Toothbrush Specimens
Everything in life has a certain cycle. As an organic species, when we expire, we decay and become part of the earth again. Toothbrushes have a cycle as well, but when their cycle is done they are tossed in the trash and forgotten about. As humans we must be healthy to sustain life. Toothbrushes in a sense keep us alive because they are tools to keep us healthy and develop good hygiene. This project is an ode to these wonderful products. Toothbrushes serve us and (hopefully) are part of every person’s lives. Even though the act of brushing your teeth is so common, it is also a private and personal act. Our project puts on display something that not everyone gets to see, the used toothbrushes of our peers. We are now able to study these products that were once private, the dates indicate the life cycle of the toothbrushes. These toothbrushes will not be thrown out but put on display so that one can wonder about the user, and how these products contribute to our lives.
and paper proposal
Toothbrush Graveyard
Concept: This piece will play with the concept of death. The project will have toothbrushes on display at the end of their cycle with the name of the user and the dates of it's life span. This will create a sense of a graveyard. I want to play with the idea that as human beings we are all so very different and individual but we can relate through certain things and habits that we all share like brushing our teeth everyday or the sheer fact that we are alive and biological creatures. Everyday we use these products that are a necessity for our health and general hygiene, and a product like a toothbrush when it gets to a point is no longer useful to us and all though was a part of our everyday routine for however long (I think that I had my used toothbrush for around 3 years) we just toss them in the trash and open a brand new toothbrush. Our used toothbrushes had in a sense kept us healthy and able to be alive, this project is an ode to these beloved products.
Process: I am going to ask the four labs in Art 108 and maybe the other 108 labs to donate their used toothbrushes for this project. I would like to get as many used toothbrushes as possible so I may even ask some of my other classes and put a post on my facebook to have my friends donate. I would like to put the name of the donor and the dates that the toothbrush was in service under the toothbrush with a label maker. I realize that this may be hard to do since the donors are probably going to anonymous or maybe don't want to give the information because they are embarrassed about the condition of the used toothbrush or of how long they have had it. I may have to make up the dates and the names and I don't think that if I did it would render the concept.
Installation: The installation will consist of a wooden board with used toothbrushes, that will holes drilled into them so they can be nailed to the board, and the name of the donor and the dates used underneath the used toothbrush. I would like the wooden board to be the same size as the installation case that would be assigned to me, and would like to have as many used toothbrushes as possible.
Items that will be used
- Wooden board (dimensions will be known later)
- used toothbrushes donated by students
- drill
- nails
- label maker and label maker tape
Thursday, May 6, 2010
artist statement for book project
Objects of light
My project is an accordion style book that is made from pink cardstock. To add some design to the cardstock I traced circles with a marker from a roll of scotch tape. The book contains pages that are cut out and replaced with wax paper that have images of objects that give off light. The images are of light producers that are made by man from earliest light makers (fire, torch, candle) to more modern techniques (ceiling fan, lamps, energy saving light bulb). Light is very essential to how we live our lives, it is one of the first innovations of man that is used by millions every day. Books are also an essential part o four lives. Though not made by primitive man, books have evolved mankind into what we are today.
I originally wanted to have the book illuminated by hooking actual lights to it and setting up the book so that it would have a lamp quality to it. In the process of making the book I decided that I would like the project to be suspended in front of a window so that the natural light would glow through the images on the wax paper. I liked this idea better because I think that it is peculiar that though the images are of things that give off light via fire, electricity, or battery, the reason why they are illuminated is something that is neither. In fact, the light is completely natural and not man made like the images. Another reason why I decided to have the book suspended was just because visually I just preferred it that way, it is rare to see books in this form, but it can be easily taken down and put back into a book shape, and read like an everyday book.
My project is an accordion style book that is made from pink cardstock. To add some design to the cardstock I traced circles with a marker from a roll of scotch tape. The book contains pages that are cut out and replaced with wax paper that have images of objects that give off light. The images are of light producers that are made by man from earliest light makers (fire, torch, candle) to more modern techniques (ceiling fan, lamps, energy saving light bulb). Light is very essential to how we live our lives, it is one of the first innovations of man that is used by millions every day. Books are also an essential part o four lives. Though not made by primitive man, books have evolved mankind into what we are today.
I originally wanted to have the book illuminated by hooking actual lights to it and setting up the book so that it would have a lamp quality to it. In the process of making the book I decided that I would like the project to be suspended in front of a window so that the natural light would glow through the images on the wax paper. I liked this idea better because I think that it is peculiar that though the images are of things that give off light via fire, electricity, or battery, the reason why they are illuminated is something that is neither. In fact, the light is completely natural and not man made like the images. Another reason why I decided to have the book suspended was just because visually I just preferred it that way, it is rare to see books in this form, but it can be easily taken down and put back into a book shape, and read like an everyday book.
