Art Making/Material Exploration Blog: Mask Making

I chose these images because these were the most appealing to me with the colors and the overall structure of the masks.  All of these masks use line throughout them with bold colors and distinct shapes. These masks all resemble some type of bird, most likely an eagle of sort.

Native American masks had many different purposes including its medicinal and spiritual uses and sometimes they were just used for entertainment purposes. Many Native American tribes believed that when certain animal masks were worn during specific tribal rituals that the person who wore the mask would take on certain characteristics of the animal depicted, they believed that the spirit of the animal would enter that person while they were in the mask.

There was not much info on the artists of these masks and the things that were used to create them although i am assuming many were made with wood and paint of some sort. 

 http://www.andrewcollins.com/page/articles/txsa_2_caddo.htm

Sea Eagle Stephen Bruce
Native Mask - Sea Eagle by Stephen Bruce C2011

 http://www.southeastaviation.com/sections/Tours/metlakatla.html

http://www.justart.ca/

I used water colors and pencil on plain white paper. 


4. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.
I used lines throughout the mask to create the wings and the markings of the face of the bird. I used bold colors to try and represent the intensity of this bird and to make it seem realistic.  I used pattern in the designs on the face and used my favorite colors purple and turquoise.

5. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask. I thought the finished mask turned out well and i think it resembles the eagle. I chose the eagle to represent myself as being being free, bold, and one of a kind. Overall i enjoyed the project and using my creativity to make the mask.

Buddhism:
I chose this video because I found the history of Buddha to be quite interesting, therefore I was intrigued by this video choice. Buddhism fact and legend intertwine in Bodh Gaya , India . The key concept to the teachings of Buddhism is “tanha” which is the extinguishing of all desires and all things that feed the ego and obstruct enlightenment. Within one hundred years of Buddha's death, Buddhism split into two groups: the monks or the "hinayana" and the rest, "mahanyana." Buddha’s death can be seen as the end of the Golden age. During and after the Golden Age of Buddha, Buddhist art and architecture flowered across India . Sanchi is a center of Buddhist art and architecture. Within the ornate carvings of the Great Stupa, Buddha disappears into symbolism and is represented only by a few symbols such as a Bodhi Tree, and  he is not seen is a human form. Around the Great Stupa is a walkway where every step is a discovery of Buddhist art and architecture. The pilgrim must walk clockwise around the Stupa, he lets go of material things for the attainment of virtue. In the central highlands of Java , Indonesia , lotus-shaped Borobudur stands as the largest Buddhist shrine in the world made of lava rock. At the top of the monument stand 432 carved Buddha’s. Buried by volcanic debris and vegetation, Borobudur is uncovered in 1815.
Hinduism:
I chose this video because these arts of Hinduism sort of reminded me of Egypt which is one of my most favorite places.
In Varanasi, the holiest city in India, the River Ganges is the symbol of life, death, and rebirth. On the Ganges, a priest performs "aarti," a ceremony to honor Brahma/God. induism's gods and goddesses function in a way similar to Christian saints by providing access to Brahma/God. Hindu architecture is lush with decorative sculptures of many gods. Cremation in Varanasi on the Ganges is assurance of direct access to heaven. In Mamallapuram, India, Mother Ganges turns to stone, a holy and highly decorated place. Carved within boulders, the caves are highly decorated with the epic and the ordinary, the fantastic and the familiar. Carved from single boulders, shrines in Mamallapuram are lavishly decorated. A barrel-vaulted shrine rests on slender pillars for over 1500 years. Excavated from the Bay of Bengal, the Shore Temple is a treasure house of Hindu art and architecture. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple, built in the ninth century by the Chandella rules, stands in Khajuraho, India. Lavishly carved panels are covered in erotic images. Pilgrims pay homage to the lingam/phallus for it life-giving, creative forces. The source of all life for Hindus is Brahma—the Great breath. Hinduism teaches that there are many ways to Brahma/God and these ways are symbolized by many gods. Hinduism carries within it a deep sense of spiritual in the ordinary and the everyday.

