Diego! Rivera

Diego Rivera (December 8, 1886-November 24, 1957) was a Mexican painter born in Guanajuato and was part of the Mexican Mural movement in Mexican art. From 1913 to 1917, Rivera has embraced cubism. Some of his works relating to this new school of art include: , , . These paintings show "flatly colored and clearly defined shapes and varied textures" that were combined to emphasize the two-dimensional perception of the image. These and few other paintings almost go to abstraction and shows how he has experimented with the style of art that uses geometric forms. In 1917, Rivera abandoned cubism and in 1921, he returned to Mexico to begin his work on the aforementioned murals for which he is best know, as said.

Here, Rivera concentrated on creating frescos, several related mural painting types, portraying the history and social problems of Mexico. Here are few examples: , . Diego believed that art be used to bring important matters to attention, and so his paintings brought social issues and "the hardships of everyday life" to forefront. His artwork speaks about the underprivileged masses that Rivera paints of from Mexico. Moreover, Diego Rivera  was also a talented print-maker, sculptor and book illustrator.

Just a thought...

Just a thought..
My 18 inch chain is almost completed, but I still have few more chains to add. I have not done a spiral yet so I think I will work on that and make it double because I am making the chain with a pattern. I also have a spiral to do and that will have to also go on both sides. I will make it a little larger than because it's a nice design and will hold longer together than some I feel. I am thinking of adding few more beads to the chain because making simple circles to make the 18 inch chain seems forever. And so, I think adding few beads on the metal with both it's ends coiled opposite will hold the bead on the segment as well as the coils will make a way for more simple circles to continue the chain. (Better mental picture than description, really :) Finally, I hope, I will be done with it and I also hope to turn it in the next class period if not sooner!!

       I decided to do few sketches on metal smithing again, but this time with techniques we've been working on in class. These first two were designed as hair accessories:

 . All of these have circular metal designs and I knew it could be done by spiraling metal around a dowel rod or any easy rod and then cut them with snips. I hope you like these sketches. 

         For out next project of Metal Smithing, I think I might make a twisted chain or locks of little chains. the twisted might be a little difficult because of the kind of tools there are but I think it can work. The locks of little chains will be evenly spaced with tiny beads, such as this: . I think this is the one I will probably go with after finalization but I was also equally attracted to this . I think it's simple and quick in the process of making it. Also, these can be made with the tools that are present unlike this twisted styled chain . I think this chain is charming and doesn't need any beads or lockets to compliment it, but the only problem is that it will take time and patience to create it. But, these are the two kind of styles I'm interested in. Take a look at some of the lockets I admire:    . Oh how I wish I had all of these. :) 

Metal Smithing

          I am really looking forward to my next project, which is Metal Smithing. I decided to look up few images of different objects you can create with Metal Smithing and when I found out that you can make your own jewelry, I was beyond excited. I've made my own jewelry before but they never appeared like my teacher's own jewelry. Her jewelry has inspired me. So, here are some of what I would like to make:. 
I think these are very elegant and feminine, which is why I really like these, and they are really neat. There are so many more varieties that you can find on this website: http://www.jewelrymakingdaily.com/. I like this idea a lot because making these can benefit you so much! You can make your own jewelry line :) Please check the website out and let me know what you think about it. Thank you.

Art related Articles

WHAT DO YOU SEE? Have you spotted anything but heaven in this painting? Well, take a look at this close up of the same painting by Giotto in the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi: I know, it's quite a close up, but it's also the only way you can see the devil. Have you spotted it yet? Right side of the cloud. This was discovered by Italian art historian Chiara Frugone."It shows a profile of a figure with a hooked nose, a sly smile, and dark horns" hidden among the clouds. Sergio Fusetti, the chief restorer of bascilia, said that Giotto really didn't want the "devil" to be the concentration of the painting and probably painted it among the clouds "to have a bit of fun." This is quite fascinating, right? I thought so to! But not only that, it is said that he might have painted it as someone he knew by portraying him as a devil. Hmm, what do think about that?!

