Below is an animated short called: The Dot and the Line: A Romance In Lower Mathematics, directed by Chuck Jones for Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios. The story was written and illustrated originally as a book by Norton Juster. The title is a reference to the story: Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin Abbott Abbott.
Artistically speaking, the animation visually demonstrates gestalt color interaction and geometric abstraction in an anthropomorphic and narrative format. The animation has a feeling of styles from Bauhaus, Expressionism, Hard-Edge/Geometric Abstraction, and Op Art. The animation also brings to mind artists such as Piet Mondrian, Josef Albers, Barnet Newman, Kazimir Malevich, Wassily Kandinsky, and even a little Paul Klee.
Lighthearted artistic visual pleasure, and fun too. Without further adieu, please enjoy our feature presentation of: "The Dot and the Line."
And remember, "To the vector belongs the spoils!"
May 29, 2008
May 28, 2008
Near and Far
Yeah for Summer! A fine time for making art, reading, traveling, BBQs, swimming, movies, and more. I hope your Summer is off to a good start. Here are some things circulating the news and web lately.
Art from abroad, and to our shores...
Truly moving. Artwork from the National Museum of Afghanistan is on a 4 city tour across the United States. This collection that spans 3 millenia has much to teach us about history, culture, religion and our human past and is extremely lucky to have survived. “The Soviet-Afghan war, the ensuing civil war and finally the pernicious rule of the Taliban inflicted incalculable losses on active archaeological sites and ancient monuments and artworks. By the time the Taliban were driven from power in November 2001, The National Museum of Afghanistan had lost two-thirds of its collection of 100,000 artworks and artifacts.
But isolated acts of preservation and some lucky circumstances also prevailed. In 1988 a small group of the Kabul museum’s staff hid crates packed with about 600 of its most precious artworks in the vault of the presidential palace. No one was sure how these crates had fared until 2004, when they were retrieved with their contents intact.
Around 200 of these works are in “Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures From the National Museum, Kabul,” at the National Gallery of Art here. At once revelatory and heart-rending, this show, making a four-city American tour, has much to tell about Afghanistan, past and present.”
You can learn more about the collection on tour HERE.
Art far, far away...
Ever wanted to know what types of opportunities are out there for artists who like to draw? Check out this series of drawings/watercolors and diaries from Steve Mumford.
Steve Mumford is an artist who has lived with American soldiers in Iraq to paint their daily lives in the war. No comment on the meaning or potential propaganda element of this activity, what an amazingly interesting subject for making drawings and watercolors from.
An excerpt from Mumford's Baghdad Diaries (referencing the drawing on the left):
Snipers on Haifa Street
"A sniper from 1st Cav, 1-9, positioned on one of Haifa Street's many high-rises. I kept as low as him while drawing.
Many of the snipers take their helmets off despite the danger because they ride down over their eyes."
And locally...
On Robayre’s site , (one one of the founding members of Dekalb’s local art blog: Maker’s Art Group Blog) she posted a link to a site called Scribbler that allows you to make a simple line drawing, then has a computer program mathematically abstract your line drawing in interesting ways.
Surprisingly expressive and a fun thing to check out.
P.S., in Chicago!...
The Jeff Koons show is coming to the MCA in Chicago on May 31st-September 21st. The work of Koons, like him or hate him, will be fun and interesting to check out if you can.
(left: Jeff Koons, Rabbit, 1986)
P.P.S. more locally...
Kishwaukee College artist Hannah Dyer is having her art show at the House Cafe right now. I think her art show stays up through early June-ish, so check it out! Feel free to keep us posted on your art events, news, creations, etc.
Art from abroad, and to our shores...
Truly moving. Artwork from the National Museum of Afghanistan is on a 4 city tour across the United States. This collection that spans 3 millenia has much to teach us about history, culture, religion and our human past and is extremely lucky to have survived. “The Soviet-Afghan war, the ensuing civil war and finally the pernicious rule of the Taliban inflicted incalculable losses on active archaeological sites and ancient monuments and artworks. By the time the Taliban were driven from power in November 2001, The National Museum of Afghanistan had lost two-thirds of its collection of 100,000 artworks and artifacts.
