We live in a digital age. I accept that. For the most part I embrace it. While I still love the tactile relationship with actual film and paper books, I understand why technology is good and why we should embrace it.
That being said, I have 3 classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I start the day with a 3.5 hour digital photography class (where I look at a computer screen), followed by 2 art history classes that last 2 hours each (where I stare at Powerpoints on the wall and take notes on my computer). This means that for roughly 7.5 hours I am required to look at a computer screen. This doesn't include what I do outside of class (like blogging or checking facebook, sending emails and netflix, etc). I realized today that I truly live on my computer.
I realize this as I chug caffeinated beverages to fight back the headache I get from looking at a computer screen all day. So I will sum up today with that note. Technology good. Now its time to make technology to combat our technology. This much soda can't be good for me.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Spring Quarter
Sorry! I completely fail at life and I admit that. I haven't posted and I've been back from spring break for nearly 2 weeks. I also didn't post about the photo field trip I went on to the zoo or the drawings that I attempted. On that particular note, drawing things that move is a new challenge for me.
So its the second week of the quarter. Haven't really gotten into the assignments yet. This is the part of the quarter where things are still pretty slow. I can watch TV at night and still not feel guilty about it. My digital photography class has been overwhelming me with techno speak that I barely understand. It's going to be a challenge taking pictures for that class. Besides the added volume of pictures I'm not used to (pixels are cheap, right?) there's the added fuss of calculating for computer error whenever I take a picture. So instead of just worrying about my aperture and shutter speed, I have to worry about how my camera is going to interpret about 20 different things besides aperture and shutter speed. Its a new element that will definitely take some getting used to. The shooting in color thing is different as well. I'm used to setting up a composition and completely disregarding the color because it would be turned to grey scale anyway. I'm very glad that I took intro to color last quarter. Diane's class will definitely help me in this class. Even though I complain, I'm still very much looking forward to it. I'll finally be able to use a digital camera like a pro, not just hoping for the best. Also, Ben will turn me into a Photoshop pro by the end, I'm certain of that.
Intermediate B/W photo is going to be challenging to say the least. We will be shooting with a large format camera. My instructor said that taking a single shot with this camera takes about 20 minutes, and she was not joking at all. I'm seriously debating buying an external light meter because trying to use my digital camera is slightly difficult. It requires a lot of mental math that quite frankly I don't trust myself to do. We took 2 experimental shots on Monday and I'm going to develop them in about 15 minutes, so we'll see exactly how much work I'll be needing to do this quarter. I already have a lot of ideas for projects though, so I'm hoping Tracy will go along with them. My partner unfortunately dropped the class, but that does mean that I'm the only person in the class with their own camera, so I have the freedom to do just about any project I need to without restriction of time. I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot of shots down by the gorge out in yellow springs. Thank God the weather is finally improving. Its about time Ohio!
Those are my only 2 studio classes this quarter. I feel pretty good about that. I am still taking 5 classes, though, so that leaves me with 3 art history classes. My professor is extremely understanding and letting me take one without all the required pre-reqs so that I can still attempt to graduate on time. It's going to take a little bit of added effort, but I'm willing to do the leg work. I am a little behind in my reading for her 2 classes though because I was waiting on my books to arrive. I will still wait and order my books the first week of class if it will save me heartache and money, though, so I'm definitely not complaining. My job just quieted down a lot so I'll have time on the weekends to get caught up. My third history class is a survey of museums. It only meets once a week on Fridays which was a bummer until I found out we only meet the first 5 weeks, then go on 3 museum field trips and we're done. There's also no quizzes or exams! Just written homework and a term paper. I love taking upper level classes!!!
So while this was a brief introduction to my new and amazing quarter, hopefully that will keep you from getting confused when I actually start being responsible about posting regularly. I definitely have more time, I need to use it to fulfill my own commitments, right?
P.S. thank you mevins for reminding me I have a blog and should post ;-)
So its the second week of the quarter. Haven't really gotten into the assignments yet. This is the part of the quarter where things are still pretty slow. I can watch TV at night and still not feel guilty about it. My digital photography class has been overwhelming me with techno speak that I barely understand. It's going to be a challenge taking pictures for that class. Besides the added volume of pictures I'm not used to (pixels are cheap, right?) there's the added fuss of calculating for computer error whenever I take a picture. So instead of just worrying about my aperture and shutter speed, I have to worry about how my camera is going to interpret about 20 different things besides aperture and shutter speed. Its a new element that will definitely take some getting used to. The shooting in color thing is different as well. I'm used to setting up a composition and completely disregarding the color because it would be turned to grey scale anyway. I'm very glad that I took intro to color last quarter. Diane's class will definitely help me in this class. Even though I complain, I'm still very much looking forward to it. I'll finally be able to use a digital camera like a pro, not just hoping for the best. Also, Ben will turn me into a Photoshop pro by the end, I'm certain of that.
