Arts Explorer #7: Grocery Shopping with a Twist

Art word of the week: Colour

Colour can be anything that you want it to be! Colour can be bright, dark, strong, weak, vibrant, seductive, powerful, cold or hot, etc. When you mix two colours together, what colour do you get? Is it something you expected? Is it a new colour? 

Our world is surrounded by colour. When you get dressed in the morning, when you take a bite out of your big RED apple, when you hop into you GREEN car...whatever it may be, colour is present. When I was younger, I use to see pictures of my grandmother as a child. Those pictures were taken in black and white. As a child, I use to ask "Grandma, did you have colour back in your time?" She use to laugh and say "Of course we did! Just the type of camera we used did not"

 I work in a grocery store and everyday I'm surrounded by colourful foods (tasty ones too might I add). My section in the grocery store is the Deli Department. When you first look at the meat, you never really understand how can certain meats (such as chicken and turkey) be completely different. Yes taste wise...they are different but when you look at their colour, some are difficult to distinguish. 

Types of Meat:

Chicken:

- Colour: White

-Flavours: Mediterranean, Thai, BBQ, Oven Roasted, Smoked, Cooked, Cajun, Seasoned

Turkey:

-Colour: Pink

-Flavours: Oven Roasted, Smoked, Cooked, Sun-dried tomato and basil, Montreal style, Savory herb, Honey, Mesquite, Fat Free

Ham:

-Colour: Pink

-Flavours: Brown Sugar and Maple, Black Forest, Honey Maple, Pepper, Fat Free, Honey Garlic, Rosemary, Tuscany, Cooked, Prosciutto

Roast Beef:

-Colour: brown, red

-Flavours: Cooked (well done), Oven Roasted, All Beef Salami, Red grill angus (rare), Cornbeef, Pastrami, Smoked meat

Pork:

-Colour: Pink, red, brown

-Flavours: Red Pepper Salami, Ground Black Peppercorn, Genoa hot and mild Salami, Hungarian and German Salami, Mortdaella (regular, light and hot), Calabresse (hot and mild), Summer Sausage

 

Because I've come to know what each of these meats tastes, looks and feels, I have chosen three kinds that show how different these meats are.

In a classroom setting, many educators chose fruits and vegetables as some of the topics to discuss in class. I believe that educators should introduce meat products as a way to get children aware of a variety of foods. It is important for children to be exposed to taste, look and texture of food especially when it comes to meat.

Arts Explorer #6: Collaging With Scissors

Art word of the week: Design and Compostion

"Did the artist accomplish what he or she originally set out to do? Do line, shape, colour, texture and form blend and work together as a unified whole?" (Fox & Schirrmacher, 2009, p.142). When collaging with scissors the answer to those questions are yes.

Introducing originality when teaching children how to express themselves, can be a challenging thing, especially when it is about themselves. Some children may have difficulty expressing their emotions and how they view themselves, but allowing children to gather information (such as things they like, dislike, what makes them unique, etc).

 Activity: EXPRESS YOURSELF!

Step 1: Grab a piece of paper. You could use construction paper or regular paper...whichever you prefer. OR you could use the computer (which is what I chose to do)

Step 2: Start thinking about what inspires you, what are your interests, your dislikes (maybe), your views on the world, places you've been that you've fell in love with. This may be interesting for young children because they are not at that stage where they really know or comprehend what they like or dislike. So as an educator, encouraging them to place any object on a sheet of paper that has meaning to them. Once they've placed the object, start building on what they have. Other than that....start brainstorming

Step 3: Place each picture, word or letter onto the sheet of paper or on the computer. Once everything that been placed according to your standards, take a step back and observe your creation! 

Children learn from collaging because it allows them to have a better self-concept of who they are. They may know that they prefer blue over green or Disney Princesses over Spiderman...whichever it may be, children are allowing themselves to understand more about themselves. 

You can also do this activity when you want children to see how they view the world. Providing children the opportunity to choose colours, pictures or sayings that best describe their definition of the world. Either way, children need to develop their self-concept by understanding and expressing who they are and what makes them...unique!

Reference

Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J.E. (2009). Art and creative development for young children 

        (6th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar

Arts Explorer #5: Eternal Sunshine

Art word of the week: Balance

"Balance involves how an artist uses positive and negative space"  (Schirrmacher & Fox, 2009, P 142). I chose this word because it metaphorically speaks for the movie. The balance between removing the negative space of remembering someone you use to love and the positive space between wanting them. 

This is the conversation that my partner Krystal and I had about Eternal Sunshine.

Krystal: Hey girl how did you find the movie Eternal Sunshine?

Katherine: It was good. weird at first, didnt get it, but near the end....things started coming together. How about you?

