In my graduate seminar class, we have been studying various essays on the value of a MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) degree. In our discussions, I see a trend to apply the MFA as a way of identifying art practice on a higher level based on critical analysis, history and conceptual approach, a way of descerning conceptual artists from hobbyists such as bead making, quilting, scrapbooking, pottery etc.
It seems that educated or degreed artists are assuming the role of art patrons spoken of by critic Clement Greenberg in his 1939 essay, Avant Garde and Kitsch. The cultured class values of that era are not as prevalent in contemporary culture and those who can afford art buy pre-existing pieces rather than pay to have it created as in the past. The baton of critical art discussion is being assumed by the university artisans who debate aesthetics.
What drives art in the 21st century? Is it appreciation of traditional forms of art such as painting and sculpture or the allure of art making using commercial products and processes by the average hobbyist? Can such a small group of people such as university artisans keep art interests alive or will it be the larger population who's creativity ranges from macramé to scrapbooking?
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Monday, October 17, 2005
Defining Art Degrees
There is a buzz going on in artistic academic circles these days on just what the object of a professional arts degree is supposed to be. Should it be to enrich the individual or to reflect well on the school? I think the reason this debate is going on is simply that the arts feel threatened. As technology increasingly allows the average, creative, motivated person to use the same tools as the professionals, it dilutes the professionalism of the practice. Standards are in question. Does it take a degree to be creative?
It happened to typesetters, graphic designers, photographers, videographers and image makers in general. Some of these trades were skilled, blue collar jobs, accepted amongst professionals. As technology advanced and commerce catered to their audience with a wider acceptance of arts and crafts, the trade tools have become widely available.
If creativity cannot be measured by a degree, what separates the degreed professional from the highly skilled, non degreed person? Is it concept, materials, critical analysis?
Surely it is a wise thing to look to organizations that support their profession. It is likely they who will set the standards for professions in general.
It happened to typesetters, graphic designers, photographers, videographers and image makers in general. Some of these trades were skilled, blue collar jobs, accepted amongst professionals. As technology advanced and commerce catered to their audience with a wider acceptance of arts and crafts, the trade tools have become widely available.
If creativity cannot be measured by a degree, what separates the degreed professional from the highly skilled, non degreed person? Is it concept, materials, critical analysis?
Surely it is a wise thing to look to organizations that support their profession. It is likely they who will set the standards for professions in general.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Sharing-What a Concept!
I have been lead to believe that people don't want to read long emails that detail a person's day (such as I tend to write). I know for a fact that one person stopped writing me because of my long winded, in depth emails. Yet it goes even deeper. Writing such a long message can lend itself to being "too familiar" (gasp!). And I think that many people are put off by that level of personal dialog. Sure, a person at the grocery store might tell you their life story in the check out line but in email, it is different. I have often gotten the feeling that because email (or letter writing) is more personal, directed to one person specifically, it makes them feel vulnerable. The difference is probably the physicality of being together vs apart on line.
Of course, American men are socialized to be less vulnerable. Men tend to avoid the deeper issues, talk statistics and attributes rather than feelings and shared ideals (think sports talk). I've even noticed that a group of men watching a porno will hoop and holler and make crude jokes so that, in my opinion, they don't have to admit the video is having an emotional (and dare I say physiological) effect on them. That would be (gulp!), a shared emotion.
Women like to talk and share but as men are more likely not to share, the idea of a man who is not their husband sharing deep feelings and vulnerabilities could be uneasy as it would be man to man. It puts them at odds with with the old idea of "just friends" or being intimate. That's understandable. As a man, I think the universe has gifted me to be able to share thoughts and feelings. I'm proud of it. I also know that the "familiarity" shared between myself and that other person can put each person in a vulnerable position where boundaries have to be set.
I'd like to think that women can tell the difference between sharing and a "come on." The stereotype in our society is that the women are more about the chase and men, about the conquest. Learning about the individual is likely to get the best results.
Of course, American men are socialized to be less vulnerable. Men tend to avoid the deeper issues, talk statistics and attributes rather than feelings and shared ideals (think sports talk). I've even noticed that a group of men watching a porno will hoop and holler and make crude jokes so that, in my opinion, they don't have to admit the video is having an emotional (and dare I say physiological) effect on them. That would be (gulp!), a shared emotion.
Women like to talk and share but as men are more likely not to share, the idea of a man who is not their husband sharing deep feelings and vulnerabilities could be uneasy as it would be man to man. It puts them at odds with with the old idea of "just friends" or being intimate. That's understandable. As a man, I think the universe has gifted me to be able to share thoughts and feelings. I'm proud of it. I also know that the "familiarity" shared between myself and that other person can put each person in a vulnerable position where boundaries have to be set.
