Love Canal imovie

Shimpei Shirafuji

Shimpei came to class the other day to share his photography. He talked about how he shoots from life and that he usually asks permission. There is something about shooting from life that makes the content all the more interesting. If I know something was shot in a studio, I usually dismiss it unless it is extraordinarily remarkable. For example, the photograph of the girl in the vehicle would lose its appeal if it were staged. I like capturing life in a snapshot; the meaning of that one moment taken out of context is different than the entirety of the story. What this one image tells us can be read into and convey a host of information that would be lost if seen along with the rest of the movements. This one picture says that there is something in this moment that should be looked at; there is some significance in this that is worth paying attention to.

Alec Acebedo

Alec is an illustration major who came to visit class the other day. His style was very fantasy based as well as, imaginative. Normally that is not my taste, but I must say that he is very talented and I enjoyed his picture with the fox. Especially with the mask, it reminded me of the visuals in the film, Mirrormask. I love the colors that he uses in this piece and the narrative. This is not his only piece that I enjoy; on his website, moonfoxart.com, he has quality sketches, other illustrations, and some animation. As a fan of fantasy, I have been to exposed to work that is similar to his and I believe that he will fit into this genre nicely.

The Story of My Week

Simply put, the assignment was to collect photographs, ambient sounds, and three songs from a period of one week. Then I had to put them together in a compact way that might be defined as a mash up of a typical week.

When choosing what to include, I decided to capture some of the consistencies and interests of my week. In other words, I took photographs at Bible Study, dinner, and church. I also used pictures from walking to class, studying, and riding a bus to New York City. As objects impact my life, I incorporated images of some objects that I made and a plant that I take care of. Because I spend a lot of time in my room, I took pictures of objects that surround me there such as my homemade sun jar and my paperclip sculpture that I made while fidgeting.

My songs include "Satellite" by Guster since that song is one that I never get sick of. The second song I chose was "Devotion" by Tracy Chapman because her songs have a lot to do with spirituality and God. As being a Christian is something that saturates my thoughts, I was hoping to comment on that by including this background song. The third piece I included was "You Could Make a Killing" by Aimee Mann mostly because this is the song that I put on repeat every time I have to write a paper. I placed this song over the images of me studying so that I could emphasize that.

The sounds include conversations with my friends. This is because I hear their voices a lot. I also hear a lot of other random sounds and don't really pay attention to them, so they are buried in other noise in this piece.

Kat King -Industrial Design

Fourth year Industrial design student, Kat King came and spoke to fellow undergrad students about her major. She answered many questions about what the classes are like, different electives she has taken, and some of the projects she has worked on. Kat brought in a book that contained her portfolio, a combination of industrially design objects and photography. Among her work was an object that was specifically intended to trap memories without the use of photographs. The idea is to capture a the sound of a moment in a rock-like object; only when the object is brought back to the place where the memory took place can the memories be accessed. These objects can be gifted as presents for other people or just kept for a personal trip down memory lane. In all, Kat seemed very excited and informative about what it is like to be an industrial design major.

Vavara Mikushkina - Art Photography

Today Syracuse undergrad, Vavara Mikushkina visited my Time Arts class to talk about her major. As an art photographer, she is able to explore artistic possibilities while being influenced by her family. When talking about her art, Vavara emphasized the importance of following where your art leads you; she explained that dedication is the only way to improve. Part of her presentation consisted of a blog that she keeps up on her own and the other part was some of her portfolio in person. Though she is a photography major, she does not limit herself to just one medium. Vavara urged all of us to seek other media to express our ideas. For example, some of her work includes digital illustration and mixed media murals. The piece that she is holding up in this photograph is an independent project that applied her knowledge from a digital illustration class.

Street Art

For this project, I considered how people interact with buying and throwing things away. While consumers interact with products, I wanted to emphasize the obtaining and dismissal of disposable "junk" food. To accomplish this, I cut out eyes and teeth using the recyclable material often known as paper and taped them to vending machines. This way, the candy came out of the mouth of the vending machine; in this way, consumerism would be barfing on consumers.

Site #1: Lobby of Haven Hall (residential building -frequently visited location)

The eyes and teeth were taken down by the second day of being installed.

Site #2: 2nd Floor of Shaffer Art Building (academic -randomly visited by art students)

As this is an art building, I expected this installation to last a little longer. On the second

day, granted it was a Saturday, I found that only an eye was missing. I still need to document

the third day.

Site #3: H.B. Crouse Hall (academic -waves of people visit this place for various events)

After putting this piece up, I returned to find the teeth and an eye missing. I put the pieces back on and left them there. I am not sure what has become of them just yet.

Site #4: E.S. Bird Library (public -not crowded)

As this location is more secluded within the library cafe in that the vending machine is hidden behind a wall, I did not expect this piece to get taken down. Last I check, it was still there.

Site #5: Starbucks (public and off campus -crowded)

As there are not many vending machines off campus, I chose to alter my project. Rather than emphasize the obtaining of a product, I highlighted its disposal. I cut out sharp-looking teeth and angry eyes, then taped the all the way around the garbage opening in the counter. I hid amongst the customers by sitting at a table to see what would happen. Within five minutes an employee came out and took down my work. While she was doing this she was complaining to the other employees about how stupid people can be. She said people have way too much time on their hands and that she could not believe they taped every single piece. While the employee was both annoyed and un-admittedly amused, the customers who saw me install this commented that they found it to be amusing. They were very supportive. One mother told me that she understood because her daughter is artistic. Even though the workers were upset, the customers seemed to enjoy it. Later, I talked with one of the employees who was not there that day about Starbucks. She said that many people work there who get very upset when anyone puts up fliers without permission.

Water Towers

Hooray Earth