Mar 31, 2009
You're or Your. Marty Knows.
This is always something I have been bothered by... I hope you're going to enjoy this.
Art Bistro
In my random browsing of things that are not in any way, shape or form tied to any of the homework I need to be doing right now, I came across this: ArtBistro.
Image below is from this morning:
The site overall is sort of a mish mash of things, about becoming an artist, living as an artist and general info about artists (kind of funny). However, the main page is full of all things going on in the art world. It's pretty sweet.
Image below is from this morning:
Brücke: Startling and Raw Emotion at New York’s Neue Galerie
The site overall is sort of a mish mash of things, about becoming an artist, living as an artist and general info about artists (kind of funny). However, the main page is full of all things going on in the art world. It's pretty sweet.
Enjoy if you need a little break from thesis/work/life/etc.
-Molly
-Molly
Mar 29, 2009
Let me critique the web for you....
- Chicago Art Department:
MAKE AND SHOW WORKSHOP: Need a quick art fix? In this new series of monthly workshops, a guest artist will create a project for you to make art and create an exhibition in one day. The Make and’ Show workshops is a fun way to meet interesting emerging Chicago artists while also learning and making art. Art from these workshops will be included in our monthly exhibitions. Perhaps I should go, and then make something so fricken awesome they'd give me my own show. Haha. That's the real artist in me escaping... Moooving ON. I'm already annoyed with the site, because of the lack of separation in their text bodies... I know thats nit-picky, but I like bulleted lists and not long paragraphs I barely read. Front page --> The image of the pots, then the idea that if I head over there I get to take one home after class is loverly.
I really enjoy that this is neighborhood made... the neighborhood thing is very Chicago, and in my opinion its always good for building a community to begin with your neighbors. For this site, my personal choice class would be: Drama Integration with Literacy engages grades 1-5 in an ambitious curriculum weaving together drama and language arts, with an added inter-grade mentorship component in its third year at Cooper Dual Language Academy funded in part by the Fry Foundation.
If I could get kids involved in acting, literacy and art, their whole look at art education would be so much different, and valued... wow, that might be a great educational philosophy.
- Last, but not least---MeSS HaLL
I love the idea of Mess Hall, exhibiting work, art, found objects, etc in every which way possible. I love that everything is free. (Free! Yay!)
I love the accompanying blog. (Photos, short links, and general info is good good)
I love the the website is simple, clear, and keeps it quick. (I'm busy within this visual culture)
I'm hoping to get in the door in April. My calendar won't load... so I hope there is something interesting coming up. I've added myself to the info list, so I will post again if there is something sweet we should see.
This photo is from their Valentine's Day party... which looked like a good time, and will hopefully brighten up this uuber long post.
Mar 24, 2009
MCA response....
I am not sure if I should be posting this, or if I will present this in class. Alas, here it is.
I couldn't make it to the MCA last week, I was sick and quite possibly delirious. Luckily, I went two weeks ago and am making a response based on what I saw (loved) of their technology.
Attached is the artist's link at the MCA, her name is Fiona Tan and she uses large projected images of 'portraits' where people stand there for 30 seconds and look into the camera like they were having their portrait taken. It was pretty intense with a circular room of these projectors. I think there were about 6 total, and it was really cool... she was commenting on the prison system in her images... mine is more or less a couple of times throughout my day. Not exactly prison, but sometimes being an MAT does feel that way...
My visual response is a similar thing of three times of day for me. I believe it loops.. but I am new to this sort of final cut pro thing.
-Molly
Mar 16, 2009
A lonely Irishmen on St. Patrick's Day.
This is just a little note for the heartbreaking fact, that I am sick.
I love St. Patrick's Day. I mean, really love it. Celebrate. From the time I was very small and Sharon (my mom) would put a scrunchie in my hair with shamrocks all over it, I knew that this day was more special for me than the other kids in my class.
Normally I wear green, drink Smithwick's and my typical Jameson's; and generally enjoy the hell out of St. Patrick's. Not this year. It's not even really here yet, and I am sad to say I am lame and sickly...
So that's my whiny post for the week. It's becoming a habit (uh-o), I think it must be the emo-blogger in me.
I love St. Patrick's Day. I mean, really love it. Celebrate. From the time I was very small and Sharon (my mom) would put a scrunchie in my hair with shamrocks all over it, I knew that this day was more special for me than the other kids in my class.
Normally I wear green, drink Smithwick's and my typical Jameson's; and generally enjoy the hell out of St. Patrick's. Not this year. It's not even really here yet, and I am sad to say I am lame and sickly...
