Fire sculpture

To have Nina’s sculpture taken over by other artists in building to even people of the community volunteering to help watch the sculpture bake at night truly adds to the meaning of her concept behind this piece of work. However, with the sculpture being cooled down now, it has become another artistic piece that requires the artist statement in order to appreciate the piece fully. I believe this because there are other buildings surrounding this sculptural building. This sculpture essentially mimics those buildings and to the ordinary viewer would pass it with one glance at it as if it were any other building, unlike the PAO heads. Having gone through a few ceramics classes myself, I can understand the process of making a ceramic sculpture outside to be a very critical and slow procedure. This is because of ensuring the piece does not crack by the fluctuating temperatures and weather climates that surround it. At the end of the firing as well, is just as critical moment. Taking off the material encompassing the sculpture for one has edges scorching, so the volunteers don’t burn the grass as well. I also learned about the sawdust and salt technique to cool off the sculpture which is something I would never have thought of.

Undergrad fine arts show

Once again, I have had the privilege to watch and see the developments of an artist in this show, Sloan, through a printmaking class this semester. I really enjoyed her work because it stands out with the color choice and imagery in both a disgusting (by the paint) and humorous way (by the content of the image). With these images being her own, they are true and raw, yet these photos can have a different feeling due to media outlets. Typically, the content of this image would be seen in poor, negative light by news coverage. However, she is just trying to display memories that mean a lot to her and the lighter side of a darker image impacted by third parties’ opinions. Sloan gives a lot of attention to the details of her human subjects and allows for the backgrounds to be simple while adding to the content of the image. 

Caroline Owens

I have known Caroline Owens since last semester through printmaking. In fact, her book making during last semester intrigued me to do one of my own this semester as well. Seeing her work has allowed for me to see the combination of photography combined with other printmaking methods into different formations i.e. prints and books. The photos may seem similar to the viewer’s eye, however, there are different facial expressions that flow in a fluid motion as their titles entail them so as well. The common pale blue and faintly patterned background are actually overlaid lightly in certain areas of her face. This can add to some of the emotions she is trying to achieve by indirectly by allowing for herself to blend in with the background as she struggles to find herself. The setup of these prints allow for the eyes to focus on the image rather than framing them in which that could restrict her images conceptually. 

Still Moving

Charles Gick

                A cloud is theoretically tangible, yet unattainable to humans because of its properties and the elevation at which it is found. However, there is also a saying: Reach for the sky, because the sky has no limits. If you were to think of this while watching this video, the concepts would seem surreal. Poking a cloud is as if you have broken the saying/myth. Or perhaps reaching a goal or your full potential is like reaching the cloud.

Kevin Cooley

                There feels like there is a split timeline in this piece: one in which the water is constantly moving and the other is the sunset stopped in one brief second.Sometimes this is how I perceive moments in nature. A sensation of the sky never changing because of the constant combination of warm colors blurring during this time period. The water however is in a constant motion as though time is continuing into night and the gravitational pull of the moon is taking effect.   

Stephen Hilyard

                Using a projector also adds the presentation of this segment in which the viewer can interact their shadow with the video. This video of constant water can be interpreted to the viewer in different aspects. At first, I was just at peace because I love nature and appreciate the beauty in it. But then I thought more of the notion, purpose, and aspects of water.
                Continuity of Life: the constant running of water can symbolize the circle of life in constant motion.
                Pure/Healing:Water is in its most truest, wholesome state. We are mainly made up of water components so when our bodies become dehydrated water is the solution.
                Flexible/Adaptable: water is a liquid which allows for the particles to move freely as should our minds.
                Calming: the color blue creates a soothing sensation for most people.