For this week, I'd like you to read the article from the following link about the importance of the arts. http://www.nationalpost.com/story-printer.html?id=eeb745c4-6ed2-4cda-952f-4fa432894cbd
It should be:
My church: the mind's 'theatre of simultaneous possibilities'
Robert Fulford, National Post Published: Saturday, December 22, 2007
Using this article and the reading for this week, compare and contrast your favorite works of art, literature, etc.
My favorite painting is Van Gogh's Starry Night. It was on display in the Guggenheim in NYC when I was in college and I got to see it and several other Van Gogh's that were on display. There were copies of his letters. I tried reading them, but couldn't. I thought his handwriting was bad, then I realized they were in French, so I had a moment to feel truly smart and humbled. My girlfriend and I got a big laugh out of that. I also like it because Don McLean wrote a song about Van Gogh and the painting. Yes, I have a small reproduction of it in my house.
I also like Frederick Remington and Charles Russell. Cowboy art is great. Do some more thinking. What are your standards? To whom or what are you comparing greatness to?
37 comments:
When choosing books that I would share with the children I work with, I have to read them thoroughly and critique them to my own standards. What will the book teach the children? Is it age appropriate? Is it understandable? Those are only a few of the questions I have to answer before I decide to share the book with the kids. My favorite childhood chapter book is The BFG, by Roald Dahl. If you unfamiliar, it is a story about a little orphan girl named Sophie and a giant named BFG. This is an acronym for Big Friendly Giant. They share an adventure together that leads to the capture the man-eating giants and a new home for BFG. I have already shared this story with the children that I work with. The content is so wonderful. It inspires imagination, provokes reasoning, and there is just something about the unfamiliar that keeps a child’s attention. There is a chapter called “Frobscottle and Whizpoppers”. Frobscottle is essentially a carbonated beverage, only, the bubbles don’t float up. They float down. A sip of the Diet Pepsi sitting next to me encourages a small burp, but Frobscottle works in the opposite direction. This chapter really leads to some giggles. I feel that Dahl has really mastered imagery in his writings which make the stories come alive. Other books that I have read for the same mid-elementary age are good, but they just don’t pack the punch that Dahl’s stories do. Even his book, Matilda, is a great “could that really happen?” sort of story. Those are the kinds I want to share with the children I work with. In essence, I compare all of the children’s chapter books I read with works I love by Dahl.
In Response to mschimek.
I always appreciate and look forward to your comments. This book seems like a great one, and I think that I should run out and buy it for my two girls. As I was thinking about it, I thought "Wow, what a great way to tech children to think beyond the ordinary!" I think that kids minds need to be challenged agaist the "ordinary" way of thinking all the time. Who would imagine that the fizzs bubbles would go UP! Amazing! You must be a wonderful teacher, and keep up the great posts! I always appreciate reading them!
Brittany
When I saw what our assignment was for this week, I immediately knew who would be my “top artist” if you will. I have always admired Jackson Pollock’s work. So I dug in…. which was my favorite? Well at the beginning of his career, the paintings were much different than toward the end of his career. It is almost as if you can read his mind, and watch him go through bouts of his depression and alcoholism, and yet see what his moods were. It is a toss up for me which of his paintings are my favorite. It is between Yellow, Gray, Black, 1948 or Summertime. I do think that I lean toward Summertime, which is a painting that I have in my bedroom. As I looked at it, I examined it differently after reading and learning how to look, and appreciate art. I saw that the majority of the color was black, but there was blue, yellow, purple and green in it. So I sat and thought, I wonder if he was in between his darker days, yet felt better about the days ahead of him.
I also love Number 33-1949~ which is a black and white painting of his that is absolutely awesome!
J. Pollock was compared to Picasso, Miro’ among others (especially in his earlier years), but in his later years his work became appreciated and his had his own look. Paul Jackson Pollock is who I compare greatness (in art) to!
My favorite artist as I think I’ve mentioned before is Vincent Van Gogh. The way he saw life and then portrayed that in his paintings is amazing. I love all the paintings he has from the simplicity of Madame Ginoux to the wonderful splendor of “The Fourteenth of July in Paris”. I personally love all the colors he used and the way he viewed the world. The paintings tell a lot about Van Gogh. One of the early paintings was “The Potato Eaters”. To me that painting shows some tranquility, ad it has simple colors yet the hands of Vincent made it a true masterpiece. His biography as I read says that his health was in no good shape. He had some fits of lucidity as well as madness due to epilepsy, thus the story of how he cut his own earlobe. He also had other disorders that went along with epilepsy, such as bipolar disorder. As he underwent thru hard times due to his health we see that not only his life but also the content of his paintings transform themselves. Then he started painting with more intense colors, much different strokes than the beginning, powerful movements with the brush and as well as different vibrations. To me the paintings show his feelings as well as his inner self. Art is the way human beings express themselves and artists do take us into a different world.
