Journal 6

Similarity

Graphic Design

This is an example of similarity, because even though there are circles, people will see them as triangles because the triangles make up the majority of the image. People will see the circles that are shaped as a triangle and they will see the similarity and relatedness of the rest of the triangles surrounding them.

Continuation  

Logo

This is an example of continuation because the elongated letters in cursive - especially the 'C's have lines pushing the viewers eyes through the whole logo. The 'coca' part particularly stands out because it looks like its underlined, where as the 'cola' part looks like it's been bordered and almost smushed. 

Closure

Photography

This is an example of closure, because the object and line is incomplete, but the eye can conclude with what it is given, the hand is forming a lightbulb. People are able to fill in the holes that are not connected and still see a light bulb. It sort of fools the eye into seeing continuous lines on either side.

Proximity

Drawing

This is an example of proximity because the cars are placed close together and are seen as a group because they are also alike. 

Figure and Ground

Painting

This is an example of figure and ground because the horses are the same as the area around them, blending them in. But with several lines, their faces and a bit of a 3D look for the horses, people are able to see them well enough. 

Common Fate

Photogram

This is an example of Common Fate, because people's eyes will be drawn to the smooth curves that go around all in the same direction, they won't be drawn to the lines that are disconnected from the main curve. 

Journal 7

Personal/Critical: First looking at this exhibition, I was a bit confused. I saw several different women, all the photos were in black and white, then I saw black and white photos of vegetables and a bit of color photograms of vegetables. I didn't really understand the whole connection between all the subjects. So I looked at what it was about and it was about a single mother's parenting. I think this was a bit of a stretch with vegetables, especially as there is no artist statement explaining what the vegetables are doing there. But what I got from the exhibit as a whole, is this single mother's experience has been particularly hard, she has wanted freedom. Which links to the first photo, as it looks like the woman is closing her eyes and wishing for freedom. She has gone through hard times and wanted to just be done with everything. This links to the second photo I think because the knees are a bit bashed up, and the person seems to be huddled up and wanting to be alone as they cry. I think this is partly where the vegetables come in - the single mother has been left behind, hurting and kicked around, beaten and broken - just like the vegetables have been. Its a metaphor for how harshly she has been treated. I think the color photogram of the vegetable, could almost be looked at like a close-up, like actually looking at the single mother for once, seeing her for who she is, instead of judging her. A person could see she has been broken and ripped apart, but they could also see that she still has color in her. Finally, I think that over the years, after being torn down and hurt, the woman has aged and gone through some of the worst times all alone and on her own. And now she is grown, and still alone, and very sad. As depressing as this sounds, this is what I got from the exhibit personally. 

Technical: The exhibit was made up of black and white photos and photograms, they were shown in an art gallery, with several different walls for the exhibit. I think this was important, first because the gallery was downtown, so it gave the feel more of an urban and run down feel to it. Next a person could weave in and out through the walls which could almost be like weaving in and out of the single mothers life and seeing how she has lived. 

Ethical: I think the artists moral and ethical responsibilities were to capture the hardships of the single mother's trials while struggling to provide for her child all alone. I think she had to communicate to the audience that people need to stop judging single parents, as they are working the hardest they can to survive. 

Cultural: Again, I think the vegetables convey the metaphor of how hard the single mother has been pushed and shoved and ground down to the ground, and now she feels almost helpless and lost. Also the photograms take an even closer step - almost like the audience taking a closer step - and seeing how broken up the vegetable is - or how broken up the single mother is.

Historical: I think that, despite the black and white, making the exhibit look a bit older, it was quite new and a modern time period. I think this because the photos aren't very grainy, so the photos would've been taken with a digital camera. I think really the only historical point that could be brought here, might be losing the husband at war, making the wife a single mother. I say war because of the American flag in the last photo and the brokenness in all the photos, showing a great and deep sadness. 

Journal 8

For these two pieces I thought they were both a boyish playfulness and mischievousness. The top photo shows trees that have been 'TP-ed' which is a very normal prank in many cases. It also seems like a haunting painting because of the willowy trees and the dead leaves on the ground, but I think the light really makes up for that haunting feeling, and makes it seem like someone would see it while walking through the woods, happen to stumble upon it, and laugh. The next one is especially playful and mischievous, it also looks very loud and chaotic. Obviously there is a food fight going on between boys who look like they're at a boarding school, because they're in uniforms and a nice dining room. They seem to have gone crazy and are having fun just being their age again. Closer to the back, it looks like there is a teacher who is annoyed and feeling unable to keep them quiet, and trying to stop them, but failing miserably. I think one of the things that sticks out even more to the chaos is the boy at the corner of the painting. It makes me feel like I'm actually a part of the scene and he is running by me. Each of these paintings makes me feel light, giddy and mischievous. 

