Rachael's Experience

How does technology mediate the artist experience?

2008-02-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

While at first technology seems too complex, once the necessary skills are learned, the artist's experience is changed dramatically. The ability to rework a piece of art or to start anew is made much easier. In addition, art is no longer left to those with much practice and skill. Anyone can take pictures and with the minimal training enhance them into artwork. More people are able to be satisfied with their quality of work when using technology. In an art class, many people might be frustrated with the quality of their drawing/painting/sculpting skills. Yet the technology transforms art into something much more achievable for these people.
In addition to making art more attainable by the typical person, technology allows the artist to ensure that the viewer understands their piece more fully. Pieces like Mori fully communicate the artist’s intent while still allowing the viewer to experience and feel the piece in his or her own way. Technology is used to take art to new heights. Art has always previously been seen as expression on canvas or through music. But technology not only enhances each of these traditional art forms, it allows something like the earth's vibrations to be used as a medium for creating art. Even traditional artists should become accustomed to using some of these technological means of expression; it can enhance and change their work. An artist can take a picture of a painting that he or she is working on, and then by scanning it into the computer and using Photoshop, they can play with the color or removal of objects before they ever actually touch the painting. It could minimize their trials over their artwork. In a similar way composers can use technology, by recording their work and playing it on the computer and manipulating sounds and chords to find the right combination of notes for the perfect piece.

The Question of Faith

2008-02-11T07:42:00.001-08:00

For some, God is country

Other's might find God points in too many directions

There are many who find God's house empty

There are those who find faith to be powerful and to be feared

and for some God and Faith are a comfort

God might be a small light hidden behind a shade

or a flame blazing bright as a fire

Faith and God might be structured but distant

while many deny his presence in their life

Faith might be a fuzzy outline

While still others believe in angels

Is total art totally worth it?

2008-02-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

When coming into contact with "total art" are we really having a complete experience of all aspects of the art, or through the blending are we missing out on the individual components?
While there is much to be said for enticing more than one of the senses in art, combining sound and sight for a complete theatrical experience, I would say it is important to first appreciate the individual aspects of the art before melding them together. Playing a famous symphony while viewers judge and experience paintings or drawings will influence the way the viewer experiences them. They lose the total effect of both components because they are distracted. Artistic works are often intended to be the center of attention. Crossing them with another different art form will change their meaning and intention, which is fine as long as the viewer has experienced the originals.

National Cathedrale, Washington DC

2008-02-06T19:54:00.000-08:00

The National Cathedral in Washington DC is a magnificent structure for people of all faiths to enjoy. While officially an Episcopalian Church, services are acceptable and have messages that are applicable to anyone. The National Cathedral represents ritualistic ideas and concepts as services are held every day at the same times, and many people join in the rituals that vary little from day to day. The Church is also ideological as many powerful speakers are invited to give the homily or to speak at the Cathedral. Many important ideas and concepts are passed from person to person at our National Cathedral. It is authoritarian because of course the Episcopal Church is hierarchical in structure and different levels of power and responsibility. Security is given to those who believe and find relief in attending services. They feel safe in a place devoted to religion.

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The Multimedia Experience

2008-02-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

Is the new digital media as effective in artistic expression as the traditional methods of painting, sculpting, drawing etc?

While the new digital media is interesting in the broad ranges of communication and display it offers, it does not have the same feelings as the traditional method. There is something to be said for visits to an art museum, letting each piece touch you and inspire you in the way you would like to interpret it. In the same way, the creation of traditional pieces of art is much more hands on and expressive. Anyone can create a piece of "art" by touching pencil to paper or paint to canvas. While digital media can be startling, moving and inspiring, the skill level necessary to create these works of art is immense. Art is transformed.

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