Faculty Presentations, Part 2:

Kim Garza– Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, 5 years at St. Edward’s

Kim Garza took us through the common procedures of different areas of the graphic design field, and she used personal examples and projects in order to specify the journey of a product. She stated that she loves the field of design because of the many, many opportunities that come through it. “Design”, she quoted, “is liberal arts for life”, and a designer is always involved in new learning.

The app she worked on and described, titled Eventurist, came to be through interviews and research, where they were able to identify and justify a need and types of users. I found it interesting that in order to fully understand the user experience and take their personal focus out of the picture, they created personas based on the research. From 15 ideas came 4 prototypes, and those prototypes went through 8 user tests, which eventually

Her “creative pursuit” (the video with musical and visual elements and manipulation) with her husband was brilliant, transporting, and multi-dimensional. I really enjoyed it, and I found it funny that their ability to use the old film “Till the Clouds Roll By” was a result of a copyright error. Once we began to watch and listen to it, it revealed a more eerie and ghostly tone due to the music and visuals created to replace the originals. It is also amazing that this has been a project of theirs for 6 years because it shows that one can put their passion anywhere and, usually, at anytime. I enjoyed how she shared multiple sides of her career and passion for design.

Tammie Rubin– Art Department

Tammie Rubin noted the influence of the term “chimera” and its importance of the interpretation of the term (as mythological creature and as something that is wished/hoped for) throughout her work, which I thought was very fascinating because I was then able to see this influence as she further shared her work and delved into new concepts.

She also was influenced by her upbringing in the urban, nature-controlling environment of Chicago. She had a “specific and guided relationship” with nature because of this environment, which changed when she moved to Seattle. Although she thought this change of interaction and scenery would help her develop new behaviors and feelings towards nature, she realized that she wouldn’t change, and that she was even more interested in the idea of “manufactured nature” and the contrasts of waste and beauty (rather than solely focusing on the beauty of nature). She liked looking at the details and intricate textures of the plastic and how it would all be waste someday (only used for a moment).

I liked her thought process behind her choice of using the acrylic paint; it gave her pieces a plastic feel that delayed the viewers’ definitions and perceptions of the pieces. They would have to get closer, and, in turn, focus more mentally on her pieces. She had so many interesting insights towards things, such as the observation that we ascribe power to simple objects and sort of create an imagined contraption beyond our world.

James Scheuren– Photography and Photo-communications

James Scheuren’s work was also heavily inspiring (like Tammie and Kim’s!) towards the different possibilities and interpretations that can exist in and, in some ways, shake perceptions of the world. I like his focus on human things done by accident with no aesthetic intention or purpose. He described it as a “very human” intention, however, and places the beauty within this fact and through the capture of the act within his camera frame. The photograph itself “conveys the importance”.

I also liked the idea that sort of repeated throughout his works (such as “Red Room”, “Sticker”, and the piece with the painted over constellations) of what we are willing to put up with and live with. Many of these ideas wove in and out of his pieces, and really pull at the essence of human natures and behaviors (“channeling the unconscious”).

I really enjoyed when he began talking about the personal connections of leaving childhood (“Childhood’s over, asshole”) as seen through the crickets caught in the sticky trap. While I wouldn’t have known this connection as directly without him telling us, I would sense that feeling of loss and preservation at once.

What I love about these artist/faculty talks is that they introduce the building connections that they’ve noticed and briefly explain their personal interpretations before, during, and after making their pieces. Their words expand our understanding and allow us to not just look through their eyes, but to view it through a perspective of heightened senses and comprehension.

Drawing/Painting Time (using portraits), Martin Lam Nguyen, C.S.C

When first viewing the works of Martin Nguyen (within Drawing/Painting Time, using portraits), I observed pounding dots supplemented with detail that met the eye when you walked in closer.

In 1979 Martin Nguyen immigrated to the United States from Vietnam. During his presentation he expressed his great interests and concerns with technology, language, presence, time, and caring for/knowing one another (passions and ideas he had developed during his travels and experiences). Nguyen is also a priest of the Congregation of the Holy Cross and “joined the Department of Art, Art History and Design of the University of Notre Dame in 1995” (background information found via). St. Edward’s had the great pleasure of welcoming Martin and his pieces to our art gallery, and I am so glad that I worked up the resolution to attend his gallery opening and artist talk of Drawing and Painting TIME (using portaits).

Within this specific installed exhibit, there were two distinct pieces: one an array of faces and expressions from different people of different ages at different times portrayed in a warm palette; the other, “365 Faces of Lucy”, focused on one young girl, depicted in gray-scale drawings, every day for one whole year. The lines that depict the faces within both pieces are thin and depict the faces rather realistically.