This photo makes me feel very uncomfortable. Starting with the angle of the picture and the blank space, I think when the photo was taken below, it made it seem like the person was coming down at the viewer and gave it an uncomfortable feel. Also the person has a very aggravating almost angry face on, its not one that's pleasant and it gives a harsh mood to the photo. Next the way the person is posed is sort of clamped up and tense, for me, this made me feel more tense as well as if reacting or mirroring the image. Also the person looks very sweaty, bruised and bloody, it looks painful and not very clean. Finally I think the most uncomfortable part for me was the hair in the armpit, this person looks more like a girl as they have a wrap, but she also has her hair cut like a boy. I think the armpit hair made me feel dirty and unclean. The photo as a whole was unsatisfying to look at and not very appealing in feel. 

I thought this was a very bland and simple look to it, but it gave it a nice and pleasant feel to it. First there are flower shapes that are scattered around and they are in a perfect square as if being in a frame  even though it wasn't. Also all the flowers were a monochrome color such as black, grey and white in a few different shades. I think the similar colors and the simple shape gave it a nice and pleasant feel to it that was satisfying to the eye and definitely not overwhelming or underwhelming. 

Journal 5

Shock Advertising 

I would not say this is exactly an ethical piece, I looked up United Colors of Benetton, and all I could find was an online clothing store, so I don't think they would be the most ethical of sources for an equality advertising. 

I think this is appropriate because it is showing that all people have the same heart, we can't judge them by their skin, we are literally the same when it comes down to physical beings. We each have hands, arms, legs feet, and hearts.

This is simply saying, people are the same, no matter what skin color, so we should actually treat each other the same. I think it is propaganda because it is one sided and it is using a shock theme to convince people of something.

I think the moral issues that United Colors of Benetton is trying to show is people are seeing others as bad or different because they look different, UCOB is seeing this as a moral issue because we need to stop judging.

Shock Advertising

This is definitely ethical because it is advertising about violent games and was made by a very large and very known game corporation - PSP (Play Station Portable)

I think it is appropriate because it shows how a person could be killing someone in a game, but they're really hurting themselves.

This is an advertisement by PSP and it is sharing how violent games can dull someones sensitivity of violence. They start playing these games and even watching violent movies and shows and they don't realize the harm they are causing themselves in doing so, and also that it really happens. I also think that it is showing how people need to get off their video games and actually talk with real people. I think this is propaganda because it is one sided as I'm sure not all kids who play or watch violent things turn out messed up like this.

I think the moral issue here is that people are being desensitized by violence that is constantly around them.

Contemporary Propaganda

I don't think this is a very ethical piece, the LaRouche is a political and cultural movement that is sponsoring Lyndon LaRouche, who is a politician that started the LaRouche Movement, so this is all opinionated by one group.

I don't think this is very appropriate because it is comparing the President with Hitler, but I also do think it is appropriate because they are showing how strongly they feel about him with propaganda which is always one sided. Also they are using his propaganda statement "Change" to share their opinion that he as a person has changed for the worse for the country.

I think this is showing that President Obama has changed America and become very wrongly minded in his choices for the country, also since it is a LaRouche poster, they are saying to join the LaRouche movement. I think it is a propaganda because it is very one sided, mocking and telling people to follow other someone else's choices.

The moral issue here is people are thinking Obama has not changed America for the better, but for the worse as a whole.

Contemporary Propaganda

I think this is an ethical poster because it was created by the company that is creating the "Redolution".

I think it is appropriate, because it is showing that there is a 'war' between the m&ms and they are giving a sort of vintage look to support the propaganda poster for the red m&m team. 

This is a propaganda poster for a war between m&ms, it is also sponsoring that a person could win money by voting online. I think this is propaganda because it is clearly one sided. It has mostly red colors, says vote red and says 'The Redolution is on', telling the audience to vote for the red m&m and getting them excited about the chance to win money.

I think the responsibility the producer has for this poster is to support the red sided m&m in the 'war' and also get people excited about the possibility of winning money.

Journal 4

Photography is one of my greatest passions in life, so as far as visuals and art go, I mainly focus on photos and what makes them so great.

A lot of my photography is inspired by urban photography. I love that these types of photos are so rustic, dirty and vacant of people. I think it gives it that sort of apocalypse feel to it, which to be honest is fascinating to me.

I also really love iconic photos. They have such an incredible power to change the world with just one image. When I look at iconic photos, it pushes me to be able to take one someday. For example the second photo, the Hindenburg was such a tragedy in time that will never be forgotten, and it took such great speed and skill to take the photos. 

