Final Project

Well, it's finally here! The final project of my ARTEDU 2520 class. I must say, I'm pretty proud of it. I took my ability and the abilities of the iMovie software to their limits. When brainstorming for this project, I really didn't know what direction to go. I was pretty set on making a video, and by video I mean a real video that took a lot of time to create and edit. I also knew I wanted to make the process of filming the video fun and enjoyable. So one afternoon I walked into my suite to find all of my suite-mates playing the iconic Mario Kart game, and it hit me!
It was quite easy to find volunteers once I said I would take them all go-carting. We all settled on a night and drove to Magic Mountain at the Polaris Mall here in Columbus. If you couldn't tell, they weren't the fastest vehicles on earth, but they got the job done and I think we all had a great time. I got back with all the footage and I couldn't sleep until I finished the whole video. Now, you may say that it's a short video, but I put in a lot of editing time and made it exactly how I wanted it. Hopefully you can notice all of the little details! All the components that go into making a video like this are usually overlooked, but I think the final piece justifies all my time and work.
At the end of the day, I have to say that this has truly been a fun and educational class that I would highly recommend to anyone. I grew a lot this semester and looking back I can easily say that it has been the best 4 months of my life. Creating this final project was just the icing on the cake. Thanks for everything Michael! Good luck with everything and I hope our paths cross sometime in the future!

Blog 10 / In Progress Critique

Well, once again I do not have a set idea of what I would like to do. In the past I feel that this has lead to a disappointment with my final product. Just to try it out and see what happened, I borrowed the "life proof" camera and started recording my entire day after I left class on Wednesday. Since this week is my last week of no work or studying before finals, I got back to my room and enjoyed a nice lunch. Then, right on cue, my suite-mate Conner got back from class and came into my room. We decided that it was such a beautiful day and we wanted to do some activities. We settled on going to the RPAC because frisbe golf (our first choice) would be too time consuming and I had to be at work by 4. So I started recording our "adventure" to the RPAC and made use of the camera's under-water capability as we played around in the pool. If I like the footage (which I havent gone through yet because there is an hour and half of it) then I'll make a short film about our adventure. It will definitely have a sound track and a story line, perhaps even some special effects if I can pull it off. For a back up plan, I might record an event that comes up and see how that plays out. In all, I plan to make a short film, that may or may not be a defining text of my generations. Let's cross our fingers!

Failure

I would say that my biggest failure this semester, so far (we'll see how my final project turns out), is definitely Micro Project 3. There are many reasons that contributed to my pethetic attempt at art making during this project. I'm not sure which could be the main reason, but I suspect that it was my lack of creativity with the prompt. I had no final image in my head and I just decided to make it as I went, spontaneous if you will. But honestly I am the type of person that has to have a plan. I plan everything out, I like structure, and without it I tend to stray from what I am fully capable of accomplishing. So this project reinforced my need for structure. I also learned that I look like a completely douchey brand whore (thanks Jacque). It just doesn't represent me at all. It was quite disappointing. This is also the one project that I would redo. I need to spend some more time on the self reflection aspect of the project and really think about what defines me as a person.

My biggest success this year would have to be my video for MP 5. Not that it was technically elaborate but I really enjoy constructing the project.

MP 5

The two words that I was assigned were: to crumple and to smear. The object that I chose was a dollar bill. I use cash or some form of it every single day. Lately I've been thinking a lot about many different political issues, and I have also started to learn a lot about how our economy functions and how our currency works in the rest of the world. For starters, in 1971 the U.S., while under the Nixon Administration, decided to drop the gold standard from our currency. Essentially, what we told the rest of the world is that we were 100% defaulting from all of our loans, and the value of our money would no longer be back by a raw material, but instead be valued at what we thought was appropriate for the worth of our nation. So, you might ask, what does this mean to me? "I work to make money which I then use to buy the things I need to live. No one has ever questioned the money that I give them for a good or service." This assumption is correct, our money has now become a simple median of exchange, and everything has a value, or worth that is predetermined, agreed upon, or set by the market price. So to sum up this rant about the value of our dollar, basically it's play money. All these pieces of paper which we hold so highly and what seems like we never stop chasing until we die is really only as valuable as the material its made out of. The crumpled dollar may represent whatever you see fit. I think I've pretty clearly expressed my opinion about it. 

Now, let me explore the second part of the piece. "In God We Trust" printed bold and clear in the center of every bill. Why would the U.S. Treasury put this on all of our "legal tender"? Because we were founded on Christian beliefs or because the constitution declares a separation of church and state? If I'm not allowed to pray in school then why is the world God on our money? And if you think about it, I'm sure money is the last thing God would like to be associated with. You can mostly like trace every horrible thing that has ever happened in history back to one thing, money. It's disrespectful, and I don't think anyone should have the right to decide if we put God on our money. Also, I realize that this piece didn't take a lot of altering or some crazy Photoshop technique, but I made this for the message. Take it how you may.

