My name is Hilary Alvey and I am an individual artist working in sculpture. I am delighted to present a project to SlowArt Productions for your funding consideration.
Mission Statement:
My mission is to createseries of works that conveys the idea of escaping everyday stressors.The work will portray breaking through these stressors and grasping for hope. This will give viewers in the community a feeling of hope, and inspire them to find things they enjoy in life.
Project description of Project A:
Three Nature Sculptures
Collect branches and vine
Produce first sculpture
Produce second sculpture
Produce third sculpture
Organizational History:
“Nature Fields”, Public Art Project through Artisans Enterprise Center and the City of Covington. Covington, Ky.
Majoring in Studio Arts
Need Statement:
With the economy in decline, stress is weighing heavily on the community.People are struggling to find a job, support their family, or make it through school.This adds up to a lot of pressure, and creates the feeling of being trapped.My work will portray escaping these burdens, and give people hope.The pieces will be abstract sculptures composed of tree branches.
I feel these pieces should be displayed in a park.Nature is something that is all around us that we tend to forget about, and it reminds us to enjoy the simple beauties in life.People are always trying to one up each other with technology and money.These pieces will get people to appreciate what nature gives us and see the beauty that is around us.
Project Goals:
•To make the community aware of the power of art.
• To inspire people to find something they are passionate about.
• To create a therapeutic atmosphere for the community.
·To show the community the beauty of nature.
Should you find our programming compatible with your funding interests, please consider this a formal request for all relevant proposal guidelines, application procedures and deadlines for your next funding cycle. If you require any further information regarding my request, please do not hesitate to contact me at 859-486-9040, or alveyh1@nku.edu. Thank you for your consideration and your time. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Hilary Alvey
3028 Merrie Drive
Hebron, Ky 41018
859-486-9040
Alveyh1@nku.edu
“Nature is a mere pretext for a decorative composition, plus sentiment. It suggests emotion, and I translate that emotion into art.” – Georges Braque
In February 2010 unemployment in Cincinnati peaked at 113,344 people. This has brought upon a lot of stress in the area. People are worried about finding new jobs, stuck working at places they do not enjoy, and struggling to make enough money to support themselves or a family.This would bring on the feeling of being trapped in your environment and leave them searching for hope.
John Davis who is a PhD states that, “A variety of studies over many years have shown faster recovery from stress in response to nature stimuli than built settings.”Nature has a therapeutic value that could help relieve the stress people in Cincinnati are experiencing.
Program Description
As an artist I create abstract expressionistic works.My Idea is to create a series of Nature sculptures in Eden Park.They will depict the feeling of being trapped, with forms breaking through and inspiring hope.My sculptures would be relatable to the large amount of people in Cincinnati who are stressed due to financial decline.This would get them away from the city, and get a taste for the relaxing benefits of nature.I believe people forget how wonderful nature can be, and it is something free that anyone can enjoy.My artworks will hopefully remind people of this, and the beauty nature has in store.
The artworks will be created composed of mostly natural materials.This will be done to drive the connection to nature even further.Other than the fact that nature can have a therapeutic value, nature is something that is extremely powerful.So this correlates with the idea of people using their inner power to break through tough times.
Project Abstract
Overall, there is a large amount of the community in Cincinnati who is struggling with unemployment.For people who are having trouble with finding work, and having trouble supporting themselves or their family financially, I want to create works of Art that inspire.In today’s society people are obsessed with material things.People need to be reminded that there is more to life than technology.Nature is not only beautiful and powerful, it also has therapeutic value.So I want to get these people out in a natural environment.
I plan on doing this be creating three nature sculptures that reside in Eden Park temporarily.This will give people the chance to see the beauty of nature and then witness the power of my pieces.I want my work to give them hope and inspiration to get through what ever is stressing them out.Funding for these works will cost $300 for materials and work.Viewers will be asked of their opinions of the pieces.
My name is Hilary Alvey and I am an individual artist working in sculpture. I am delighted to present a project entitled “...” to the SlowArt Productions for your funding consideration.