But isolated acts of preservation and some lucky circumstances also prevailed. In 1988 a small group of the Kabul museum’s staff hid crates packed with about 600 of its most precious artworks in the vault of the presidential palace. No one was sure how these crates had fared until 2004, when they were retrieved with their contents intact.
Around 200 of these works are in “Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures From the National Museum, Kabul,” at the National Gallery of Art here. At once revelatory and heart-rending, this show, making a four-city American tour, has much to tell about Afghanistan, past and present.”
You can learn more about the collection on tour HERE.
Art far, far away...
Ever wanted to know what types of opportunities are out there for artists who like to draw? Check out this series of drawings/watercolors and diaries from Steve Mumford.Steve Mumford is an artist who has lived with American soldiers in Iraq to paint their daily lives in the war. No comment on the meaning or potential propaganda element of this activity, what an amazingly interesting subject for making drawings and watercolors from.
An excerpt from Mumford's Baghdad Diaries (referencing the drawing on the left):
Snipers on Haifa Street
"A sniper from 1st Cav, 1-9, positioned on one of Haifa Street's many high-rises. I kept as low as him while drawing.
Many of the snipers take their helmets off despite the danger because they ride down over their eyes."
And locally...
On Robayre’s site , (one one of the founding members of Dekalb’s local art blog: Maker’s Art Group Blog) she posted a link to a site called Scribbler that allows you to make a simple line drawing, then has a computer program mathematically abstract your line drawing in interesting ways.
Surprisingly expressive and a fun thing to check out.
P.S., in Chicago!...
The Jeff Koons show is coming to the MCA in Chicago on May 31st-September 21st. The work of Koons, like him or hate him, will be fun and interesting to check out if you can.
(left: Jeff Koons, Rabbit, 1986)
P.P.S. more locally...
Kishwaukee College artist Hannah Dyer is having her art show at the House Cafe right now. I think her art show stays up through early June-ish, so check it out! Feel free to keep us posted on your art events, news, creations, etc.
May 15, 2008
Fall Art Courses Offered at Kish, and Happy Summer
(painting by Eric Fischl, Barbeque, owned by Steve Martin)
ART 100 Basic Drawing
Introduction to the fundamental concepts of drawing that emphasizes development of visual thinking by employing problem-solving techniques that use the right brain. Encourages both an objective approach to drawing what you see and creative ways of seeing so that each student develops his or her full artistic potential. An investigation into a variety of media with particular attention given to development of the skills needed to use them most effectively. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 904
ART 103 Computer Graphics
An introduction to the electronic generation of art using the Macintosh computer. A strong emphasis will be placed on the creative use of the software to solve a series of commercial and fine art problems. Basic, hands-on exercises will be completed in the generation of images as well as placement and incorporation of those images into the appropriate types of layouts. Six studio hours a week.
ART 212 3-D Design
A studio course exploring the fundamentals of the formal systems and basic elements of visual organization through three-dimensional design principles and theories using a variety of media. Studio-based courses include appropriate instruction in the health and safety issues relative to the methods of the course and the materials being used. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 908
ART 223 Beginning Photography
Introductory course stressing the fundamentals of black and white photography using an SLR camera. Emphasis is on the critical thinking required to plan, produce, and critique creative works of photographic expression. Relevant topics of aesthetic, historic, and critical issues will be addressed. Professional craftsmanship is stressed in all phases of the process. Students supply their own cameras, film, and photographic paper. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 917
ART 235 Beginning Metals/ Jewelry
A studio course introducing tools, materials, and fabrication methods of metals used in designing and creating small-scale forms. Studio-based courses include appropriate instruction in the health and safety issues relative to the methods of the course and the materials being used. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 915
ART 241 Beginning Ceramics
Comprehensive course in ceramics construction. Includes several hand building methods as well as the basic use of the potters wheel. Students learn different techniques of decoration and glazing. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship and originality. Emphasis also on functional as well as sculptural work. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 912
ART 242 Intermediate Ceramics
A continuation of ART 241 with a concentration on improved craftsmanship, more complicated and advanced projects, and increased originality of the ceramics produced. Independent study encouraged as the student further learns glaze calculation, kiln design, and operation. Six studio hours a week.
