NING

To visit my Ning social network, Fairness Awareness, click on link. Fairness Awareness is, an online community for people who share the same values about our part in purchasing fair products. We have provided information on products that are fair trade, sweat-shop free/humane, cruelty free, certified organic, charitable, and others. We have also included a space for members to share their favorite planet-friendly products and trade information and ideas. It is our goal to group together like-minded and eco-aware people to promote sustainability and a better planet.

Generative Topic from ASPECTS

Some research and or independent projects that could be used for some assignments would be:

- The documentation of "special occasions" (eg. weddings, babies, etc.) what is the importance of documenting such significant moments in time? Create a time line of significant "special moments" in your life. Would you want to share to everyone all of these moments why or why not?

- Looking at relationships: Father and Son. There are several examples in which the father seems to aggressively encourages his son by telling him to "Go fast" and "Push!". Do you feel/ react the same way? Do you think that the father was overly stern or did I misinterpret the footage. What are your thoughts? How could you change the audio, context, etc. to portray a more positive/ negative impression?

- Exercise in drawing. The shadows that are viewed in the footage is a good example of using shading techniques, perspective and study of shape and form.

- Create a time capsule of your own personal memoirs. Unveil it over a long period of time... call it " a work in progress". 

- How does the point of view of the camera effect the audience/ viewer? Would the footage have been perceived differently otherwise?

- Would you consider facebook, myspace, twitter, etc. a form of voyeurism? How would you define voyeurism? Positive, negative connotation? Create a piece that defines voyeurism based off of your own definition. 

Brent Watanabe: Thrift Store Tape Series

In ASPECTS, Artists of the West Coast V. 2, I looked at brent Watanabe's piece called, Thrift store tape 3. Briefly, the piece is described to be made up of discarded home videos, whose memoirs are lost, stolen, traded, or sold. Viewing the piece first without commentary on, I found my that my note had emphasis on the journey of these videos. The origin from which they first came from. How did they get to where they are? Who and why were they discarded? The juxtaposition that Watanabe uses also creates an eerie voyeuristic point of view. The thing I noted was the relationship the viewer has with the camera and the point of view looking in, but then being snapped backed into reality when you hear the voice of others.

Bill Arning provides the commentary on Watanabe's work and also notes how the artist uses minimal manipulation, whereas most new media artists tend to over manipulate. Arning also comments how Watanabe allows us to view, "people's leftovers" in a public area and that someone made the conscious decision to let go of the footage and memories in hopes it would disappear. Finally, Arning further discusses the voyeuristic tendency in Watanabe's work and applies it to our modern times, for example, blogging. I found this to be ironic and amusing. 

Generative Topics in New Media Art

I am examining the cultural aspects of new media art and the stance of consumer versus creator. I am also interested in the evolution of technology that provides for new media art and in todays culture, what can be classified as "fine art".

A good example of this is an article I found in January/February's issue of Technology Review 2009, published by MIT entitled, Bootleg Battle Lines: Rival Aesthetics in the Mashup Community, by Larry Hardesty. 

The article is about the artist Gregg Gillis, better known as Girl Talk. Gillis himself is a former biomedical engineer but now performs live as a avant-garde deejay. However, the article continues, "the mashup, a fledgling art form that, like Gillis's shows, blurs the boundary between creator and consumer" (Hardesty, 70). The article further continues, "the mashup is a distinctly 21st century phenomenon, made possible by the proliferation of digital music files and the increasing quality and accessibility of software for manipulating them" (Hardesty, 70).

There is no doubt that new media art has derived out of the advancement in our practice of technology, science and experimentation. As an American culture we may have more exposure to new media given our resources, socioeconomic background and education level. 

In contrast to my current article, I also took a look at commentary on computers and technology from a later date. In Viktor Lowenfeld's notorious textbook republished in 1987, Creative and Mental Growth, had some interesting insight to offer. 

Lowenfeld writes, "... technology available in computer programs is comparable to other media... [technology] may be less personally threatening to manipulate forms produced at the touch of a button than it is to become involved in the creative product..."(p.425- 426). Given what Lowenfeld writes, does this mean that if artists are not actively exposed and engaged in the rich environment and processes of traditional art, experiencing the art process through sensory experiences- it is not considered art? 

Finally my last example that best exemplifies the dichotomy of new media art and traditional media (fine art) from Lowenfeld's  Creative and Mental Growth, " As modern technology develops, the process of teaching art will also change... years ago it was considered to teach block printing. These blocks were actually used in the production of books... the need for people to produce block prints has long since disappeared. The copy machines can now produce an unlimited number of prints... lettering, mechanical drawing, and repetitive designs may soon be relegated to electronic machines..."(p.428).

Is Fine Art Dead?

What is passable as fine art and what do we consider new media art? Can new media art be labeled as a practice of fine art? In my piece that I created, I specifically used traditional media (canvas and marker), to create a piece, "Got iphone?", that echoes and satirically mocks new media art... which since taking this course seems to be an underlying "trend" of artists in this media.