I'd like to think that women can tell the difference between sharing and a "come on." The stereotype in our society is that the women are more about the chase and men, about the conquest. Learning about the individual is likely to get the best results.
Monday, April 18, 2005
New ways to Deal With Old Computers
I am the office administrator at my local Unitarian Universalist Church. Several people have donated old Macs to the church but they are so old, no one would really want them for anything practical but...they can do certain simple tasks that do not require newer computers.
I want to develop a PowerPoint slide show for the church foyer that would serve as an educational tool for religious education, congregational events and announcements. This way, when people are standing in the foyer, they would have a dynamic way of seeing what is happening at the church and hopefully learn more about us.
The equipment could be an older machine running any operating system and monitors that are otherwise cast aside. Think donation here.
I'd also like to see the youth involved in the actual updating of information. A youth who is computer savvy might see the job as a challenge or at the very least, a cool thing to do. In the end, the effort would involve them in the greater church community. I see this as a win win situation.
I want to develop a PowerPoint slide show for the church foyer that would serve as an educational tool for religious education, congregational events and announcements. This way, when people are standing in the foyer, they would have a dynamic way of seeing what is happening at the church and hopefully learn more about us.
The equipment could be an older machine running any operating system and monitors that are otherwise cast aside. Think donation here.
I'd also like to see the youth involved in the actual updating of information. A youth who is computer savvy might see the job as a challenge or at the very least, a cool thing to do. In the end, the effort would involve them in the greater church community. I see this as a win win situation.
Admission Musings
I just found out tonight that my admission was declined by one of the MFA programs I applied to. After my interview with them, I am not surprised but a bit disappointed. I have some thoughts on the issue.
Choosing a grad program is a challenge. Distance, cost, suitability, goals, come together as characteristics to define what I might want. On their side, I suppose it is much the same. I assume they ask, "how will this person fit within our sturcture?" I want to become part of a program suited to my interests and personality as much as the school wants me for my particular attributes.
On a practical side, each college admits students who they feel will benefit from their program while adhering to their objectives. If I'm a good fit for them, then they benefit as do I. Growth happens all round.
Considering I have only one more university to hear from, I am still upbeat about the whole issue. I am not doing this at 44 for any prestige a MFA may bring but the personal growth I want as a middle aged man. It seems a natural progression to segue from being a graphic designer to attending grad school in graphic design. I do want to go and hope to hear from them soon.
Choosing a grad program is a challenge. Distance, cost, suitability, goals, come together as characteristics to define what I might want. On their side, I suppose it is much the same. I assume they ask, "how will this person fit within our sturcture?" I want to become part of a program suited to my interests and personality as much as the school wants me for my particular attributes.
On a practical side, each college admits students who they feel will benefit from their program while adhering to their objectives. If I'm a good fit for them, then they benefit as do I. Growth happens all round.
Considering I have only one more university to hear from, I am still upbeat about the whole issue. I am not doing this at 44 for any prestige a MFA may bring but the personal growth I want as a middle aged man. It seems a natural progression to segue from being a graphic designer to attending grad school in graphic design. I do want to go and hope to hear from them soon.
A Possible Career Move?
As office administrator at the UU church were I attend, part of my responsibility is to make announcements from the pulpit. I have been speaking from the pulpit for several weeks now. In fact, our minister is in the pulpit this week and she specifically requested me as her lay reader because she likes my manner of speaking and respects the way I handle myself on the alter.
After this past weeks service, we had a pot luck. I was sitting with a few graphic or educational artists (I always seem to surround myself with a good crowd to talk with). One of the persons said, "so David, tell me, when will you be going to seminary to become a UU minister?" I was stunned and taken aback. She then said, "really, I see you as a UU minister. You'd be a good one." I was still stunned but said that wasn't my path. Now what makes her so sure I would make a good minister? Is it the same qualities that I feel would make me a good art therapist? Where I go from here is anyone's guess.
After this past weeks service, we had a pot luck. I was sitting with a few graphic or educational artists (I always seem to surround myself with a good crowd to talk with). One of the persons said, "so David, tell me, when will you be going to seminary to become a UU minister?" I was stunned and taken aback. She then said, "really, I see you as a UU minister. You'd be a good one." I was still stunned but said that wasn't my path. Now what makes her so sure I would make a good minister? Is it the same qualities that I feel would make me a good art therapist? Where I go from here is anyone's guess.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Cyclical Life in New Battlestar
Spoilers...Spoilers...Spoilers!!!
In season 2, as Starbuck was torturing a Cylon agent, he says, “in the past, I was the one in your place and you were in mine. We are doomed to repeat the cycle over and over.“ Since the Cylon Boomer is giving birth, after mating with a Human, the baby would be part of both. This leads me to believe that what we call Humans are simply one species and the Cylon species is another that is equal to our ego and emotion but stronger in body.