I think nature photography is so incredible. Anything nature is so wonderful in my eyes. Mountains are my favorite type of landscape and when I see them, I feel this sense of travel and adventure. It makes me excited for life. When I see any photos of travel, it lets me dream about going there one day, and it reminds me to never lose my adventurous side. 

Ansel Adams is a perfect example of landscape. I love his photography because every image is so brilliant and genuine. I love that all his images are film (since they didn't have digital back then). I think that film always adds value to photos, it shows so much more effort and time put into a single image. 

Finally, anything and everything that is National Geographic I automatically love and aspire to. Every single photo is so crisp and clear, and so full of energy and risk. The photos are so incredible and take place all over the world. One of the reasons I aspire to National Geographic is because that is my dream job one day, so I try to look at their photos and assimilate to them. 

Journal Entry 3

Composition:The way an image is put together.

Composition Example: I think that this is a very harmonious example of composition. It's very pleasing to the eye. The pattern of boxes on the floor help to make a very nice pattern. The silhouette of the person and even the tower help to balance out the photo giving it a more symmetrical look than asymmetrical. Also I think that the different orange saturations in the sky help to bring the picture together as a whole. It contrasts with the ground since the ground is a lot whiter, and it definitely compliments the silhouettes making them stand out bigger and bolder.

Composition Example: I think the streaks from the lighting of the sky really helps to pull the focus to the middle of the image. The person's head has a nice glow around it making a great highlight that stands out from the picture. Also the leading lines right in the middle of the photo help to draw the eye into the middle of the photo as well. Finally I think that this is more so an asymmetrical balanced photo, but could be seen as symmetrically balanced. The man is clearly much larger than the cat next to him, but the castle on the right helps to make the right side heavier than the left. I think that through the placement of each item, it helps to create a great composition. 

My Composition Example: I like that there is the shallow 'U" or 'V' in the photo made by the mountains,  however the letter is interrupted with another mountain in the background. The waves create nice horizontal lines moving in towards the shore, and if you look closely there are red dots from buoys make another great horizontal line that's more implied than real. I think that this is a great example of composition because there are so many vague lines in the photo that help to frame parts of it, such as the lake or the sky.  

Unity: An image with the feeling of wholeness. 

Unity Example: I love this photo for an example of unity. The fact that the woman is much more in focus, but that you can still see the background perfectly really work well together. It brings a sense of sadness or desperation with the streams of hair in her face, and that she's looking down at the ground. The land looks very desolate behind her and very windy. I think that the fact that this is a black and white photo also make a great statement. I don't think that the photo would've been quite as strong had it been in color.

Unity Example: Obviously, the boats are interconnected making a train of them which helps to unify the photo. I also think that the fact that they're shaped the same and all have the same values also work in the photo's favor. The fact that there is at least one person in each boat gives the photo a little bit more volume and definition to the photo, making it feel just that much more 3D. Finally I really love the blue surrounding the boats, and since most of the water is the same saturation as the rest of the water, it helps to frame the boats, unifying them just that much more.

My Unity Example: I really like the crispness of this photo. I think that the very front rock sticks out really well and the clouds in the sky look like they almost have borders showing them off that much more. I think that the blue against the green help to play off each other. I also think that the random grey rocks spread out in the photo help to add small highlights. Finally, I think it's really great that you can see the horizon so well, you can really see where land and sky meet, making them a lot more unified. 

Space: A negative or positive area. 

Space Example: I think that this has a lot of positive space in it. The light behind the man is very bright and quite empty and I don't think that the field is very distracting or space-confining either. I think that since the man is very much in focus and the background is not, the tree line does not look like it takes up a lot of space either. The man seems to be a very small portion of the photo, he doesn't take up a lot of it.

Space Example: I think that there is a lot of positive space in this photo too. The rock formation is really a contrast against the sky and water, which look like they unify together.Since the brightness of the sky helps the rock to stick out more, it forms a slight border around the rock making it a bit more crisp, however in a way I think that it also makes the rock consume the photo a little bit more. This, in my opinion, makes the space seem smaller than it really is.
 I like that the rock formation has an 'N' in part of it breaking the darkness with just a little bit more light. I also really like the rough texture of the rock. There are a few different intensities of the brown red, which almost look like they form horizontal lines. Sinseem smaller than it really is. 

My Space Example: I think because the flower is extremely close-up, the photo hardly has any space. Its an extremely limited space. The tip of each flower stem has a pinkish end to it, which leads the eye up the vertical line and then the pattern of the pink tips adds horizontal lines. Each line is very close so it adds even more to the tight spaced feeling of this photo.  

