I have been woefully neglectful of posting here, what with the end of term, helping out with both a graduate student's final show (cold-working a lot of glass), helping a friend hang his prints for his senior show, dealing with commencements and all the pomp, ceremony and insanity associated with this time of year.
Getting back on track, I found an older web listing of a show called "Things With Wings" at The Walter Museum in Maryland. Here is a description of the show from October 12, 2005 - November 26, 2006
This small exhibition explores the various winged gods and hybrid creatures in ancient Greek art. The Greeks conceived of messenger gods like Hermes and Iris as winged, so they could go anywhere and swiftly deliver their messages to gods and mortals alike. In the medieval world, angels became the winged intermediaries between God and humans. Personifications of abstract concepts, such as Love (Eros), Victory (Nike), Sleep (Hypnos), and Death (Thanatos), could also appear as winged humans. The wings of monsters like griffins, sirens, and sphinxes enhanced their terrifying appearance but also protected the beings they guarded. The installation presents 31 objects, which include Greek bronze and marble statuettes, vases, and gems.
I have already corresponded with the museum regarding these pieces and Dr. Sabine Albersmeier, Associate Curator of Ancient Art will hopefully be able to assist me with some of my research! This show is being reprised at the Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art in Salisbury, Maryland next year, from May 15 – July 19, 2009. Hopefully, I will be able to get there to see it.
If anyone out there has any information(history/origins/folktales/etc.) to share about "hybrid creatures" please email me!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Syncronized Movement
My mom sent me this video because she likes horses and showmenship. I like this video because it shows how an interspecies relationship can develop. It shows how a man viewed from a distance could be thought to be part of a heard of unique animals, perhaps he and the horse are actually one being, because what other explanation could there be for a man moving so easily in sync with all of these animals? Makes one ponder the idea of the origin of some of our longest standing myths.
Monday, May 5, 2008
"Redefining Movement" 5/4/08
Well folks, here are the photos as promised. An undulating sculpture ala Calder. The installation went well and although not sparkly, loud, messy or otherwise obtrusive, I believe it achieved the goal of demonstrating an undulating movement during our final show (Redefining Movement- A Sculptural Experience, May 4 2008).
We'll see how it does academically. Just as a review here is the Final Assignment instructions (click to read the instructions) . Please scroll down through the blog and compare the video "Learning to Dolphin Kick" with the images that I have here. As an object of assistance, the approach I ultimately took is to teach the first step of visualization. That is to say, to visualize a wave-like movement, which the body can replicate. I would really like to get some input back on what people think about this project. For the time being this is my conceptual, Zen statement on learning the movement of the dolphin kick.
All About Movement
Want to mess with peoples' heads? Stop moving. Put a hold on everyday movement in a crowd and watch what happens. This video does just that. Hope you enjoy.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Final Sculpture Project
I will post some pictures of the final project a bit later. At least it is finished and installed, after three failed attemps/design revisions.
The final project is about designing something to enhance or inhibit a movement which we described in an earlier project. My movement was learning how to dolphin kick. I wrote a brief decription with instructions on how to accomplish this swim stroke. The first step to learning this movement, however, begins by envisioning an undulating ripple or wave. Then you have to apply the idea of that motion to moving your body in a similar fashion underwater.
In an effort to help the viewer understand this rippling motion I have created a mobile which undulates from side to side. By standing below it and watching the movement of its nine rectangular, vertically hung panels, the viewer gets a sense of how the body must move horizontally through the water. The spaces between each panel represent each of the major joints involved in accomplishing this movement (wrist, elbow, shoulder, lower back, hips, knees and ankles).
Originally the sculpture was going to involve many components ala Ned Kahn's designs. Due to a challenge with the US Postal system, I didn't receive the holographic sequins in time to complete the sculpture as originally intended, so I tried it with just its hardware cloth form but it wouldn't move becuase there wasn't enough surface area to catch an aircurrents. Then, there were issues with hanging/balance. So I got a shimmering antique silver(more of a taupe) ripstop nylon cloth and made covers for each of the panels and switched all the mechanics to black.
The completed sculpture is hanging in the foyer to Harder Hall just above the main doors. It is by far and away one of the most simple and yet elegant things I have made in a while. No flash, no sparkle, just a gentle, undulating mobile; an undulating reminder to help the curious move more naturally through the water, just like a dolphin.
The final project is about designing something to enhance or inhibit a movement which we described in an earlier project. My movement was learning how to dolphin kick. I wrote a brief decription with instructions on how to accomplish this swim stroke. The first step to learning this movement, however, begins by envisioning an undulating ripple or wave. Then you have to apply the idea of that motion to moving your body in a similar fashion underwater.
In an effort to help the viewer understand this rippling motion I have created a mobile which undulates from side to side. By standing below it and watching the movement of its nine rectangular, vertically hung panels, the viewer gets a sense of how the body must move horizontally through the water. The spaces between each panel represent each of the major joints involved in accomplishing this movement (wrist, elbow, shoulder, lower back, hips, knees and ankles).
Originally the sculpture was going to involve many components ala Ned Kahn's designs. Due to a challenge with the US Postal system, I didn't receive the holographic sequins in time to complete the sculpture as originally intended, so I tried it with just its hardware cloth form but it wouldn't move becuase there wasn't enough surface area to catch an aircurrents. Then, there were issues with hanging/balance. So I got a shimmering antique silver(more of a taupe) ripstop nylon cloth and made covers for each of the panels and switched all the mechanics to black.
The completed sculpture is hanging in the foyer to Harder Hall just above the main doors. It is by far and away one of the most simple and yet elegant things I have made in a while. No flash, no sparkle, just a gentle, undulating mobile; an undulating reminder to help the curious move more naturally through the water, just like a dolphin.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