Intermediate B/W photo is going to be challenging to say the least. We will be shooting with a large format camera. My instructor said that taking a single shot with this camera takes about 20 minutes, and she was not joking at all. I'm seriously debating buying an external light meter because trying to use my digital camera is slightly difficult. It requires a lot of mental math that quite frankly I don't trust myself to do. We took 2 experimental shots on Monday and I'm going to develop them in about 15 minutes, so we'll see exactly how much work I'll be needing to do this quarter. I already have a lot of ideas for projects though, so I'm hoping Tracy will go along with them. My partner unfortunately dropped the class, but that does mean that I'm the only person in the class with their own camera, so I have the freedom to do just about any project I need to without restriction of time. I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot of shots down by the gorge out in yellow springs. Thank God the weather is finally improving. Its about time Ohio!
Those are my only 2 studio classes this quarter. I feel pretty good about that. I am still taking 5 classes, though, so that leaves me with 3 art history classes. My professor is extremely understanding and letting me take one without all the required pre-reqs so that I can still attempt to graduate on time. It's going to take a little bit of added effort, but I'm willing to do the leg work. I am a little behind in my reading for her 2 classes though because I was waiting on my books to arrive. I will still wait and order my books the first week of class if it will save me heartache and money, though, so I'm definitely not complaining. My job just quieted down a lot so I'll have time on the weekends to get caught up. My third history class is a survey of museums. It only meets once a week on Fridays which was a bummer until I found out we only meet the first 5 weeks, then go on 3 museum field trips and we're done. There's also no quizzes or exams! Just written homework and a term paper. I love taking upper level classes!!!
So while this was a brief introduction to my new and amazing quarter, hopefully that will keep you from getting confused when I actually start being responsible about posting regularly. I definitely have more time, I need to use it to fulfill my own commitments, right?
P.S. thank you mevins for reminding me I have a blog and should post ;-)
Friday, March 18, 2011
Spring Break
Today officially began my Spring Break. And it couldn't have happened on a better day. Its actually warm outside, its nice and sunny, and I have absolutely nothing to do but enjoy it.
This morning I had my last critique for Photo 1. I think it went very well. We were all very tired and over finals week, so we didn't talk a lot. Still, its nice being done with it. I'm looking forward to next quarter. My project turned out very nice. I did a lot of cropping, which is extremely unusual for me. I'm pretty much a full frame kind of gal. If I can't get the image I want when I take the picture I feel as though I missed something along the way. I think all of my choices were for the best though. Also, for the first time ever, I turned in 5 prints without a single speck of dust on them. It only took me all quarter but I printed flawlessly! Didn't even mess anything up when matting. Honestly, this final could not have gone better. When I get them back they are completely going to be decorating my walls next year. Using my own photos for wall art, one dream accomplished.
After our critique was done I had to run over to the sculpture studio to pick up my sculpture before they trashed it. I cannot tell you what I'm going to do with it, but I put in so much time and effort I didn't want her to just get thrown away. I have titled her "Broken Dancer" as she has a very visible knee injury. I think it's very appropriate. The biggest problem was trying to fit her into my car. As a plaster construction she isn't very flexible, and as a full time college student and worker, I tend to keep essentials in my car making it difficult to find room in my back seat. She is currently nestled half in my trunk and balanced on a large crate in my backseat. I hope to resolve this issue over break. Especially considering that my front seat is occupied by a small bronze pregnant woman seat belted in to avoid hard breaking incidents. My car is turning into a sculpture garden, and this cannot keep up.
In case anyone was interested, I have begun the process of spring cleaning my life, though I have miles to go. The pizza box I used as a paint pallet for my color final has been thrown away, though the color aid paper is still lumped in a small mound at the foot of my bed. My drawing supplies have been tucked away into their respective packages, but my drawing paper and board are still leaning against my bookshelf. Its a process, you see? It can't be rushed. Definitely cannot be rushed when the weather outside is so lovely. I did finally put the tripod away though. It was getting difficult to maneuver around my room. I'm sure that once I start to tackle the laundry issue that things will happen more quickly.
I actually plan on doing some projects over break so hopefully I won't be too wrapped up in having fun to forget to post. I am about to start a 6 month personal drawing class. I talked to my professor about ways to keep up with it without taking the class until September and she recommended a few things. So as of Monday that project begins. I've never drawn anything that wasn't assigned to me, and I'm really looking forward to it. We'll see what becomes of it.