The Great Wave:
I chose this video because I have always wanted to visit both Japan and China after I began taking martial arts.Full of mystery and contradiction, Hokusai's "The Great Wave" epitomizes Japan's art and culture. Its image appears on everything from coffee mugs to high fashion while political cartoonists and tattoo artists also subvert its image. As a teen, Hokusai is apprenticed to a well-known artist and becomes a professional print designer. Impoverished, he later takes refuge in a temple. When he begins to work again, “The Great Wave” plays a starring role in his life.Many Westerners see the painting as a symbol of implacable Nature. To the Japanese, the image is one of courage and perseverance. Critics agree that the wave is not a tsunami. Hokusai spent most of his time working with a distinct tradition of Japanese art called the "floating world" style. He is influenced by the sensual indulgences and eroticism of Shiba Kokan's works, which are, in turn, influenced by Western art. Waves come and go throughout Hokusai’s art, even when the mountain is the primary subject. With "The Great Wave," Hokusai introduces Prussian blue, a pigment that won't fade. Hokusai's “The Great Wave” is based on his structural theories of geometry. It consists of circles and triangles in a back-to-front arrangement influenced by Western art. Once it is finished, "The Great Wave" is a bestseller. Only a few of the highest quality historical prints exist. Hokusai's wave painting is a perfect example of fractals, as the images repeat themselves at ever-decreasing scales. Four years  after Hokusai's famous painting was published, a major earthquake strikes Mt. Fuji. Hokusai’s wave design is adapted in illustrations of the mountain. Hokusai seems to be seeking the definitive expression of the wave.

African Art:
I chose this video because I was intrigued by what I had about this art in our book.
In sub-Saharan Africa, aesthetic sense is shown in dress, hair styles, forms of ornamentation, rituals and performance art. The oldest existing African art is found in drier regions. Ancient bush paintings represent animals and humans; these stylized pictures may be a wish for luck in the hunt. Egyptian and Saharan art and architecture show influences of agriculture. Bronze castings of Nigeria date from the 15th century. A royal residence in South Eastern Africa shows symbolic art and architectural style of the 14th century. Primitive Art influenced Picasso and modernist painters. European art is perceptual. Most African art is conceptual, flowing from the artist's mental images. There exists great diversity in African art, but all cultures combine crafts with art. The artists repeat traditional designs, adding their own refinements. Supernatural powers are controlled through art objects. Carvings or sculptures are the actual home of the ancestor. Masks are often highly stylized and embellished. Costumes are designed to be used by fire light. Modern African art is created for the mass market.

Art Gallery Visit

Questions about the exhibit:
1. What is the title of the exhibit? Videosphere
2. What is the theme of the exhibition? This is a collection of installation art works

Questions about the physical space:1. What type of lighting is used? All of the rooms were dark, depending on how large or small the screen was depended on how light it was in the room.
2. What colors are used on the walls? Either black or white walls.
3. What materials are used in the interior artchitecture of the space? The only materials besides the screens were chairs or benches to sit on.
4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space? It was a little confusing walking throught the different rooms, almost like a maze. Plus, it was dark so sometimes it was hard to figure out which was to go to get to the next room.

Questions about the artwork:1. How are the artworks organized? I didnt really notice a pattern of organization of the different rooms, as stated before, it was a little confusing and almost reminded me of a maze.
2. How are the artrworks similar? They were all installation art works with the use of video.
3. How are the artworks different? They all portrayed a different message, all very unique.
4. How are the artworks framed? No frames, either screens or televisions.
5. How are the artworks identified and labeled? Each work had a typed up summary of the artist and a little about the work posted on the wall within the room.
6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other? Again i didn't find much relation to each work in any specic order, or spacing. They were all clustered together sort of randomly throughout the upstairs of the gallery and few downstairs.

 

Artwork #1
Artist: James Drake
Title of wotk: Tongue-cut Sparrows 1996
Video Installation Size: n/a Source of picture: Digital camera
Description: When first walking into this room i sensed a lot of emotion as you see three young girls. One is crying, one is using a type of sign laguage, and the other just starring off. After reading the information on this work, i was moved. It is three young woman standing outside of a prison communicating with their loved ones through a sort of sign laguage. Just seeing the amount of emotion in their faces, and the power of communication was moving.
Elements and principles used: I feel that the use of black and white added to the emotion on the video. Unity was used between the three women going through similar experiences.