Artist statement for skeleton skin
Branch Suspended over Calm Waters
Although this piece is nonrepresentational, it is suggestive and visually has aspects of a birch tree branch that has just fallen towards a pond in midsummer. The sculpture consists of two identical forms that are suspended horizontally with fishing line which gives the impression of a mirror image, maybe even a reflection of the upper form to the bottom form on a surface of calm water. The skeleton is constructed out of thin copper wire and the skin is made from latex that is pigmented with acrylic paint. The color and shape of the skin has a concept of leaves on a birch tree. Birch trees have circular, tear drop shaped leaves and in midsummer have a yellowish green color to them. The sculpture has balance from these identical forms that are suspended because the visual weight is evened out proportionally on a horizontal axis. There is repetition through out the piece with the curvilinear copper wire and the shape and color of the skin. This repetition also creates a harmony or balance because the lines are evenly distributed. The piece is also symmetrical which gives it a unity.
I had some concerns about the project in the beginning which, in the end, benefited my creation. I was unsure that the gauge of copper wire was going to support itself, but after adding more of the circular copper structures it was able to support itself and it gave the structure a simple, fragile, weightless look to it. I wanted the look of simplicity because to me it shows good craftsmanship and it has less visual distractions, for this piece the weightlessness also works because it is suspended and it gives the impression of forms floating in space. I was also going to have the latex skin placed on the rectangular planes of the sculpture, but found that it made it look too heavy and was not as visually pleasing as the circular frames. This is a piece that is supposed to create a sense of weightless floating, like a picture has just been snapped of the forms before they gradually meet together. That is why when I studied my final project I visualized a branch floating downwards towards a pond.
Although this piece is nonrepresentational, it is suggestive and visually has aspects of a birch tree branch that has just fallen towards a pond in midsummer. The sculpture consists of two identical forms that are suspended horizontally with fishing line which gives the impression of a mirror image, maybe even a reflection of the upper form to the bottom form on a surface of calm water. The skeleton is constructed out of thin copper wire and the skin is made from latex that is pigmented with acrylic paint. The color and shape of the skin has a concept of leaves on a birch tree. Birch trees have circular, tear drop shaped leaves and in midsummer have a yellowish green color to them. The sculpture has balance from these identical forms that are suspended because the visual weight is evened out proportionally on a horizontal axis. There is repetition through out the piece with the curvilinear copper wire and the shape and color of the skin. This repetition also creates a harmony or balance because the lines are evenly distributed. The piece is also symmetrical which gives it a unity.
I had some concerns about the project in the beginning which, in the end, benefited my creation. I was unsure that the gauge of copper wire was going to support itself, but after adding more of the circular copper structures it was able to support itself and it gave the structure a simple, fragile, weightless look to it. I wanted the look of simplicity because to me it shows good craftsmanship and it has less visual distractions, for this piece the weightlessness also works because it is suspended and it gives the impression of forms floating in space. I was also going to have the latex skin placed on the rectangular planes of the sculpture, but found that it made it look too heavy and was not as visually pleasing as the circular frames. This is a piece that is supposed to create a sense of weightless floating, like a picture has just been snapped of the forms before they gradually meet together. That is why when I studied my final project I visualized a branch floating downwards towards a pond.
Museum
Museum Assignment
Upon my visit to the Boise Art Museum I viewed quite an array of exhibits. On their own each exhibit could appear extremely individual with nothing to do with the next. But, in my eyes as a whole they are all cohesive. All great reminders and beautiful examples of what we might call traditional Americana. Among them, Patchwork: historic Quilts from the collection of the Idaho Historical Museum, Kid Stuff, and Corrugated: Sculpture by Ann Weber.
First, I would like to discuss "Patchwork." Of course, this would be the most obvious example of Americana. There are many different styles of quilts created by several different artists from the nineteenth century, all women. These women of the period would create these works of art for many reasons. Not only for warmth on their beds or to dress up and add color to their homes. They would also sell them for fundraisers to got towards future patriotic celebrations. Such as our nation's first centennial.
Many of these quilts were in a very common color scheme. What other than red, white, and blue. One in particular, "E Pluribus Unum/ The Union Forever," made by Mary Perin Pearce, was made of applique and pieced together cotton. It is a prime example of patriotic celebration. Common iconography of the time is used in this piece, stars, stripes, and eagles. The title words are also displayed on the quilt. The artist created it in 1875, the year before and in celebration of our nation's centennial.
