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.
When looking at a work of art, or working on becoming an artist, you begin to ask yourself, “What is art?” To me art is a form of expression, and through my experience I have been able to come up with three ideas that make something a piece of art. First, art is a creation made to provoke emotion, or also known as expressionism. Second, art can be something made to represent an idea or belief. Third, a work of art needs to be created by an artist that puts time and effort into the piece. These three principles are the building blocks to what makes something art. To be clear, a work of art does not need to use all three of these principles to prove itself. In order for something to be considered art it needs to include one of these three ideas.
My first point, that art is a creation to provoke emotion, falls into a category of art called expressionism. An artist that would fit into this category would be Vincent Van Gogh. A lot of artists during this time “…assumed that the chief function of art was to express their intense feelings to the world.”[1]When I think of Van Gogh, I think of his piece “Starry Night”.
While looking at this artwork I feel calm, cool, and mesmerized. The artist does this through his color usage, brushstrokes, and composition. This is important because it allows the audience to connect with the piece. They can relate to the feelings it portrays, and the piece can make them think about what mind frame the artist was in while making it. When an artwork creates an emotion, and makes people think, and it makes them want to look at the piece more and learn about it. So then it becomes a successful work of art because the artist expresses themselves through a work of art, and allows the audience to relate to the emotions and thoughts that the artist was feeling. Van Gogh produced highly expressionist paintings the last few years of his life which represented his reflected his increasing depression. Expressionism is important because the audience connects to the piece in another way than just liking the work of art. They can relate to the piece from having felt the shown emotion or through sympathy for the artist.
Next, art can be something that represents an idea or belief. An artwork can portray a popular or unpopular belief at the time to get reactions from an audience. For example, The Sistine Chapel paintings by Michelangelo were created to glorify the church and scripture from the Bible.These beautiful works of art made people think about where they believed, about the way they lived, and if they were doing what was right to help them in the afterlife. This type of art moves people on a completely different level than just emotion. The art connects with their lifestyles, and everyday ideas. Even though the Sistine Chapel may not have portrayed Michelangelo’s beliefs, it was a successful piece for the church. The works of art in the church probably made more people attend. With Michelangelo’s beautiful imagery, it probably drew people in because that is the way they want Heaven to be. So this would make people want to go to the church more often, and donate money, so they could get into this beautiful atmosphere the artist has created. In a way the work is like a advertisement for Heaven. The Sistine Chapel is a wonderful example of work showing a popular belief at the time. This is when the church was rising and kind of controlling the way people worshipped. Michelangelo was a great sculpture, and actually did not want to paint the chapel.[2] However, while looking at the beauty of his realistic images, you could not tell that this was something that he did not want to do. This shows that artists can be moved and take in information to create a masterpiece to represent something that is a popular belief.
Finally, for something to be called a work of art it needs to be created by an artist that puts time and effort into the piece. In other words, there needs to be some craft. For an artist to create a great work of art they need to be a master of their craft. When art is created this way, it is more likely to become respected and appreciated. Art is something that expresses ones thoughts, feelings, ideas, representations, etc. Therefore they should really work and put time into it. Andy Goldsworthy is someone who does just this.Even though his pieces are temporary, he puts a lot of preparation into his pieces. He uses all natural substances for his sculptures. Goldsworthy takes the time to study nature, collect materials he desires, and then create a work of art. He states “I want my art to be sensitive and alert to changes in material, season and weather. Each work grows, stays, decays. Process and decay are implicit. Transience in my work reflects what I find in nature." [3]This shows the thought that he puts into each piece. When you look at the work he creates you can tell how much craft and hard work he puts into his pieces. With this his artwork is interesting, inspiring, and incredible. To me, his work shows how important it is for art to be created with craft.
In conclusion, art is a form of expression that needs one of three principles to be considered art. Art must provoke emotion and thought. This makes it relatable to the audience, because they have experienced the thoughts and emotions shown in the piece. They think back to times that they have felt a certain emotion, and can feel sympathetic for the artist. I feel like expressionism is the most important part of art, because it is the most relatable. Art can be something made to represent an idea or belief. This can stir up emotions and get people to agree or disagree with the piece. It is a good way for an audience to relate to a great work of art. Art should make you think. This makes the artwork something people can discuss and try to see where the artist is coming from, and find out where they themselves stand on certain issues. Art is also something that is created by an artist who puts time and effort into a piece. This makes the artwork stronger and more affective. The detail would move the audience and make them appreciate the artist’s creativity. I believe art is a form of expression, and there are certain building blocks behind it.
[1] Museum Quality, "Expressionistic Movements." Last modified 2007. Accessed September 7, 2011. http://www.huntfor.com/arthistory/C20th/expressionism.htm.
[2]Fay, Theresa. "The Sistine Chapel." Accessed September 7, 2011. http://www.svcc.edu/academics/classes/murray/Ezine/sistine.html
[3]Morning Earth, "Artist/Naturalist Andy Goldsworthy." Accessed September 7, 2011.
