Monthly Archives: February 2013

Portraits!

All right. So this week, I’m going to switch it up a little bit on behalf of a project that is very dear to me: The Memory Project. If you have never heard of this organization, it is a program that allows artists from the U.S. to create portraits of orphans to be hand-delivered to children around the globe, especially in developing nations. It is designed to give these kids something tangible and personal to memorialize their childhood. In high school, the upper two levels of studio art had the option to participate and of course everyone who could jumped at the opportunity. I was fortunate to be a part of this great cause for 2 years, but once I came to Penn State I was hit with the hard realization that I wouldn’t be able to continue my involvement with the project… Until I had an idea… Even after only a few weeks of school, I had already met a handful girls who were extremely talented artists with a positive global perspective. I asked them if they would want to participate (they all agreed) and was able to order 5 photos from the founder Ben Schumaker. Here are the results:

SAM_2217

Andrea, Haley, me, Caroline
SAM_2139

…and May!
IMG_0666

2012

I have drawn portraits of kids in Peru, Honduras, and most recently Rwanda, but the reaction is always the same. The most rewarding part of this experience is receiving photos back of the children, always ecstatic, holding your portrait. The feeling you get from seeing your kid’s smiling expression is indescribable. If you ever want to get involved with this awesome program, visit: www.memoryproject.org

Photo on 2-27-13 at 11.47 PM

2011
IMG_4301

WIP: moderator statement

Here are my ideas:

-tried to keep things equal, no bias

-obviously asking questions helped, probing deliberation

-giving everyone chance to speak

-occasionally difficult to progress while staying on topic

-struggle to keep focus

A Date for Valentine’s Day

Lolz at my title for this week… It will make sense hopefully by the end of the post…

But actually, if you’re seriously STOKED for THON (who isn’t?!) I suggest you read last week’s artist of the week post instead of (or before) this one. I think you’ll really like it. 😉

Anyway, back to dates… I don’t know why I remembered this artist today, but I thought it’s interesting enough, but also simple enough to squeeze into this week’s blogging even with our intense “deliberation.” hah. But anyway, I’ve actually seen this artist’s works in person at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh and, to me, his was a refreshingly unique concept.

This is On Kawara.

on kawara48_On Kawara_2 JUIN 2000Clipboard-1kawara-1978-apr_27_1978kawara3

On  January 4, 1966 On Kawara of Japan commenced his project appropriately titled Today. In this series, which he still continues today at age 80, he paints the date (in whichever standards of the country the painting takes place in, hence “Juin”) everyday by using by-hand calculations and his own painting precision–YEAH THAT’S ALL DONE BY HAND! And not only does he create these seemingly flawless pieces, but he then packs them into special storage boxes, carefully wrapped in the daily newspaper of his current location. As you can see, he prefers  small-scale, dark-hued works with the exception of a period in the late 70s when he experienced with warmer colors. Also, for most, if not all, he actually paints around the white canvas to create the words and numbers in negative space. Oh, and if he doesn’t finish a painting by the end of the day, he destroys it. Badass old man, huh?

But even more than his incredible skill to create images that resemble those of digital processing,  his conviction to continue until his death never ceases to amaze me. Such dedication is inspiring–to be so committed to something for so long… I wonder if he still loves the project as much as when he started it?? Hmm….

Civic Issues: Boy Scout Update

All right… I’m not sure how familiar you are with this issue, but it has been pretty prevalent recently, especially during this past week. The Boy Scouts of America Association released a public statement, revealing their upcoming re-consideration of their  ban against “individuals who are open or avowed homosexuals” as Scouts or adult Scout Leaders,” which has been upheld officially since 1980. The leaders of the organization have announced the group “needs time for a more deliberate review of its membership policy.” For now, the league contests that LGBT individuals are not appropriate role models for the young boys of the program. But with all these surrounding turmoil in the news and motions for marital legalizations in a variety of US states, they have been feeling increased pressure from the public to repeal their ban.

For good reason, too.

The Boy Scouts of America pride themselves on both individual, group, and community development. But where is growth without diversity? To me, this and similar bans such as LGBT marital/union laws are reminiscent of something to the likes of the Separate But Equal doctrine about segregation laws. Groups including the Boy Scouts are “of America” by name and nature, yet they are exclusive, strictly denying the participation of thousands of expressive homosexual boys and men. They disparage the US LGBT minority although these boys are every bit as American as an “acceptable” Scout. Even if they are granted admission, will they forever not be considered “clean in word and deed,” as is Boy Scout Code?

At what point do LGBTs become equal with others? It seems even today, with increased support for civil or domestic unions between partners that separation is evident. Sure, rights may be granted… but what are the connotations? What do all these labels/laws really mean for those involved? Is the LGBT community “separate but equal,” and if so how long will it take to gain equality?

As for the Boy Scout case? We’ll find out after the plan of action is revealed after the National Annual Meeting in May 2013.

 

Even If You Don’t UnderSAND Ukrainian

Hello again! (привіт!)

So this week’s artist is one I’ve wanted to showcase for awhile, but kept forgetting and/or finding other equally sweet talent. I chose Kseniya Simonova not only for her incredible skill and artistic finesse (which you will soon witness), but also the unbelievable emotion she draws from her viewers, especially during the piece I have chosen. All of her pieces are a journey in themselves as their production is usually planned, recorded, and put to beautiful music, highlighting many aspects of Ukrainian tradition, daily life, and past hardships. And how does she do it? All with sand!! It’s absolutely amazing.

At first, I was going to show you one of my favorites, a piece about the Holocaust that she did for Ukraine’s Got Talent (she won!)… but after a little more perusing on her website, I found something I think will speak to all of you a bit more: a video she uploaded on Feb. 4th for World Cancer Day appropriately titled: “Never Give Up!” It’s so wonderful and one of her best works for sure… She even uses colored sand in this one! But with THON right around the corner, I figured everyone could appreciate this one together as next weekend (and as long as it takes) we fight to put an end to pediatric cancer. FTK!

Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_fltrV5L38

Here is her website. I REALLY think you should check out more of her videos  if and when you have a little more time… http://simonova.tv/en/