Mission Statement:
My mission is to create a series of works that conveys the idea of escaping everyday stressors.The work will portray breaking through these stressors and grasping for hope. This will give viewers in the community a feeling of hope, and inspire them to find things they enjoy in life.
Project description of Project A:
Three Nature Sculptures
Collect branches and vine
Produce first sculpture
Produce second sculpture
Produce third sculpture
Organizational History:
“Nature Fields”, Public Art Project through Artisans Enterprise Center and the City of Covington. Covington, Ky.
Majoring in Studio Arts
Need Statement:
With the economy declining stress is weighing heavily on the community.People are struggling to find a job, support their family, or make it through school.This burdens a lot of pressure, and forms the feeling of being trapped.My work will portray escaping these burdens, and give people hope.The pieces will be abstract forms composed of tree branches.
Project Goals:
•To make the community aware of the power of art.
• To inspire people to find something they are passionate about.
• To create a therapeutic atmosphere for the community.
Should you find our programming compatible with your funding interests, please consider this a formal request for all relevant proposal guidelines, application procedures and deadlines for your next funding cycle. If you require any further information regarding my request, please do not hesitate to contact me at 859-486-9040, or alveyh1@nku.edu. Thank you for your consideration and your time. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Hilary Alvey
3028 Merrie Drive
Hebron, Ky 41018
859-486-9040
Alveyh1@nku.edu
“Nature is a mere pretext for a decorative composition, plus sentiment. It suggests emotion, and I translate that emotion into art.” – Georges Braque
When creating a work of art I like to portray any strong emotions I am feeling at that particular moment. These days, between all my academic and job responsibilities, and trying to figure out what I am going to do or what I need to get done for the future, I feel trapped. So my recent work tends to project this feeling. Making art helps me cope, escape from reality, and allows me to express what I am feeling. Aesthetically, pieces that include movement, nature, and warped imagery are more appealing to me, so I tend to use them in my work.
One series of abstract drawings I’ve done portrays this best. Each of them are a charcoal drawing that depicts a twisted and warped figure, composed of jagged lines, surrounded by a dark areas moving towards an area of light. As the figure gets closer to the light, parts of the figure branch off and point towards it, but they are smaller.I've made three images with this type of composition, but each is constructed differently.The idea behind these pieces was trying to escape all of the stress I had been encountering, and trying to figure out the right path to travel. The figure bends and moves in different directions to represent how hard it is to choose which path to take in life.
My work is expressionistic, so I feel my pieces are not only beneficial to me, but others who feel trapped in their environment. When I do this I hope it goes beyond being personally therapeutic and becomes more archetypal.
When creating a work of art I like to portray any strong emotions I am feeling at that particular moment.Between school, having to get assignments done, working to pay for school, not getting the chance to do things I enjoy, and trying to figure out what I am gong to do or what I need to get done for the future makes me feel trapped.So my recent work tends to project this feeling.Making art helps me cope, escape from reality, and allows me to express what I am feeling.Aesthetically, pieces that include movement, nature, and warped imagery are more appealing to me, so I tend to use them in my work.
One series of abstract drawings I’ve done portrays this best.Each of them are a charcoal drawing that depicts a twisted and warped figure, composed of jagged lines, surrounded by a dark areas moving towards an area of light.As the figure gets closer to the light, parts of the figure branch off and point towards it, but they are smaller.There are three images with this type of composition, but each is constructed differently.Each expressed how I felt the day I was making them.The idea behind these pieces was trying to escape all of the stress I had been encountering, and trying to figure out the right path to travel.The figure bends and moves in different directions to represent how hard it is to make up my mind on what path to take in life.
Working this way relieves the stresses I feel, and can express the way I feel when I cannot find the right words to describe it.In the end I feel better about my situation and when I look at my works I feel hope.Expressionism is the best description for my work and how I enjoy what I am creating.I would like to create more works conveying the feeling of being trapped so feel and I not only feel relieved, but others can relate hope also.This is a universal feeling, and everyone wants to break free from their worries and stressors.So I feel my pieces are not only beneficial to me, but others who feel trapped in their environment.When I do this I hope it goes beyond being personally therapeutic and becomes more archetypal.