My favorite artist as I think I’ve mentioned before is Vincent Van Gogh. The way he saw life and then portrayed that in his paintings is amazing. I love all the paintings he has from the simplicity of Madame Ginoux to the wonderful splendor of “The Fourteenth of July in Paris”. I personally love all the colors he used and the way he viewed the world. The paintings tell a lot about Van Gogh. One of the early paintings was “The Potato Eaters”. To me that painting shows some tranquility, ad it has simple colors yet the hands of Vincent made it a true masterpiece. His biography as I read says that his health was in no good shape. He had some fits of lucidity as well as madness due to epilepsy, thus the story of how he cut his own earlobe. He also had other disorders that went along with epilepsy, such as bipolar disorder. As he underwent thru hard times due to his health we see that not only his life but also the content of his paintings transform themselves. Then he started painting with more intense colors, much different strokes than the beginning, powerful movements with the brush and as well as different vibrations. To me the paintings show his feelings as well as his inner self. Art is the way human beings express themselves and artists do take us into a different world.
In response to Mschimek.
Your post was really neat (as have been your others). I found it really funny that you mentioned the BFG. My sister used to be the biggest fan of that book - I refused to read it on account of its cover. Of course that was several years ago, but I never thought to check it out. I may have to. I totally agree with some of you comments about how some of those books have the ability to "inspire imagination," etc. I am a huge fantasy fan, and have always loved how even though they happen in fantastical lands, they can still convey important life lessons while still making them really enjoyable. A good example would be the books of C.S. Lewis. In the Chronicles of Narnia, he brings many key lessons to the forefront... and kids love the books... even adults! I think that is great!
The whole time I was reading this, I couldn’t choose between my two favorite authors. Since I don’t really have any favorite artists. My two favorite authors are J.K. Rowling and Lurlene McDaniel.
Rowling writes about a young boy named Harry Potter, who at age 12, finds out he is a wizard and can attend Hog warts a school for young witches and wizards to learn about everything from flying a broom to transfiguration. Harry and his friends Ron and Hermonie in each book find out something new which leads them to Voldermort or he-who-must-not-be-named.
There is either seven or eight books. And the books are being turned into movies. But I really like the books better. When I read the books I feel like I’m right there wand at the ready to fight Voldermort.
Lurlene McDaniel has many great books. The books are about teenagers, love, friendship, and cancer or illness. Yep that’s right. Typically she will bring a boy and a girl together and they fall in love. One ends up getting cancer or some type of illness. They battle it together but the ill one usually dies. These books are very sad each one I have read I’ve cried. So if you want to cry and can’t make yourself, read on of these books until the very end.
In one of McDaniel’s books two girls have a heart disease and need a new one. These girls become friends, Jill and Chelsea. Jill has an older brother, D.J. Who Chelsea likes very much. But anyway a heart becomes available to give but both girls are in the hospital and need one. You can tell how this one ends.
As you can tell I read a wide variety of books from fantasy to romance. Both of which are my favorite categories!
In response to mschimek
I have never heard of Roald Dahl but i have heard of Mailtida a very nicely done piece. The books you describe sound like something I would want to read. I find the books where you ask yourself "Could this really happen?" really cool. You can sit down after you get done reading and think whhat if that could happen.
Books like C.S. Lewis would write remind so much of those kinds of books. Like mentioned they are a great example for the children that read them. They make your imagination expend and explore!
My favorite artist is Terry Redlin. In every painting of his they are full of color and great detail and that is what I respect most about his work. All of his paintings are focused on the sky. My favorite painting is "Crown they good with brotherhood" because the moon is so bring even though it is covered by clouds and everything on the ground would represent what it would look like if they moon was actually shining down on it tonight. Another thing I love about his paintings is that they are country and represent the Dakotas. I am very much a country girl. In all of his painting are houses in the country with lots of detail to the surroundings. They also always have some form of water and animals in them. I am a very colorful person and for him to be able to put all that color into a piece of art with a paint brush is pretty cool. I especially enjoy all his winter art because I love when you wake up in the mornings and see they frost on the trees and he can put that beauty into an art piece.