The pieces have a very grid-like form that creates repetition and a uniform rhythm. The subtle differences in the faces on both the large piece and “365 Faces of Lucy” also develop a sense of variety as the viewer rotates their eyes from one image to the next.

They interact with the space subtly and profusely through this varied yet united rhythm of faces, and create an atmosphere of great reflection and care. The tenderness within the captured, sequential expressions relates greatly to the deep purposes of Nguyen’s processes and pieces.

While listening to Martin Nguyen speak about his works, he brought up many intriguing and sensitive ideas, and in doing so, I struggled to keep myself from jotting almost everything he said down. His ideas expressed prior to me viewing his pieces helped inform my interpretation and further perceptions of the pieces and his expressions overall.

 “Time is the heart of existence…”

Time acts as a noble platform of his purposes within his works. Nguyen acknowledged the difference of perceptions of time throughout cultures, as most notably observed through the language we use in expressing it. Through the portraits he captures moments of existence in a way that we mark time: through portraits and documentation. There is such great care in that he utilizes hours and hours of his time in order to replicate a brief moment.

“I cannot know you; I’m not God.”

Language also differs when denoting what it means to look. Like Nguyen noted, in the English language  we glance and scrutinize and gaze (a spectrum of different forms of looking). With technology, this spectrum of viewing sometimes causes us to miss the specialties of people and moments in time.

 Through his processes of examining and duplicating a photograph, focusing on one at a time, he is almost able to feel what it is like to have the ability to create and care for someone in continuous moments so, so much—as if he is God…but not quite.

He and the viewer will never know the complexities of the individuals depicted, but they can rest in the unknown, knowing that we are all within the same space and channels of existence. We can take comfort in this understanding that we can never absolutely understand.

“Artists…lonely with an idea”

Martin Nguyen’s work is complex, astounding, and continuously working to present life in a pure, careful, strong form. As if each image is a moment, a breath—resounding so quickly to the viewer’s eye, yet it took hours to replicate.  Like I stated before, I am so glad that I was able to see his works and speak with him. They were very emotional, thought-provoking, and effectively.

I began to sense that feeling that he discussed within his presentation…that feeling of noticing a likeness of himself in the little girl. I recognize myself in others and their slick moments in time—united and as individuals.

Rube Goldberg machines, like the one featured in this video, are products of planning, intention, and sequence. Essentially it is a lot of parts (sometimes fairly complicated) that lead to accomplish a small or singular task or tasks.

The first Rube Goldberg machine that I remember seeing was the one in the movie Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (along with the Danny Elfman’s score, this machine fascinated me as a kid!).

I really liked the description beneath the video and how it stated that the machine brings up thoughts of “cause and effect, mechanism and art, improbability and precision”. These elements and ideas are very compelling when thinking about different pasts of life and our personal endeavors/natures.

It will also help to keep the idea of sequence in mind while constructing our books. One idea leads to and may even build onto another in sequence.

David Blaine’s devotion to his goals, his curiosity, and his positivity and wisdom was very inspiring and meaningful within his work and presentation. His thoughts were very strong behind his acts, and very purposeful, and they didn’t seem as bizarre as they might have if they weren’t supported by a personal purpose. The feat, he described, as “surviving with nothing…not even air” was such a bold and intriguing concept.

I was very inspired when he spoke about how, as a magician, he liked to communicate to others that “everything is possible”, and that he kept believing, while looking through his research, if one person can do it, others must be able to, too.

He did a lot of research and experienced multiple “failures” (most that were on television); however, he really kept coming back and thinking “How can I solve this?”.

He did a lot in preparation for the feat. In the end, although mishaps were even happening in the final round, it was interesting to hear his thoughts as he tried to accomplish the task. I liked how it was the audience that really motivated him in the end (sort of a reminder of the context of the situation, and how he had beat the time! It sort of gave him an extra boost to keep going, even though before he was overwhelmed with everything going on in his body).

The end of his speech was very moving when he spoke about “pushing through the pain” and working to be the “best [he] can be”.

When I first began to listen to this podcast I wasn’t too sure of what to think; they were discussing things at the beginning, I was in a mind set of “get it over with; it’s an assignment”. However, once I began to really listen and hone in on what they were talking about and exploring, it became extremely fascinating and engaging to me.

I really liked the first segment when they stated “time hates art”, and how Terry made his Diffusion sculpture in order to “collaborate with time”.

I also really enjoyed the segment with the painter David McDermott and how the reporter went into his home. McDermott had an extremely invigorating and beautiful outlook on the past and the concept of time as not a linear thing, but as a permanent collection of co-existing moments. I loved when he said believing time was linear was a “death trap” (…”and you will die.”) and that we can all time-travel practically.

The discussion about this concept further into the podcast, that discusses free-will, was also very interesting!!

