Statements

Project 2
We live in a “right-handers” world. Roughly 90% of the population is right-handed and do not have a need to adapt to tools and equipment. As a result, right-handed people may fail to understand the difficulties left -handed people tolerate by being forced to use these products. The design created intends to form to the curvature of a left hand and is fashioned with an asymmetrical lip for easy pouring, rendering the cup awkward and uncomfortable for a right-handed individual.

Project 1
Tea sets are very commonplace in households across the world. England is a nation closely associated with the act of drinking tea and establishing the customary act of “Afternoon Tea.” A tea set equipped with creamer, sugar, saucers, etc. are traditionally used for this occurrence. This arrangement of interchangeable pieces serves to perform as a focus for social gathering and interaction. It is adorned with traditional blue and white glaze that is used in a more restrained, simplistic way than its historical precedence.

Project 3
Due to the fragile nature of ceramics, it is inevitable to break. Fragmented pieces of what were once funtional items are clustered together to form a sculpture. The space it creates and takes up has its own effects. The structure is not rooted in one place or connected to other pieces. The mobility allows the viewer or participant to rearrange the pieces so that it will never look the same again.

Final Pieces

Progress

Ok, I finally have time to post pictures to my blog of progress 2/3. Will try and add the others tomorrow

Reflection

I think the margins article brought up an interesting topic of conversation on whether or not parameters help or hinder the artist. I believe that giving someone guidelines can be a useful tool and a starting point to think about. I find a lot of the project ideas given to us are open for interpretation, allowing us the freedom to investigate our ideas. This notion applies to how we teach. There is a fine line of telling our students what to do and giving them freedom.

In class we discussed if labeling something "ceramic sculpture" would change your viewpoint. I think there is certainly a typecast when it comes to ceramics. The first thought that would pop into my mind is probably a vase or a cup even though there are multiple approaches to this medium. The materials can be used in different ways (utility and experience, installation, glazed or unfired, etc)

As art is constantly changing, I think Bourriard's concept of altermodernism is something that is relevant to us today. In an age of globalisation, this art refers to an experience of mobility, travel, and creating multiple formats for expression and communication. I think the book "All My Life for Sale" by John Freyer was an interesting tie in to the Alter Modern article. I remember it being in the news years ago. It is not so much about the things he owns but the nostalgia and tracing connections through time and space which would be an example of heterochronia.

Progress

Week 1

Project one has been interesting for me so far. I have taken one ceramics class and I was not terribly fond of it, I think partially because clay is so fickle and there is an extreme amount of patience that is needed with it. I am trying to slow down and work on meticulously crafting my objects, although waiting for the clay to dry can make me crazy!

I found our class discussion on art vs. craft very thought-provoking and a conversation that could probably go on and on. I was immediately inclined to think that the craftsman and artist colloborate with one another, therefore they deserve as much credit as the artist. However without the initial idea of the original artist, there would be no collaboration at all. I think that the craftsman, although very talented and skilled, are merely carrying out the vision of another person. Should they receive credit? Perhaps. I guess it is dependent on the situation.

In response to the Kwon article, I think it is interesting how the concept of site specific art is continually evolving over time. I am beginning to think of different ways of how I can apply this idea of public art in my classroom. There are so many artists that students can be introduced to that can easily inspire their own site specific installation or earthworks on school grounds. It gives students time to reflect on the changes an artwork can bring to the locations identity.

My Work

www.flickr.com/photos/51822690@N02/

I graduated from SUNY New Paltz in December of 2006 with a degree in Art Education. Since graduating, I have taught grades K-5 in Rockland County. I love teaching the younger grades because they have so much enthusiasm and you can watch their growth over time.

The link above has some pictures of past work that I have done. The black and white photograph was part of a series of images that focused on shape and light and the pattern it made on various objects. My inspiration for the charcoal drawing was a seashell. The piece is roughly four feet tall and I focused on overlapping different layers, some are translucent to give more depth to the work. The hollow ceramic spheres were made in a beginning ceramics class I took. Two halves were seamed together and I painted designs that would accentuate it's shape. I etched free flowing lines that connect with eachother to create the printmaking piece. The collage portrait was done using newspaper, bristol pad, and magazine. I took a colored photograph and translated it into black and white.