ART 260 Beginning Painting
An introduction to basic painting techniques and color principles applied to the exploration of oil and/or acrylic painting media. Emphasis is on a creative approach to problem solving through directed work and individually selected style. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 911
ART 261 Intermediate Painting
A continued development of the expressive skills and painting problems. Further work in the technical skill and critical thinking required to produce creative paintings. Six studio hours a week.
ART 282 Intro to Visual Art
Introductory course for non-art majors that investigates the meanings, methods, media, and approaches to art through the study of painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, printmaking, and the crafts. Designed to encourage understanding and enjoyment of the products as well as appreciation of the process needed by artists to develop creative visual images. Three hours lecture/discussion a week. IAI: F2 900
ART 291 Art History 1
A survey of the history of art and architecture from prehistoric times to 1400 A.D. Slide lecture and discussion will focus on societies in the Near East, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Europe. Three hours lecture/discussion a week. IAI: F2 901, ART 901
ART 293 Art History III
A survey of the history of art and architecture from 1800 A.D. to the present. Slide lectures will focus on the art of Western Europe and America since the early 19th century. Three hours lecture/discussion a week. IAI: F2 902, ART 903
ART 299 3-D Materials and Forms
Topics will vary each semester. Possible course offerings will be portfolio development, the management of an art gallery, book and paper arts, or other specialized areas of interest in the studio arts. Variable hours, 1-3 contact hours a week. Repeatable three times as topics change.
(If you took these classes, feel free to share your experiences in the comment section. Otherwise, keep in touch and have a great Summer of Art, Trips, Concerts, Pools, Internships, Jobs, etc!)
ART 100 Basic Drawing
Introduction to the fundamental concepts of drawing that emphasizes development of visual thinking by employing problem-solving techniques that use the right brain. Encourages both an objective approach to drawing what you see and creative ways of seeing so that each student develops his or her full artistic potential. An investigation into a variety of media with particular attention given to development of the skills needed to use them most effectively. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 904
ART 103 Computer Graphics
An introduction to the electronic generation of art using the Macintosh computer. A strong emphasis will be placed on the creative use of the software to solve a series of commercial and fine art problems. Basic, hands-on exercises will be completed in the generation of images as well as placement and incorporation of those images into the appropriate types of layouts. Six studio hours a week.
ART 212 3-D Design
A studio course exploring the fundamentals of the formal systems and basic elements of visual organization through three-dimensional design principles and theories using a variety of media. Studio-based courses include appropriate instruction in the health and safety issues relative to the methods of the course and the materials being used. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 908
ART 223 Beginning Photography
Introductory course stressing the fundamentals of black and white photography using an SLR camera. Emphasis is on the critical thinking required to plan, produce, and critique creative works of photographic expression. Relevant topics of aesthetic, historic, and critical issues will be addressed. Professional craftsmanship is stressed in all phases of the process. Students supply their own cameras, film, and photographic paper. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 917
ART 235 Beginning Metals/ Jewelry
A studio course introducing tools, materials, and fabrication methods of metals used in designing and creating small-scale forms. Studio-based courses include appropriate instruction in the health and safety issues relative to the methods of the course and the materials being used. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 915
ART 241 Beginning Ceramics
Comprehensive course in ceramics construction. Includes several hand building methods as well as the basic use of the potters wheel. Students learn different techniques of decoration and glazing. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship and originality. Emphasis also on functional as well as sculptural work. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 912
ART 242 Intermediate Ceramics
A continuation of ART 241 with a concentration on improved craftsmanship, more complicated and advanced projects, and increased originality of the ceramics produced. Independent study encouraged as the student further learns glaze calculation, kiln design, and operation. Six studio hours a week.
ART 260 Beginning Painting
An introduction to basic painting techniques and color principles applied to the exploration of oil and/or acrylic painting media. Emphasis is on a creative approach to problem solving through directed work and individually selected style. Six studio hours a week. IAI: ART 911
ART 261 Intermediate Painting
A continued development of the expressive skills and painting problems. Further work in the technical skill and critical thinking required to produce creative paintings. Six studio hours a week.