So that's my whiny post for the week. It's becoming a habit (uh-o), I think it must be the emo-blogger in me.
MCA... love you MCA love you.
Well, well, well.
I hate to say it, but the MCA's site is no good.
IT makes me sad, because the MCA is SO good. I mean, honestly my favorite place in the city. I don't even really appreciate contemporary art that much. The building, the smell, the feel, the sleek sleek place is so appealing to me.
And then there is the website. I'm not feelin' the blue blocks in the background. I don't know why they're there, as they aren't exactly a great design point... and they definitely don't feel like the museum does. I mean, even the member card for the MCA was fantastically designed!
One thing I have always found comical about this site, is how awesome the MCA Store site is. I mean, totally different, everything is right there for you to see and buy. It's clear, it's great, and it is nothing like the rest of the site.
It's a shame, because the MCA has so much to offer teachers, but you'd have to dig and dig to find it. I am surprised by the lack of design, and with such a rich content (buried away), its difficult to understand why the MCA is hiding it?
I hate to say it, but the MCA's site is no good.
IT makes me sad, because the MCA is SO good. I mean, honestly my favorite place in the city. I don't even really appreciate contemporary art that much. The building, the smell, the feel, the sleek sleek place is so appealing to me.
And then there is the website. I'm not feelin' the blue blocks in the background. I don't know why they're there, as they aren't exactly a great design point... and they definitely don't feel like the museum does. I mean, even the member card for the MCA was fantastically designed!
One thing I have always found comical about this site, is how awesome the MCA Store site is. I mean, totally different, everything is right there for you to see and buy. It's clear, it's great, and it is nothing like the rest of the site.
It's a shame, because the MCA has so much to offer teachers, but you'd have to dig and dig to find it. I am surprised by the lack of design, and with such a rich content (buried away), its difficult to understand why the MCA is hiding it?
Three Walls....
Hello, hello---
Happy St. Paddy's to you all. Apologies for the late response, I have been a bit under the weather. And sadly, not because of too much green beer. I wish that had been the case. At any rate, here goes, a little web critique of ThreeWalls:
The first part of the site I would like to comment on is the ABOUT section. Which for the first time (admittedly, yes) I read the entire thing. It's clear, it's to the point, it's up to date! I'm thrilled with it.
Also, the salons, talks & symposia sounds like a great thing. I know at the MCA both the salons I have been to this year have been fantastic, and I can't picture these being any less such. My one concern with that area is that there is a name and date without any further description. And in this easily googled day and age, I know I can right click on it and know who they are in 5 seconds. But I'd like a sentence, or image, or anything on the actual site. Just helpful.
I love the layout, the wood lined side panel (<-) is explicitly easy to use, the fonts are nice, and I don't really have any negatives. It's a great site, and I'm feelin' the mood!
The first part of the site I would like to comment on is the ABOUT section. Which for the first time (admittedly, yes) I read the entire thing. It's clear, it's to the point, it's up to date! I'm thrilled with it.
Also, the salons, talks & symposia sounds like a great thing. I know at the MCA both the salons I have been to this year have been fantastic, and I can't picture these being any less such. My one concern with that area is that there is a name and date without any further description. And in this easily googled day and age, I know I can right click on it and know who they are in 5 seconds. But I'd like a sentence, or image, or anything on the actual site. Just helpful.
I love the layout, the wood lined side panel (<-) is explicitly easy to use, the fonts are nice, and I don't really have any negatives. It's a great site, and I'm feelin' the mood!
Mar 9, 2009
Experimental Sound Studio
So... If I understand correctly, this is similar to Itunes-U, only directed in Chicago and all about the arts. Sounds great! I wish these were up-loadable, for use in the classroom, but to make an appointment and listen up seems pretty painless.
I'm really interested in the underground aspect as well... I feel like most of these tapings/transfers were not widely known publicly. It's like heading back in time to actually be there, which is always cool.
The site is a bit confusing to me, but I like the education section; if I had $125 I would totally sign up for some workshop time. Too bad. Overall, I am not sure what to do with the site other than see what I could do if I went there/ had money? It's pretty cool that we're taking strides to document the history of Chicago art, but sad that I am broke and can't fully appreciate.
I'm really interested in the underground aspect as well... I feel like most of these tapings/transfers were not widely known publicly. It's like heading back in time to actually be there, which is always cool.
The site is a bit confusing to me, but I like the education section; if I had $125 I would totally sign up for some workshop time. Too bad. Overall, I am not sure what to do with the site other than see what I could do if I went there/ had money? It's pretty cool that we're taking strides to document the history of Chicago art, but sad that I am broke and can't fully appreciate.