I am comparing him to every artist; he is the one that can really grasp Dakota life in a painting. What it is like to live life in the country and not the fast lane. This is the art that I can understand and that has meaning in my life.
My favorite artist would have to be Bob Ross. He not only paints exquisite pictures but he is also an entertaining instructor. He is best known for the host of a public television series, 'The Joy Of Painting.' He would instruct viewers in the art of oil painting using a quick-study technique that kept colors to a minimum and broke paintings down into simple steps that anyone could follow.
He repeatedly stated on the show his belief that everyone had inherent artistic talent and could become accomplished artists given time, practice, and encouragement. He would often say, "We don't make mistakes, we just have happy little accidents."
Ross' dreamy, whimsical attitude was not only apparent as a person watched his show, but that attitude also showed in his paintings. He painted mostly scenery (typically mountains, lakes, and snow and log cabin scenes) landscapes which drew from his stay in Alaska.
Even though I'm a huge fan of Vincent Van Gogh, Wassily Kandinsky, along with many others, to me, no artist has been more entertaining or soothing than Bob Ross. I can actually hear his voice and watch his paintings come alive through 'The Joy of Painting.' I actually got to live in an era of a legend.
I have always been a huge fan of music. I always had my stereo on when I was cleaning my room, studying, or simply hanging out. In fact… I still do! That same passion for music carried over when I began to drive – I almost always have the car radio playing while I’m driving. The thing that has most amazed me over the years, is how different types of music can arouse different emotions, and how, depending on my mood, different kinds of music can uplift me… even comfort me. After all, we have all had those times when everything is falling apart, nothing is making sense, we’re angry, sad, or lonely. Everyone has their own way of dealing with these trials. For me, I like to pray, obviously, but I also benefit from simply listening to music. For whatever reason, music has the capability of motivating, uplifting, and comforting a person. Now, depending on my mood, I will turn to different types of music: when I need silence, I like to listen to piano music. I have never been a huge fan of classical piano, but I have grown to like more contemporary piano. For example, my favorite pianists are Mary Beth Carlson and George Winston, both contemporary pianists whose compositions are simply amazing. Both have a more modern tint to their work, but nevertheless have the same redeeming qualities. Of course, there are also times when I need more than the “sweet sounding” melodies of piano music. For example, when I am angry, frustrated, sad, or just looking for some solid music, I turn to harder, faster music. There are numerous Christian bands that I like that have had an incredible impact on me in times like these. For whatever reason, their lyrics blended with heavy guitars, a distinct baseline, and a soft symphony playing in the background can be very calming in a very odd sense of the word. The lyrics have the same capacity to motivate, encourage, and uplift a person when they are struggling as some of the piano music that I mentioned. For me, the biggest factor is simply my mood and what I need at the time.
Amazing how two completely different types of music can have many of the same effects!
In response to aschwartz
I had seen a couple of Terry Redlin's paintings before, which I really enjoyed. Redlin certainly has a unique style altogether. It wasn't until I was searching for some children's books, to teach my son the basic colors, that I really started to pay more attention to Redlin's work. There are some books out, that I purchased, with Redlin's paintings in them that display the basic colors. It's a really neat book, and Terry's paintings are absolutely beautiful.
When I first started to think about the topic, I had no idea what I was going to write about. I love to read, take photographs, and listen to music, and occasionally draw with chalk or charcoal. I do not know much about paintings, though I would love to someday. There are so many different types of artists that have touched my life; but I think that the art of music is what has influenced my life the most. I have been involved in music since I was offered to play in the band in elementary school, and have been involved in choir and other music related activities everywhere. I love all kinds of music- classical, soundtracks to movies, country, and a few hip-hop songs. But I think that one group of artists that intrigue me the most would be the Beatles. I know a lot about them and have studied them, because my band instructor was obsessed with them and drilling teachings us, the students, about the 60 and 70’s music eras. The Beatles not only interest me musically; but they interest me in their way of life and how it came out in their music speaks and tells a story about them. I know that back in the late 60’s and 70’s it was all about love and peace, but I think that the Beatles were more then that. When I first seen the movie “the Yellow Submarine” it blew my mind away; in fact I hated it. It was a story about the Beatles themselves, who travel to this cartoon world. This side of the world has become unhappy and the people are depressed and lonely- hence the song “All the Lonely People”. The Blue Meanies and this hand, that was a more of a crul pet to the meanies, capture and often throw apples at the people freeze them; making them walk a dark gloomy life. Yes, I know what you are thinking, these guys were on drugs. That may be the fact, but after watching it a couple of times, I really caught onto the story and it made me look and listen to their music in a whole new way. There is nothing wrong with using your imagination and being a little different; it is all about how the lyrics touch you and how you interpret them. If you let it, it can be life changing.
