Last blog seniors!

Few reminders first:
1.) May 8th (Friday) is the official due date of AP portfolio.  All work must be entered by then and completed.
2.) May 4th - Last day that ALL projects need to be turned in with rubrics for a grade.  Will not accept them after this date.
3.) May 11th to May 15th - Senior show over at 5 pts.  Any artist available to win the DaVinci award will have a posting on their table.  We will discuss this further.  Grades matter.

Blog Baby:
So this is your last blog for your senior year in Art Portfolio.  Are you excited or sad?  What are you feeling about the ending of AP?  You blog is a farewell blog and a warning blog for the upcoming group of students for next year.  Have you accomplished work that you are proud of? What changes would you make to your portfolio?  What should the upcoming group expect.  Explain your thoughts and feel free to improvise if needed.

Fighting Artist Block & the Winter Blahs

I really struggled with what to write or share for this blog… At this very moment I feel really uninspired…. Do you have moments like that? Where the winter blahs get to you? Or you can’t remember the last time you got sunlight and you feel unmotivated or just too busy to actually focus on something properly?


Chuck close is quoted as saying:


“The advice I like to give young artists, or really anybody who'll listen to me, is not to wait
around for inspiration. Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work.
If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightning to strike you in the brain, you
are not going to make an awful lot of work. All the best ideas come out of the process; they
come out of the work itself. Things occur to you. If you're sitting around trying to dream up a
great art idea, you can sit there a long time before anything happens. But if you just get to
work, something will occur to you and something else will occur to you and something else
that you reject will push you in another direction. Inspiration is absolutely unnecessary and
somehow deceptive. You feel like you need this great idea before you can get down to work,
and I find that's almost never the case.” (seriously he’s my fave)

Read this Article


1. What are some ways that you can motivate yourself as an artist and refocus?
2. What are some struggles that you are currently having with your art?
3. Try a few suggestions that each of you have and comment on how they it went...

Ps. One goal I am setting for myself is to finish the ceramic bust I started last semester….
My goal is to have it done by next Friday (the 27th )


This artist when he is feeling creative block starts sketching bears…

Sorta Free Blog - S.O.F.A. Expo

This is your second free choice blog for the semester.  You have a lot of freedom with this blog, however this particular one must have something to do with the S.O.F.A. Expo and MUST be art related! Include images, examples, or any other material to help your blog.  Interesting is always good.

SOFA Show

Subject ideas to discuss:

1. An artist whose work you admired or inspired you.
2. Topics about a creation process that you saw or spoke to an artist about.
3. Explain the inspiration or meaning behind artworks.
4. Write opinions about a a controversial or piece that you questioned at the show.
5. Highlight contemporary artists you admire from the show.
6. Talk about an artist you interacted with.
7. Write a critique of an artist’s work.
8. Ideas that you come up with your ideas for paintings, photography, drawings, sculpture, based on what you saw at the show.  

Analyzing Art Through the Conceptual Frames

Hello APers (AP is capital so it doesn’t sound like ape ..hopefully…) Welcome to your first blog with Banzhoff. :)  I am excited to be working with all of you!

Ok. So here is your blog due in two weeks with two additional comments.

Lately I have been hearing a lot of buzz about art education in Australia and how they have students analyze art through the frames. They start this process of looking at art with elementary students. I want you to try it! 

Here are the Frames: (choose one.)

Here is an example: (Note this gives an example of how to analyze an artwork through all four conceptual frames. I am only having you choose ONE. 

Click here for example

1.  For this, pick an artwork from the Art institute of Chicago’s database http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/ and analyze the work using one of the 4 frames.

2. What do you think of this way of looking at art? Was it helpful? Did it influence how you see art in some way?

Free Choice Blog

This is your first free choice blog for the semester.  You have a lot of freedom with this blog.  It must be fine arts related in subject matter.  If you talk about your plans this weekend and how much you love puppies you are going to receive zero points.  This MUST be art related! Include images, examples, or any other material to help your blog.  Interesting is always good.

Subject ideas to talk about:

1. Artists you admire, and why.
   
2. A recent painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. you are working on. 
3. Why you decided to become an artist.
   