Area-Chicago
Hello, hello ---
I'm thinking AREA is the same publication that some of us received in John Ploof's class last semester. Annnd it is! I am glad to see the past issues link --I definitely wanted to read up on issue 6, and it wasn't available to us when our guest speaker came in.
So far, I really like the clear black and white setup of the site. It's simple, clean, clear. I would always like an additional photo (or 20) but I guess this is pretty minimal. The text-setup with the blocks of text is a little distracting... I'd prefer things to be horizontal columns, the vertical throws my eye a bit.
Content --is awesome. There are so many resources here. I like the survey capability, and wonder if there is a way to post the survey I will use for my thesis? Perhaps creating a survey for the public would be a good way to get some informal research...
Ahh, somehow I relate everything to thesis! Okay, moving on ---my favorite article so far is Odelay Yonquero! It's interesting to read about the various ongoings in Chicago --and in terms of educators, this is a resource to end all resources! It's stuff you can use for class, for inspiration, I really like it.
I'm thinking AREA is the same publication that some of us received in John Ploof's class last semester. Annnd it is! I am glad to see the past issues link --I definitely wanted to read up on issue 6, and it wasn't available to us when our guest speaker came in.
So far, I really like the clear black and white setup of the site. It's simple, clean, clear. I would always like an additional photo (or 20) but I guess this is pretty minimal. The text-setup with the blocks of text is a little distracting... I'd prefer things to be horizontal columns, the vertical throws my eye a bit.
Content --is awesome. There are so many resources here. I like the survey capability, and wonder if there is a way to post the survey I will use for my thesis? Perhaps creating a survey for the public would be a good way to get some informal research...
Ahh, somehow I relate everything to thesis! Okay, moving on ---my favorite article so far is Odelay Yonquero! It's interesting to read about the various ongoings in Chicago --and in terms of educators, this is a resource to end all resources! It's stuff you can use for class, for inspiration, I really like it.
Killing Us Softly
...reading for thesis. Coming across this (it's kind of long at 6min. for YouTube, sorry) makes me take a minute to stop and think about my own actions.
Mar 7, 2009
Embarrassing, but tragic.
It is embarrassing to admit that I have a serious passion... for a store. But when Loehmann's got sneaky and emailed me in the middle of the night that my favorite place in the world (The Orland Park store) was closing, I have to say it has shocked me.
I seriously hope that this is the worst post I ever have, but I can't imagine the strain this is going to put on my wallet and wardrobe. Loehmann's is the most fantastic store on earth, if you haven't been there please, PLEASE, go and support them!
I am not joking at all folks, I burst into tears after reading the email. That is true love.
-Molly.
RIP Loehmann's Store # 15830.
I seriously hope that this is the worst post I ever have, but I can't imagine the strain this is going to put on my wallet and wardrobe. Loehmann's is the most fantastic store on earth, if you haven't been there please, PLEASE, go and support them!
I am not joking at all folks, I burst into tears after reading the email. That is true love.
-Molly.
RIP Loehmann's Store # 15830.
Mar 1, 2009
Better late than never? I hope so...
Seeing comes before words. The child looks and recognizes before it can speak. But there is also another sense in which seeing comes before words. It is seeing which establishes our place in the surrounding world; we explain that world with words, but words can never undo the fact that we are surrounded by it (Berger, Ways of Seeing 7).
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Sorry to all (the 2 followers I have) -- I have been out of my mind lately. Completely slipped my mind to do the web critique for Community Art Network. So, here goes!
First impression --love the mix of graphics and words with organization as soon as I enter. To the left I can see disciplines, and look to what I am most interested in. To the right I can read recent blog posts. I love it already.
I have a feeling this page will come in serious handy when I am looking for more specific thesis related articles (thank God). My most excited tab-findings is the elders section. First off, I really love the elderly community. And second of all, I think this is a seriously under-served area of interest! I am hoping to work with the elderly at some point in my career. Be it through Saturday morning classes, or working one on one, I just love 'em.
The second part of the page that I really enjoyed digging through was in the education link.
I found this article particularly interesting: Young People's Art Works Toward Social Change: Performing Visions of Utopia. The author talks about "voice" and the way we read artwork, for meaning, etc. I also appreciate the John Berger quote at the beginning (See above), I am finding his words everywhere, and always connecting well for me.
At any rate- -if you are looking for some more thesis sources, I highly highly recommend this site. Especially for those of you (MAT's) interested in place-based education, and how its changed our learning...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry to all (the 2 followers I have) -- I have been out of my mind lately. Completely slipped my mind to do the web critique for Community Art Network. So, here goes!