When creating a work of art I like to portray strong emotions that I am feeling at that particular amount of time. Between school, having to get assignments done, working to pay for school, not getting the chance to do things I enjoy, and trying to figure out what I am going to do or what I need to get done for the future makes me feel trapped. So my recent work tends to project this feeling. Making art helps me cope, escape from reality, and allows me express what I am feeling. Aesthetically pieces that include movement, nature, and warped imagery are more appealing to me, so I tend to use them in my work.
One series of abstract drawings portrays this best. Each of them are charcoal drawings that depict a twisted and warped figure, composed of jagged lines, surrounded by a dark area moving towards an area of light. As it gets closer parts of the figure branch off and point towards the light, but are smaller. There are three images with this type of composition, but each are constructed differently. Each expressed how I felt the day I was making them. The idea behind them was trying to escape all of the stress I had been encountered with, and trying to find the right path to go. So the parts that branch out kind of represent failed attempts. The figure bends and moves in different directions to represent how hard it is to make up my mind on what path to take in life.
Working this way relieves the stresses I feel, and can express the way I feel when I cannot find the right words to describe it. In the end I feel better about my situation, and when I look at my works I feel hope. Expressionism is the best way for me to enjoy what I am creating. I would like to create more works conveying the feeling of being trapped so not only I feel relieved, but others can relate and feel hope. This is a universal feeling, and everyone wants to break free from their worries and stressors. So I feel my pieces are not only beneficial to me, but others who feel trapped in their environment.
While visiting the Cincinnati Art Museum, it was hard to pass by Darren Goodman’s new glass exhibit, Trial by Fire. When viewing his glass blown creations it is hard not to appreciate the forms throughout his work. As a Bowling Green State graduate, known for his glasswork, Darren does not disappoint. He enjoys using teamwork to create his pieces, and thinks that is something pivotal even outside of the art world. This shows in his piece “Tears of Joy” from which he used a group of people to create it. The piece is a large installation of elongated glass vases that droop down at various lengths. It is a beautiful piece and the fact that multiple people worked on it gives each piece something special. This was the work that stood out to me the most because it was dynamic, relatable, and enjoyable to look at.
Darren Goodman entered Bowling Green State University as a musician. However he got hooked on glass blowing after taking it for the first time. The class inspired him to work harder and learn as much as he could to create a successful work of art through glass blowing. When talking about his work he likes to compare it to things people do, or should do, in the world everyday. He states, “What we accomplish in glass, we can take into our day-to-day lives.”1In 2005 Goodman created a studio of his own in Waynesville, Ohio. He put together this studio only one year before completing his BFA. Goodman is a great inspiration to aspiring artists who are passionate about the medium they work with and/or the artwork they create. He also conducts classes in elementary and high schools. Goodman commented on this by saying he likes to work with children because they “… constantly remind me of the main reason why I continue to blow glass –‘because it’s fun.’”2 It is nice to see a successful artist working with younger students to show his ideas and techniques. This allows them to express themselves, and helps them learn how to portray their ideas with help from an expert. Another way he has become so inspiring, is that he has become successful so early on in his career.
After Graduating, Darren was commissioned for many public and private works of art. In 2009 he was asked to create trophies for the Ferrari Challenge by Ferrari North America. This organization asked him to create “…more than 100 pieces for Ferrari within a span of roughly six months…”3 They were very impressed with his work and happy that he used a traditional style from Venice, Italy in respect to the cars being works of art. In September of 2009 he was commissioned to create a work of art for an attorney at the “Light into the Future” event. This was in honor of the attorney providing security for Holocaust survivors.4 Along with other commissioned pieces he has said that he has sent 500 to 750 pieces to buyers around the world.5 This just shows how he has proven himself to the art world right out of the gate, or at least to collectors. After making these pieces that the purpose is to award people with an artistic trophy, he moves on to expand on formalistic pieces with some expressionism for his exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum.