Abstract yet Real!

        The reason I've become interested in Art or even acknowledged the idea of it is by doodling. Most of the time I'm unaware when I am drawing in the corner of my notebook in class or when I'm on the phone, and I realize that what I was creating is so abstract yet so real because I feel like, in the end, it represents my emotions. Take a look at these:

   All of these paintings make me feel relaxed and refreshed. I mean the burst of the bubbles in the first, the slow movements and softness in the second, and the mesmerizing in all three paintings make me feel that way. What I most admire about these paintings is that you don't really have to plan it out. I feel like the artist, Joanna Dur, decided to paint whatever came to her mind at the time, which is how I'm most of the time. But it's not really that simple because, even if they are abstract, you want to make them as real as possible. That's how I'm anyway because I dwell on everything so much, but I enjoy that. And I enjoy abstract art. What do you feel about these paintings?

           This weeks blog, I've decided to explore my concept for the current project I've been working on. First of all, my concept is based on anatomy and I chose this because it's different from what I usually work with, something new. The project is a mosaic that students have to create with their concept in mind, and I've decided to create what ever I can of anatomical structures and capture them in an indirect, and completely out of the league, way.

For instance,  take a look at this: . What do you feel about this? What do you think it looks like if you compare it to nature? Let me enlighten you on what I think, or share my perspective. I feel like the texture and the lines take on a look of wood, but actually it's a piece of muscle tissue, and when i think of wood and compare it to nature, I think of tree bark. So, I've decided to collect such pictures of living organism's tissues to create a nature like background, except with anatomical base, for my mosaic. These are some other, similar tissues I am collecting:  . I know it can be difficult to mold anatomy in to admiring art. and believe me it is, but the whole process is quite interesting and you'll actually find out how your mind works to create something that's not necessarily art material, commonly, into art material. Please let me know what you think, I am always looking for opinions. Thank you. 

Hilda Hiary- Contemporary "Universal" Painter

                                                                                                                             

            How interesting would it be if paintings could communicate with other paintings? Hilary Hiary, a contemporary artist, hopes that her work of art can "talk and move" and just "jump out of the square" in her studio. When asked if her paintings are more of an abstract or landscape, Hilary said she views her paintings as "universal" because she says she is never inspired from other artists. She refuses to attend art exhibitions because most of the artwork participating in those events are of today's world, and she feels they are not original. Her beliefs are quite unusual and I was drawn to how she explains what her paintings are about. She said she is a constant traveler because she enjoys that and she learns more, whether it is of general knowledge or mainly about herself and the talent she is blessed with. She said her favorite traveling place is the desert, Jodi Wadi Rum, she discovers more about herself when she is alone in a place like that. If you would like to know more about Hilary Hiary, here is a link to the full interview - http://www.artquotes.net/artists/hiary/artist-interview.htm -. You'll be left thinking about what she says to whether she thinks she is an artist, what she means by "universal" exactly, and where she sees herself in 10 years! It's breathtaking what she has given up to pursue such a soulful career! 

    

          Here are some of the artist's paintings, enjoy! 

Our humanity shows: Personal Interest

      Recycling is what it's all about. You hear or see or read about how we are making a difference in our society to help our mother earth by recycling but one such similar act takes it over the inspiration.

       This picture is called "Palas por Pistols," and it might seem a little unusual because you wonder why there are random shovels arranged on a wall, but the story behind it is quite of a chain reaction. An artist named Pedro Reyes collected shovels that were made from recycled weapons. These weapons were melted down and formed into shovels which were then reused to plant trees on public-school ground. Who would have known that something so dangerous could turn out to be completely opposite? This is what I call creativeness. 

