Semester Final

So here is a record of the final 10 - 15 images for my semester final for Intro to Digital Media.  

Spring 2013 Shows

Texas A&M University – Commerce

Annual Juried Student Show-Spring 2013

Earth Offerings:  Earth, Air, Water

Hand Built Earthenware, Velvet Underglazes, 8” x 13”

Call for Entries: "Dining In VI: An Artful Experience"

18 HANDS GALLERY, LLC

249 W 19TH STREET, STE B

HOUSTON, TX 77008

713.869.3099

info@18handsgallery.com

For more information, the download the full prospectus (PDF).

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:  July 5, 2013


Article Review #11

"Set Pieces" at Cardi Black Box (Contemporary Art Daily)

I am drawn to the composition and color in these "sets".  Inspired by the work of William Leavitt four artists were invited to create theatrical "sets" to then host other artists work.  I like the idea of a "birth place" for other artists to express their work.  The lighting in the "set" areas gives a definite movie set atmosphere.  I respond to the last photo of what look like circular tambourines suspended from the ceiling.  I wonder are they tamborines or just circular vignettes for the designs.  The background layers of different color activite the entire "set".  I enjoy film and stage shows so this idea of theatrical "set" art appeals to me.  

There is a group of clay artists that do a similar event in Austin.  Four to six potters/ceramic artists host other artists in their studios.  It is a great networking and entrepreneurial step.  Cooperative art making and exhibiting is a great community activity.

Article Review #10

Interview: "Frank Horvat with Helmut Newton"

I respond to this article because I know of Helmut Newton because of his photo work with Vogue.  I used to love looking at all the fashion art and clothes in that magazine.  The magazine was usually always a thick volume, whereas today there is much less paper put into the publication.  I am drawn to the images because of the idea of intentionally working with taboo images and drama.  Individuality and going against the norm is so important considering todays impetus to keep everyone in that straight line or inside the box.  In Frank Horvat's 1986 interview he engages Helmut Newton to share some of himself in a relaxed interview.  Any artist who intentionally pushs art to the edge of conformity and normal has my vote.  I love excess and drama.  My childhood was spent in an ultra conservative military style family in the "70's".  Censorship and oppression lived everywhere.  I hated that environment.  As an adult I value originality, freedom, drama, and taboo subjects.

Article Review #9

Noell S. Oszvald

Private Exaltation

Noell Oszvald captures beautiful and elegant images of her figure engaged with small and large bird images.  There is contemplation and emotion expressed in the figure along with images and shadows of birds.  Interesting is the last photo of the figure with two horses side by side, compared to the figures with birds.  The use of black and white in the images versus color create mystery where the play of dark and light shadow is distinct.  There is a sadness and vulnerability in the figure.  In the image above there is so much surrender expressed and witnessed by the two small birds.  Are the birds protectors or there to uplift her spirit/soul?  The reflection of the head and outstretched arms is absolutely gorgeous.  The figure becomes birdlike with outstretched arms/wings.  I am drawn to this image because of the emotion and vulnerability expressed and the inclusion of birds in the subject matter.  

I respond to images of birds because I have a real "hawk eye".  If there is a hawk flying around anywhere within my visual scope I always notice it.  Birds represent freedom because they have wings and fly.  I think most humans feel that desire to lighten themselves and fly free.

Final Project-First Five

So here are the top first five pics for my final semester project exhibiting the sensual life.  I am observing sensual lines and forms in nature.

Article Review #8

Jim Mangan

These aerial photographs from the show "Time of Nothing" translate as beautiful abstract watercolor paintings.  The color and lines captured in these works are striking.  

The photo captured my attention because the combination of line and black and white quality creates an air of mystery in the work.  It drew my attention immediately!  The contrast between light and dark along with the slanted line creates a dramatic ghost silhouette effect.  The abstract quality of the work creates intrique.

Article Review #7

Triangle Triangle

Simon Johan

Super Wow!!!!!  The work of Simon Johan is rich with texture and emotion.  He exposes the forms of the animals, landscapes, and organic textures with great lighting and detail.  The large organic sculptures remind me of a giant cluster of coral.  The animal photos evoke humorous emotion.  I definitely want to investigate the work of Simon Johan.

Multiple Places

This is the first final image from the "Multiple Places" assignment.  Whitley building is one of the first major landmarks you will see as you enter Commerce.  It is a major guidepost on to the Texas A&M University campus.

Article Review #6

Photos Talk - Urbanautica

In Phototalks #47 Marco Ristuccia interviews Eric Tabuchi regarding his study of sociology and how that influences his photographic work.  Tabuchi's work focuses on the architecture men and women build and how that reflects the character of the person.  American art culture impacted Tabuchi's imagination through various art medium.  He prefers to include colors in his photographs and considers himself an artist as well as a photographer.  

I appreciate the beautiful architectural and structured lines of the buildings.  

Jacqueline Thompson

PHO IDM-Professor Leigh Merrill

Spring 2013 Project Proposal

I intend to build of a photographic body of work of sensual folds and curves.  I plan to observe my 

daily environment and look for these folds and curves in everyday objects and architecture.  I will use earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain to create sensual folds and curves out of slabs and strips of clay.  I will also experiment with still life settings and certain objects.  Experimentation with lighting will be crucial to the development of the photographs.  Enhancement of the photographs with Lightroom and Photoshop software will contribute to the final images.  