MP4

Well first off, some background details might be needed for this video. My suite mate, Conner Nagel, has a skin condition that causes his skin to become very easily irritated and actually puffs out in a scar-like fashion. At the time of this conversation, I had just learned about his condition, and to demonstrate his "ability" he took a plastic fork and gently scratched all over his chest (to look like a cat clawed him up). The scratch would not hurt anyone and could barely be felt. After he inflicted the scratches he said they would need some time to "ripen" and would soon look like some vicious scars.
This conversation took place in my bedroom, which I share with Jacob Butman (the third voice in the video). I definitely visit this place quite often and probably spend the most time in this room. The walls are not of ideal thickness so there is usually random sounds from other rooms. The room above me must love sporting events or something because they always seem to freakout and yell as loud as possible throughout the day and night. Also there is always a constant sound of air blowing from the vent over my roommate's bed, it literally never goes off, no matter how much you adjust the temperature. Living quarters are used to serve a purpose, but with so much time spent within them, they can be the place that many memorable events occur. Some pretty great conversations have taken place within its walls. I would say this was one of the more humorous conversations. Maybe it's only funny to my friends and me, probably a little bizzare to others, but I hope this piece evokes a couple of laughs. Really, the only decision I made was to record this event because I wanted to have his "scars" on video.  Other than that, I just let it play out which I guess was by accident. Then I realized that it was a pretty funny and complex conversation that I could use for this project.  I really enjoyed the process of making the video, I got really into it. I stayed well past the time class had ended to finish it. I probably have the entire conversation memorized I've heard it so many times. Yes, this was a silly idea but I had fun with it. The only thing I really didn't like was my lack of knowledge and ability to utilize the iMovie program to its full potential. The process I used to create the video was very time consuming and I think it didn't have to be. Other than that, I really enjoyed the project and I hope I can develop and utilize my skills in future projects.

Blog 9

Once again, not what I was expecting to read but I was thoroughly entertained. At first, I really wasn't sure where the story was going and it seemed to drag on with setting up the scene, but then the pieces started to come together and I began to connect it with our projects in class. By just taking the sound away from a video and listening to it with no visual aid gives one a very different perspective. I can only imagine what it would be like to be blind, and I wont even try to imagine what it would be like to   experience everything from that perspective. Without visual aid, the mind relies on its other senses to guide it to conclusions. I found the detailed conversation of how Robert attempted to translate his feelings to the author, Raymond Carver. Robert simply had Carver close his eyes draw what he saw from watching a TV show about cathedrals. Carver was so moved by this thought that he had to sit and take it all in for a moment.
The only thing that I could point out and could be seen as negative, however it was later resolved, was the lack of appreciation on the part of Carver. He took for granted the most important sense in the human body and could barely describe a cathedral to a blind man. At least he recognized his poor ability to do so and later realized his fault in that. In all I thought this was a great piece and really learned a valuable lesson.

Blog 8

Why does everything I read in this class blow my mind? Honestly, I don't know if I don't read enough or live under a rock but Wallace's commencement address was phenomenal. Though I found it challenging to relate it to art, the ideas expressed by Wallace can translate into any aspect of life. I really enjoyed how he started and ended the piece with the fish and water analogy. It was a great way to tie everything together. Getting to the meat of the article, Wallace decided to speak about some of the more subtle things that life has to offer once entering the "real world".
You would think a person speaking to a group of graduates who were preparing to enter the workforce would give some enlightening advise from past experiences. Instead he discussed life as a whole and dissected some attributes that we as human beings possess. This topic focused on the "me" factor and how everyone makes every experience about themselves. This concept I'm sure is a bit hard grasp for some people, as they can't comprehend any situation where they were not the center of their world. This idea is elaborate and difficult to grasp, but the situations and examples that Wallace provided has challenged me to think about my own life and the people around more deeply. In all I would definitely recommend some people I know to read this.

MP 3

Well, when I first started this project, I really didn't have this image in my head. This isn't a bad thing, as art can be created spontaneously. I'm not super happy with how it turned out. It's very "branded", which doesn't really match with my personality. I could honestly care less about brands. I hate the idea of paying for a name. Like North Face, there is NO WAY that the quality of their products is so much higher than every other brand, which allows them to charge a ridiculous price. I just noticed that pretty much everything a person owns is "branded", and since we tie so many things to our own personal image, we are in turn branded. It's just like a car. Usually, the type of car a person drives tells a lot about the persons personality. Well, even little things like sunglasses or gloves can tell something about a person. I'm not going to define what I think my things say about me because it really doesn't matter. Every person creates their own opinion and in the end, it's other people that define who you are as a person. Just to be clear, I am in no way a flaming homosexual who wears a super bitch hate because I think it represents my personality. I did not purchase this hat (I'll let you decide how I obtained it), and I only wear it because it's funny and most people that know me understand my sense of humor. In all, if I could do this project over, I would probably go in a different direction and create something that looks a little more appealing and original.

