http://stu.westga.edu/~kfolkes1/

Comparison between Fine, Folk, Applied Art

Applied art has to do with the design and beauty of things we use every day. Industrial, graphic, fashion, interior, decorative and functional arts are applied arts. Teaching, architecture and photography are also considered applied art.

Folk art has more to do with the craft of objects that reflect traditions and traditional social values of various social groups. This type of art is produced by people with little or no experience in artistic training. It establishes techniques and styles of different regions and cultures.

Fine art is developed primarily for aesthetics and concepts rather than utility. Usually these type of artists have had some form of artistic training. Styles include painting, sculpture, theatre, dance and so forth.

Artist interview with John Edwards

1. Do you consider your art to be; fine art, folk art, or applied art? and Why?
"My passion is to spend weeks on a large canvas having a story behind the painting (Australian work of the dreamtime always comes with a story) planning the piece, watching it evolve getting a certain feel for it enjoying it. Sometimes I just cant get the image Im looking for get bored with it paint over and start again. So taking all this into account I would definately say I class it as fine art although people tend to go for the folk when they see it. Now my other art forms such as vases, boomerangs, bottles and so on I do class as folk art, they are not my passion just fun folk art I do them as a way for someone to be able to get a piece of my art for oftenly under $10. The images on these items I do solely because I know people like them. I know that if you want to make a living from art you must be flexible and be able to adapt yourself to this type of thing after all how many people do you know that have bought a large canvas in the past year? The time and materials that go into large works of art always demand a large $ figure. "

Why do you paint, photograph, etc.? " I have always been drawn to either draw or paint. When I was in the navy I would always sketch at sea to pass the time. I loved to do Koalas and one day a person comented on how good I was and I took the comment seriously and started self study at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. When I first played with oils I was a little disapointed at the results but soon got the hang of them. I find it very relaxing to paint as well as a sense of accomplishment when I get the look Im looking for.As for photography, I never before played around with a camera until 2001 just had an urge one day to capture images fueled with feeling (first exhibition was concentration camps of Europe). Even though I prefer to do cities and man made structures I first got turned on to the camera at an exhibition of the works of Ansel Adams."

What is the meaning behind your work? " My self expression being able to use my own version of Australian style of art to catch peoples eyes. I like to use as many different colors oftenly clashing to express the way I feel in the world all the things I have seen and expierienced in one explosion so to speak its hard for me to explain really. In GA I feel like I live in an insulated society so for me its a release that I dont have to say find so necessary in Aust or Europe. So the meaning of my work is self expression to the max is the best way I can put it."

Artist Interview

The artist interview was my Aunt Nancy Clavier. I asked her what type of artist she would consider herself and she said it depended on the day. If she was working on her dolls or painting for pleasure she was a folk artist, but if she was teaching her elementary school students or painting for someone else she would say a fine artist. She told me the reason for teaching art was to help children be creative early. She says the older they get the harder it is to do. The meaning behind her work is to help children to express themselves through their art and be proud of what ever they create

Artist interview: Fine, Folk and Applied Artists

While trying to determine which artists to interview for this assignment, the hardest task was to place them into a single category; (One fine artist, one folk artist, and one artist who practices applied art). Most of the artists that we knew and talked to could not be categorized as only one of these: I feel that this is an example of how art has progressed and evolved in order to remain alive. One of the artists I interviewed was Camron Wiltshire: Graffiti Artist. As we previously established, there is some controversy as to weather graffiti is fine or folk art. When I asked Camron which category he would place himself into, he replied. " I try not to worry about labels, If you become rigid you lose spontaneiety and are too worried about adhering to a doctrine/dogma/style/rules. I guess we should remember the only real laws are the natural laws of the Universe." When asked why he does art/graffiti, he responds, "I paint so that I can communicate. My favorite topics to communicate revolve around changing our perception of who we are and how we can relate. Art is something that transcends all borders, you needn't speak the same language to understand a great work of art. Also I feel it is important that we reach for that which is ineffable, sometimes you can tap the vein and magic starts to happen." When asked about the meaning behind his work he explains, " The meaning behind my work depends on the particular piece but most times I am trying to relate an emotion,story,feeling,etc visually and hopefully reach whoever might come upon it. This is why I love murals and graffiti because you are much more likely to be viewed and thus to communicate with a wide audience, hopefully spurring a change in the collective."