Article Review #5

Art21 Matters

The four year old Art21 educators program is a success!  One of the main features of Art21 Contemporary Art program is a website and series of videos that present many contemporary artists.  The videos present the artist usually working in their studio and discussing their artwork.  The series is used as a teaching tool by teachers of many disciplines.  There are many success stories of how effective the series is in conjunction with the art projects pursued by teachers and students.

This article is relative to my own personal experience.  Many of the art professors here at TAMU-C use the Art21 video series as a teaching tool.  Specifically sculpture Professor Josephine Durkin uses the videos in 3D design, Sculpture, and Contemporary Issues in Art classes.  She also encourages the students to view the videos outside of class.  I feel the Art21 series has helped me learn about contemporary artists while pursuing my degree plan.

One of the artists presented in Art21 is Janine Antony, who is the keynote speaker for the annual ceramics conference NCECA in Houston, Texas this year.  Last year Mark Dion was the keynote speaker and again I learned of his work through my Contemporary Issues in Art class and Art21.

Article Review #4

Women Recognizing Women

Female Biographers and Historians

Biographers Jenny Uglow and Susan Reynolds Williams find and write about Sarah Losh and Alice Morse Earle.  Losh and Earle with little formal education self taught and became quite successful.  Losh

was a historian and self taught architect.  Earle was a historian and book author.  They both pursued their creative passions, yet did not maintain archives.  Friends and relatives with journals entries and letters provide much of the biographical information.  

This article is interesting because my Experimental Concepts class discussed whether or not formal art education is necessary.  Many thought yes, and certainly formal education will develop a foundation for the artist to have a depth of understanding.  I don't think it is absolutely necessary because Losh and Earle are perfect examples of success possible with the passion and drive to achieve success.  Self teaching and daily experience with the art medium and work prove successful.  

Night Shoots

The following are five night shoot photos taken in Commerce, Texas.  

Article Review #3

What is at Stake?

Is Consciousness Extended?

Joerg Colberg questions the state of the world of photography by questioning the enormous volume of photos inundating the web.  It seems everyone is a photographer today.  Social media has exploded and the use of a visual link is imperative to attract a web surfers attention for that fraction of a second or minute.  He is questioning the quality of the genre of photography as an art form.  What is at stake is a diluted quality to the photographs and a more saturated competition for art gallery exhibits, book publishing, etc.  The current hierarchical structure set in stone for the benefit of established schools, gallerys, and businesses now has a new population of photographers competing for coveted opportunities.  He is asking for a new strategy to deal with this onslaught of photos and photographers.  

This idea relates to many art forms today.  There are many new artists striving to be potters or ceramic artists or sculptors.  There is plenty of new clay work being sold, yet much of it is ordinary.  Success and development of any art form whether photography or clay takes time working with that medium with a required approach to education.  Can anyone be a potter or a photographer?  Sure, but to what level they will achieve is questionable.  

One strategy to filter experience and education is requesting the resume and art statement of that artist.  That is at least one step towards dealing with whats at stake.

Article Review #2 - Lenscratch

Wait Watchers - Haley Morris-Cafiero

The photos posted by Haley Morris-Cafiero of people glancing at her as she poses in everyday actions out on the streets are interesting and disturbing.  They say it doesn't matter what others think of you.  I'm not sure this is true.  In a philosophical sense it may be true, yet everyday we are constantly judged by the false and often cruel perceptions of others.  Whether the viewers glancing are alarmed at Haley's weight or the fact she is photographing herself doesn't really matter.  The photos capture the sad truth about how rude and vicious people behave.  Especially disappointing is the photo of the officer walking by and jokingly holding his hat over her head.

One of the striking qualities of the photos is Haley is not smiling in any of the photos.  She looks like she feels out of place in the scene.  She may not feel that way, yet her expressions creates that idea.  I am curious to know how many photos she has taken with this topic and if any of them show people with a neutral expression versus disdainful or laughing.

Scavenger Hunt - 2

Paintchip - Navy Blue

Well here it is, the reshoot of the paintchip scavenger hunt-2.  My "seagate" external hard drive is no longer working.  My original shoot of fifteen photos were on that hard drive so yes, I had to reshoot and purchase a new external hard drive.  I'm not a happy camper, yet I've had success reshooting, reloading, and working with lightroom to create a contact sheet and upload to my blog.  

Success!!!!!!

Everyday Photos

The following are photos from a seven day series of photo shoots.  Observing and photographing what I might consider an ordinary everyday object helps me see with a different perspective.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

 

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

So there they are all seven of the photos.  I think my favorite photo is the one from day seven.  It looks like an old fashioned fire hydrant.  It's interesting to see a text window with the word open to signify the valve is open.  
   

 

Glasstire Article Review

Trenton Doyle Hancock Wins $30,000

Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni is the recipient of the Greenfield prize winning thirty-thousand dollars and a two year residency at the Hermitage Armistead in Sarasota, Fl.  The prize is awarded to an artist continuing and changing his body of work.  

This article is eye-catching because there is a great photo of the artist looking determined and focused.  It is inspiring to see alumni of Texas A&M Commerce successfully pursue their art form.  It is a great reminder of the rewards of hard work.

Scavenger Hunt

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Eadward Muybridge