Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Statement


A well composed and aesthetically pleasing picture is in reality a subjective point of view. As I was thinking of what type of art piece I wanted to present to the class I started to think of what is good composition. Who has made up these rules? I know that we as humans find value in pictures composed with the rule of thirds or various other compositional rules, but is this an innate sense that we are born with or has it been a forced tradition? I thought of this with regards to the article The Ecstasy of Influence. This article addresses the fact that there is no such thing as originality anymore and that we actually borrow from other artists before us. This is called cryptomensia, a subconscious plagiarism that occurs in human beings because of the eclectic and steady flow of artistic works that will influence and individual. Well this applies to the rule of thirds or any other compositional rule. When we compose art we borrow or use rules of composition, and in a sense are recreating a composition or piece of art that has been done before. I chose to use a picture of a staircase that is present at BYU. Although staircases have been photographed many times I found that this particular staircase had a compositional value and aesthetic that I found simplistic yet beautiful. This photograph represents my connection to BYU and my respect and gratitude for this wonderful institution. To me this staircase represents the fluidity of the ups and downs of life, but also the very rough path that we can take when we stumble in our lives.  I also believe that the design architectural craft involved in making this staircase work harmoniously together.  This photograph represents all of the elements of our manifesto. When coming up with this idea I remembered the beauty in the architecture in Paris, France. I have had the opportunity to go there, and one of the things that impressed me the most about the trip, and there was plenty of beauty and art to see and enjoy. I remember being extraordinarily impressed by a staircase that was in the Petit Palais. It is a magnificent staircase that represents well-composed and aesthetic beauty.

MANIFESTO

Movement Manifesto:

Art today appears to be pulled by two forces: uninformed consumers, and the egotistical art community.

The uninformed consumer doesn't like using his brain, he thinks art merely has to look nice, and mental exertion of any kind require from a song, a painting, a film etc. is a sign of an arrogant artist and a signal to them to switch their brain off and dismiss. The most unfortunate part of this force is that it is imaginary, a conjuration of studio's and commissioners, who sole effort is to make a sure buck. These corporate bodies are shackling artists, or even worse inspiring new or existing artist, to create formulaic, shallow pieces or art work that re of benefit to no-one. 

Equally to blame are the numerous pompous artists that are caught up in their arrogance. These men love to create work that is nigh impossible to access or understand. Every time I have to read a blurb explaining a painting in order to glean a shred of meaning, I die a little inside.

Good art means something. More specifically it means something to the artist. It represents something that the artist feels or sees and is reflecting on. The best art is just that, a reflection on a truth they have witnessed and desire to share. It can be critical, it can be praising, but it can also be an ambiguous reflection. Once the artist finds something that inspires him, finds something he wants to share, it is then up to him to present it in a way that can be received by his community (note. his community can be anywhere from his family to the world, depending on the commonality of his subject or truth). Art should be well composed, half of what makes good art is the craft of the artist. This isn't to say that art is beautiful, but the beauty or horror should come from the subject matter and not the composition or craft.

Good art is honest. And it is up to the artist to use his craft to convey his truth to his audience. If art fails, it fails because it is meaningless (or lacks significant meaning), or there are problems with the craft. Art is a fine balancing act, neither the craft nor the subject matter should overwhelm each other, instead they should exist in harmony.

Our Pledge.

1. Must be well composed and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Must reflect the society in which the artist lives, or is apart of.
3. This reflection of society or life must be easily determinable.
4. The craft and the subject matter mustn't overpower each other. They must work in harmony.


Thursday, February 21, 2013

MANIFESTO


MANIFESTO

1. Must be well composed and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Must reflect the society in which the artist lives, or is apart of.
3. This reflection of society or life must be easily determinable.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Movement Sample




What makes this painting significant is the demonstration of illimitable possibilities. Laws with which we are bound, no longer exist in this world. This uninhibited creative power provides an opportunity for original unexplored artistry, and an expansion of the imagination.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Historical story Artist statement