4. Topics about your art creation process.
   
5. Lessons you have learned as an artist.
   
6. Tips on art promotion.
   
7. How you choose your painting palette.
   
8. A slideshow of your art.
   
9. Drawings from your sketchbook.
   
10. Explain the inspiration or meaning behind artworks.
    
11. Write about a historical artist you admire (Van Gogh, Rembrandt, etc.).
    
12. Write opinions about a post you saw on another art blog.
    
13. Highlight contemporary artists you admire.
    
14. Interview artists for spotlights.
    
15. Mention an art competition you are taking part in, or just want to recommend to other artists.
    
16. Give your own opinions of “What is true art?”
    
17. Self-critique one of your own artworks.
    
18. Write a critique of another artist’s work.
    
19. Talk about some of your favorite art blogs.
    
20. Write about painting and drawing techniques.
    
21. Blog your favorite artist quotes.
    
22. Quotes that inspire you.
    
23. Tips on using your sketchbook.
    
24. Explain different art movements, such as impressionism and post-modernism.
    
25. Speak about an art show you are part of, past or upcoming.
    
26. Blog about your art being published in a newspaper or magazine.
    
27. How do you explain your art to others?
    
28. How you come up with your ideas for paintings, photography, drawings, sculpture, etc. 

Start producing!

Important Website to check out:

2D kiddos:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/2134.html

3D kiddos:

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/220107.html

We're back and in full swing!  I know that some of you are sad that the summer is over while some of you are excited to see your friends and get your final high school year over with.  To be honest, I have mixed feelings over the situation.  I am leaving two wonderful kids behind
and making a new start with fresh classes and eager students. Oh, and I'm huge and getting bigger with every second.  But deep down I am excited to get to know a new group of students.  Every group is unique and different.

Again welcome back.

So lets dive head first into AP and figure out how this whole process is going to work.  Like I said during the first week, there are two parts to Portfolio class.  The breadth portfolio and the concentration portfolio.  We are going to focus on the breadth section first which is considered more of the "technical" portfolio.    You are showing your skills, talent, drive, and elements/principals of art.  In this portfolio you will have variety and different methods of art making.  You will need to experiment and not be afraid to work outside of the box.  All things that I know as artists you are capable of doing.  None of this is new to you.

For your first blog I want you to go to this site:
high school portfolios

Take time and quietly scroll through each individual portfolio.  Look through the 3D or 2D work and definitely look through the Breadth portfolios.  Don't just look at the first image that comes up either.  Laziness is not a part of this class.  But open the student work and write down notes about each person.  What are their strong points, what are the weaknesses, what areas of art do you need to focus on or improve in?  

After you examine and review the works, respond to my blog.

Here's your question . . . ready . . . Which piece inspires you and why?

Simple question I know but really explain yourself.  Post a response to this blog and be sure to paste an image and explanation.  There is no sentence minimum or max.  Just fully explain your thoughts and feelings.  Harder than it sounds.

Question?

Blog due date: March 21st

Your only question - Why did you take this class?

Put the Kabosh on Fears!

Metka, Brittany	11:28 AM (19 hours ago)
to me

Hello AP students! It’s me…it’s Todd Kraines!! (1,000 cool points for anyone who knows what that’s from) Actually, it’s me…it’s Miss Metka…from room 172!! I feel so lucky to be a guest contributor for the blog this week! (Thanks Martin :) I love snooping around your room, popping in on class and peeking at your works of art…YES I do! You guys really inspire me. You make me want to be a better artist. Often times, I look at your work and your ideas and wish I was that creative.

You see guys...I dream of being an artist...NO...my life goal isn't to be a high school teacher forever...I want to create, I want to make things that matter and I want to put my work out there! Here's the only problem...I'm scared. I'm scared of the amount of time and effort this takes and the potential for failure. I'm scared that I'm actually not good enough. I'm scared about how I'm going to support myself financially while I'm trying to reach my dreams.

The short answer to all of this is: You can't make huge gains without taking big risks. I'm curious to know what you're scared of in relation to your art, creativity, future etc. Why do we let fear control us? How can we put the kabosh on our fears? Please ponder and respond to all three questions. In your comments to each other, I'd like you to try to answer or reassure some of the fears you all have. Use this time to complement and lift each other up. Sometimes we all need some encouragement so we can gain some confidence and stop being so hard on ourselves. 

In your post, please include an image of your most favorite work of art you've ever created. 

And if you don't know what 'kabosh' means...look it up in the urban dictionary! :) I look forward to reading your responses.

The painting I'm including is a work in progress but it's something I'm really proud of and for the most part happy with how it's developing. I'm very emotionally attached to this piece which might be why I love it so much.

