While I was sitting in a coffee shop covered with all different kinds of art mediums, I couldn't help but a notice an unbelievable black and white photograph of a tree. I liked that it was black and white because the contrast highlighted the naturally beautiful branches and huge trunk in comparison with the delicate light color of the sky. The photograph captured the sun shining through the tree branches making the rays stand out. The upward tilt of the camera produces a feeling as if you are looking up at the tree and the sky. I love this picture because I think it demonstrates the natural beauty that we are surrounded by daily and also recognizes the angle at which we view these huge trees. The artist's name is Brooke Borcherding.
After analyzing the art without understanding or knowing anything about the artist, I decided to research the artist. I found out that most of the art in the coffee shop was hers and that photography is not actually her forte. I discovered that she is actually a painter, and when looking at her pieces I am actually fascinated and very impressed by her multifaceted artistic ability. Most of her paintings are made with acrylics and oils and she also has color and black and white photography. Her pieces of art are all so diverse that they look like they were done by completely different people and I think that her talent and creativity is clear through all of her works. From paintings, to photographs, to murals and charcoal drawings I would never have expected these many art mediums when looking at the tree photograph. However, after seeing her creativity with a lens it is no surprise that she has such creative talent. I think this was a major realization for me that creativity does not limit itself to one medium, and people with the creative ability and energy have the ability to express that creativity in anyway.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Creative Spirituality
How do you define "spirituality?"
To me, spirituality is understanding and being in touch with one's self and one's surroundings as well as believing in the inner strength and power of the self and the environment. I think that this definition is subjective because spirituality is a different feeling or experience with every individual because the relationship a person has with themselves and their surroundings varies. Spirituality is more of a feeling and state of mind that focuses on inner and outer relationships. This concept thrives on personal acceptance and connection to the world around you.
How does spirituality differ from religion?
I have never considered spirituality and religion to be related. I believe that the main difference is that spirituality focuses on the inner understanding and connection with oneself rather than the more organized understanding of another "being." While both concepts and belief systems can inspire and be useful for a person's strength, I think that spirituality is more focused on the self and religion is more focused on another. It is hard to distinguish between two concepts that have such similar effects on people, but I believe that the difference lies in the mindset and organization of both ideologies.
How do you define creativity?
Creativity is the original form of self expression that many individuals use. It is a skill, talent and state of mind that incolves new ideas and concepts that are usually representative of a person's ability to use their imagination and knowledge to generate an original concept, piece of art or theory.
What is the source of creativity?
While I believe that much of our human creativity comes from within us, I also believe that inspiration from outside ourselves, our experiences, environment and other people help shape our creativity and ability to think critically. I think our ability to look inside of ourselves and find our strengths and morals is a major factor in creativity but I also believe that the experiences that shape our interpretations and many of our beliefs play a big role in a person's creativity.
To me, spirituality is understanding and being in touch with one's self and one's surroundings as well as believing in the inner strength and power of the self and the environment. I think that this definition is subjective because spirituality is a different feeling or experience with every individual because the relationship a person has with themselves and their surroundings varies. Spirituality is more of a feeling and state of mind that focuses on inner and outer relationships. This concept thrives on personal acceptance and connection to the world around you.
How does spirituality differ from religion?
I have never considered spirituality and religion to be related. I believe that the main difference is that spirituality focuses on the inner understanding and connection with oneself rather than the more organized understanding of another "being." While both concepts and belief systems can inspire and be useful for a person's strength, I think that spirituality is more focused on the self and religion is more focused on another. It is hard to distinguish between two concepts that have such similar effects on people, but I believe that the difference lies in the mindset and organization of both ideologies.
How do you define creativity?
Creativity is the original form of self expression that many individuals use. It is a skill, talent and state of mind that incolves new ideas and concepts that are usually representative of a person's ability to use their imagination and knowledge to generate an original concept, piece of art or theory.
What is the source of creativity?
