Visual Stimulation in the Classroom

A list of interesting visual elements found in classroom:

• Warped metal of the ventilation area
• Combination of a large canvas leaning against the wall and a cardboard rectangle taped(with blue tape) to the top of an easel
• Latter and all of the reflected color on the white wall around it
• Pile of torn up paper with black marks of either side, some are ripped up others are cut
• Array of tape residue
• Table tops of the rolling storage spaces; paint splatters, lots of texture
• Stained/discolored floor with wipe marks
• Corner shadows; particularly the paper dispenser area
• Contrast of red tape with arrows against the dull silver pipes

Response to Giacometti

Alberto Giacometti

“Caroline” 1961, oil on canvas

This work caught my eye with its use of line and brush stroke. I love the way the yellow and gray strokes mingle together in a subtly chaotic gesture. These carefree but gorgeous lines show the beauty that can come with imperfection. The dark lines were used to describe the texture of the clothing and the contours of the face. These descriptive aspects create a sense of movement in the whole piece. The texture created around the face gives the figure an air of personality. I find Giacometti's figures very interesting, because of estranged body proportions. This detached feeling actually seems to liberate the figure.

When I Grow Up

"What to another child might have appeared to be a closed door presented to me an enormous possibility: A chance to do what I wanted. To become an artist."

Reflections on the Recognition of Making, Untold Recollections, and Other Random Notes

by Squeak Carnwath

Since I can remember, I always wanted to be an artist. There was nothing more thrilling than opening a new box of crayons or digging into an untainted art kit filled with an array of pastels, markers, and watercolors. It is hard to pinpoint a specific time when this revelation took place, because it is something that has always been apart of me. As a child, I had unwavering certainty in my abilities. I was going to be an artist, and there was nothing else I wanted to be.

The earliest artistic influence I can think of in terms of technique and material would have to be from my father. Although he is a very busy person, he would occasionally wow me with one of his gorgeous ink drawings. Every year for the past 30 some years, he creates his own Christmas card including a brilliantly written tale and illustrations to match. These drawings were the closest I got to seeing an artist in action. I was intrigued with the idea that he could never erase his "mistakes". With the greatest of ease, he would manage to weave the mark into the drawing as if it were meant to be there all along. I feel as though this influence instilled in me a great appreciation of what ink can do.

one of my father's illustrations

one of my illustrations

The Art Spirit

"Art, when really understood is the province of every human being. It is simply a question of doing things, anything, well. It is not an outside, extra thing."

Robert Henri,

The Art Spirit

This statement is representing an interesting point of view concerning the relevance of art to an individual. Being an art student, I am given the opportunity to be exposed to many aspects of art. Every day I see a stream of images dealing with color, composition, shape, line, texture, and value. Personally, I like to think of the world as a place where art can be found in anything. This passage seems to be making a generalization that all individuals have this point of view. Many people view art as an "extra thing", something that is only an additive. Finding art in our day-to-day lives is like going on a scavenger hunt. Most art is hiding in plain sight, and we just need a push to open our eyes and acknowledge it. One person sees an action as a mundane garden-variety thing, while some see this same action as something beautiful and poetic. To some, art is a painting on a wall, and art is not a piece of garbage on the sidewalk or someone sweeping up their kitchen. I think art is a part of everything, but it takes a willingness and urge to truly see it.