Time: A way of measuring events

Time Example:I love the color in this photo, it is so vibrant and incredible. The blue, red, orange, purple and gold are breathtaking. The silhouette of the trees helps to form a border that draws the eye right to the very middle of the photo. I love this photo because it was taken with quite a bit of time. It's time capsuling the movement of the clouds and sunrise, which is incredible.

Time Example: I love this paused moment in time. I love that the drops are flying away from the bird, and it's wings are spread out from it, while it dunks it's head under water. Though there's no blur from the movement, it is definitely obvious that there is movement. 

My Time Example: Though I know this is a very cliche photo of time, I think the colors are all very nicely muted. I also like the clock tip with the spinner with each vertical line making small insinuations to look back down at the clock. I like that the light and glass magnify and highlight a few of the numbers. I also like that each of the hands are almost dissecting the clock into thirds.  I think that in that sense it is catching a moment in time other than just the clock. 

Journal Entry 2

Texture: Something in the image or subject that has an implied, real, or abstract of feel or touch.

Texture Example: I think this is a great example of texture. I think that the color contrast or value in the bricks and different walls, along with the sky and street add a lot to this photo. I think the clouds that only show a little bit in the photo have a lot of texture, but I think the main texture in this photo are the bricks that are right in the front. Because of the leading lines they add texture to the photo by splitting up the bricks and adding pattern.

Texture Example: The patterns, colors and volume of the henna in this photo really add texture to this photo. I think the shapes in this photo give a lot of interest to this photo, it makes the photo more exciting to look at. I think the different colored dots especially stick out, like they have extra volume. I think overall the texture is real texture, its not implied, you could slide your hands across the other persons hands and actually feel the pattern.

My Texture Example: I think the design on this starfish is really exquisite. Each line has several individual dots that are very extinguished and add a lot of texture to the starfish. I also think that the shininess of the starfish shows that its quite wet. The swirls and different levels of the starfish and even different values, again, give texture to it. 

Color: Different hues or values of different wavelengths of sunlight.

Color Example: The first thing I want to point out is that there is a lot of implied line in this, and a lot of repetition. But I like that with the child looking back there is a bit of interruption in it, making him the focal point. I think the colors in this are really bright and brilliant and since its a large crowd, it seems like it could be at a festival or event. Each vale has its own special design, which adds to the brightness of the colors and photos.

Color Example: I think that the stripes on the socks really help to adding a pop of color. The socks are definitely the same, but both the shoes and skirts are not, which I think help to add contrast and pop to the colors The intensity of the orange of the skirts make the right one seem to pop a little more than the left one. I think that the white circles really pop out on the skirt. 

My Color Example: In this photo since there are so many vertical lines, I think that there is quite a lot of repetition and pattern, but since the colors are random the pattern seems to be more disoriented. However, I don't really think any color really pops, or that there is a strong focal point. I think that there seems to only be one type of orange or blue or green, there are not many different saturations.

Balance: Keeping both sides of the image equal, so that one is not heavier or lighter than the other. 

Balance Example: I love the lines from the lightning in this photo. They spread out and I think that they balance out well on each side too. Since the lightning is more on one side than the other, I think that the slight amount of tree and the sun on the left side helps to make the image less asymmetrical. However, I think looking at the photo up and down, it looks more asymmetrical. The lightness only seems to be a sliver of the image, whereas the darkness and violent red seem to absorb the photo.

Balance Example: I thought that this was a really great photo for balance, obviously because the bird is balancing because its comical. I also think this is a very asymmetrical photo. The dark line in the background and the bird's wing definitely make the right side of the image much heavier. I think that the birds beak and the dark line definitely are the pop of color in this photo.

My Balance Example: I really like this photo because I think the blue is very vibrant against the darker half of the photo. I also think that the clouds are almost like a sea or flood taking over the mountains. Though I think that the mountain on the left side could even out the photo, I don't think it quite does because the clouds cover the background too. However I think that since the right side at the bottom is darker than the left side, they help to even each other out with value.

Variety: A multitude of diversion or disunity in an image.

Variety Example: The fact that there are a delicious amount of doughnuts in this photo is a great example of variety. There are sprinkles and different designs with zig zags, there are also different highlights in the photo. The light shines on certain parts more than others. The glaze in the middle row is especially bright and pops out because the light makes a ring around it. I think that since there are so many different colors and saturations it helps with the variety. 