Trial by Fire, the work I went to see at the Cincinnati Art Museum is a combination of works from Darren Goodman. This artwork/installation piece is quite large and so he uses a team of glass blowers at his studio to work on his pieces. One of Goodman’s works shown is formalistic. On one wall he had numerous red vases. These pieces are a trademark of his; the form is similar to a lot of pieces he makes for awards or trophies. They are mainly red; some have stripes of various colors going through them. They are enjoyable to look at because they have different indentions in them and the colors create nice, varied rhythms. They can make you feel different emotions looking at them due to the colors and postures. However, when you observe these pieces you can tell that the artist really concentrated on making an interesting form and color variation for each on. Even though this was a good example of formalism, Goodman is also great at expressionism.
Another work shown is an installation piece called “Tears of Joy”. This piece he worked on with a group of students. There are various sized vases that droop down; they are blue, white, clear, or a combination of the three. This piece is interesting because of how delicate it looks due to how thin the top of the vase is. When looking at the piece you could get the idea of formalism. The “tears” do give you a feeling of joy rather than sadness. In my eyes the joy is portrayed through the fact that the blues used to color some of the tears are lighter, and the tears are hanging over a box of sand. This is why I believe this work shows expressionism. Goodman enjoyed this piece because it used teamwork to create it and he feels like that needs to be used in the world everyday.Doing this adds a nice touch because the tears are each a little different, because they are created by other people. However they all resemble the same form.
I found that I really enjoyed Darren Goodman’s exhibit. I tend to enjoy work that deals with formalism with a hint of expressionism, and I feel that his work definitely portrays this. The way he manipulates the glass into certain postures and the way the colors work together is just great. Doing this makes you appreciate the forms he has created, and the combination of form, color, and design can make you feel a certain way. For example, “Tears of Joy” is made up of multiple elongated vases that are different lengths and color combinations from crystal to light blue. While looking at the work you appreciate how it is dynamic, the forms are daring because how thin the tops are with this bulbous bottom. Then again you get the feeling that is playful due to the sand, and cheerful because of the coloring. I can see why he has become so popular right out of the gate. My interpretation of the exhibit was the idea of strength in numbers. He does this by including more than one glass piece for each of his works. The one piece with all of the different red vases on the wall shows this, because instead of just making one vase with an interesting posture and color, he created numerous versions. This shows his hard work, dedication, and enjoyment of working with glass. The strong point of the exhibit was the different postures in all of the pieces. “Tears of Joy” was strong because the way the tears drooped and the how they were all different lengths. In a way I wanted to interact with them, because they were kind of playful and inviting. On the other hand, I did not want to because they looked delicate and as if they could break at any second. Overall the exhibit was inspiring, intriguing and enjoyable to look through. It made me want to find a medium I love to work with to create enjoyable works of art.
Darren Goodman is a very inspirational artist. He shows that in art you need to work hard, find a medium that inspires you, and stay true to your beliefs. Two beliefs noticed in this exhibit would be teamwork and having fun with art. On the other hand he has created pieces with great form, color schemes, and design. After learning about Goodman and his work, I would love to keep tabs on his future creations. His work is fun to see and be around. In a way I think that is what art should be. During a time when the world is based so much on personal opinion, one-upping and conflict, his work is refreshing, showing what beauty teamwork can accomplish. I also enjoy the fact that he takes time to work with students to share his ideas and techniques. I feel more artists should do this to show why people should respect the art world. His exhibit is beautiful, an enjoyable place to be, and deserving of the 4th Floor Award from the Cincinnati Art Museum. Be sure to check it out before January 1, 2011 or you will definitely be missing out.
1 Cincinnati Art Museum, "4th Floor Award: Trial by Fire: New Glass Work by Darren Goodman, Sept. 24, 2011 – Jan. 1, 2012." Last modified September 24, 2011. Accessed September 26, 2011. http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/absolutenm/templates/ArtTempNews.aspx?articleid=1098&zoneid=90.