 Artwork #2
Artist: Michael Snow
Title: Solar Breath 2002
DVD projection Size: n/a Source of picture: digital camera
Description: This installation reminded me of a breezy summer day. I always loved watching the wind blow the curtains through the window. I found it interesting that the artist who lived in this cottage noticed that just before sundown, this weird wind would come through and such the curtain to the window as shown in his installation. It reminds me of the beauty of nature and all the things it is capable us, even as simple as this wind.
Elements and principles used: Rhythm was about the only thing i could pick up in this work, just watching the curatin blow back and forth.

 Artwork #3
Artist: Jennifer Steinkamp
Title: Dervish I, 2004
Digital projection Source of picture: digital camera
Description: Trees are one of my favorite things about nature, they can be large, small, beautiful, scary, colorful, or dull. This work shows the different stages and changed of a tree, from spring to summer, autum to winter. It reminded me of life and the different stages one must go through to grow and move forward.
Elements and principles: Movement, was used as the tree swayed back and forth. Color, as you can see the many colors of the different seasons. Texture, althought this is a projection, the texture looks almost like a real tree.

Step 3: The Artwork

Step 2: The Gallery
Step 1: The Exhibition

1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing?

I found it interesting to use my hands for a drawing, each crevase comes together to make the shape and contour of the hand.

2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why? I chose charcoal because it is my most favorite medium. Its smooth, bold, shades easily, and in my opinion adds more depth.

3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand? I struggled using my left hand to draw, i felt like i was a kid again just learning how to hold a pencil. I really couldnt keep a controlled line going with this hand, and i feel it took me twice as long.

4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies? I think my left hand looks a lot more realistic that the right. Again drawing with my left hand was a little difficult.

5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future?

 Probably not only because i felt like i cant keep my hand steady and it takes me a lot more time to draw something with my non-dominant hand. I think i would stick with my dominant hand in the future.

Video Responses

The Drawings of Michelangelo-

Michelangelo is an artist that fascinates me by his lifelike works. His drawings can be viewed in the British museum by serious students. I found it interesting that there are so many factors to consider when drawing, such as the weight, making it look like an actual human being. Also the use of cross hatching to make the figures is fascinating that these simple lines can make up such a complex picture. Michelangelo was very well rounded, as he also taught himself how to sculpt, in which his knowledge anatomy really helped him to make such beautiful pieces. His signature work is the “Pieta” a sculpture of Christ which was a great accomplishment. In 1505 he was invited to Rome, and in 1508 he decorated the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which was the greatest commission of his life. When god gives the spark of life to Adam, is the most important part of the ceiling.  

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance

Leonardo da Vinci is another of my favorite artists mostly because of his diversity. He was the quintessential “Renaissance man”. Throughout his childhood his artistic sensitivities increased and developed and he eventually apprentices with Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence. He learned to master perspective and proportion of humans and animals and learns to draw from life. When he was twenty two he was accepted into the painter’s guild. He also became experienced with architecture, machinery and mechanical inventions.

Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master

I chose this video because I don’t really know much about this artist other than what I have read in our book. Durer is said to be the greatest artist of the northern Renaissance, and was the primary conduit which Italian Renaissance forms and ideas were introduced in Germany, under which was still dominated by Gothic tradition. His father whom was a goldsmith was a great influence to him along with his godfather and one of Germany’s finest printers, publishers, painter and illustrator; Anthony Koberger. He became fascinated with portraits and the process of aging. He is considered to be the first landscape artists which was influenced by Venetian artist.

Valazquez

I chose this one as well because I do not know much about this artist, although the name is familiar. He was an extraordinary painter, who was a court painter of King Philip the Fourth of Spain, whom was a good friend of his. He was influenced by those of Italy and many of his works are based on an earlier age.  His paintings really capture the moment which can be seen in many of his works included the painting of Prince Don Carlos. His wife remained by his side throughout their life, and they had two daughters together. Velazquez is an idealist from a vantage point above reality. He uses his mind's eye to capture the essence of a king personality characterized by stasis, but full of inner movement and emotion. Velazquez paints based on what he see’s such as pictures of deformed individuals with great sympathy and insight that reveal an artistic and psychological breakthrough. Regardless of flaws, he paints was he sees.