Nothing over the edge...just me.

This was taken this weekend as i drove through savannah. Fort Pulaski is located in Savannah Georgia

Yes, Fort Pulaski fits into the neighborhood and society because war is a predominant theme here in Savannah.

The art is there because on April 11, 1862, defense strategy changed nation-wide when the Union rifled cannon overcame a masonry fortification after only 30 hours. It took 18 years to build and was the location of Robert E. Lee’s first military assignment. This 19th century piece of architecture is made up of about 25 million bricks with 7.5 ft. thick walls. It reminds us of the elusiveness of invincibility. Fort Pulaski National Monument was established by Presidential Proclamation on October 15, 1924. It contains 5,365 acres, including some of the most pristine and scenic marshland on the Georgia coast

This sculpture is located at the TLC at the University of West Georgia. It fits the scene perfectly because it represents West Georgia"s UWG flame, architectural elements of the campus center, and the upward movement associated with educational achievement. The sculpture was created and designed byHelen Helwig and sits in front of the campus center.

I choose this self portrait because it represents everything I want to be in life. Its shows that I'm happy and that I LOOK like a succesful person and thats about what life is all about.

Self Portrait of Sara Sales a.k.a. SUPERMOM!

This is my self-portrait... What can I say? This is how I see myself... A recently single mother of 3 who has decided to go back to college and persue her dreams. I am managing to work full time as an assistant teacher (with a total of 63 students), go to the University in the evenings, raise 3 kids + 2 step-daughters, remodel a house, play taxi driver for my 79 year old grandmother, keep the dishes and clothes washed (most of the time) and even squeeze in some time to do my art. Most of my friends don't see how I do it ,and sometimes I don't either, so I tell myself that I am a "supermom", so I HAVE to do it all.

This is a work of Public work of Architecture downtown underground atlanta of a beautiful fountain. This is a site that many visitors love to see. Also with this fountain it is not all for show kids and or adults are allowed play in it. It also fits with the scenerary because it sits right in front the underground and Coca Cola world. It basically is here for show and also to inhance the scenery. I like this work of architect because it enhances the scenery.

Public work of art: Mosaic bench by Helen Helwig

This is a beautiful sculptural mosaic bench created by local artists: Helen Helwig and Machiko Ichihara. It is located in front of the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center. It definately fits into the neighborhood, being located just a block off of the town square and in front of the cultural art center where much of the local art cultural is derived. This is one of the few works of art that you can be seen outside of the cultural art center. It is a beautiful, functional work of art that is a welcomed addition to our town. You may also have seen another of their mosaic sculptures here at UWG near the campus center. It is titled "Centenial Tribute" and was created to symbolize the partnership of the university and the city of Carrollton for the past 100 years.

Public Architecture

I used this as my photograph for public architecture. It is the entrance way to the church located behind Adamson Square. The angle at which I took the picture shows a beautiful perspective of the architecture that is rarely noticed.

Self Portrait

I chose this photograph to use as my self portrait for many reasons. Among them is the fact it shows the more playful side of me. Also, I like that the way I edited it cast a bright, sunshine-y tint to it, which is indicative of my general personality.

Public Art & Architecture

This public art was found near the square in Carrollton. I think it's interesting because it is made of recycled materials. This artwork wasn't an installation made by the city or anything like that. It was created by a local artist and was on display for those who drove by it. Whether or not it fits into the environment is an interesting question. Those who appreciated this work and the others like it would say that it did fit in and that it was a familiar and pleasant site. But others considered this work to be an eye sore and not condusive to the businesses in the nearby area.

This is the Atlanta Georgia LDS temple located on Glenridge Drive. All LDS temples are made with great care. The Architects who create these buildings have to operate under a specialized set of rules. A lot of money goes into the building of these temples because they are considered houses of the Lord. This architecture is interesting or important because it is the only LDS temple in the state of Georgia.

-Libby Reid

Self Portrait

I decided to draw myself for my self portrait. I don't usually draw people well, so I wanted a challenge. I knew it would have to be something I spent a lot of time on and worked at. I'm pretty pleased with the overall results.