I thought that the Mojave Desert segment that concluded the podcasts was magnificently beautiful and haunting. I especially liked the idea of how little we are; the freedom, the largeness of space and nature, and Noah Purifoy’s sculpture that takes on a life of its own.

Overall this podcast was very humbling!

Podcast-ing is such an interesting and immersive medium, and they sort of collage together sounds and ideas in order to create an auditory experience.

Part 1, Description and Responses to Faculty Presentations (“Our work…and whatever”)

Tuan

Tuan structured his presentation around the various purposes that he creates his work for: family, friends, and the community/school. His designs ranged from designs for thank you gifts, book layouts, tattoos, bags, identity, packaging, and more. I really enjoyed his stories about his family and the journeys of his different designs (and whether they were used or not!). I also was intrigued by one of the first pieces he showed, titled “500 Doodles” (mainly because I love to doodle and I also love seeing other peoples’ thoughts expressed on paper).

Hollis 

In Hollis’ presentation, she displayed her works while discussing the significance, techniques, and processes. Hollis’ work contained many dynamic, haunting personal threads and themes of memory, consumerist culture, disposability, monsters, childhood, and the mind (among many others!). I loved the language she used within her explanations and descriptions (such as when she described the attic smell as “seductive”, as well as the idea of “collective consciousness” when referencing different sources and imaginations for one image).

Bill

Bill’s presentation was very chronological, as he outlined how he had “changed over time” and developed a love for photography. He highlighted the importance of body awareness and work ethic (“you really have to pay your dues to get good at doing this”). I really enjoyed when he spoke about how he challenged himself by moving from landscapes to studio, and how he had almost been avoiding doing portraits (blank environment, filtered people). Each of his ideas and professions merged and lead into the next, and each took him on various, contrasting paths filled with unique and building lessons. This is in line with his first statement: “Life is not linear”!

Part 2, Five Year Plan:

It is difficult for me to directly state what I want to “do” during and beyond college, but I’ll do the best I can (I’ll go year-by-year)!

Freshman Year, 2015-2016:

• Take the prerequisite courses required for Graphic design while keeping an open mind
• Explore other courses and take part in other interests (Jazz band!)
• Go to artist visits and presentations
• Currently interested in a Graphic design major and possibly English Writing minor

Sophomore Year 2016-2017:

• Figure out major/minor (define it more!)
• Become more involved with clubs (Command-G, Art clubs, possibly theatre)
• Possibly start and internship and look into studying abroad (summer or semester)

Junior Year 2017-2018″

• Focus on school work and major, and possibly live in an apartment (?)
• Take classes required for graphic design, and figure out minor

Senior Year 2018-2019:

• Finishing up requirements for major and minor
• Research and become more involved in community and projects with classmates

Year after Graduation 2019-2020 (<—WOW “2020”!!!):

For my career beyond college, I know I want to help people and learn/create in the process. It would be interesting to work for a design firm, but I also think further down the line I am also interested in children’s education and illustration. I hope to work to tie together all of my interests and passions into creatively  (whether on the side along with another job, or as a full-time career).

Recent Work!

VISU1311:

Unity Collages, Project 2

Recognition, Emma Drumright Collage #1

Ascendance, Emma Drumright Collage #2

Throughout the creation of my collages, I inherently pushed for repetition of color and shapes within the “frame”. I really enjoy the creation of different worlds, illusions, and ideas through imagery. I enjoy creating a rhythm and atmosphere through the disjointed images.

In the collage I placed first (titled Recognition) I began to repeat different elements in diverging directions in order to convert the flat space into a space of layered color and forms. I incorporated the scanned tin foil face and the South Congress bowling pins (which both have recognizable facial elements) in order to continue this idea of face throughout the piece. I noticed that by varying the contrasts and brightness of the background imagery, I could create an illusion of depth and movement.

In my second collage (titled Ascendance) I wanted to create a bright environment that delivers a sense of rotation and the main subject (the skeleton with the gigantic head and cigar) rising. I worked a lot on layering multiple elements and creating repetition through the cloning tool. I think the balance of this image may require a little more work (maybe through lowering the repeated pickle-like shapes more weight would gravitate towards the center).

I learned from the critique that I should present my work in a better manner (really consider the paper) and, when I am given a soft-critique or opinions prior to the official critique, I should take it into high consideration and really think deeply about what is said and apply it to my own perception of my work.

FOUNDATIONS IN ART AND DESIGN:

Orbit Book: The Circle Book from Outer Space

While this book may not appear to have the distinctive qualities and form of traditional books, its definition resides in that it consists of sequential visuals for the reader to transition through and become a part of mentally as well as physically.

Looking through books acted as a very interactive and imaginative experience for me when I was younger, and it was common for me to push myself into the narratives and images that I received through books. I wanted to mirror this feeling of placing oneself in a story by having the reader inserted within the pages–self-placed in an orbit of images.