P.S. (added by Mrs. Martin) - I knew who Todd Kraines was.  Already got the 1000 cool points.  

Critique

crit·i·cism

ˈkritəˌsizəm/

noun

1. 1.

   the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.

   "he received a lot of criticism"

   synonyms:

   censure, condemnation, denunciation, disapproval, disparagement,opprobrium, fault-finding, attack, broadside, stricture, recrimination;More

2. 2.

   the analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work.

   "alternative methods of criticism supported by well-developed literary theories"

   synonyms:

   evaluation, assessment, appraisal, analysis, judgment; More

   This is the textbook definition of the word criticism.  But what does it really mean to you?  How do you respond when a peer or bystander analyzes your hard work and picks it apart?  I personally try to realize that each person has their own vision and may not see or understand my thought process.   I am a very complex individual with an odd sense of humor.  However, the person looking at my artwork might be the same way.  You never know.  So back to the word criticism.  What are your feelings/interpretations/perspectives on this concept?

Emotion and Meaning

I went through a plethora of blogs this weeks and several of them had the same undertone: emotion.  How do certain artists put such meaning and emotion behind their work.  I think Connor even said the statement "Do some people have more emotions than others? Or are some just better at conveying their emotions into art?".  I hate to say this but I think some people are just more in tune with the thoughts and feelings.  People say that girls are more emotional than guys but I think that is just a big giant stereotype.  Guys have just as much to say as girls but they may show it in other forms.  Face it, we all have feelings. 

So your blog for this week is to share something about yourself that you would like people to know.  Something that could potentially turn into an art piece.  A story that makes you emotional or makes you want to express your self.  This can be happy, sad, depressing, enlightening, or funny.  Any kind of statement you want to make but be sure to keep it real.     

Here is my story . . .

Anyone who knows me, knows that I truly love babies.  I love everything about them.  Their cries, their smell, their giggles.  Literally everything.  I even love being fat and pregnant and throwing up everyday.  I am BLESSED to have two beautiful and delightful daughters to enjoy for the rest of my life.  However, right now I am struggling with creating a concept - yes I am just still in the conceptual phase - for an art piece that I need to make for myself.  It is a personal piece of expression.  I need to make an art piece to release emotions that I have bottled in.  Emotions dealing with sorrow, sadness, loss, and a healing heart.  

By the way, have I ever mentioned to you that artwork can be cathartic?  Well it can.  It can solve problems, create new ones, and make you feel dumbfounded all at the same time.  Art is glorious.

My project is about letting go and healing.  My project is about babies and dealing with the loss of them.  I need to find a way to show my love for a precious baby that is not here for me to physically hug.    

Free Choice

Oct. 15th to Oct. 25th you get a free choice blog.  Be sure to write about a fine arts topic and to comment on two other blogs for points.

enjoy.

Art Everywhere

www.arteverywhere.org

This past August, the UK had an art show.  An extraordinary art show that exhibited works all over the country.  Over 22,000 locations to be exact.  The exhibit showed off works of 57 British artists and made a list of the top 10 artists.  The only female artist that made the top 10 list: Cornelia Parker.  These pieces were placed around the UK on billboards, bus stations, and metro stations.

The project had "no agenda other than to flood our streets with art and celebrate the creative talents and legacy of the UK."

This weeks blog - I basically would like you just reflect and write your thoughts about how art is out and around us.  Do we see enough types of art?  Do you feel like you know what is going on in the art world?  What are the current art trends?  Now, I understand that we live in a small midwestern community.  We see art but not in the same scale that others see it.  For example, Art Basal in Miami or the UK show you just read about.  Now we try to give students a sampling of the types of art that surrounds them - for instance the SOFA show and the Art Institute, but I will admit that it is very overwhelming to stay with the trends and swings in art movements.  
How do we get more art into our communities?  Who should be in charge of this grand task?  Does our community do enough or should we be doing more?  

Thoughts . . .

Your first blog of fall 2013

Off and running ...

Important Website to check out:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_studioart.html

We're back.  I know that some of you are sad that the summer is over while some of you are excited to see your friends and get your final high school year over with.  To be honest, I have mixed feelings over the situation.  I am leaving two wonderful kids behind
and making a new start with fresh classes and eager kids.  But deep down I am excited to get to know a new group of students.  Every group is unique and different.

Again welcome back.