ART 282 Intro to Visual Art
Introductory course for non-art majors that investigates the meanings, methods, media, and approaches to art through the study of painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, printmaking, and the crafts. Designed to encourage understanding and enjoyment of the products as well as appreciation of the process needed by artists to develop creative visual images. Three hours lecture/discussion a week. IAI: F2 900
ART 291 Art History 1
A survey of the history of art and architecture from prehistoric times to 1400 A.D. Slide lecture and discussion will focus on societies in the Near East, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Europe. Three hours lecture/discussion a week. IAI: F2 901, ART 901
ART 293 Art History III
A survey of the history of art and architecture from 1800 A.D. to the present. Slide lectures will focus on the art of Western Europe and America since the early 19th century. Three hours lecture/discussion a week. IAI: F2 902, ART 903
ART 299 3-D Materials and Forms
Topics will vary each semester. Possible course offerings will be portfolio development, the management of an art gallery, book and paper arts, or other specialized areas of interest in the studio arts. Variable hours, 1-3 contact hours a week. Repeatable three times as topics change.
(If you took these classes, feel free to share your experiences in the comment section. Otherwise, keep in touch and have a great Summer of Art, Trips, Concerts, Pools, Internships, Jobs, etc!)
May 14, 2008
Divergent Minds
June 13th 2008 at the Coronado Theater in Rockfod IL there is a performance entitled Divergent Minds. This is a performance by The Zough brothers, featuring classical composer Donald Fraiser, and Rick Nielson of Cheap Trick.
The Zhou brother’s are also having an exhibit at the Rockford Art Museum entitled “New Beginnings”. The New Beginning show is running from April 4 – June 29. The title of this show is taken from a piece they created in 2000 titled New Beginning. This painting is featured in the exhibit and is 10 feet by 26 feet (it is the one pictured above). The title also represents the new beginning they experienced after they left their home country of China to have more creative freedom to create their art. The Zhou brothers are some of the first Chinese artists to ever publicly display abstract art.
I went to the exhibit and enjoyed it a great deal. As you learn about the way that they create their art you can definitely appreciate it, even if abstract art is not your most favorite style of art. I have provided a link to the Rockford Art Museum website.
May 13, 2008
Rauschenberg
Robert Rauschenberg passed away on Monday morning. Barbara Rose of the Wall Street Journal writes an informative article about the artist and how he made his break into the art world. This is certainly a loss to the art world but he and his works will not be forgotten. If you want to read more check out http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121072310593690119.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
May 12, 2008
May 7, 2008
What is Art
What is Art
What is art? Ask this question and you will receive answers such as: art is an expression, art is in the eye of the beholder, and only what could be found in a museums. As a current college student I have been asked this question, and I answered whit what I truly felt, that art is in the eye of the beholder. If I had only known the responsibility this statement held I would have not adopted it as my own. However, I did, and now that I have a somewhat better understanding of art I am going to stick with my statement and all of its responsibilities.
The responsibility of such a statement arises in the fact of what the statement truly means and that is personal opinion. This means that if you share this statement or definition you decide what is or is not art. You will not allow other people, artist, or educators to tell you what art is, art is only called art if you decide to give it that distinction. Hugh responsibilities I'd say. I am not saying that this statement/definition is right for you, but it is right for me. I value your opinion of what art is or is not and I hope that you can value mine.
I would have to say the most important thing I have learned from art is that wither it was created by a second graded or Van Gogh art is a privilege to create and view and it should be created and view as a privilege and not casually and unconsciously made or viewed. Both creating and viewing art is a journey to get the most out of it you have to be welling to put in the hard work and effort to get the best results.In My Opinion.
Huskies on Parade
There are 2 types of participation to consider.
1: Submit a design and hope that a local business or organization decides to sponsor your design
2: Submit a design specifically for the dog that KC will be sponsoring (please no green, yellow, or pawprints..or as I joked transforming the huskie into a cougar.. as the fiberglass dog can be modified within specific parameters).