Something else that inspired my piece, was the Broadway show, Art, adapted by Yasmina Reza. I had seen this show years ago, but the plot of it is as follows: 

 When an art lover buys what is in essence a pure white painting for a horse-choking sum, his best friend goes ballistic. Yet a third friend gets squeezed in the middle. Questions about the meaning of the strange modern art and strange modern friendships-- and how they're sometimes not all that different 

IBDB.com

I extracted from my inspiration and the practices, themes, and context of new media and came up with my piece. Simple and to the point.

MassArtEd

Please visit and view work at: http://www.massarted.org/portal/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=127&g2_itemId=1083&g2_page=3

Yes Men

The Yes Men group instantly reminded me of the movie Fight Club. Mostly because the whole point of The Yes Men is to expose the ethical, political, capitol issues of large corporations and their wrongdoings.
My personal feelings towards the website and their activism is still forming. I feel for what they do - calling out big names and people for justice but also think it can be done only in moderation before The Yes Men my lose sight of their initial mission.
I also strongly believe that while the big CEOs should be extorted, The Yes Men do have a responsibility to not make false promises to others in retribution. Which with the line of work that they are in, is hard not to bring in the third party. Finally, I also personally think that as a society, country, citizens, we are to blame too. Society makes up the body that created these institutions, corporations, and oligopolies. And we are also the ones that feed and fuel these bodies of businesses, whether it be invested stocks or sitting behind a desk crunching numbers.
So I would say before retaliating against them, we should all take a good look at us

Brian Knep, Follow Up

Following up on Brian Knep’s guest appearance- was great to have him come in and speak about his work. The most interesting thing was actually observing and tracking his route in his professional career in regards to his work. How the he has evolved as an artist and straddles the fine line as a scientist. His extended background and knowledge in engineering has also contributed to this unique artists work.
I like the direction in where his work is heading. Where he is examining the relationship between valued systems, and how as a culture today we look to science to solve our problems rather than accepting internal thoughts such as death. Knep’s work studying how complexity comes out of such simplicity and how nature self organizes such systems. In his series of Healing, he demonstrates self organization, change, systems, integration and responsiveness. All of which has led up to his current task at hand, worms. What else shall Knep come up with next?

Brian Knep

According to the artists' website, Brain Knep is "a new-media artist who uses science and technology to explore change, healing, struggle, and acceptance. Often his works are dynamic and respond to changes in their environment. Some are simply aware of the passage of time while others are interactive, sensing and reacting to the people around them". His artist statement holds true to every word, as this artist explores and straddles two worlds of new media arts and being technologically savvy. To view please click link.
I am in awe in how Knep goes beyond traditional media and portrays such strong themed pieces, where a good majority could not thrive without the interaction of an individual.
I really enjoyed the Healing series and the Deep Wounds, both similar in strategy. The Big Smile was a fun video as it absolutely highlighted your intent on individuals responding to their environment. I really enjoyed seeing the persons under study from the 3rd persons point of view.

Q's
In the article by Greg Cook, Some Sort of Uncertainty, it mentioned that there were eight selected artists, one of whom is Liz Nofziger. How do you and Liz know each other? Are you involved in community art, collaborated, networking, etc?

With double the process in making some of your installation pieces (technology and programming, plus concept and strategy), what is the process? Do you tend to think science first or art purposes first? Do the ideas bounce back and forth through the process or is it a clear distinct idea from the start?

What is the piece that you were least happy with? In regards to success, fulfillment, purpose, statement, execution, etc., and why? How and what would you do differently?

Cris Orfescu and NanoArt

Cris Orfescu and "NanoArt"

I. Who

Cris Orfescu
Born in Romania, currently lives and works in LA since 1991
Previous dabbles:
35 years of experimenting with different media
NanoArt
digital art
murals
acrylic and oil painting
mixed media
faux painting
graphics, animation
web design
logo design
International and national art exhibitions, awards, commissions, public and private collections.

II. When
Over 20 years of experimenting and perfecting a new art form, NANOART, which reflects the transition from Science to Art through Technology.

III. What

- NanoArt is a new art discipline at the art-science-technology intersections. Features nanolandscapes (molecular and atomic landscapes which are natural structures of matter at molecular and atomic scales) and nanosculptures (structures created by scientists and artists by manipulating matter at molecular and atomic scales using chemical and physical processes).
- These structures are visualized with scanning electron microscopes and atomic force microscopes and their scientific images are captured and further processed by using different artistic techniques to convert them into artworks showcased for large audiences.
- The depth and three dimensions achieved in NanoArt set this process of electron imaging apart from Photography, where images are created by photons (particles of light) rather than by electrons (electrically charged particles).
- The electrons penetrate deeper in the structure creating images with more depth, more natural 3D-look than the photographic images.
Nanotechnology is still an emerging area .