2 Goodman, Darren. "Hand Blown Glass by: Darren Goodman." Last modified 2011. Accessed September 25, 2011. http://www.darrengoodman.net/news.htm.
3 Prevish, Val. Enquirer, "Artist Finds Success A Piece At A Time." Last modified June 13, 2009. Accessed September 26, 2011. http://www.darrengoodman.net/enquirer061409.htm.
4 Goodman, Darren. "Hand Blown Glass by: Darren Goodman." Last modified 2011. Accessed September 25, 2011. http://www.darrengoodman.net/news.htm.
5 Prevish, Val. Enquirer, "Artist Finds Success A Piece At A Time." Last modified June 13, 2009. Accessed September 26, 2011. http://www.darrengoodman.net/enquirer061409.htm.
[1] Goodman, Darren. "Hand Blown Glass by: Darren Goodman." Last modified 2011. Accessed September 25, 2011. http://www.darrengoodman.net/trialbyfire.htm.
[2] Goodman, Darren. "Hand Blown Glass by: Darren Goodman." Last modified 2011. Accessed September 25, 2011. http://www.darrengoodman.net/trialbyfire.htm.
[3] Goodman, Darren. "Hand Blown Glass by: Darren Goodman." Last modified 2011. Accessed September 25, 2011. http://www.darrengoodman.net/trialbyfire.htm.
While visiting the Cincinnati Art Museum, it was hard to pass by Darren Goodman’s new glass exhibit, Trial by Fire.When viewing his glass blown creations it is hard not to appreciate the forms throughout his work.As a Bowling Green State graduate, known for his glasswork, Darren does not disappoint.He enjoys using teamwork to create his pieces, and thinks that is something pivotal even outside of the art world. This shows in his piece “Tears of Joy” from which he used a group of people to create it, and it is a beautiful work of art.This was the work that stood out to me the most because it was dynamic, relatable, and enjoyable to look at.
Darren Goodman entered Bowling Green State University as a musician.However he got hooked on glass blowing after taking it for the first time.The class inspired him to work harder and learn as much as he could to create a successful work of art through glass blowing.When talking about his work he likes to compare it to things people do, or should do, in the world everyday.He states, “What we accomplish in glass, we can take into our day-to-day lives.”[1]In 2005 Goodman created a studio of his own in Waynesville, Ohio.He put together this studio only one year before completing his BFA.Goodman is a great inspiration to aspiring artists who are passionate about the medium they work with and/or the artwork they create.He also conducts classes for elementary and high school grades.Goodman commented on this saying he likes to work with children because they “… constantly remind me of the main reason why I continue to blow glass –‘because it’s fun.’”[2]It is nice to see a successful artist working with younger students to show his ideas and techniques.This allows them to express themselves, and helps them learn how to portray their ideas with help from an expert.Another way he has become inspiring, is the fact that he has become successful so early on in his career.
After Graduating, Darren was commissioned for many public and private works of art.In 2009 he was asked to create trophies for the Ferrari Challenge by Ferrari North America.This organization asked him to create “…more than 100 pieces for Ferrari within a span of roughly six months…”[3]They were very impressed with his work and happy that he used a traditional style from Venice, Italy in respect of the cars being works of art.In September of 2009 he was commissioned to create a work of art for an attorney at the “Light into the Future” event in honor of securing Holocaust survivors.[4]Along with other commissioned pieces he has said that he sends 500 to 750 pieces to buyers around the world.[5]This just shows how he has proven himself to the art world right out of the gate.He has accomplished a lot, and works really hard to get where he is today.His work to this point has been to represent something important to others to show their accomplishments, with his artistic spin on it.He also likes to create pieces relating to what he believes in.