There is also another piece of art that has a special place in my heart. As I said before I do not know much about paintings, but as I thought about it I think I know what my favorite painting is. No, it is not by a famous artist like Van Gough. I love the painting that is currently hanging in my room. It is by a little girl that I love very much, Amber. She painted this drawing of us. We are outside together, holding hands and chasing butterflies. She had a story that went with the picture and she gave the picture the day I left for college. It touched me so much, and I actually cried as I drove out of the driveway. So it may not be famous, or even have a name, but it touched my life and it will always be art in my eyes.
In response to mschimek. My favorite author, once I could read books on my own, was Ronald Dahl. And it just so happens that the BFG is a book I read over many, many times. Reading your blog brought back so many memories of his books. I also loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and then there was a book about witches. I can not remember the title of that though. But anyway I loved reading his books, and then finding the movies. I use to compare and contrast them; the books always seemed better, maybe that was because I had a different interpretation of it. In my opinion, he is one of the best children’s authors of all time. He showed children that using your imagination and being a dreamer is a great thing. Oh thanks for reminding me of him and all the adventures children can take with him when they open one of his books.
In response to Zachary's comment....
I too, believe that music is a huge part of my life. It has a great ability to change emotions, create memories and to comfort and soothe. Can you imagine a world without music? I cannot!! Music is definately a language of it's own, speaking to everyone in it's own way!
I completely agree, Sandra. I just went to a flute recital tonight and I can't express how amazing it was. Though I am not a big flute fan, I was literally stunned by how emotional the music was. Many times we have this image of rock musicians as being the only muscians with crazy body motion... well, not any more! This lady was totally in-tuned with her music, and it's emotions - she conveyed excitement, sorrow, happiness, etc.
Truly amazing!
Responding to Zachary: I too have a love of music. Piano music is the equivalent to therapy for me. I enjoy George Winston, Lori Line and Michael W. Smith's styles. I've played piano for 35 years and find that if I sit down and play for 30 minutes my whole attitued changes. I play my own arrangements and improvise. It is a way of expressing the internal and I play for the sheer joy of the music and worship. I guess I never really thought of music as art before this class. But I do take a sense of satisfaction and joy when others enjoy my playing or feel moved by my performances. I wonder of people who participate in other forms of artistry feel the same satisfaction when they paint, draw, etc? Is it an emptying of self through their craft? Any other artists in the class who can comment?
My favorite literature is a King James Bible. I love the language and the syntax. I guess you could say it is a complete works with many books. There are twelve books containing history and geography and contain stories of wars with heroines and giants. Enough excitement to keep a reader glued to the edge of their seat. There are five books of law regarding ancient ceremonial and moral laws of the civilizations. These books let us dive in the culture and rituals of the ancient societies. It would delight any student of sociology. The books reveal stories of kings and queens, pharaohs and the riches of Egypt. It speaks of plagues and illnesses floods and famine. It has enough adventure to satisfy the thrill seeker. The books give medical histories and describe the treatments that the physicians used to cure. There are five books of the most beautiful poetry and songs. These books contrast the wars and speak of love and goodness. They speak of the marital relationship and offer good counsel regarding the family and rearing of children. There is also twelve books of prophesy for those who love the mysteries and the mystical. The books are rich in culture, philosophy, wisdom and ancient proverbs. It is a record of genealogy as it records years of a family tree. It is inspirational. It teaches on prayer, gives hope to the hopeless, speaks of miracles and gives account of many different religions and their practices. It covers 3,600 years and has not lost its appeal. It has 32 different writers from all walks of life from the simple country preacher to the prince of Egypt. How do I relate this to the week’s assignments? The books have many similarities to compare and many themes that contrast. Life and death, war and peace, miracles and destruction, love and hate, joy and sorrow are all captured between its covers. I’ve not found a book so comprehensive with something to offer to all tastes. How do I relate this to the week’s assignments? The books have many similarities to compare and many themes that contrast. In the national post reading it says that art can “offer the chance to live more expansive, enjoyable and deeper lives. They can learn intimately about music, painting and books that have lasted for centuries or millennia.” Art can “dissolve time and through art we can catch a glimpse of what life was like in ancient Greece.” I believe the work of books in a King James can do just what the National Post article describes and can be classified as a work of art.