IV. How

- Starts in a laboratory where I can create different structures through the means of physics and chemistry. I called these structures, Nanosculptures.
- Basically I make sculptures at molecular level.
- For my artworks, I also use natural or other man-made structures of different materials commercially available.
-Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Scanning electron microscopy is a method for high-resolution imaging of surfaces.
- The SEM uses electrons for imaging, much as a Light Optical Microscope (LOM) uses visible light..
-The SEM creates the magnified images by using electrons instead of light waves.
-The advantages of a SEM over a LOM include greater magnification (up to 300,000 X) and a much greater depth of field.
- Imaging is typically obtained using secondary electrons (SE) for the best resolution of fine surface topographical features.
-Here is how the SEM works. First, the sample should be prepared to stand the high vacuum inside the chamber.
-SEM works with electrons, the sample has to be coated with a thin film of usually Gold, sometimes Carbon, to conduct electricity.
-After the air is pumped out of the column, an electron gun emits a beam of high energy electrons.
-This beam travels downward to focus the electrons to a very fine spot.
-At the bottom end of the column, a set of scanning coils moves the focused beam back and forth across the specimen, row by row.
-As the electron beam hits the sample, secondary electrons are knocked loose from its surface.
- A detector counts these electrons and sends the signals to an amplifier.
-The final image is built up from the number of secondary electrons emitted from each spot on the sample and is displayed on a screen.

V. Purpose

-My art is a reflection of the technological movement. I consider NanoArt to be a more appealing and effective way to communicate with the general public and to raise the awareness for Nanotechnology and its impact on our lives.
-My images being attractive to the public from the esthetic point of view awaken the curiosity of my audience. As a result, people ask questions and have open discussions around these new technologies.
- The responsible development and application of nanotechnology could lead to create jobs and economic growth, to enhance national security, and to improve the quality of life. Some of the benefits would be cleaner manufacturing processes, stronger and lighter building materials, smaller and faster computers, and more powerful ways to detect and treat disease. Focuses on practical applications, such as energy, homeland security, healthcare, food and agriculture, environment, new materials, electronics.


Related Links

http://www.nanoart21.org./html/orfescu_gallery.html
http://rhizome.org/announce/view/52324
http://www.nanoart21.org./
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-art-of-nanotech/
http://asap.ap.org/stories/606864.s

To Think or Not to...

After reading over, An Introduction to Critical Thinking, by Steven D. Schafersman, I was reminded of my own towns' education system and the exercises that we did in our curriculum and how often critical thinking was used.
All of the suggested ways of exercising Critical Thinking was utilized in one way or the other throughout my years in Milton Public Schools. I especially became very aware of it during my middle school years as there was more pressure on standardized testing, and while there was that to consider, the curriculum coincided at the same time, making it a very innate and assimilated process of learning.
As I exercise my many years of critical thinking, I exercise it now as I question the year to date this article was published- January 1991 ... can such information become outdated? Credible? Accurate? hmmm... good to know that I can still think critically!

Settle Down Philip Rosedale

I can respect Philip Rosedale’s imagination and excitement in creating a virtual world and his high ambitions for it to take off, but… sorry to burst your bubble, but SecondLife seems to appeal to a specified demographic and shared interest. And frankly Rosedale is getting a bit ahead of himself.

Rosedale seems to be a believer, a dreamer. Despite his rambles of statistics, 20,000 CPUs are connected and simulate, 50, 000 people per day, in contrast the units used are far smaller in comparison to any other world impacting technology.

I can respect his social aspirations and how he is aware of the immediate communication and open forum and in hopes utilized for further education and tool. However, Rosedale neglects to represent any obstacles that SeconldLife may have or have not, been considered.
For example, he neglects to state the countries that lack internet accessibility and what high percentage that most likely is. In contrast he announces the U.K. and Europe make up 55% of the SecondLife community. For all the other developing countries with slacking educational systems- where one would acquire skills to operate a computer, let alone a virtual world online program,- is slim to none. Thus, really minimizing his marketing population and those accessible.

I worry that Rosedale intestinally neglected to discuss the physical and mental side effects of this virtual world he has created. Questions such as do individuals become withdrawn from social situations? Is there disconnectedness with family or people, relationship issues? Do health problems, between eyes and other issues, occur? Back problems from sitting, headaches from monitors? I would like to hear what Rosedale has to say on health and behavioral issues regarding his virtual world.

SecondLife is a virtual world where anything and everything can happen all the while operating with a virtual economy. For those who do use SecondLife, most likely excel and take full advantage of its features, designs, and simulations. Those like doctors, scientist, and architects.
Rosedale continues on stating that it is a world of infinite possibility and created with a non- Utopian intent. To me, I can easily see how SecondLife is a guilty pleasure to some. It allows for individuals to socially invert yourself to a virtual interpretation. This virtual world is non- committal, but still very much economically and consumption driven. The reality is that Secondlife is not real life and that it is important to be able between the two.

Finally, not to squash big dreams, but Philip Rosedale sounds like a bad car salesman. It seems like his intent is talking big and exemplifying his success, with total disregard towards the negative effects. Again further pondering leads me to believe this is one bad social experiment…