Documenting The Arts

      This week we began our work on the Enlightenment, and wrote our first Critical Analysis practice. After completing these assignments, I think that I have made some very general decisions about my final project. Looking over the Content section of the Project Overview, I think that I may choose to organize my content through form, specifically paintings. I found it interesting to write a critical analysis on a painting this week, as it is something I have never tried. In high school we always wrote about literature, so I hope that, unless I find another form that I enjoy more, I can continue to focus on paintings in the future. I also found that Neoclassicism was very applicable to current times, as it spawned from such a revolutionary era. I think that I will try to use this in my project, and may focus into other works designed to inspire the public, or to express a point. Image: Paintbrush; Source: Pixabay

Image:  A Philosopher Giving that Lecture on the Orrery, in which a Lamp is Put in Place of the Sun (1766); Creator: Joseph Wright; Source: Electric Light Company     In the painting above,  A Philosopher Giving that Lecture on the Orrery, in which a Lamp is Put in Place of the Sun ,  done by Joseph Wright, Wright uses characterization and color to convey a theme of reason, the most prominent of the Enlightenment era. The nature of which the color is provided in the painting displays a universally effective method of revolution, which can be applied to both the Enlightenment as well as society today.     Although a painting, the artist uses many functions of the painted form to display characterization. The structure of the painting presents the characters in a tier-like elevation, characterizing the men in the upper portion of the work as intellectuals, presenting their findings to those lower in the frame. This emphasizes the importance of knowledge...

      The Enlightenment was a revolutionary cultural movement which serves as a basis for much of modern science, philosophy and society. It championed reason and renounced the feudalist ways of the past, paving the way for the average citizen in society. Out of the Enlightenment emerged the first glimpses of equality among people. Infographic link Image: Isaac Newton; Source: Pixabay

     As I read into the Growth Mindset, I find that I do a little better than some articles predict. Within my schoolwork, I think that my ability to self criticize in a productive manner is one of my most helpful tools. I don't really feel bad or look down on myself if I mess something up on an assignment, but I do try to fix the mistake. In other aspects of my life, where the deadlines or feedback from others is less prominent, I think I start to see a little of what Guy Winch discusses in his article Why rejection hurts so much-and what to do about it . In certain situations, such as when I practice bass, I tend to frustrate myself when I can't quite get something correct. I get to the point where I'm angry with myself, and need to take a step back to start from the top. For me, the challenge with learning new things stems from my prior knowledge of the subject. If I know from a friend or from research that I am having trouble understanding entry level topics, I g...

     In my opinion, good non-fiction carries two main aspects which set it a level above other works. Clear organizational structure, and engaging or relatable writing. The structure of non-fiction plays a more  important role than in fiction due to a certain lack of narrative. In fiction, the structure, although still important, can tend to take a backseat as the story provides a time-frame for events. In non-fiction, the organization of topics, as well as the presentation of the timeline, provide the basis for understanding what the author is writing about. In an article from the New Yorker, authors Raghu Karnad and Anmol Tikoo describe recent tensions over the border between China and India. The strength of this article can be sourced to its organization. Although describing a complex topic, the reader can casually and easily interpret their writing through each paragraph, gaining more information while slowly building an understanding. Beginning with an ane...

Image: Street Art; Source: Banksy's Site  The culture surrounding an artist, as well as the dominant culture of the time period in which a work of art was created, greatly influences the outcomes and themes within the art. I find that art is a reaction to culture, and that as culture shifts to different interests, art reacts to those interests. Those reactions can vary, and even within art differing interpretations or opinions on the cultural implements can create rivaling art forms. Counter culture forms within art as a reaction to other artists reactions to culture. It creates an all-encompassing circle of various reactions, forms, and interpretations of culture. In my snap , I focused on one story from the   BBC , which followed the artist Banksy's reaction to the Catholic Church's child abuse scandal. He produced a sculpture Cardinal Sin depicting a bust with a pixelated face. This work provides many views to be interpreted. For one, combining the historic art of scul...

 I have always found providing feedback a somewhat difficult and awkward task. How can I give someone advice? What are my qualifications? In most cases I am just providing advice to my peers, wouldn't feedback from myself be on the same tier as their own work? Although all of these questions come to mind, I believe that feedback, no matter the source, is a valuable resource that improves nearly any piece of work. Even just providing someone with my own perspective and understanding of their work can allow for vast improvements. If someone can use my interpretation of their work to determine whether their point is coming across in the manner they would like it to, then feedback has influenced their work in a positive way. The easiest and most confident way I have found to provide feedback is just that: giving my view of their work. It displays the outcome of their work in a presentable way, while also ensuring that that the feedback is entirely constructive criticism. I think that t...

      I have three major goals for my English class this semester. I hope to deepen my understanding of rhetoric, develop my critical analysis skills, and elevate my professionalism through writing.     In high school, although touched upon, most of my English teachers developed rhetoric as an idea, but when in practice were more concerned with the structure and analytical aspects of my essays. In this class, especially within the blog post format, I hope to expand upon my use of rhetorical devices, as well as receive feedback on my implementation. I can base my progress of feedback from others, but also on my own standards, and on the fluidity of my writing. This goal seems very attainable, and I hope to see progress by looking back on my own assignments at the end of the semester.     In order to develop my analytical skills I will need to practice the interpretation of works of literacy, as well as the presentation of my thoughts through essays. Whi...

    I believe in free time. I'm sure most people do, but I approach it from a different direction. Free time can be put to use for both enjoyment and enrichment, a combination I'm sure most would separate as near opposites.     Near the end of my sophomore year of high school, I found myself with an abundance of free time. My friends weren't hanging out as often because they (unlike me) focused hard on their school work and understood what GPA meant. I hadn't joined any clubs at school, I didn't have hobbies, other than playing video games, which I wouldn't really count. My free time was expansive and empty. As boredom set in, as well as some light depression, I sought out activities. As my birthday approached, I set my sights on the coolest thing I could think of: the bass guitar. I watched videos, tutorials, reviews, everything I could to assist in the purchase process. I presented my findings to my parents, who were amazed that I sought out something creative...

     Recently, for my English course, I put together a small page of info about myself. The page is meant as a quick, easy to read ice breaker, and will be posted entirely online. The online format will hopefully lead to greater communication between my asynchronous, online English class. The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly effected the way education can be administered, especially in the college campus setting. As we can no longer sit together in a classroom, professors must search out alternative measures to connect with their students. This Avatar Snap, inspired by the cartoon show Avatar: The Last Airbender , required students to share four divisions of art that they enjoy. The use of online resources, such as Padlet, was suggested. I elected to use Padlet which allowed me to layout my four paragraphs in an interesting way, place them on a background, and include an image to pair with each writing. I did have to somewhat stretch the definition of Art, as I could not com...