This morning I had my last critique for Photo 1. I think it went very well. We were all very tired and over finals week, so we didn't talk a lot. Still, its nice being done with it. I'm looking forward to next quarter. My project turned out very nice. I did a lot of cropping, which is extremely unusual for me. I'm pretty much a full frame kind of gal. If I can't get the image I want when I take the picture I feel as though I missed something along the way. I think all of my choices were for the best though. Also, for the first time ever, I turned in 5 prints without a single speck of dust on them. It only took me all quarter but I printed flawlessly! Didn't even mess anything up when matting. Honestly, this final could not have gone better. When I get them back they are completely going to be decorating my walls next year. Using my own photos for wall art, one dream accomplished.
After our critique was done I had to run over to the sculpture studio to pick up my sculpture before they trashed it. I cannot tell you what I'm going to do with it, but I put in so much time and effort I didn't want her to just get thrown away. I have titled her "Broken Dancer" as she has a very visible knee injury. I think it's very appropriate. The biggest problem was trying to fit her into my car. As a plaster construction she isn't very flexible, and as a full time college student and worker, I tend to keep essentials in my car making it difficult to find room in my back seat. She is currently nestled half in my trunk and balanced on a large crate in my backseat. I hope to resolve this issue over break. Especially considering that my front seat is occupied by a small bronze pregnant woman seat belted in to avoid hard breaking incidents. My car is turning into a sculpture garden, and this cannot keep up.
In case anyone was interested, I have begun the process of spring cleaning my life, though I have miles to go. The pizza box I used as a paint pallet for my color final has been thrown away, though the color aid paper is still lumped in a small mound at the foot of my bed. My drawing supplies have been tucked away into their respective packages, but my drawing paper and board are still leaning against my bookshelf. Its a process, you see? It can't be rushed. Definitely cannot be rushed when the weather outside is so lovely. I did finally put the tripod away though. It was getting difficult to maneuver around my room. I'm sure that once I start to tackle the laundry issue that things will happen more quickly.
I actually plan on doing some projects over break so hopefully I won't be too wrapped up in having fun to forget to post. I am about to start a 6 month personal drawing class. I talked to my professor about ways to keep up with it without taking the class until September and she recommended a few things. So as of Monday that project begins. I've never drawn anything that wasn't assigned to me, and I'm really looking forward to it. We'll see what becomes of it.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Done!
I have just completed my final project for the only class I have left this quarter!!! It feels so good to be finished. Seriously, a ginormous weight has been lifted off my chest. Its easier to breathe and smile and think. Lovin it! To make things even better, I had an interview this morning that required my "unofficial" college transcript (essentially just a list of all the classes I've ever taken and what grades I recieved) and discovered that 3 of my professors posted final grades already. Factoring in the 98% chance I get an A in photo, I will get 3 As and 2 Bs for this quarter. Infinitesimally better than I thought I would. In the interest of full disclosure, I totally deserved those Bs, too. I was missing homework assignments in both of them. Again, be realistic with your expectations. I hate the fact that something as idiotic as not doing homework lowered my grade. I will strive to do better at that in the future.
Today is a beautiful day though, and I'm FINISHED with classes until March 28th so I'll be leaving my apartment for at least the next few hours. I'm in way too good a mood to waste the day. I'll clean tomorrow, seeing as my busy schedule has left piles of art projects lying around drowning in dirty laundry. The quarter system helps me to understand spring cleaning. Its what you do between Winter and Spring quarters to reassemble your life after finals. I will most definitely be participating this year.
Today is a beautiful day though, and I'm FINISHED with classes until March 28th so I'll be leaving my apartment for at least the next few hours. I'm in way too good a mood to waste the day. I'll clean tomorrow, seeing as my busy schedule has left piles of art projects lying around drowning in dirty laundry. The quarter system helps me to understand spring cleaning. Its what you do between Winter and Spring quarters to reassemble your life after finals. I will most definitely be participating this year.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Finals Week
Lets start with a huge I'm sorry for not posting in 2 weeks. Final projects for 4 studios while crunch time at work and personal life issues does not add up to a good blogging schedule.
However, today I had 3 of my 4 critiques and I am officially done with Drawing 2, Sculpture, and Color. All I have left is Photo, which I worked on for about 3 hours today and I will be returning to work on tomorrow. Final critique is Friday, but lab is only open tomorrow, so its finish or bust. All I have to do is mount my photos so I'm not terribly concerned. I actually had pretty good luck printing today. I got 6 done in 2 hours, a new personal record. No dust or anything, even I'm impressed with myself. I'm thinking someone upstairs saw how manically stressed I was and threw me a rope, even if only a short one. It definitely helped. Thanks!
Guesstimating my grades for this quarter leaves me a little disappointed. They tell you not to take 4 studios, but you never realize why until too late. You don't really feel the pressure until about 3 weeks left in the quarter. Then you feel compelled to drop large objects off of buildings just to see what you can break (normally trying to hit one of your projects that's taking too much time to not turn out how you wanted it to). I know understand. If I can avoid it I think I'll stick to 3 and no more. They say 2 but...yeah, as always we'll see what I can take when my aneurysm splatters the wall.