-Libby Reid

Self Potrait (Alex Boone)

This is my self portrait it has everything that defines me in the portrait. It has my favorite sports, sports that I played, instruments that I play, and finally pictures of my family.

New Endings (Alex Boone)

This public art is called New Endings. It marks the area where Atlanta had its first water supply. It was in Walton Park, but is now being re located to Freedom Parkway.

Public Art and Architecture

The piece of architecture I found was in Atlanta right next the the High Museum. This piece of work really doesn't fit into it's surroundings, because there are large buildings all around and then you have this very small house in the middle of it. I feel it's been there a long time and as Atlanta grew the look of the architecture changed around it. I feel the little house has very unique features compared to the boxed look of the larger buildings.

Self Portrait

My self portrait represents family, which represents me from begining until the present. The use of photos documents important events in my life that define who I am today. Thesubjects in the photos are those most valued in my life. This is not only a self portrait but also a portrait of my life.

This is a picture taken in Carrollton. I thought this was really pretty.

This is a picture of grafetti done in Carrollton, GA. I dont know the artist, but if I had to explain this grafetti I would say that not only does it symbolizes how a bicycle has evolved I wolud also say that it symbolizes how the world has changed over time.

Autumn is the prettiest season of the year. The plants on earth show off all its amazing colors and features. Trees shed their leaves in all colrs from yellow to brown.

Autumn on Campus

This is a picture on campus of the trees changing colors. This symbolizes that the weather is changing and that autumn is here. This season is one of the prettiest seasons and happens to be my favorite season. by Alex

autumn @ the cemetary

This is beautiful example of autumn. Just as spring symbolizes life and birth, fall symbolizes dying and death. What better place to capture this than at a cemetary? Not only is there beautiful folliage, but many of the flower arrangements mimic the beautiful fall colors.

Autumn in Action

I chose this first image of Fall because I liked the way it turned out when I edited it. It's different from what is typical of Fall pictures. The typical colors: reds, oranges, yellows, etc. are absent.

I chose this second image that represents fall because it shows rhythm.

I chose these last two pictures because it shows Autumn in action. They are of the same tree here on campus right outside the Humanities building. The last image was one that I saw coming from class one day. I thought the tree was so beautiful that I had to take a picture of it. The picture above the last image is one of the tree a few days later. I took this picture in order to show how much the tree had changed over a short period of time. It was a little shocking.

-Libby Reid

Autumn in Mt. Zion

Pumpkins remind me of Autumn because that's when they are mainly in season. Their bright orange colors and round shapes give them unique characteristics that exude warmth. The texture of their skin catches the light in many different ways making them appear like shiny new pennies.

Autumn

One of my homeboys draws graffiti during his free time and he drew some graffiti on his skateboard after sketching it out. It says ELEPH+star. If you would like some graffiti drawed just talk to me after class.

Noam Chomsky

I chose to use this piece of graffiti, which is a portrait of Noam Chomsky. The piece is extremely well done, and it is easily identifiable. Chomsky is a linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, political activist, and lecturer. He has made many contributions to the field of linguistics, but his political activism is what has gained him notoriety. He is a steadfast anarchist and political dissident. Also, Chomsky is a member of the group of philosophers who believes in libertarian socialism. Libertarian socialism is an idea that there should be no hierarchies in our society, political, economic, or social. This piece, as created by the artist, brings forward ideas that are not discussed in daily life, I would consider this piece of graffiti art, both because of the talent that was used to create it and because of the power that it holds to make a viewer really think.

Graffiti on a Cellar Door

I picked this graffiti piece because of its location. I normally think of graffiti as being on the sides of buildings or bridges, but this piece was located on the door of a wine cellar. I liked it because of how elegant and simple it looks, almost like caligraphy. I think it acutally enhances the appearance of the cellar. The white color choice also adds to its elegance.

I definitely think that graffiti is art, no question. I can only imagine that it would take a tremendous amount of talent to even do this simple piece that I am highlighting. It takes a creative mind that understands shape, spacing, color and many other art elements. I definitely think that graffiti is widely underappreciated and that there should be more of place for it in the art world.