These are meant to be works of art and final designs will be decided by a panel of project coordinators.
Please check you email as I will be sending the forms to you.
Dear Artist and/or Artist Organization,
You are invited to be a part of a special celebration in DeKalb/Sycamore, IL this summer!
Huskies on Parade celebrates the bond between Northern Illinois University and the greater DeKalb/Sycamore community. With the participation and generous sponsorship of local businesses and organizations, brightly painted Huskies will enliven the landscape and form numerous points of interest for sidewalks and storefronts all over town this summer and fall.
This uplifting public art project seeks to capture the vibrancy of the communiversity – the united community and university. Fiberglass Huskies will be transformed into creative representations of the unique attributes of the DeKalb/Sycamore region. By showing our community’s creativity and Huskie pride, we will delight and entertain residents, attract visitors, and have fun with art throughout 2008.
Huskies on Parade is being coordinated by a group of community volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to acknowledging and enhancing the bond between NIU and the community. They are also dedicated to helping the community have a great time!
We will need a lot of artists to make this project work! Attached to this e-mail is everything you will need to apply to become part of Huskies on Parade. Due to the public nature of this project, all designs must be approved. Selected artists will work with local sponsors to paint two dogs identically. Cowpainters, Inc., who is producing the Huskies, has provided tips for working with the fiberglass sculptures.
We hope you will be as excited about Huskies on Parade as we are – and we look forward to seeing your designs. Please feel free to call me at 815/748-7788 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Groce
Huskies on Parade Artists Liaison Chair
P.S. We would like to reach as many artists as possible to let them know about this unique opportunity. Would you please forward this e-mail to any of your art colleagues you think may be interested in this project? Thank you.
1: Submit a design and hope that a local business or organization decides to sponsor your design
2: Submit a design specifically for the dog that KC will be sponsoring (please no green, yellow, or pawprints..or as I joked transforming the huskie into a cougar.. as the fiberglass dog can be modified within specific parameters).
These are meant to be works of art and final designs will be decided by a panel of project coordinators.
Please check you email as I will be sending the forms to you.
Dear Artist and/or Artist Organization,
You are invited to be a part of a special celebration in DeKalb/Sycamore, IL this summer!
Huskies on Parade celebrates the bond between Northern Illinois University and the greater DeKalb/Sycamore community. With the participation and generous sponsorship of local businesses and organizations, brightly painted Huskies will enliven the landscape and form numerous points of interest for sidewalks and storefronts all over town this summer and fall.
This uplifting public art project seeks to capture the vibrancy of the communiversity – the united community and university. Fiberglass Huskies will be transformed into creative representations of the unique attributes of the DeKalb/Sycamore region. By showing our community’s creativity and Huskie pride, we will delight and entertain residents, attract visitors, and have fun with art throughout 2008.
Huskies on Parade is being coordinated by a group of community volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to acknowledging and enhancing the bond between NIU and the community. They are also dedicated to helping the community have a great time!
We will need a lot of artists to make this project work! Attached to this e-mail is everything you will need to apply to become part of Huskies on Parade. Due to the public nature of this project, all designs must be approved. Selected artists will work with local sponsors to paint two dogs identically. Cowpainters, Inc., who is producing the Huskies, has provided tips for working with the fiberglass sculptures.
We hope you will be as excited about Huskies on Parade as we are – and we look forward to seeing your designs. Please feel free to call me at 815/748-7788 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Groce
Huskies on Parade Artists Liaison Chair
P.S. We would like to reach as many artists as possible to let them know about this unique opportunity. Would you please forward this e-mail to any of your art colleagues you think may be interested in this project? Thank you.
May 6, 2008
The Machine
In this artwork I was trying to depict a man who was in prison, but in order to get out he had to get past the machine first.By, Randon Williams
May 1, 2008
Drifter Comic
Hey guys, just wanted to make a new post about my comic. If anyone is interested in checking it out, the link is on the side bar here. I also wanted to thank Carol-Lynn and Miles for putting it there, I really appreciate it. These are a few Cover Images for my comic as well, and I hope you like them. Thanks a lot.
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