While I believe that much of our human creativity comes from within us, I also believe that inspiration from outside ourselves, our experiences, environment and other people help shape our creativity and ability to think critically. I think our ability to look inside of ourselves and find our strengths and morals is a major factor in creativity but I also believe that the experiences that shape our interpretations and many of our beliefs play a big role in a person's creativity.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Aesthetics of Horror
"Why Do People Love Horror Movies? They Enjoy Being Scared"
"This novel approach to emotion reveals that people experience both negative and positive emotions simultaneously -- people may actually enjoy being scared, not just relief when the threat is removed." This statement about the contradictory concept of horror movies relates to Carroll's article. The article is a scientific perspective that describes how the reasoning for people's enjoyment of horror movies has evolved over time. At first, the theories were that people enjoyed the fear, or that people put up with the fear in order to experience the relief at the end. These theories have been challenged by the idea that people can experience positive and negative emotions simultaneously. Scientists have come to the conclusion that people are "happy to be unhappy."
This article is an abstract way of looking at people's interpretations of horror films and is one that I cannot fully understand. It is hard for me to understand the simultaneous feeling of both positive and negative emotions but it provides accurate reasoning for why people enjoy horror films. Carroll explains in her article that, "It engages its audience by being involved in processes of disclosure, discovery, proof, explanation, hypothesis and confirmation" (279). I think both articles provide valid points for why and how horror movies can attract audiences despite their sometimes disgusting and disturbing footage. Both of these articles have given me a great and deeper understanding of horror movies and their paradoxical affect on people.
University of Chicago Press Journals (2007, July 31). Why Do People Love Horror Movies? They Enjoy Being Scared. ScienceDaily.
"Why People Love Horror?"
This article is not as scientific and more of a personal interpretation and analysis of the age long question, why do people like horror? This article describes how many people avoid horror and pain in their real life, but demonstrates how many people will jump at the chance to watch other people experiencing horrific events, "People love to be afraid…it’s human nature to look forward to being scared…from the comfort of your sofa." I think the author makes a valid point that I agree with, people enjoy the rush and stimulating feeling of fear, but from their couch. Many people do not enjoy experiencing the fear and horror first hand and that is why they get such a rush from watching it.
This is an interpretation of human nature that is not based on science but rather our humanistic traits. The author recognizes that there are many reasons as to why people enjoy horror movies. While some like watching them for the curiosity, others like the rush and some just enjoy the blood and gore that is found in the disturbing films. I think that this analysis demonstrates the interpretation involved in films and art in general. Carroll explains that many people enjoy the sense of fear because they can also experience the sense of relief and enjoyment, which makes horror movies a paradoxical event, but this article also reveals that people enjoy watching horror movies because they do not want to experience it first hand.
Scoyoc, A. V. (2006, November 14). Why People Love Horror (article) by Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc on AuthorsDen. Retrieved May 10, 2009, from http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=47163&id=25283
"This novel approach to emotion reveals that people experience both negative and positive emotions simultaneously -- people may actually enjoy being scared, not just relief when the threat is removed." This statement about the contradictory concept of horror movies relates to Carroll's article. The article is a scientific perspective that describes how the reasoning for people's enjoyment of horror movies has evolved over time. At first, the theories were that people enjoyed the fear, or that people put up with the fear in order to experience the relief at the end. These theories have been challenged by the idea that people can experience positive and negative emotions simultaneously. Scientists have come to the conclusion that people are "happy to be unhappy."
This article is an abstract way of looking at people's interpretations of horror films and is one that I cannot fully understand. It is hard for me to understand the simultaneous feeling of both positive and negative emotions but it provides accurate reasoning for why people enjoy horror films. Carroll explains in her article that, "It engages its audience by being involved in processes of disclosure, discovery, proof, explanation, hypothesis and confirmation" (279). I think both articles provide valid points for why and how horror movies can attract audiences despite their sometimes disgusting and disturbing footage. Both of these articles have given me a great and deeper understanding of horror movies and their paradoxical affect on people.
University of Chicago Press Journals (2007, July 31). Why Do People Love Horror Movies? They Enjoy Being Scared. ScienceDaily.