First impression --love the mix of graphics and words with organization as soon as I enter. To the left I can see disciplines, and look to what I am most interested in. To the right I can read recent blog posts. I love it already.
I have a feeling this page will come in serious handy when I am looking for more specific thesis related articles (thank God). My most excited tab-findings is the elders section. First off, I really love the elderly community. And second of all, I think this is a seriously under-served area of interest! I am hoping to work with the elderly at some point in my career. Be it through Saturday morning classes, or working one on one, I just love 'em.
The second part of the page that I really enjoyed digging through was in the education link.
I found this article particularly interesting: Young People's Art Works Toward Social Change: Performing Visions of Utopia. The author talks about "voice" and the way we read artwork, for meaning, etc. I also appreciate the John Berger quote at the beginning (See above), I am finding his words everywhere, and always connecting well for me.
At any rate- -if you are looking for some more thesis sources, I highly highly recommend this site. Especially for those of you (MAT's) interested in place-based education, and how its changed our learning...
Inspiration...
In all of this art making (or lack there of) I am feeling rather torn. I want to make things, I want to write lesson plans that I would actually use, I want to feel successful. Sadly, I am not feeling inspired to do these things. I am feeling the need to get my sh*t together and finally sleep.
New thought-- I am starting an inspiration board. Possibly two. The first will be things I want to paint, photograph, create, whatever comes to me in a random moment that I don't currently have the time (or motivation) to complete.
The second is a maybe- - a visual think board for my thesis? I need to get excited about thesis, and I'm finding that rather difficult. Hope that's not a bad sign my first couple weeks into the research (crap).
New thought-- I am starting an inspiration board. Possibly two. The first will be things I want to paint, photograph, create, whatever comes to me in a random moment that I don't currently have the time (or motivation) to complete.
The second is a maybe- - a visual think board for my thesis? I need to get excited about thesis, and I'm finding that rather difficult. Hope that's not a bad sign my first couple weeks into the research (crap).
Stockyard Institute
Immediately entering this site I am irritated by the lack of browsing options in the 'what's new' section. I really enjoy a clear side bar with the various links available.
First tiff aside --the site has some really interesting articles/reviews. The Whats New section quickly lead me to some delicious links, as well as the reviews of the latest MCA shows. An operation dedicated to 'issues of experimental learning and pedagogy, public art and life in the city' has so much potential, I'm interested as to why this is the first I am hearing of the Institute?
The site itself is not what I would call 'user friendly'. For several reasons, the first being that the overall design of the site feels cold to me. A place looking to help under served youth is warm and inviting in my mind, not splotchy and green. One other reason that the user-friendly aspect goes down is in the 'get involved' tab, which consists of ways to send a check.
The Projects tab was by far the best for my liking/interests. I enjoy that there is an actual ARTIST'S VOICE guiding you through not only the site, but the ideas behind what this group is about. This seems all too obvious, that this would be a natural device used by most people. However, my biggest complaint about most 'art' sites is the lack of artists. For all of the wonderful art at the Art Institute or even the MCA, there is no artist's presence felt on any of the pages. Sad.
Overall --I think this is a great program, and the newness of pedagogy to my life (the last year has been an overwhelming crash course) seems to be old news to them. Stockyard Institute seems to have a been very considerate of the people they serve, as well as the artists who can do this.
First tiff aside --the site has some really interesting articles/reviews. The Whats New section quickly lead me to some delicious links, as well as the reviews of the latest MCA shows. An operation dedicated to 'issues of experimental learning and pedagogy, public art and life in the city' has so much potential, I'm interested as to why this is the first I am hearing of the Institute?
The site itself is not what I would call 'user friendly'. For several reasons, the first being that the overall design of the site feels cold to me. A place looking to help under served youth is warm and inviting in my mind, not splotchy and green. One other reason that the user-friendly aspect goes down is in the 'get involved' tab, which consists of ways to send a check.
The Projects tab was by far the best for my liking/interests. I enjoy that there is an actual ARTIST'S VOICE guiding you through not only the site, but the ideas behind what this group is about. This seems all too obvious, that this would be a natural device used by most people. However, my biggest complaint about most 'art' sites is the lack of artists. For all of the wonderful art at the Art Institute or even the MCA, there is no artist's presence felt on any of the pages. Sad.
Overall --I think this is a great program, and the newness of pedagogy to my life (the last year has been an overwhelming crash course) seems to be old news to them. Stockyard Institute seems to have a been very considerate of the people they serve, as well as the artists who can do this.
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