In response to mandi20....
I like how you expressed your feeling about the Beatles. I am not a beatles fan, however the way that you wrote your post made me think twice about the Beatles songs. I was also forced to sing a medley of Beatles songs in choir, because my instructor was a huge beatles fan!! I think that the use of interpretive criticism is what helped you to understand or as you put it “After watching it a couple of times, I really caught on to the story and it made me look and listen to their music in a whole new way”. Understanding the music after watching the movie is a great example of “digging into the content” so that the music becomes clearer to you. Does anyone else agree? Or do you think I’m way off?
When i saw this question i was like i am lost as i love looking at art but never really paid attention to who the artist was. I do have to say that I do enjoy Michelangelo painting The Last Judgement as it is so bold to me and that there is so many different things to look at to where when i think of the last judgement would be everyone just standing in a line but this one has so much emotions to it. My sister and I had went to the Wichita Falls mountains in Oklahoma and they have a church there that the ceilings are like a replica of the Sisine Chapel which i would love to see one day.
The other form of art that i really enjoy is architecture. I will find myself just driving around looking at buildings mainly when i lived in Kansas City as there is so much to see. My sister went to London and brought back these pictures of buildings that i would have thought they were corporate but turns out they were apartment builings they were awesome forms to them and i was like what were they thinking and turns out they wanted for the people who purchase these apartments to make sure they had a wonderful few of the city. Like art there is so much variety out there that i never get bored looking at it
Response to mschimek
I have never heard of Roald Dahl until reading your blog. I have always love reading ever since i could read. You could always find my nose in a book and now that i have kids we are always reading and my son who is 3 now loves to just look at books and be read to. Now that I know of this book i will definately look forward to reading it to or with him once he is older. Thanks for sharing
in response to Sandra's post
No Sandra, you're not the only one - I totally agree. (Of course, I have only heard like one of the Beatles songs.)It makes perfect sense what you were saying. Many times it does take a little time before you can grasp/appreciate the meaning of certain things. At least, it does for me.
Responding to Aupoud:
I love Bob Ross as well. His voice is so soothing and his paintings are great. His famous comment is umforgettable. What a great man, so unquie and talented.
I really enjoyed the story on the Ford Falcon from Evocative Objects. I love cars and feel like Judith Donath, that they are an important part of our lives. Not only to help us get from point “A” to point “B”, but they also portray our personality to the rest of the world. My favorite vehicle was a Jeep Wrangler. It could take me anywhere I wanted to go, on or off road, and although I didn’t own it very long, it gave me some wonderful memories as it played an important part in catching the attention of a beautiful woman that has now been my wife of seven years! Reading about the Falcon brought back many memories of the Jeep, as well as several others vehicles I owned. Judith did a great job pulling me into her story of her car. I contained so many great details that made it fun and easy to read, but also caused me to think of cars I owned in a different way. Good art.
I was challenged again by our assignment in that I don’t have any particular piece of art that I can call a favorite. Actually, I asked myself the question “If I had a blank check to purchase any piece of original art I wanted, what would it be?” and I really don’t have an answer. I would love to own a full-size Wright Flyer, which might not be a piece of art, but it was a great invention that is very intriguing and inspiring to look at. It challenges me to go beyond what was done before. Orville and Wilbur Wright dedicated their lives to achieving powered flight, something that had never been done before in history. Maybe I should search for a painting of the Wright brothers accomplishing this feat. That might be the key to unlocking my ability to participate in paintings!
Finally, I would like to comment on the article by Robert Fulford. He said that art is his faith, whereas my relationship with God is my faith. This may be why I don’t value art as much as some others might, but also why I think that a sunset, mountain scene, or intricate flower, is art. Because my faith isn’t “religion” or a set of rules and a church I have to go to every Sunday. My faith is an active, personal relationship with a God whom I share two-way communication with. I communicate through prayer and singing praise and worship music to God, and I hear Him communicating back to me in many ways, one being nature. When I see the vastness of space, or the intricate details of a tiny living insect, or the full spectrum of a rainbow, I often feel God speaking to my heart. Just like art can communicate values about people that we can’t always explain with words, nature can communicate values about God that we can’t always explain with words.