The design of the book also takes inspiration from the creation, purpose, and reception of science-fiction and monster movies. Within my designs and through the nature of my book, I sought to evoke the sensations of attachment, wonder, and isolation that may occur when people undergo cinematic experiences.

The strange form of the book seems to correlate with the thees of uncertainty with outer space and the future, as well as the genres that merge together imaginative characters and humankind’s fears towards things that are unfamiliar.

A video taken from within the Orbit Book: IMG_4877

(***The video is not rotated the correct way, and will have to be downloaded in order to be viewed!)

A video observing the Orbit Book:

Alumni Presentations: Descriptions and Reflections

Lynné Bowen Cravens, Graduated St. Ed’s 2009

She described school as an “artificial environment” which I found very insightful. When she was talking about choosing to go to graduate school, she recommended not to go straight through immediately after undergraduate. She took a three year gap in between, and she said that she felt a hunger to go to other levels and truly improve and focus through grad school.

Her work contained such personal themes that encompassed family and identity (which really fascinated me). Her processes and methods were also very interesting, exploratory, and effective in their ability to accomplish and fulfill the concepts she was developing.

Miranda Pertrosky, Graduated St. Ed’s 2013

BA in Graphic Design, Minor in Fine Arts

Miranda first emphasized that although she has a major in “graphic design”, she and others don’t have to “box themselves” into a specific category of discipline. Her presentation was very informative and extremely helpful; she explained the different areas and industries of design and what they entail, such as the professions in digital, print, and areas in between.

She emphasized the importance of learning the core principles of design in order to adapt to the ever-changing tools. She also mentioned that “[you] can’t be a unicorn, but it’s good to have a basis in everything”. I took this statement as an invitation to explore and dip your feet in anything and everything (and eventually become closer to a rainbow-unicorn-like form!).

Dustin Meyer

Wedding Photography

Dustin’s presentation sort of talked about how education is not the most important element to obtaining a fulfilling occupation, but it makes a noticeable difference in quality. He also spoke about how “passion is not enough” and that you really have to develop skills and plan in order to start a career.

I also like how he described the process of photography shoots and how it is extremely important to be prepared. A photographer/artist shouldn’t experiment, but he/she owes the client to be focused and in the “flow” of the event. It was interesting to reflect on the different variables that different specializations (such as a wedding photographer) have to face when performing their hired job work.

Possible Internships:

 Midi Soliz  costume and fashion designer, celebrity stylist (film and music industry, Austin, TX)

We have contacted each other and I hope to meet her soon. I have told her that I am very interested in an internship and  She has been a family-friend for a long time, and it was my dad suggested for me to at least get to know her and possibly do an internship with her!

Her work that I have seen on her Facebook page is very playful, glamorous, unique, and very inspiring. She evokes many attitudes and elements through her designs that excite me, and I know I could learn a lot from this internship.

Art Museum of South Texas (summer internship program, Corpus Christi, TX) 

I grew up exploring this museum in my hometown, and I one of my family-friends works as a guide and runner of the gift shop. Last year she suggested that I apply for an internship, and I am still very interested!

More info. from site:

” Internships support the Museum’s commitment to encouraging emerging professionals not only in the museum field, but in other areas such as administration, public relations and education, by providing professional growth and development opportunities

The AMST internship program offers part-time, unpaid internships by academic semester each year. Students may be eligible to earn college credit for their internship hours, however, credit programs are managed through the individual student’s academic institution.

A wide range of opportunities and experiences are provided through our Museum internship program. Experiences may include researching artists, exhibitions, and programs; conducting market research or writing press releases; developing workshops and tours and/or prepping materials for installation of exhibitions.

Please note that Museum internships can be very competitive. AMST offers limited numbers of internships each semester and may be unable to place all applicants. Internship time commitments may vary between 8 hours per week minimum to 30 hours per week maximum. “

The Contemporary Austin (Seasonal internships, Austin, TX)

I have never been to the Contemporary before, but it offers a wide variety of unpaid internships (from education, communications, curatorial, visitor services, public programs, development/membership, and more).

Deadlines for submitting applications for internships:

SPRING 2016: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2015

SUMMER 2016: MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

More info. from site:

“ All inquiries

internships@thecontemporaryaustin.org

All internships are unpaid.

Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and application form to apply.

Internships at The Contemporary Austin are ideal for expanding one’s understanding of the functions of contemporary art spaces and nonprofit organizations, as well as a great way to become an active part of the visual arts community in Austin. Our internship program is organized into fall, spring, and summer sessions and features opportunities at both of our locations. ”

Note: many internships in Graphic design seemed to require a Bachelor’s degree and/or extensive knowledge in the Adobe creative suite) “