So lets dive head first into AP and figure out how this whole process is going to work.  Like I said on Tuesday, there are two parts to Portfolio class.  The breadth portfolio and the concentration portfolio.  We are going to focus on the breadth section first which is considered more of the "technical" portfolio.    You are showing your skills, talent, drive, and elements/principals of art.  In this portfolio you will have variety and different methods of art making.  You will need to experiment and not be afraid to work outside of the box.  All things that I know as artists you are capable of doing.  None of this is new to you.  

For your first blog I want you to go to this site:
high school portfolios

Take time and quietly scroll through each individual portfolio.  Look through the 3D or 2D work and definitely look through the Breadth portfolios.  Don't just look at the first image that comes up either.  Laziness is not a part of this class.  But open the student work and write down notes about each person.  What are their strong points, what are the weaknesses, what areas of art do you need to focus on or improve in?  

After you examine and review the works, respond to my blog.

Here's your question . . . ready . . . Which piece inspires you and why?

Simple question I know but really explain yourself.  Post a response to this blog and be sure to paste an image and explanation.  There is no sentence minimum or max.  Just fully explain your thoughts and feelings.  Harder than it sounds.

March 19th to March 28th

Few house keeping items first:

#1 - Last blog before spring break.
#2 - By the time you come back from break you should have at least 7 projects finished!
#3 - Don't forget to write 2 comments for your response points.

Blog:

This weeks blog is slightly open ended for you guys.  I basically want to know how you are feeling about your field trip from yesterday.  What struck you as interesting?  How are you going to design a piece of art to go into the gallery space?  What is your concept?  I realize that I missed yesterday (darn flu bug) but I will be visiting the show over spring break to get an idea of what you are working with.  Tell me about your experience.

Roberto - I know you were absent so this blog is going to be marked as no count for you.

day in the life

For your blog over the next two weeks (Feb. 4th through Feb. 15th) you have an assignment.  

Using your cell phone or camera, I want you to take 12 statement making photographs.  12 creative images.  12 photos that combined together to tell the story of your day.  12 images that make you think.  12 images that you are proud of.  

With these images we are going to download them or email to your self.  They are going to all be printed and matted.  

Simple.

Now go take your pictures.

12 pictures total - NOT 60! 

Teacher's breaking it down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5lIz83ATuo

Here is the youtube site for the faculty dance.  I also have a copy

December 17th to Jan. 7th

The next 2 weeks are for you to post a blog of your choice.  It must be art related!  Also be sure to write your blog as if you were righting a paper for school.  This is not a text message.

Post your blog and post 2 comments on someone else's blog.

Happy Holidays! 

Art vs Crafts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw3YAlvdYRQ

Start by checking out this video first . . . What the heck is the difference between a craft show and Art Basel (coolest art show ever and really want to attend - Miami here I come)?  Are they the same thing? Are art shows and galleries calling artwork "art" so they can make a massive profit and overcharge patrons?  Are craft shows just "country-ish" art shows held outdoors with lower price tags?    I found this topic to be incredibly interesting to me mainly for one reason.  My in-laws.  My mother in law use to be a crafter.  In fact their whole family use to do partake in craft season.  Oh yes kids, their is an actual craft season.  They would work endlessly making cute decorations for your home and sell them at a reasonable price to the public.  They never did it to make the big bucks but solely because they enjoyed the atmosphere, building process, working with their hands.  Now sometimes the crafts were actually pretty cool and took a great deal of skills and time and others well . . . I should be nice and not say.  I even have a few as holiday decorations at my house.  Either way, is this a form of art?  I consider myself and artist but should I also consider them artists too?

November 19 to November 30th

The next 2 weeks are for you to post a blog of your choice.  It must be art related!  Also be sure to write your blog as if you were righting a paper for school.  This is not a text message.

Post your blog and post 2 comments on someone else's blog.

Doubting abilities

I sometimes look at my artistic abilities and I get a wave of different emotions.  One day, I will feel successful and confident with my photography skills.  I could modify any face, remove any wrinkle, fix the worst lighting conditions.  Even think that I could possibly do portrait photography full time.  It is a wonderful feeling to know that I have the skills to improve a photograph or draw my children's faces.

And then there are other days . . .  

The days when you have a bad photo session, your creativity level is hovering about zero, and you're working slower than a mule.  Then days that make you question your experience and drive.  Unfortunately we all have those days when working on our craft.

So how do you get past them?

This is a question that every artist or person must deal with.  How do you deal with the highs and lows of working with your art.