-Libby Reid

This mural which was once looked upon as mere graffiti is now a portrayal of the journey to a historic event. When the artist painted this he was quoted as saying "

Well its because this candidate actually has the potential to heal America’s unkempt racial, genocidal wounds.

This man is a living symbol of unity being both truly Black and White. This is someone who is a living example of Dr. Kings dream."

If you look at the mural you will see the dedication to the art form. Only those with the heart of an artist could accomplish such a fete. Not only is this art but a reference to history being made.

Sara

Graffiti



I feel some graffiti is vandalism, but the graffiti I found in Atlanta is art. It doesn’t destroy property and it is a very nice piece of work. The saying “Trust your struggle,” must have meant something to the artist that he/she was trying to convey to others.

Jayanna Avery

Olympia Skit

Olympia Skit

(Both women walk in and see the painting)

Woman 1: Oh My God Becky look at her butt….Olympia looks like a total Greek prostitute! I mean its so big…its like out there! There is no way that this painting can be considered the object of beauty in high art!

Woman 2: I mean…Who understands this painter…when he painted her he demoralized our society…this is unacceptable, immoral and vulgar! He made this prostitute look like a goddess!

(A man walks in stares at the painting)

Man: Day-amn she fine! This Manet is a genius! He took the idea of that Venus of Urbina painting and created a total hottie! I’d hit it up!

Here is a picture of the Obama graffitti after repairs.

Team 1, Unite!

Okay you guys, I've gotten really confused. Haha.


Please, someone let me know what I need to do for class on Thursday. I know I'm supposed to dress up (big hats and such, I think) with Libby, but that's all I really know.

harrison.taylor@gmail.com is the best way to reach me...
Thank you!!!

Obama News Skit

Reporter: I’m _________________ here for Team 1 News. I am here in Little Five Points in Atlanta where a recent work of graffiti depicting presidential candidate Barak Obama has been defaced, just hours after completion. I am here to interview some of the local people and find out what they think.

Store Owner: I’m disgusted… I can’t believe that in this day and time and especially here in Little 5 Points, where people are thought to be so open-minded and progressive, that someone could do something this terrible to a work of art.

Con Observer: Quite honestly, I was offended that someone would paint over the picture of Martin Luther King Jr. that was there before. It had been here for years and no one ever touched it.

Outraged Observer: I think it’s sickening… absolutely horrible! I can’t believe that someone could be so ignorant and hateful as to do something like this!

Reporter: I have with me Cameron Wiltshire, One of the artists who painted the Obama graffiti. Why do you think that someone would do this?

Cameron: I think that this person is afraid of change, I think that this person has been taught at some level to hate.

Reporter: What would you say to the person who did this?

Cameron: I would say “I don’t blame you, I forgive you, I love you, you can come and talk to me and I’m not going to raise my fists at you, I’m gonna talk to you and give you a hug, caus’ I know that’s all you need.

Reporter: Again this is _____________________ reporting live from Little Five Points. Good Night

1. What did Aborigins call the beginning of the world?a) the Dreaming b) Dreamtime c) Pastime d) Both a and b

2. T or F: Aborignes believed that some of the ancestors metamorphosed into nature, where they remained spiritually alive. True

3. T or F: Australian Aboriginist migrated from Asia about 30,000 years ago. True

4. What is Aboriginal music most famous instrument?a) didgeridoo b) violin c) drums d) saxophone

5. What were the beings called after they emerged from their eternal slumber?a) ancestors b) totemic ancestors c) sacred people d) the dead living

6. What was the didgeridoo tpically made from?a) yellow roots b) pine wood c) oak wood d) bamboo

7. What parts of the Earth did Aborigines believe their ancestors rose from?a) mountains b) clouds c) rocks and water d) the ocean itself

8. What artist used bush gum of sap as the binder for ochres and also used saw-toothed incising? a) Jack Britten b) Alan Griffith

9. T or F: Alan Griffith was born at Tickerlera in the East Kentucky. False

10. T or F: Jack Britten was an Australian Aboriginist Artist? True

Impressionism Questions

Team-
I gleaned some of these questions from previous posts, and then made up a few as well. Would someone else please post questions for Frida Kahlo & Frank Lloyd Wright and Aboriginal art?