Blog 7

What a great topic. I am always so fascinated by the study of human habits and routines. I haven't lived very long, but during my time on this earth, I have certainly recognized that I do so many things day after day, every time , the same way! I think it is very true that people don't like change, it makes them uncomfortable. But really, when you think about it, what is life about? Having NEW experiences. This whole concept is perfect for art. Noticing things that are done repetitively, and pointing out what makes them repetitive can be a form of art, or "not-art" as Kaprow put it. Creating something new is also the beauty of art. The only way something can be created is if something different is done first. If you take the same home from work every single day you might miss out on a more scenic route.

Kaprow could have been a little bit more clear on his point of having art displayed in a gallery. Ironic, as he called it. Perhaps because most art is displayed in a gallery and can be seen as repetitive? The key point Kaprow made was that these objects were being "estheticized", which after looking it up I learned meant "to depict in an idealized or artistic manner". This allowed the dots to connect and I realized. Artists were consistently making this that could be art into art. Kaprow's point is that it is more productive to take something that wouldn't be art and make something of it. In all, I really enjoyed reading about this new side of art.

MP 3 Initial Items

My laptop! I rarely leave home without my trusty Mac-Daddy. This baby was my biggest college investment and I wouldn't be able to function without it! Especially this class in particular!

Essential Electronic

My BuckID! Probably my most used non-electronic item. At OSU your BuckID is used very frequently to gain excess to dorms and purchase food. It is your official student ID and contains cash and blocks. It has been swiped more times then I can count and I've only been here one year! Since it is so important, to replace this simple little piece of plastic, it'll cost you 25 big ones! Don't lose it!

Plastic Power

My Shades! The old school Ray-Bans. Made popular of course by Rain Man himself, and maybe Tommy Cruise. This was definitely a top Christmas present, I really enjoy having them. Retro is the way to go!

Old-School Fool

My Gloves! In these colder winter months, there is nothing better than having some nice warm gloves. Actually there is, having some nice warm gloves that work with touch screens! Wait, are you telling me I can touch my phone with gloves on? Mind = Blown. It's the future ladies and gents.

Techno Touch

My Favorite Hat! Not only does this hat compliment my eyes so well, but it has the greatest two words ever to be put on a hat. I don't claim whatever is on them, I actually have no idea what they are, what would you use tiny glasses for anyways? I just found it on my desk like this. But the hat is for sure a favorite article of clothing.

Coolest Cap

Wexner Review

JACQUE AND I WENT ON AN ADVENTURE. THE FIRST EVENT WE CAME UPON WAS THE CLOCK BY CHRISTIAN MARCLAY. AN INTERESTING PEICE THAT RUNS A CONTINUOUS LOOP OF DIFFERENT MOVIE CLIPS THAT CONTAIN A SCENE THAT TELLS THE TIME. THIS IS THEN SINKED WITH THE EXACT TIME OF THE DAY. NEXT, AS WE WALKED INTO THE DEPTHS OF THE SHADOWY LABYRINTH, WE ENCOUNTERED A NARROW CREVASSE-LIKE STAIRWAY. LOOKING AHEAD TO A COMPLETELY WHITE ROOM DOTTED WITH VARIOUS DISPLAYS. THIS LED INTO THE ROOM WITH JOSIAH MCELHENY'S TOWARDS A LIGHT CLUB DISPLAY. THE MAIN ROOM WAS DARK AND FILLED WITH LARGE MIRROR PIECES THAT BROKE UP PROJECTED DESIGNS. IT CREATED SOME VERY NEAT ALTERNATE DIMENSIONS. PRETTY TRIPPY. FINALLY WE CAME APON THE MORE AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHERS DISPLAY. SIMPLY, THIS EXACTLY WHAT ITS NAME ENTAILS. NOTHING TOO EXCITING OR FASCINATING. MERELY PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DIFFERENT PHOTOGRAPHERS FROM ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY. THERE WERE SOME INTERESTING PIECES BUT FOR THE MOST PART IT WASN'T MY FAVORITE DISPLAY. LAME, ENDING THE ADVENTURE ON A SOUR NOTE. STEP YOUR GAME UP, WEXNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS.