Video Responses

Cairo Museum :

I chose this video because of my fascination with Egypt , which I hope to visit someday.

This museum contain 150,000 artifacts, 80,000 of them are hidden in the basement which came from excavations in Egypt . Some have come from hundreds of years ago, unopened. There is a royal mummy room with some of the most famous rulers of Egypt , each telling a story. In 1875 Adel Rosseu, looking for his missing goat, stumbled upon a cache of royal treasures, he decided to use these items to get rich. He was eventually arrested and was tortured until he gave up the location of the cache which contained 40 mummies, and many royal artifacts. I found it interesting to know how these artifacts were discovered.

A World Inscribed

I chose this video because I thought it would be about the history of manuscript. I found it fascinating that each book was written by hand which was in fact a very slow process, many of which were in poor condition. Scribes were important to pass on the knowledge of our history. The books that were made included a very long process including making the book itself. Book production became a major business during this time. How to books, prayer books, entertainment books, romance novels, etc. became more popular. Illuminators were used to draw illustrations within the books, they used notes left by the scribes to know what we to be created.

The Measure of all things: Greek art and the Human figure

I chose this video because Greece is another country which fascinates me. The sculptures that can be seen here are breathe taking. Almost all of them look so realistic, showing every detail on the human, it is amazing. The Greeks inspired many 20^th century artists. The style of realism became increasingly more popular by showing details of a more “individual” person, the discovery of an inner life of the sculpture. Another useful discovery was the use of movement within sculptures which gave the impression that the sculpture was moving, which was revolutionary during this time.

Installation

A. What is installation art?
Installation art is work in which depends on site in which it is created, making another world almost. It could be a room, or items placed on a wall, music playing at a certain location, or a video slideshow.

B. What materials are used in installation art?
Any materials can be used for installation art. Anything that will create the work, it could be paint, photos, lights, mirrors, objects, absolutely anything.

C. Why make installation art?
Installation art is made to engage the viewer into the world that the artist has created and give the viewer an experience.

D. Which installation artist did i find most interesting?
My favorite work was Fireflies on the Water. This work is breathetaking, and it actually looks like you are on the water watching the fireflies. The fact that the artist could create this kind of "world" is amazing.

Step 4.
A. From the materials reviewed, is there an inspiration piece that i feel a connection with?
The Fireflies on the Water is the piece that i most felt a connection with mostly because i love the outdoors and nature. When i go camping, something we always do is watch the fireflies at night, and when its pitch black in the woods, you are humbled by the lights from the fireflies.

B. What theme do i want to explore in my installation?
I am going to do a "Self Theme"

C. What materials will i use?
I plan to use a lot of material things that i feel cover up who i really am when i am out or with friends. Almost like society today makes us into something were not with all the makeup, jewelry, clothing, designer items etc.

D. Where will this installtion be located and why?
My installation will be located at my house. This is because this is the one place where i know i am always comfortable, and I am the real me without all the added materialistic items. As if all those things "fall off" once i walk through the door.

Step 7.
4. Describe you installation.
The significance of me doing my installation at home, as i stated earlier its as if all those material items dont matter anymore, they sort of fall off and fade away. Therefore i chose to place my items right at my front door, to represent that these are not the things that make me who i am.

5. I specifically chose very basic black and white items, because i feel as though such material items make you sort of blend in with everyone else. Everyone looks the same, leaving few people that are different. I used the light from the outside to make this a little darker, i wanted to leave the impression of leaving these items behind.

6. My thought behind this, are that i feel that the media really portrays a negative image for woman. We are suppose to be skinny, and where all the clothing thats in stlye, we have disigner items, and makeup, shoes, all these things just to make us feel like we look pretty. I feel that the inner beauty and confident self-steem has been somewhat lost to many young girls, and they are competing with the images they seen on television and in magazines.