1. What painting was the term "Impressionism" derived from?
("Impression, Sunrise" by Claude Monet)
2. What is the name of the impressionist artist that showed work in all 8 exhibits of the Association of Painters, Sculptors, and Engravers? (Pissaro)
3. Lucy Bacon was an impressionist painter. (True)

4. Lucy Bacon was mentored by Camille Pissaro. (True)

5. Lucy Bacon painted till her death in 1932. (False she renounced her painting career in 1902)
6. Impressionism emphasized loose imagery rather than finely detailed pictures. (True)
7. The color palette used for impressionist paintings was often drab and boring, containing mostly greys and black. (False)
8. Impressionist art often contains visible brush strokes, open composition and emphasis on light and it’s changing qualities. (True)
9. Which is not an impressionist artist?
a. Claude Monet
b. Edouard Manet
c. Andy Warhol
d. Pierre-Auguste Renoir
(c. Andy Warhol)
10. Impressionism was a movement in the 19th century. (True)

"The Dreamtime" - Aboriginal story of Creation

Aboriginal spirituality entails a close relationship between humans and the land. Aborigines call the beginning of the world the "Dreaming," or "Dream time." In the "Dream time," aboriginal "Ancestors" rose from below the earth to form various parts of nature including animal species, bodies of water, and the sky.

Unlike other religions, however, aboriginal belief does not place the human species apart from or on a higher level than nature. Aborigines believe some of the Ancestors metamorphosed into nature (as in rock formations or rivers), where they remain spiritually alive.

The oral tradition of storytelling informs aboriginals' vibrant cultural life. Songs illustrate the Dream time and other tales of the land, while dances and diagrams drawn in the sand accompany oral tales.

Time began when the supernatural beings awoke and broke through the surface of the earth. The earth was soon flooded with light as the sun too rose from the ground. The supernatural beings varied greatly in appearance. Some rose in animal shapes resembling kangaroos and emus, other emerged in human guise looking like perfectly formed men and women. There was an indivisible link between humans, animals and plants. Those beings that looked like animals thought and acted like humans, and those in human form could change at will into animals.

After emerging from their eternal slumber, the beings – referred to as totemic ancestors (such as Wallaby Dreaming and Emu Dreaming etc) – moved about the earth bringing into being the physical features of the landscape. Mountains, sandhills, plains and rivers all arose to mark the deeds of the wandering totemic ancestors. Not a single prominent feature was created which was not associated with an episode of the supernatural beings.

The sacred songs of their deeds were compositions by the supernatural beings themselves. It was these compositions which became the subject of the many sacred myths, songs and ceremonies in which Aboriginal religious beliefs were to find expression. Hence, they were sung on ceremonial occasions and body decorations were worn by actors impersonating the totemic ancestors. All sacred ritual was regarded as eternal and unalterable.

The supernatural beings continued to roam until, exhausted by their effort, they fell back into their sleep and returned to the earth. Many vanished into the ground, often from the sites where they first emerged, others turned into physical objects like rocks or trees. The places that marked their final resting places were regarded as sacred sites to be approached only by initiated men. But before their disappearance from the face and of the earth, the sun and the moon and the rest of the earth-born celestial beings rose into the sky, and man was left to wander the earth.

link: http://www.upfromaustralia.com/dreamabstoro.html

The use of symbolism in Aboriginal Art

Traditional symbols are an essential part of much contemporary Aboriginal art. Aboriginal peoples have long artistic traditions within which they use conventional designs and symbols. These designs when applied to any surface, whether on the body of a person taking part in a ceremony or on a shield, have the power to transform the object to one with religious significance and power. Through the use of designs inherited from ancestors, artists continue their connections to country and the Dreaming.

For example, body decoration using ancestral designs is an important part of many ceremonies. In central Australia inherited designs are painted onto the face and body using ochres ground to a paste with water and applied in stripes or circles. The modern paintings of the Central and Western Desert incorporate many of these designs.