"Why People Love Horror?"
This article is not as scientific and more of a personal interpretation and analysis of the age long question, why do people like horror? This article describes how many people avoid horror and pain in their real life, but demonstrates how many people will jump at the chance to watch other people experiencing horrific events, "People love to be afraid…it’s human nature to look forward to being scared…from the comfort of your sofa." I think the author makes a valid point that I agree with, people enjoy the rush and stimulating feeling of fear, but from their couch. Many people do not enjoy experiencing the fear and horror first hand and that is why they get such a rush from watching it.
This is an interpretation of human nature that is not based on science but rather our humanistic traits. The author recognizes that there are many reasons as to why people enjoy horror movies. While some like watching them for the curiosity, others like the rush and some just enjoy the blood and gore that is found in the disturbing films. I think that this analysis demonstrates the interpretation involved in films and art in general. Carroll explains that many people enjoy the sense of fear because they can also experience the sense of relief and enjoyment, which makes horror movies a paradoxical event, but this article also reveals that people enjoy watching horror movies because they do not want to experience it first hand.
Scoyoc, A. V. (2006, November 14). Why People Love Horror (article) by Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc on AuthorsDen. Retrieved May 10, 2009, from http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=47163&id=25283
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Personal Adornment
I do not really represent my beliefs through my clothing; however, I do believe in respecting yourself and others and therefore not inappropriately revealing my body. I also believe in individuality and I try to incorporate that through dramatic jewelry or accessories. I think for a lot of people personal adornment is their personal way of representing their individuality and uniqueness and while I completely respect and understand that I try to let my personality represent my individuality. I have my insecurities, like many people, and therefore shy away from clothing that makes me feel uncomfortable. Since I have been at school I have gained a better understanding of my comfort zone. I do not dress up for class because I don't see the point. I am here to learn and while I get ready for class I dress comfortably. The weekends are my time to dress up because I am not just sitting in a classroom being lectured all day. My clothing style also changes with the seasons but I think that is a natural tendency for people to change their clothing in relation to the weather. My style has pretty much remained constant throughout the years. I have never been one to get really dressed up or enjoy wearing high fashion clothing. While I enjoy shopping and getting new clothes the increased prices for clothing has made it difficult to indulge. My family has always enforced the morals that you must take care of yourself and respect yourself by putting time into your body and mind. My modest style has a lot to do with where I am from because the laid back community that I grew up in did not necessarily promote high fashion. While it is nice to get dressed up once in a while I will almost always pick comfort over fashion.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
"Food as Art: Culture Never Tasted so Good"
The article is an evaluation and reflection of the event that occured last week in Seattle. The Food as Art event in Puget Sound, Washington brought together the culinary talents of African-American chefs from around the area. This event showcased their artistic and culinary abilities, demonstrating both the tastes and appearances that the chefs or "artists" were able to create. This article included a list of all of the chefs that participated in the event and the foods that they created. For example Harold Fields made a salmon sakura, but the most talked about dish was Debbie Hatfield's "potatoe's three ways" with the taste and presentation creating quite the sensory experience, people were able to enjoy the various dishes and the aspect of art brought to the food. The article also talks about the cakes showcased at the event and the effort and passion that went into making the delicious and beautiful masterpieces.
This event represents that food can be art. If there is an opportunity for chef's to showcase their food, it is similar to an artist showcasing their art at a museum. I think that the fact that food and simple ingredients can be transformed into beautiful and delicious dish's proves that art can be found in food. It is events like this that represent that the line between food being art is thin and cannot be accurately defined but this is much different than flipping burgers and serving fries at a fast food restaurant. The talent and cullinary skills come through and are represented through the chefs dishes. I find that this question of whether food can be art is a difficult one to answer; however, this article demonstrated the power of food and the artistic abilities that are necessary to create delicious and beautiful dishes.