While coming up with the script we had many discussions on how to cover, and portray the historical event and back-story of the assassination of John F. Kennedy.  While coming up with the story I thought of certain images that might prove interesting. After some thought I came up with the idea of following the manufacturing proces and and sale of the rifle to Lee Harvey Oswald by mail order. As I read Vivian, Fort Barnwell by Ethan Canin about the photograph of his mother, I couldn’t help to think of all the speculation and embellishment that has taken place because of the assassination of the President. This reading also made me think about the small details that can be overlooked, like in the photograph of the author’s mother (really his grandmother).  There is also an alluring effect that takes place when we are able to catch a particular moment in time by a single photograph. While researching the life of Lee Harvey Oswald, I came across a black and white picture of Oswald holding the rifle he used to assassinate the President after he received it in the mail. This image, just like in the reading has story to tell. If you begin to analyze, and read about this particular photograph you will have a better understanding about the picture. For example Lee Harvey Oswald was a communist, and in this photograph he is holding a communist newspaper with his rifle. You will also notice that there is a divot, or scratch in the stock of the rifle, which would later prove to be helpful, while trying to identify the weapon used in the assassination.
This attention to detail with imagery was really what we decided to write about. New Orleans after the deluge was another helpful guide while coming up with a way to tell the story of this event. Another inspiration was a particular film, The Tree of Life by Terrence Malick which uses imagery to tell a story. With the use of abstract images the audience can interpret the story in many ways.  The film is very lean in dialogue, and relies on the image to tell a story. The horrific event of the assassination of a JFK took place before I was born. This historical event is documented well, with many photographs that tell stories about the past. Because of the many conspiracy theories of the grassy knoll and many other theories the event can be cloudy to understand what really took place that day in November. Implementing this approach to our story really helped us focus on the story of a single detail, that would intervene and become a piece of the historical event that took place. 

Historical Story

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5lfMvYlmPZpUTFjWm4tNmhDdjQ/edit?usp=sharing

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Genealogical Artifact


When ten years of age, all of my friends and I suddenly developed an obsession for Victorinox Swiss Army knifes. In retrospect I believe this obsession might have stemmed from my Swiss heritage, and memories of my grandpa pridefully wielding his fathers Swiss Army knife, and vehemently explicating the quality of Swiss products in general. When the time came when our parents would allow us to purchase our own pocketknife, we determinedly chose the Swiss Army brand. All of us went to Ace hardware and chose a knife from the assortment of colors. I chose a green ducks unlimited edition. The knife consisted of a blade, file, scissors, toothpick and tweezers. I thought the pocketknife was extremely useful and empowering, a devise that showed my maturity. While choosing my green Victorinox from the display case, my eyes kept reverting to a particular model of Swiss Army knife, the Swisschamp a 1” thick pocketknife that contained an assortment of 33 different tools, and or implements. Among the more alluring tools were pliers, magnifying glass, wood saw and a ballpoint pen decorating the substantial toolset. The knife had a lifetime warranty and was built for me specifically or so I thought. I euphorically procured the knife from Santa a couple of months later, and I couldn’t wait to use this master of all pocketknives. I stored the Swisschamp in its original packaging and kept it safely tucked away in my dresser.
            The day came when I had the opportunity to proudly tote the beast on a scout camp. This tool would most definitely prove to be useful in the wild. As I finished setting up camp I quickly grabbed my Swisschamp, and joined my friends carving sticks with inferior knives. As I started carving a stick my friends and fellow scouts immediately were astonished. While I was carving the stick I suddenly felt like I was dulling the blade on a menial task, and it bothered me, so I stopped and went back to my tent and grabbed the smaller knife that I had previously purchased and started using it instead. In fact the knife was so impressive to me that I didn’t use it all that much throughout the years. I didn’t want to ware it out. It was more like a trophy for show only. I was more infatuated with the design and sheer presence of the knife that I didn’t want to damage it in any way. The knife would remain safely tucked away in my drawer and every so often through the years I would admire its beauty and laugh because of its pristine condition. The Knife has 33 tools, cost a lot of money, and I only used it a couple of times over the years.  To this day the Swisschamp remains one of the few items that I have taken with me, as I have moved from place to place.  

Swisschamp


Artist Statement 4


Artist Statement

My pocketknife immediately came to mind when thinking of an object in my life. The knife has been in my possession for a very long time, and generated a tapestry of images, feelings and memories. As I held the knife in my hand I was nostalgically transported to my youth. It was interesting how the memories flickered through my mind and so easily surfaced as I reminisced on the significance of my Swisschamp Victorinox pocketknife. I thought of the reading Unknown Keys. The author’s father had passed away and while rummaging through his fathers personal effects he came across a set of keys marked “unknown keys”. The mystery keys reminded him of his father, they became symbolic of his life. My Swiss army knife doesn’t get much use today, and never has in the past, and like the keys, the memories that the object encapsulates is far more significant and valuable than the object itself. Tangible objects have the ability to create a concatenated line of memories, attached to in this case a red inanimate object. I also realized how much I value products built with meticulous craftsmanship. Another thing that brings significance to an item in my life is its design and craftsmanship. When a company focuses on these to components I will place value upon the object. Another company, or product that has a strong connection with me is Apple. This electronic company has built products such as the computer and phone that create a connection and significance in my life. They have generated a loyalty and connections between its products and consumers. There are many objects that have historical significance in my life such as a t-shirt, or a watch, or a pair of shoes. And as long as these objects are in my possession, they will have the ability to fuse themselves to the same memories. They have the power of story, of recollection when viewed or held.