Links:
http://www.aboriginalartstore.com.au/aboriginal-art-culture/aboriginal-symbols-glossary/

http://www.aboriginalartstore.com.au/aboriginal-art-culture/aboriginal-symbols-and-their-m.php

http://www.aboriginalartonline.com/culture/symbols.php

History of the Aborigines

Australian Aborigines migrated from Asia about 30,000 years ago. There are 500 to 600 different groups but they all have one thing in common strong spiritual beliefs. These spiritual beliefs are shown through their storytelling and art. They believe there is a close bond between humans and the land. Aborigines believe dreamtime was the beginning of the world. During this time they believe their ancestors rose out of various parts of the earth including the rocks and waters. Unlike most religions the Aborigines do not set themselves above nature. They believe some of the Ancestors changed into things in nature and still live there. Storytelling informs aboriginals of the vibrant cultural life. Songs illustrate the Dreamtime and other tales of the land. Aboriginal art includes sculpture, bark and rock paintings, and also baskets and beadwork. Aboriginal music is often recognized for its most famous instrument, the didgeridoo. A wind instrument typically made from bamboo, it is about five feet long and produces a low, vibrating hum. Aborigines use didgeridoos in formal ceremonies and in events such as sunsets, circumcisions, and funerals.

Austalian Aboriginal Artists Jack Britten and Alan Griffiths (by Alex)

Jack Britten was born at Tickelara in the East Kimberley. Jack Britten is a senior Gija lawman. As a boy he was taken to work as a stockman and later as a road worker. In 1982 Jack moved back permanently to Frog Hollow, in the East Kimberley, where he had worked to establish the Worranginy Out-Station.

Jack Britten's painting and screenprints focus on his country in the East Kimberley, its origins, ceremonies and ancestral figures; his vision merging the spiritual and physical landscape. His grandparents taught him to paint using traditional materials, methods and themes. Distinctive features of his painting are the use of bush-gum or sap as the binder for ochres and the use of saw-toothed incising. Britten depicts his Dreamings with a lateral landscape perspective and gentle clusters of dome shaped ranges which represent the Bungle Bungles. He is known for his exploration of the landscape with rough textures and bold designs. The distinctive dotting which outlines and is embodied in the landscape forms, describes the country and evokes the presence of ancestors and ceremonies. Jack often incorporates body markings into his work emphasising his ritual seniority. His work is a spiritual and lyrical reflection on the landscape. Since 1987 Jack Britten has exhibited all over Australia including in the ‘Crossroads - Towards a New Reality’, ‘Aboriginal Art from Australia’ in Kyoto and Tokyo in 1992; and ‘Images of Power, Aboriginal Art of the Kimberley’ at the National Gallery of Victoria in 1993.

In 1992 he won the Museums and Art Galleries Award and the National Aboriginal Art Award. His work is held in several private and corporate collections. Jack Britten died in 2002.
Purnululu - Bungle Bungles: The artist spent most of his youth as a stockman working the country around the Bungle Bungle Ranges...


Alan Griffiths was born at Victoria River Station in the Northern Territory in 1933. In 1957 he moved to Katherine where he worked as the head stockman at Beswick Station. This lead to further work on Maninbelli Station, Elizabeth Downs, Delamere and Willaroo.

Alan then worked as a plumber and a cook until 1965 after which he moved to Kununurra to begin a new job as a tractor operator on a cotton farm at Ivanhoe Station.

Allan began painting in 1981 after retiring from a long life of stock and station work. He depicts images of his country - mapping the landscapes significant features and dreamtime stories. His work also captures his days working as a stockman and life on the station.

He often works in collaboration with his wife Peggy Griffiths, painting images of Corroborree for which they are key performers and teachers in their community.

Apart from his life as an artist, Alan is a respected law and culture man for both his country near Timber Creek and for Mirrawoong culture in Kununurra.


collections

Parliament Collection Canberra ACT

University of Woollongong NSW

Edith Cowan University Collection, Perth WA

Cable Beach Resort, Broome WA(Commission)

Royal Perth Hospital Collection Perth WA

Broadmeadows Health Service Collection, Melbourne VIC

Artbank Australia

Private Collections Australia & International

Bachelor Institute NT
Camel Trek [new]: Guljagi or Sundown Hill is a significant landmark in the artist's traditional country at Victoria Ri...