Variety Example: I think that for this photo it is unified because they are each similar in shape and the chains are all the same color, but each one is a different color. Plus proportion wise, it helps to make the swings look dissimilar. The red definitely looks bigger. Looking at the blue swing it looks lopsided making it unique from the others. In this case, there is definitely a good amount of variety here.  

My Variety Example: I think this is a really great example of variety and disunity. There is a deflated bright red balloon in a grim and grey cemetary that sticks out like a sore thumb. I think the bright red and even the white string really pop against the dying green grass, brown leaves and grey cement tombs. I don't think that the balloon really fits in there because balloons are more symbols of happiness, whereas a cemetery is clearly the opposite. 

Repetition: A pattern that is used multiple times.

Repetition Example: The contrast on each one of these sculptures is really great against the dark blue sky and the poles silhouetted against the orange. Each one of the lines goes vertical and helps to create a repetitive pattern, also the fish, though they are turned in different ways, the fact that they are all shaped the same makes another repetitive pattern. And finally the net of wires, with diagonal and intersecting lines, also silhouetted make a final repetitive pattern.  

Repetition Example: Though none of these locks are the same, there is still a repetitive pattern with the 'U' shapes hanging over the gate. The gate also helps to make repetition since each part makes an oval eye shape and also each is connected with a rectangle clasp. I think that the vibrant red really stands out, but so does the aqua blue in left corner, along with the names.

My Repetition Example: The real repetition in this photo is on the right side of the photo. The box shape of the tunnels and even the stone work on and above the walls helps to create a very repetitive pattern, which continue near to the end of the photo. I also think that the lights that pop out help a cause of a repetitive pattern. It's a pattern of light.

Rhythm: A sense of movement in the image.

Rhythm Example: The horizontal lines of the stairs really work in the favor of rhythm. It almost looks like the stars are moving themselves in an illusionary way. It looks quite obvious that the woman is moving down the stairs, clearly since her feet are on different levels, but also because her face is slightly blurred, making it seem that she is moving quickly. 

Rhythm Example: This woman's dress has so much flow to it. It has a lot of geometric shape. Since it's up in the air creating wonderful shapes, it definitely looks like its moving gracefully in the wind rhythmically. I also really love that the woman is putting her hand up as if praising or singing. She is lifting her arm up slowly creating more motion in the photo. And finally the waves crashing up on the beach help to make movement. Since they have so much texture and the white waves, it shows that they are moving as well.

My Rhythm Example: I think that this scene is very chaotic looking, like a harsh wind.  I took this photo during a blizzard, so I know that it really was during a harsh wind storm. The lines from the snow going forward above the focal point make it look like its rushing over and forward. It gives a lot of motion to the photo. Though the trees don't look like they're moving, I think because of the quick and chaotic lines, they look like they're moving just as harshly. 

Harmony: Unity in the image, creating a pleasant feel to the image. 

Harmony Example: Starting with the sky and it's reflection, I think that is one of the first unifying things about this photo. I really think the sky is quite brilliant in this photo, and the ground reflects it and the silhouette of the people. The bottom of the photo completely reflects the top part reflecting it all. The saturation of this photo is definitely blue. Also the people doing different yoga poses, standing on one leg, and holding hands helps to unify them, creating an entire sense of harmony.  

Harmony Example: In this photo there is a lot of grey, but what I think unifies and creates a sense of harmony for this photo are the different reds popping up in the photo. The woman's shoes, the child's socks, the Taps sign and finally the flaming bright red curtain. Each one of the reds creates an implied line, starting with the woman's feet and arching over to the curtain.

My Harmony Example: In this photo, it definitely has an asymmetrical balance. The shore in the front and the land in the back help to unify or make the image very similar. It also creates a sort of boundary on the water. Also the trellis could be split right down the middle helping to unify. 

Proportion: Realistic or unrealistic sizes in an image.

Proportion Example: I think this is a very comical image. The dog is hilariously larger than everything around him. The gate, the stones, the cat and the house. Its all very unrealistically proportioned. I think space comes into play here a lot. The size of the dog takes up a good portion of the image making him seem huge and needing more space, and making it seem like everything is much smaller and need less space.

Proportion Example: I think this is a really great photo for proportion since the wheel is so much closer to the camera than the buildings are, it looks five times as big as they are. The purple and blue lights also emphasize the size of the ferris wheel, making it seem to expand. Also the axis or needle of the two lines mounting the ferris wheel, since they are also lit up help to make the size of the ferris wheel bigger.

My Proportion Example: I love this example of proportion because it just barely shows how small one person, one tree is to mountains and the rest of the world for that matter. I also love that the wind looks very intense in this photo making it look like anything could be blown over. It makes everything and everyone seem so small and like a pin top in the world.