Friedman, J. (2009, April 26). Seattle Restaurant Examiner: Food as Art: "Culture never tasted so good". Retrieved April 26, 2009, from http://www.examiner.com/x-435-Seattle-Restaurant-Examiner~y2009m4d25-Food-as-Art-featured-some-fabulous-creations
This event represents that food can be art. If there is an opportunity for chef's to showcase their food, it is similar to an artist showcasing their art at a museum. I think that the fact that food and simple ingredients can be transformed into beautiful and delicious dish's proves that art can be found in food. It is events like this that represent that the line between food being art is thin and cannot be accurately defined but this is much different than flipping burgers and serving fries at a fast food restaurant. The talent and cullinary skills come through and are represented through the chefs dishes. I find that this question of whether food can be art is a difficult one to answer; however, this article demonstrated the power of food and the artistic abilities that are necessary to create delicious and beautiful dishes.
Friedman, J. (2009, April 26). Seattle Restaurant Examiner: Food as Art: "Culture never tasted so good". Retrieved April 26, 2009, from http://www.examiner.com/x-435-Seattle-Restaurant-Examiner~y2009m4d25-Food-as-Art-featured-some-fabulous-creations
"Wrestling in Jelly, for Art's Sake"
This article explains Tara Strickstein's attempt to combine art and food into one and create a "mutual sensory experience." Her interest in the connection between art and food has led her to her newest artistic endeavor, jelly roll. It is performance based installation that involves a sweet shop counter with the accompaniment of jelly wrestling. People will wrestle in jelly and outsiders are welcome to participate. It is an interactive display that demonstrates the combination of food and art. There are an asortment of deserts and treets at the counter that provide patrons with a sensory experience and the wrestling is a contrast of the passive eating experience. She believes that it will allow people to experience things in a new way which will open their mind and senses to different forms of art. Performers will be walking around and interacting with the viewers and looking for opponents. This form of art is unknown and that is what artist Strickstein loves about it.
I think Strickstein's abstract and interactive way of combining food and art represents the endless capabilities of art. It proves that the context of something can completely change its interpretation and definition. In any other place besides a museum this "jelly roll" would not be considered art. In a museum people are looking to interpret and experience. Rather than just being a messy experience it can be seen as a complete sensory experience. Strickstein's artistic vision is shown through her knowledge of both food and art being sensory experiences, she proves that the combination of these experiences produce a different and interactive way to relate to art and food. In the article she makes a very valid point that has been thoroughly discussed in our class, "I asked my parents: 'Why is this art?' " Strickstein recalled. "And that developed into a lifelong questioning back and forth of what makes art. I'm still working on the answer." I think this is a question that can never really be answered because the definition is dependent on so many other aspects that would have to include every factor and interpretaion.
HOULIHAN, M. (2009, April 26). Wrestling in jelly, for art's sake :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Galleries. Retrieved April 26, 2009, from http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/galleries/1544071,SHO-Sunday-art26.article
I think Strickstein's abstract and interactive way of combining food and art represents the endless capabilities of art. It proves that the context of something can completely change its interpretation and definition. In any other place besides a museum this "jelly roll" would not be considered art. In a museum people are looking to interpret and experience. Rather than just being a messy experience it can be seen as a complete sensory experience. Strickstein's artistic vision is shown through her knowledge of both food and art being sensory experiences, she proves that the combination of these experiences produce a different and interactive way to relate to art and food. In the article she makes a very valid point that has been thoroughly discussed in our class, "I asked my parents: 'Why is this art?' " Strickstein recalled. "And that developed into a lifelong questioning back and forth of what makes art. I'm still working on the answer." I think this is a question that can never really be answered because the definition is dependent on so many other aspects that would have to include every factor and interpretaion.
HOULIHAN, M. (2009, April 26). Wrestling in jelly, for art's sake :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Galleries. Retrieved April 26, 2009, from http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/galleries/1544071,SHO-Sunday-art26.article
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Life Values
Family
Friendship
Health
Enjoyment
Loyalty
When looking at the list of 20 values I thought it would be difficult to pick my top 5. I was wrong. I picked my values based on how I spend my time and how I live my life. Family is very important to me because they are there for me no matter what, they support me in everything I do and they help me grow. I am very lucky to have the support systems that I do. Without my friends and family I truly do not know where I would be. They make me laugh and they help me through hard times. As I have gotten older I am able to recognize the interchangeable roles of both groups. My family have become some of my best friends and my friends have become my family. I came home this weekend to go to the blazer game with my friends, but I stayed to hang out with my family, I could not ask for better friends or a better family.
