Virginia Tech and all of them were surrounded by so much pressure and guidance and not a lot of free projects like this class has. I havent been given this much freedom on projects since high school which is where I really grew in my artistic abilities. As you were discussing some of the examples of crazy projects some students did like working with the human body, my first thoughts were how cool body painting could be a how neat photograph would turn out, and then how much my rooomates would hate me and think I was weird for doing something like that! I also thought of a discussion with my professor in which he mentioned an artist that did ice sculpting and self portraits and used his own blood(that was frozen) for a sculture of his head. Also it when u were talking about how the internet is a good tool to put youself out there, I thought about how I am always on the internet and I never look up artists and how many awesome interesting inspirations are probably out there. I am glad we have a text book that are about artists that are still living! So many Ive had dont have current artists in it and I am excited to do the reading. The projects kinda scared me though just because it involves so much thinking, and I totally agree with you when you said it was hard to make your vision for something actual come out what you want it to look like. The accumulation project made me think about my uncle who always collects junk- and doesnt do anything with it. I liked the examples I really liked the opinion ones becasue that is thinking outside the box and thats omething I really admire. The material invention expeiment is super confusing like I am not sure how to transform so many objects it will definately be a thinker! I have no idea wat my objects wil be and how I will compose them!