Can and art lover like Robert Fulford truly live without art? Can a true “person of Faith” live without their relationship to God? And finally, does art and having a faith in God fill the same space in a person’s life?
When I first saw the topic for this week I really didn’t know what to do. I like art, but I don’t really “know” art, and who artists are and so on. I did think of one piece of art right away that I really like. That piece of art is “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima” which is a photograph taken by Joe Rosenthal during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. This photograph is of six military men, five from the Marines and one Navy corpsman raising the United States flag on Mount Suribachi. I really like this piece of art because I think that is shows a lot and has a lot of meaning and emotion behind it. When you look at the photograph you really see the six men putting all of their power into putting up the United States flag. You also see the team work as they are putting up something that they truly stand for and strongly believe in. In the photograph it looks like it is in the middle of everything and on a hill covered rubble. This photograph just amazes me. I think that pretty much anyone who looks at this picture imminently feel pride for the United State and for all the men and women serve our country every day, I know I do. I also have a special interest and liking for the picture because I have many family members that have served in some branch of the United States Military, my father being one of them. He was in the military for 22 years and served our country well, and also really enjoyed being in the military and was really proud to be part of something that is so great. I really don’t know what to compare this photograph too; this one just really has a special meaning to me. It also shows a lot of detail and emotion, unlike some other photographs that just show a picture, or a painting that is just of objects, I think that this one just has so much more to it, and everything in the photograph is 100 percent real, there is no guessing to what you see or what is there.
In response to Zachary Dalhoff
I totally agree with you that music is a big part of life. I too love listening to music and love just sitting and listening to it. I think that my favorite place to listen to music is in the car. I enjoy so much because you really can just listen to the words and hear what they are saying, it also makes time go by fast. The majority of music that I listen to is country. I like both old and new country music. There is such a varity of the emotion that is with in the songs, there is much to fit my everymood.
One of my favorite artists is Claude Monet. His paintings include a lot of color and shading. He uses light to depict the images as he sees them. If you look close the paintings do not have fine detail. Rather shading and jumbling of different colors, creates how the light is reflected from the objects.
There are many of his paintings that I enjoy, however, the “Water Lilly Pond” is one of my favorites. It has so much depth and shading of blues and greens. The lilies kind of just pop out at you. This painting gives a feeling of peace and serenity a calm affect. The bridge takes your eye across the whole painting and the willows weeping toward the water carry you back over tho the other side of the painting again. The movement is constant and you can almost feel it!
Some of the other painting that Monet has done include mostly nature and how he sees it., through his eyes. As mentioned in the article “The artist lets us peer into the world through his eyes”. That being said, it is ironic that Monet, in his later years developed cataracts and his paintings revealed that fact as the cataracts progressed. The colors were more reds and yellows rather than blues and greens. Some of the details fade and shapes blur and become hazy.
I wonder if that changed how people interpreted his work? The change of color can change a mood or feeling. Maybe it made his paintings leave more for the imagination.
I enjoy art in all its different forms. Art has a lot of meaning behind it. I seem to enjoy art more when I know the artist because I can see the artist through their work. My favorite artists are musicians. Music is such a great thing. I listen to a variety of music depending on my mood and atmosphere. Picking one artist is very difficult for me. I usually listen to acoustic jam bands. I appreciate and enjoy local bands because they play with all there heart. Just listening to my friends play is the best music to me. It is amazing how much talent my friends have. One of my friends writes his own music about his life and his friends and those songs are the most enjoyable to me. If I had to pick one well-known musician I would have to say Grace Potter. Her lyrics are incredible and her voice is so strong. I really appreciate Grace’s music. Music is an amazing thing. I couldn't imagine life without it.