Trial by Fire is a combination of works from Darren Goodman.He uses a team of glass blowers at his studio to work on his pieces.His artwork is actually large and he has also created an installation piece.Goodman’s work portrays expressionism.On one wall he had numerous red vases.These pieces are a trademark of his; the form is similar to a lot of pieces he makes for awards or trophies.They are mainly red; some have stripes of various colors going through them.They are enjoyable to look at because they have different indentions in them and the colors create nice different rhythms.They make you feel different emotions looking at them due to the colors and postured.Another work shown is an installation piece called “Tears of Joy”.This piece he worked on with a group of students.There are various sized vases that droop down; they are blue, white, clear, or a combination of the three.This piece is interesting because of how delicate it looks due to how thin the top of the vase is.The “tears” do give you a feeling of joy rather than sadness.Goodman enjoyed this piece because it used teamwork to create it and he feels like that needs to be used in the world everyday.
I found that I really enjoyed Darren Goodman’s exhibit.I tend to enjoy work that deals with expressionism, and I feel that his work definitely portrays this.The way he manipulates the glass into certain postures and the way the colors work together is just great.I can see why he has become so popular right out of the gate.My interpretation of the exhibit was the idea of strength in numbers.All of his works included more than one glasswork.Which I felt strengthened the works of art.I can definitely see his hard work, dedication, and enjoyment of working with glass.The strength of the exhibit was the different postures in all of the pieces.“Tears of Joy” was strong because the way the tears drooped and the how they were all different lengths.This made the piece dynamic because of how thin the top of the vases were with a bulbous bottom.In a way I wanted to interact with them, because they were kind of playful and inviting.On the other hand, I did not want to because they looked delicate and like they could break at any second.The exhibit was overall intriguing and enjoyable to look through, and inspiring.It made me want to find a medium I love to work with to create enjoyable works of art.
Darren Goodman is a very inspirational artist.He shows that in art you need to work hard, find a medium that inspires you, and stay true to your beliefs.His artwork shows his ideas, even if it does not, you can relate the work to something you believe.After learning about Goodman and his work, I would love to keep tabs on his future creations.His work is fun to see and be around.In a way I think that is what art should be.During a time when the world is so based on personal opinion, one-upping and conflict, his work is a refreshment showing what beauty teamwork can accomplish.I also enjoy that he takes time to work with students to share his ideas and techniques.I feel more artists should do this to show why people should respect the art world.His exhibit is beautiful, an enjoyable place to be, and deserving of the 4th Floor Award from the Cincinnati Art Museum.Be sure to check it out before January first, two thousand twelve, or you will definitely be missing out.
[1]Cincinnati Art Museum, "4th Floor Award: Trial by Fire: New Glass Work by Darren Goodman, Sept. 24, 2011 – Jan. 1, 2012." Last modified September 24, 2011. Accessed September 26, 2011. http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/absolutenm/templates/ArtTempNews.aspx?articleid=1098&zoneid=90.
[2]Goodman, Darren. "Hand Blown Glass by: Darren Goodman." Last modified 2011. Accessed September 25, 2011. http://www.darrengoodman.net/news.htm.
[3]Prevish, Val. Enquirer, "Artist Finds Success A Piece At A Time." Last modified June 13, 2009. Accessed September 26, 2011. http://www.darrengoodman.net/enquirer061409.htm.
[4]Goodman, Darren. "Hand Blown Glass by: Darren Goodman." Last modified 2011. Accessed September 25, 2011. http://www.darrengoodman.net/news.htm.
[5]Prevish, Val. Enquirer, "Artist Finds Success A Piece At A Time." Last modified June 13, 2009. Accessed September 26, 2011. http://www.darrengoodman.net/enquirer061409.htm.
I read the review: Presages: Gordon Smith’s Kentucky Coal Country Photographs, by: Karen S. Chambers.Overall I found this review very informative and interesting.She did a great job writing the description of the exhibit.This made you knowledgeable of what the artist was going through, what they were capturing with photography, and the reason why he was taking photographs of this.I feel like she skipped the analysis and just focused on the interpretations.I also did not catch much judgment.So, I feel like she just really wanted people to know what the purpose of the art was and why people should care, which I enjoyed.The only real problem I had was that some of the photographs she explained weren’t shown.However she did do a great job describing them.So this was a good review for me to read to learn how to put the background information and description of the exhibit in my paper.