UK

          I have noticed that for every state there is an ideal university that represents it's position in our county, and for Kentucky it just so happens to be University of Kentucky, or UK. Although I have not explored entirely through UK campus, I have seen part of it and from its appearance to its atmosphere, I knew I wanted to attend this university. This university has several activities for students in the sense of academics to student life. For example, UK holds 16 colleges, a graduate school, 93 undergraduate programs, 99 master programs, 66 doctoral programs, and four professional programs. Student life at UK is quite broad; it offers seven main dining facilities, 23 residence halls, and numerous recreation facilities between three distinct campuses: north, south, and central. Of course there are your athletics including baseball, basketball cross country, football, god, gymnastics, etc. You get the point. Greek life is for sure as well that is established at UK, it has nineteen sororities and twenty-eighty fraternities, representing over 3,000 students. At UK, you'll need at least a 26 on the ACT to receive a minimum scholarship, but if you have attended the GSA (governor's school for arts) or GSP (governor's scholars program) then you are paid full tuition. How great! But the normal cost for the entire college, or 4-year time period, is $21,076 (in state) and $30,144 (out of state) :O.

        But no worries, there are several aspects for your time in school that will help you cut down the cost even if not as much, but it will help. 

☮ ♥ Interior Design

      Modern or classic, upbeat or country, Interior Design has several qualities that interests me. It's quite neat, or messy ;), the way interior designers decorate homes, buildings, hotels, shopping malls, etc. 

“When you’re building a room, you’re building character, and character is the strength and wisdom of a home.” – Rose Tarlow

    To become an interior designer, you need a Bachelor's Degree or there are shorter programs; such as 2 year or 3 year degrees. After you receive your degree, it's common for interior designers to work as an apprentice. Basic coursework need for this career includes drawing, perspective, spatial planning, color and fabrics, furniture design, etc. The average income Interior designers earn range from $31,830 and $57,230. Interior designers primary concerns when designing a space is function, safety, and aesthetics, which is another reason I am interested in Interior design. When you attend an interview for this job, you should have a portfolio with you that shouldn't have ALL your work but few that you are very proud of. Your work can include digital photos, floor plans, sketches, and CAD ( computer aided designs) work. Interior design is very exciting and when I watch shows related to this career, I always catch myself looking forward to the end because I can't wait to see how a room, building, house, etc, turn out.

Architecture? um, na uh!

        

      The creativeness that we see in architecture is exceptional; everything is unique and styled to its perfection. I take my time when I view buildings to understand all the intricacies and structures that present the wholeness. Although, looking at them I don't mind, it is thinking about joining the "architecture workforce" that I worry about. There comes a time when I have to admit that I wouldn't like to be an architect, and I believe it's now or never. To be an architect you need a Bachelor's Degree or a Master's Degree. For Bachelors, the prerequisites include mathematics and natural sciences; geometry, calculus, and physics are quite on the spot. For Master's, the prerequisites include architecture history, design theory, CAD software and construction technology. Usually, when you apply at a university, you are expected to showoff a portfolio. It should demonstrate of broad sketches and freehand drawings or anything relevant to that such as photographs, life drawing, paintings, models or collages. This is it, now comes the salary. If I ever come to that point where I look at payment rather than enjoyment, I guess I would want to be an architect because they earn between $46,000 and $68,300. But, selfishly, I rather seek a job only for my enjoyment and satisfaction. I just don't think being an architect is what I would like to follow because I still struggle with perspectives and, even though I look forward to math everyday, I don't think I would like to major in it as well as physics. 

                            

Handmade Ceramics Jewelry

     I have always enjoyed jewelry. One reason might be that it's a girl thing, but another reason is because they are interesting in that they can be made in different styles, materials, objects, etc. What could be more exciting than making your own jewelry, that to Handmade Ceramic Jewelry? Well, nothing! I mean just look at these pictures below that I captured from a website called www.etsy.com. 

 

          These lockets and bracelets are very intricate and clear cut ceramic jewelry that are not only for females but also males. These are all made and designed by hand. There are several other designs and shapes, and even earrings on the website that i've mentioned in the beginning so please check them out, they are very neat.