My favorite quilt work was brightly colored in oranges, yellows, and golds. It's maker is unknown and probably created it around 1905, according to it's label. It was given the name "Cigar Bundle Band Pillow Cover." Simply because it was made of beautiful silk cigar-bundle ribbons. the brand names on the labels are mostly in blacks and reds. It was my favorite quilt not only because it's color scheme is one I favor. Also, because it reminds me of a common modern style of art I enjoy doing myself, collage.
Next I will discuss Corrugated: Sculpture by Ann Weber. She uses cardboard, staples, and shellac in most of her works. Some contained steel bases. Two pieces I was drawn to were because they made me feel like I was in a cardboard Wonderland. Come to find out their names were exactly that. "Curiouser, and Curiouser," (2008) a line Alice says in her adventures, and "Wonderland" (2008) These large pieces make you feel like a tiny Alice among flowers that are like giants
Upon my visit to the Boise Art Museum I viewed quite an array of exhibits. On their own each exhibit could appear extremely individual with nothing to do with the next. But, in my eyes as a whole they are all cohesive. All great reminders and beautiful examples of what we might call traditional Americana. Among them, Patchwork: historic Quilts from the collection of the Idaho Historical Museum, Kid Stuff, and Corrugated: Sculpture by Ann Weber.
First, I would like to discuss "Patchwork." Of course, this would be the most obvious example of Americana. There are many different styles of quilts created by several different artists from the nineteenth century, all women. These women of the period would create these works of art for many reasons. Not only for warmth on their beds or to dress up and add color to their homes. They would also sell them for fundraisers to got towards future patriotic celebrations. Such as our nation's first centennial.
Many of these quilts were in a very common color scheme. What other than red, white, and blue. One in particular, "E Pluribus Unum/ The Union Forever," made by Mary Perin Pearce, was made of applique and pieced together cotton. It is a prime example of patriotic celebration. Common iconography of the time is used in this piece, stars, stripes, and eagles. The title words are also displayed on the quilt. The artist created it in 1875, the year before and in celebration of our nation's centennial.
My favorite quilt work was brightly colored in oranges, yellows, and golds. It's maker is unknown and probably created it around 1905, according to it's label. It was given the name "Cigar Bundle Band Pillow Cover." Simply because it was made of beautiful silk cigar-bundle ribbons. the brand names on the labels are mostly in blacks and reds. It was my favorite quilt not only because it's color scheme is one I favor. Also, because it reminds me of a common modern style of art I enjoy doing myself, collage.
Next I will discuss Corrugated: Sculpture by Ann Weber. She uses cardboard, staples, and shellac in most of her works. Some contained steel bases. Two pieces I was drawn to were because they made me feel like I was in a cardboard Wonderland. Come to find out their names were exactly that. "Curiouser, and Curiouser," (2008) a line Alice says in her adventures, and "Wonderland" (2008) These large pieces make you feel like a tiny Alice among flowers that are like giants
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Shayna Leib
Biography
When I was seven years old, I saw glassblowing for the first time at a local university. I haven't been the same since.
I began my study of glass as an undergraduate at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California where I received a BA in philosophy and minors in glass and literature. Accepted to pursue a PhD in philosophy at SUNY Binghamton, I chose instead to study glass at the graduate level and move to Madison, Wisconsin where I completed my MFA degree in May of 2003.
My work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has included exploration into the vessel and sculptural object. I use glass, not for its mimetic quality to capture the look of stone or plastic, but for its most unique properties; the inclination to flow, the capacity to freeze a moment in time, and its ability to manipulate optics.
Daniel Widrig
Performing Arts Centre, Abu Dhabi (2007)With Zaha Hadid & Patrik Schumacher
Brazil (2009)Prototype chair, polyamide
VRN (2008)
Vase prototype, glass/aluminium
With Tom Karg
Daniel Widrig is an architect, product and furniture designer, sculptor and artist in London. After working with Zaha Hadid Architects for several years, he established his own studio in 2009.
Daniel’s objects and concepts impress with their extraordinary hypersurfaces, organic shapes and non-symmetric proportions; appearing naturally familiar yet truly innovative. Their parametric/generative looks make me want to know more about the process and tools behind the works!
Christoph Bader
Slices, Spheres, Limm
Slices, Spheres and Limm created by Christoph Bader in the patch-based procedural 3D environment Houdini.
Christoph and collaborators Dominik Kolb and Julian Rohbach work as collective DepotArt. Some more very interesting work can be found on their website.
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