All in all a very stressful two weeks filled with panic induced comas, fits of hysterics and crying, and resolving with lots of praying and apathy. I made it through alive. I wouldn't say intact, but as we all know, coming home with a purple heart beats the hell out of not coming home at all. So I'll take the mediocre grades and what shreds of my sanity remain and hobble onto the next quarter. At least that contains only photo classes and art history. Yay!
However, today I had 3 of my 4 critiques and I am officially done with Drawing 2, Sculpture, and Color. All I have left is Photo, which I worked on for about 3 hours today and I will be returning to work on tomorrow. Final critique is Friday, but lab is only open tomorrow, so its finish or bust. All I have to do is mount my photos so I'm not terribly concerned. I actually had pretty good luck printing today. I got 6 done in 2 hours, a new personal record. No dust or anything, even I'm impressed with myself. I'm thinking someone upstairs saw how manically stressed I was and threw me a rope, even if only a short one. It definitely helped. Thanks!
Guesstimating my grades for this quarter leaves me a little disappointed. They tell you not to take 4 studios, but you never realize why until too late. You don't really feel the pressure until about 3 weeks left in the quarter. Then you feel compelled to drop large objects off of buildings just to see what you can break (normally trying to hit one of your projects that's taking too much time to not turn out how you wanted it to). I know understand. If I can avoid it I think I'll stick to 3 and no more. They say 2 but...yeah, as always we'll see what I can take when my aneurysm splatters the wall.
All in all a very stressful two weeks filled with panic induced comas, fits of hysterics and crying, and resolving with lots of praying and apathy. I made it through alive. I wouldn't say intact, but as we all know, coming home with a purple heart beats the hell out of not coming home at all. So I'll take the mediocre grades and what shreds of my sanity remain and hobble onto the next quarter. At least that contains only photo classes and art history. Yay!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Scholarship
Didn't do a whole lot today, unfortunately. I got caught up in the nice weather and was slightly less than productive. I finished my project in color, actually managing to get the paint to cooperate with me for once. After that I rushed around and quickly put together a very rough portfolio of my best works...that were in my car to submit for a scholarship through the art department. I'm not sure I'll get it, actually I'm pretty much banking on not, but it never hurts to try and at least I can say I know for certain, right? After that it was back to the Air Force Museum to work on my 2-panel drawing that even after today is an unfinished 1 panel. I'm planning on going back Friday to finish it up. I'm almost positive that I won't be able to finish it by the end of our class Thursday. After that there was a brief pause for dinner with my bestie, and then to the photo lab to reprint my homework assignment due tomorrow because I turned them in with my scholarship portfolio. Over all it was a fast but good day. I'm looking forward to sculpture tomorrow because I should be able to get my sculpture nearly complete. I need to shave down the back a little more and round out the belly (this will make more sense when I post pictures after finals week) but considering I have 2 class days left to work on it before critique as well as an entire weekend, I'm pretty excited about where I'm at with it.
So to end an incredibly long and boring paragraph, I'm gonna say hopefully tomorrow is more interesting.
So to end an incredibly long and boring paragraph, I'm gonna say hopefully tomorrow is more interesting.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Final Projects
As of noon today I know what every single one of my final projects are. I'm actually extremely excited about my photo final. It has to do with light. How it bends, how it reflects, how it casts shadows. I'm very amenable to this concept. Its the entire reason why I became interested in photography in the first place. Light fascinates me. Drawing final is a 2 panel combining 2 projects from this quarter. Still not sure what I'm doing yet, but I should get started on that sooner rather than later. I only have a few more projects to do in color class, and those I should be able to finish in class. Solid. Still working diligently on my sculpture final which is shaping up nicely. Besides being strenuous and extremely tedious, I'm confident that I will have it done in spectacular fashion by the final critique next wed.
Now I need to wrap up all of my homework assignments and notebooks and 2 tests to study for and I'll be home free. For some reason week 8 is the worst. Week 9, when I should be freaking out about everything that's due, all I'm doing is getting excited about being done. I have 4 classes left of each class. I cannot wait to be finished and on spring break!
I'll take pictures when everything is done. Til then I'm just going to enjoy the ride :-)
Now I need to wrap up all of my homework assignments and notebooks and 2 tests to study for and I'll be home free. For some reason week 8 is the worst. Week 9, when I should be freaking out about everything that's due, all I'm doing is getting excited about being done. I have 4 classes left of each class. I cannot wait to be finished and on spring break!
I'll take pictures when everything is done. Til then I'm just going to enjoy the ride :-)
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