This could also explain why the Humans speak of multiple gods and the Cylons speak of one god. Rebirth through eons of culture and destruction could conceivably result in a polytheistic culture (many cultures, many planets, many gods). The Cylons apparently believe in a monotheistic system, where god is in everything and "life is a continuous stream." The Cylon agent also says all life began on Caprica. I'm not surprised that Starbuck did not *get* the Cylon's metaphysical description of life because she's trained to react to things on a practical level. The military and philosophers do not often mix.
So I think the series is telling us Humanity and Cylons are basically one and the same, just on opposite ends of the life cycle. Did we create the Cylons or they create us?
In season 2, as Starbuck was torturing a Cylon agent, he says, “in the past, I was the one in your place and you were in mine. We are doomed to repeat the cycle over and over.“ Since the Cylon Boomer is giving birth, after mating with a Human, the baby would be part of both. This leads me to believe that what we call Humans are simply one species and the Cylon species is another that is equal to our ego and emotion but stronger in body.
This could also explain why the Humans speak of multiple gods and the Cylons speak of one god. Rebirth through eons of culture and destruction could conceivably result in a polytheistic culture (many cultures, many planets, many gods). The Cylons apparently believe in a monotheistic system, where god is in everything and "life is a continuous stream." The Cylon agent also says all life began on Caprica. I'm not surprised that Starbuck did not *get* the Cylon's metaphysical description of life because she's trained to react to things on a practical level. The military and philosophers do not often mix.
So I think the series is telling us Humanity and Cylons are basically one and the same, just on opposite ends of the life cycle. Did we create the Cylons or they create us?
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Buffing The Floor
My father was a fanatic about buffing our wooden floors when I was a kid. He bought a commercial buffer through a relative owned, janatorial service many years ago. The thing was a monster, dragging you all over the place, left, then right, almost demolishing everything in its path. And that was when it was used correctly! So needless to say, it's hard to handle. My dad has since passed away and it looks like the buffer is being retired. My mom isn't so fanatical about her floors so she doesn't really care what its destination is.
That unholy buffer was the cause of many arguments between my father and myself. His philosophy was to keep the floor shining as long as possible by constantly working on it. My philosophy was that the shinier the floor, the more it would show scuff marks and footprints so why worry about it. I think the same way about leaf raking. Leaves are a natural covering and besides...who said a yard must be devoid of foliage (my dad for one). So the buffer's now in our storage room awaiting its fate. Daddy, I am sad that you're gone. I just can't say the same thing about your buffer.
That unholy buffer was the cause of many arguments between my father and myself. His philosophy was to keep the floor shining as long as possible by constantly working on it. My philosophy was that the shinier the floor, the more it would show scuff marks and footprints so why worry about it. I think the same way about leaf raking. Leaves are a natural covering and besides...who said a yard must be devoid of foliage (my dad for one). So the buffer's now in our storage room awaiting its fate. Daddy, I am sad that you're gone. I just can't say the same thing about your buffer.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Taking the GRE
Well, what can I say. I took the GRE on my 44th birthday this past week. I felt absolutely relaxed because I knew I was as prepared as possible, having taken a continuing education, prep class beforehand to learn the way you take the test. I knew the toughest part would be the math but as the instructor said, “it's not about doing the math as much as it is thinking mathematically.” And how right he was.
The math problems consisted mainly of comparisons that were visually challenging. Close examination of each problem was required to verify what numbers canceled each other out or contained more than a value of 0 or 1. Right and wrong answers depended on how you read the problems. I think I did better than minimum in this section.
The vocabulary part was challenging because of the as is questions. As long as I know the definition, even remotely, I can usually make a comparison. There were a few fill in the blank questions which were easier. The latter part of the vocabulary was reading comprehension. As usual, if the passage was difficult to comprehend, it was tough to find the answers, especially those asking for relevancy to the overall article.
The essays took the longest but were by far, the easiest for me. The object is to write a persuasive essay based on one of two subjects and an argumentative one based on the topic you're given. I'm better at the persuasive. I knew the characteristics they would be looking for making it easier to compose overall. The argumentative is not as direct but I think I did pretty well.
Aside from the test, I have several observations on the experience itself. The test interface is presented in a 16 color graphics mode, (circa 1991) which is clunky and poorly designed. The typography (if you could call it that) on the screen is about as legible as a stick figure is to a fully rendered human body. The line length stretched the width of the screen in a 100 plus character array that was difficult to follow. If you have to turn your head to complete a sentence, the line length is too long! There were no type characters per say, rather an asci character that resembled a type character. At the prices charged for taking the test, these folks could hire designers to do the graphics.
The keyboards are the type consistent with a 1980's PC, very harsh key response; think clickity clack.