My favorite painter is Bev Doolittle. She paints nature scenes, but these are far from stand still paintings. All of her work seems to have movement and action in it. She creates this by her hidden images. One of my favorites is Music in the Wind. This depicts a toppled down tree with a perosn standing at one end. What you do not see immediately is the background picture of a person playing a wind instrument (the tree trunk being the instrument) and blue birds flying out the end as if notes off in the wind. We have several prints of hers in our home and enjoy learning about her techniques. She is not only an artist but a naturalist shown in this quote "All of us should cherish this chance to be part of the sacred circle of life, and to respect, honor, and preserve the precious natural world which supports us." This quote is from Bev Doolittle's book "The Earth is My Mother" All of her books are beautiful and inspirational.
in response to Heidi:
I also enjoy piano music especially Lori Line and George Winston. Having never played piano myself, I find it almost magical that these people can create such beautiful sounds. My daughters and I enjoy Lori Line - mainly at Christmas.
In response to brittnay:
I had never been a huge art buff or fan. I'll admitt I that person that will buy a painting just because it matches my decor. But, I hadn't heard of the artist pollock before, so I thought I would google him and see some of his works and you were right they are really good. I am now starting to learn to appreciate art in new ways.
Again I'm not much of an art person, so when it comes to what are some of my favorite artists or works of art i cant realy say any? I havn't spent much time studying art so I dont think i would have a very good opinion on art pieces.
Ancient Egyptian Art interests me most. Acctually it is probly the only kind that i would look more into. I'm realy into the whole aspect of it.
I never grew up around people that had much to do with art or knew much about it for that matter. Having grown up that way and just not really having the knowledge of art in me I always found it hard to appreciate it. In art classes we'd look up great artists from history and other than they're work being really, really pretty not much else about it interested me. I've noticed that we are also only into week three of this class but already I've learned new ways to appreciate art. My favorite art form is abstract. The artist I like the most of the few I know of is Pablo Picasso. My favorite work from him comes from his works that were between the wars period. He did a neat abstract called mother son, which I just loved was titled, ‘mother and son’. My favorite thing about this painting even though it is done in rather dark colors the blues, blacks, and purples; it just portrays the love and affection that bond that exists exclusively between a mother and her off-spring. It’s one of those pieces you look at that bring you back to your childhood, for me anyways it brought be back to the days my mother would rock me in her arms to comfort me for whatever reason it was that I needed the comfort. Also, the child in her arms just looks so consoled and content; as though most of the troubles were rocked away. The painting ‘mother and son’ done by Pablo Picasso was done in 1938. Picasso is one among many, many of the brilliant artists that are well known. Picasso was born October 25th, 1881- and died April 8th, 1973. He was the first artist to be so highly honored. Art was his gift he was able to share with the world for all of us to enjoy.
In response to Audpod. I didn't realize that he had books out. If you really want to see something cool you need to go to his art museum in Watertown, SD. It is so awesome I was there in high school with my family and really enjoyed it and that was when it was new. They had a whole section in the museum of blank walls for new artwork that wasn't out yet. As for the building it is goreous. They had a movie room that showed his life and how he got into art and the building of the museum and they had to bring cranes in to put the pillers up because they were so heavy. I just really enjoyed it amd I would suggest that everyone that can go and see it.
I remember going to the sculpture gardens many times, the first time I saw Jenny Holzer’s work I fell in love with it. At first, you just walk into an opening and see a lot of benches. However, each bench has a different passage written on it. Some are provocative, some or sad, some just make you think. These passages aren’t necessarily words that she herself even believes in, but they are made to make a person reflect and are made to make the person think about themselves and society. The thing I love about Jenny Holzer is that she uses words as part of her art.
I do love paintings but sometimes I just get overwhelmed. I have yet to find a painting that I would want in my home because I am either extremely picky or hopelessly indecisive. I like a lot of paintings I come across but they are like a good author, sometimes you feel let down or confused or even bored. I like poetry and sculptures and off the wall things that people look twice at and say, “What’s that?” I have yet to find something I am completely in love with but have been getting closer. The only thing I can give myself to completely is music. Of course I have my favorites but I am very open about what intrigues me. I am really into metal, but I love old rock, classical, blues, jazz, and lately Spanish songs. I can’t understand a lot of it but most of them are about love. As long as I can relate or have room to question, I’ll like it.
In response to Zachary
I thought it was interesting that you said you always have music around you. I am the same way. I am fortunate enough that my work allows us to listen to music, as long as we have head phones on. Anway, I am a lot like you when it comes to different moods and different music. When I'm in a bad mood I listen to slower things or harder music. When I'm happy I may listen to the same song but have a different perspective or even a different appreciation. I always have a song running though my head and am constantly looking for new stuff. I don't know what I'd do without music, it's gotten me through a lot!
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