Thursday, February 26, 2009
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
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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
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?
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?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
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?
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?
Saturday, February 7, 2009
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
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
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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!
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…
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…
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