Whoever design the testing center obviously did not take ergonomics into consideration. The facility was a psychologists nightmare, uninviting to say the least. Seating was uncomfortable and the testing area was cramped. I was initially denied use of my lumbar support pillow in the testing area, complaining politely but firmly that I needed it for the three hour plus exam. After some hushed discussion between the test administering person and her supervisor, I was allowed to carry it in.
If the testing center demands excellence, why should I not demand as much? I gave them a 2 out of 10 stars for their efforts (and I'm being generous). The GRE test practice software isn't even available for the Mac? I sense resistance to change on their part, probably monetary based.
The test took about three and a half hours to complete. Since I finished around the same time as the others giving me the sense that I was on average, my spirits were lifted. This was the last step in the admission process I need for the two MFA programs I have applied to. Here's to the future!
The math problems consisted mainly of comparisons that were visually challenging. Close examination of each problem was required to verify what numbers canceled each other out or contained more than a value of 0 or 1. Right and wrong answers depended on how you read the problems. I think I did better than minimum in this section.
The vocabulary part was challenging because of the as is questions. As long as I know the definition, even remotely, I can usually make a comparison. There were a few fill in the blank questions which were easier. The latter part of the vocabulary was reading comprehension. As usual, if the passage was difficult to comprehend, it was tough to find the answers, especially those asking for relevancy to the overall article.
The essays took the longest but were by far, the easiest for me. The object is to write a persuasive essay based on one of two subjects and an argumentative one based on the topic you're given. I'm better at the persuasive. I knew the characteristics they would be looking for making it easier to compose overall. The argumentative is not as direct but I think I did pretty well.
Aside from the test, I have several observations on the experience itself. The test interface is presented in a 16 color graphics mode, (circa 1991) which is clunky and poorly designed. The typography (if you could call it that) on the screen is about as legible as a stick figure is to a fully rendered human body. The line length stretched the width of the screen in a 100 plus character array that was difficult to follow. If you have to turn your head to complete a sentence, the line length is too long! There were no type characters per say, rather an asci character that resembled a type character. At the prices charged for taking the test, these folks could hire designers to do the graphics.
The keyboards are the type consistent with a 1980's PC, very harsh key response; think clickity clack.
Whoever design the testing center obviously did not take ergonomics into consideration. The facility was a psychologists nightmare, uninviting to say the least. Seating was uncomfortable and the testing area was cramped. I was initially denied use of my lumbar support pillow in the testing area, complaining politely but firmly that I needed it for the three hour plus exam. After some hushed discussion between the test administering person and her supervisor, I was allowed to carry it in.
If the testing center demands excellence, why should I not demand as much? I gave them a 2 out of 10 stars for their efforts (and I'm being generous). The GRE test practice software isn't even available for the Mac? I sense resistance to change on their part, probably monetary based.
The test took about three and a half hours to complete. Since I finished around the same time as the others giving me the sense that I was on average, my spirits were lifted. This was the last step in the admission process I need for the two MFA programs I have applied to. Here's to the future!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Mid Life Crisis-Pt.1
My wife and I have been seeing a therapist...primarily for us but recently, for me. I am currently without a job and that's got me down. I've applied to two graduate programs for the fall so I DO have a goal. The only requirement I have I have left is to take the GRE. Considering the areas it covers, I consider it a waste of time and money.
I am glad there are people in the world who like and do well in math. The world needs these folks. I wonder how they would do on a test covering visual awareness and German Existentialism?
Anyway, the mere thought of having to take the GRE has me depressed. It's bad enough that I feel life is on hold, but to have someone tell me my future depends on whether I do well on a test measuring skills unassociated with my profession is hazy and undefinable.
We went to the therapist today and I was in a good mood. It seems I am always in a decent mood when we go see him. He sees me at my best. Fortunately, he listens well and gives me good advice, actually sympathizing with me today which made the whole thing seem more real.
I know my current situation will pass. I need structure and a goal. Hopefully I will be admitted to at least one grad school program I have applied to. That's the most important thing for me at this time.
I am glad there are people in the world who like and do well in math. The world needs these folks. I wonder how they would do on a test covering visual awareness and German Existentialism?
Anyway, the mere thought of having to take the GRE has me depressed. It's bad enough that I feel life is on hold, but to have someone tell me my future depends on whether I do well on a test measuring skills unassociated with my profession is hazy and undefinable.
We went to the therapist today and I was in a good mood. It seems I am always in a decent mood when we go see him. He sees me at my best. Fortunately, he listens well and gives me good advice, actually sympathizing with me today which made the whole thing seem more real.
I know my current situation will pass. I need structure and a goal. Hopefully I will be admitted to at least one grad school program I have applied to. That's the most important thing for me at this time.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Just A Little Snack
Hello everyone. My name's David and this is my first blog (hi David). I look forward to reading and cheking out what people are doing and sharing. I hope you'll do the same.
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