Blog 6

Once again, I was transfix by this new field of art that I had no idea existed. My definition of art was destroyed and then recreated after reading this article. From what the author describes, I think it would be very interesting to experience this psychological journey that Cardiff and Miller have created. I was attempting to visualize, even though their art focuses on a different sense so I guess imagine would work better, what their art evokes to the "listener". It is also even more mesmerizing to think about the science and psychology of their pieces. "The Forty Part Motet" really challenges our idea of sound and I'm sure it was be fascinating to experience.
I really enjoyed learning about this form of art and I know it is probably difficult to express sounds and sensations in words but Mr. Wray could have gone into a little more detail. I can research this type of art now, but without experiencing it for myself, I will never truly grasp its full magnitude. I do hope I have the opportunity at some point in my life to experience one of their pieces.

MP 2

Well, this is my "map". I think I went a little outside the box when brainstorming for this project. However, I do think I challenged myself to think about something I never noticed while walking to class. It's interesting to think about all the things we have become so accustomed to that we literally don't even think about it anymore. It's even more worse when you start think about how many people touch the same thing you do throughout a day. I would definitely not want to be a germaphobe at The Ohio State University. With all things say, I really enjoyed this project and I learned a lot about the Photoshop application. This was my first time creating an image like this and I am actually very pleased with how it turned out.

My Journey To Class

Morrill Tower. The largest student dorm on The Ohio State's Campus. This 260 ft. behemoth has stood erect on The Ohio State campus since 1967. I and 1500 of my peers call this home for 9 months out of the year. On Wednesdays and Fridays, I have the pleasure of waking up at 10:30 to attend the Art Education 2520 class in the neighboring horseshoe. Yes, quite an odd place to have class. I'm sure most people wouldn't even know that there are class rooms in the stadium. But with more than 50,000 students attending the university, Ohio State is always looking to maximize their classroom space, even if that means putting them in the icon horseshoe.
Though my walk to class would be considered quite short compared to the average walking time to class for most students, I noticed something on my way there. I walk through a lot of doors. Most of the time without even noticing. Opening a door, or walking through one, has become second nature to us. But if you just take a second and think about how often you walk through a door in one day, you'll probably be quite surprised. Big doors, small doors, wood doors, metal doors, double doors, single doors, open doors, closed doors... so many doors! Here are my doors on my journey to class.

Blog 5

Well fuck. That was actually a very good read. I'll be honest, at first I thought this story was going to get very old very fast. Then it started to pick up and I read the whole thing strait through. It was nice to have a change in the author's style. Being written by a "bloke" without a PhD made the story more personable. What I really like about the whole plot was that it made me think. I was raised a Christian and I completely believe in a higher power as well as Jesus Christ being my lord and savior. With that said, if someone came up to me and asked how I felt about a picture of Jesus made out of nipples I would probably react like the majority of people Mr. Hornby described. After reading this article, I think I would have a different reaction. Mr. Hornby really pointed out how ignorant people can be.     They focus on one aspect of something and give it a negative feeling. You can find beauty in anything, no matter what it is made out of. That is what I took away from this article.
Of course this was not the most G-rated piece, but it had passion. I'm still not really sure what all of his English nicknames for different people are, but it flowed well with the story. I would like to see where he is today, it would be great if he was now an art connoisseur. I also think that the story could have benefitted with some more background information on Martha, the artist who created Nipple Jesus. In all, I was entertained by this piece and took something quite valuable away from it.

MP 2 pictures

Blog 4

Well, I must say that I really enjoyed reading about Yoko Ono. For me, and I’m sure for most of my peers that have even heard of Yoko Ono, we may only know her as the wife of the legendary John Lennon. I honestly never knew anything about Yoko. I guess I just assumed she too was a musician and a few other random facts that I heard from some Beatles documentaries. After hearing about her intriguing work as an artist, I feel very compelled to explore her work. The idea of completely doing what you’re not supposed to do, or even redefining the concept of art really seems like a fascinating topic that made me think about art in a new way. Things that wouldn’t be considered art, such as simply looking up at the sky, challenges us to look at the true beauty of something that already exists and wasn’t created as art.

            Some pictures of Ono’s art would have been a great aid in visualizing some of her more abstract pieces. I can see how that might be pointless since some of the descriptions of her work are simply instructions, but some examples would have been nice. Also, I really found the style in which Ms. Carver wrote this piece to be a bit repetitive and her fascination with Ono is confusing. She clearly shows respect but she does not explain why she can relate with Ono. In all, it was still an interesting piece and I enjoyed learning about a woman who has lived in the shadow of her famous husband.

MP 1

Special Guests: Michael Kellner and John Tanner

Asymmetrical

Symmetrical

Radial

 

 Person in space

Close up

View of an ant

View of a bird

Stable

Unstable

My name on campus

10 Photos + 1