My 3rd value is health. While I recognize the importance of physical health, I chose this as my value because I have come to understand the importance of mental health. In college it is difficult to manage time between school work and a social life. Without your health you have nothing and I take vitamins, work out and attempt to eat healthy, but what I found has really helped my health is taking time for myself. After the long days of lectures and hanging out with friends I try and do something for myself to give my mind and body time to relax.
My friends, family and health allow me to enjoy life. They inspire me and have taught me to do things that make me happy. Even though I do not necessarily enjoy doing homework the feeling of accomplishment and the reward of getting it done and learning something makes me happy. Going out with my friends, going to concerts, taking photographs and playing in the sun are all things that make me happy and I really make an effort to live my life based around enjoyment.
Without loyalty my friends, family and self would not be valuable. I try to be loyal to myself and my goals. I am committed to my friends and family and I would do anything for them, and they reciprocate that loyalty. I stay loyal to myself, and do not stray from my morals or beliefs. This loyalty helps me accomplish goals and keep and make friendships that last.
Friendship
Health
Enjoyment
Loyalty
When looking at the list of 20 values I thought it would be difficult to pick my top 5. I was wrong. I picked my values based on how I spend my time and how I live my life. Family is very important to me because they are there for me no matter what, they support me in everything I do and they help me grow. I am very lucky to have the support systems that I do. Without my friends and family I truly do not know where I would be. They make me laugh and they help me through hard times. As I have gotten older I am able to recognize the interchangeable roles of both groups. My family have become some of my best friends and my friends have become my family. I came home this weekend to go to the blazer game with my friends, but I stayed to hang out with my family, I could not ask for better friends or a better family.
My 3rd value is health. While I recognize the importance of physical health, I chose this as my value because I have come to understand the importance of mental health. In college it is difficult to manage time between school work and a social life. Without your health you have nothing and I take vitamins, work out and attempt to eat healthy, but what I found has really helped my health is taking time for myself. After the long days of lectures and hanging out with friends I try and do something for myself to give my mind and body time to relax.
My friends, family and health allow me to enjoy life. They inspire me and have taught me to do things that make me happy. Even though I do not necessarily enjoy doing homework the feeling of accomplishment and the reward of getting it done and learning something makes me happy. Going out with my friends, going to concerts, taking photographs and playing in the sun are all things that make me happy and I really make an effort to live my life based around enjoyment.
Without loyalty my friends, family and self would not be valuable. I try to be loyal to myself and my goals. I am committed to my friends and family and I would do anything for them, and they reciprocate that loyalty. I stay loyal to myself, and do not stray from my morals or beliefs. This loyalty helps me accomplish goals and keep and make friendships that last.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Snapple REAL facts
I would like to start this blog with a topic I feel very passionately about. Snapple facts. Many believe that not all snapple facts are real, many try to prove this accusation by claiming that the first snapple fact is that "not all snapple facts are real;" however, their only evidence is false because the snapple fact #1 is actually "a goldfish's attention span is three seconds." So there. Snapple is a source of great knowledge and interesting facts and those nay sayers need to learn their place! I completely agree with MittelMitte in that people must accept the quirky TRUE facts and come to a realization that it was an amazing move on snapples part and that the lawyers and politicians opposition only proves their ignorance. The way snappe facts came about and the idea behind them allows thirsty individuals to not only quench their thirst but their need for knowledge.
http://mittelmitte.blogspot.com/2006/09/snapple-real-facts-are-100-true.html
(The Blog that reinforced my snapple fact passion)
http://mittelmitte.blogspot.com/2006/09/snapple-real-facts-are-100-true.html
(The Blog that reinforced my snapple fact passion)
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