Krystal: At first I was very confused. The beginning started of oddly

Katherine: I agree. half way through the beginning, the introduction came on...saying the actors and the publication...i was lost! lol

Krystal: Exactly!!

Katherine: I really liked how you were able to see the process of him forgetting about clementine 
Krystal: I found that pretty interesting and I liked the twist at the end when she went to go get Joel erased from her memory. I found the whole aspect of removing your memories pretty interesting

Katherine: How would you feel if there was a way to remove someone from your memory completely? would you do it?

Krystal: Honestly I don't know if I would consider removing someone from my memory. I believe people come and go from your lives for a reason. There is a purpose why they came into your life at that time. Whether it's a positive or negative. how about you?

Katherine: The concept of removing someone is definitely interesting but i wouldnt erase someone, especially on Valentines Day. People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. And simply by removing them just because they broke your heart or because of hatred, it just isnt ethical

Krystal: I completely agree. The concept of removing someone is interesting but what happens if they erased some of your other memories by accident?

Katherine: That’s what im afraid of. For example, for me n Tim...if i erased the memory of us going to the AGO and seeing the King Tut Exhibit...because hes in that memory, ill probably loose it. And like you said, how can someone be sure that other memories wont get erased. WHAT i also found interesting was when he wanted to wake up and tell them to stop....THAT would freak me out!

Krystal: Exactly! Joel wanted some of the good memories he had with Clementine and he couldn't tell them to stop erasing. That was sad and kinda scary at the same time.I liked how they would use the artifacts, how they made them feel and what memories they were attached too. That was pretty neat how they would use those to find the memories to be erased.

Katherine: Yeah! I liked that too! And it shows how significant those artifacts mean to you. You may think a fork is just a fork but its the memories behind it. i also liked the way things started disappearing in the background

Krystal: It's pretty interesting how we as individuals attach meanings to such small things that mean such a big deal to us. Yeah, showing how there memories were being erased right in front of them.

Katherine: The idea of memories is a very sacred thing and i think its what makes us human. If we dont have memories, then..in my opinion....we wouldnt be able to continue our everyday lives. would you recommend this movie to someone???

Krystal: I agree, we all create memories and that;s what keeps us healthy and living by creating new ones. I would recommend this movie to someone BUT I would tell them you have to pay close attention throughout or you'll become confused and lost very easily.

Katherine: I’m not one for movies that are confusing and try to make you think but i guess thats why they are so popular...try watching inception...now thats...weird. Why do u think this movie was an independent film?

Krystal: But it keeps you watching and guessing throughout the entire movie. You don't loose interest quickly. Inception was an amazing movie had to watch it twice made more sense the second time. It is an independent film because it has more of a creative aspect and not everyone interested in the arts 
Krystal: Well Katherine it was a joy discussing this independent film with you!!

  

Reference
Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J.E. (2009). Art and creative development for young children 

        (6th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar

Arts Explorer #4: Patterns

Art word of the week: Pattern

"Pattern refers to the treatment given to a surface, suggests flow, rhythm, motion or movement. It can be made with forms, shapes, lines, colours, textures or symbols" (Fox & Schirrmacher, 2009, p. 142).

Patterns are everywhere. No matter where you are, no matter where you look....patterns are visible to us. I find patterns interesting to look at simply because it intrigues the imagination. When it refers back to children and how children see patterns, its almost impossible not to allow them to explore. For example, pattern painting. Giving children materials such as cookie cutters, lids, or corks and encourage the child to notice a pattern and see if they are able to repeat it.I found patterns through out my house as well as downtown Toronto.

 
These patterns are simple and regular. They immediately stand out to you because you know what they are. The circles clearly state that the pattern is in a regular form and that it is simple. It doesn't make the eye focus on too many things.
Many of the objects that we see in our day to day lives, we do not appreciate the meaning and composition behind them. 
We think "oh a pattern is JUST a pattern" but a pattern can be anything! Many artists may chose follow the "rules" of patterns (which may be symmetry, regularity, and simple) or may follow their own rules and create what they see patterns as being. 

Even the floors at union station were created with a fundamental purpose....to get people to where they want to be.

References
Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J.E. (2009). Art and creative development for young children      
      (6th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar

Arts Explorer #3: Interpreting a work of Art

Painting: Mary Hiester Reid, 1898, oil on canvas, Gift of Mary Wrinch Reid, Toronto, 1954

 Artist: George A. Reid

Born: Wingham, Canada West (now Ontario), 1860

Died: Toronto, Ontario 1947

Art word of the week:Texture
"Refers to the surface quality of a work of art" (Fox & Schirrmacher, 2009, p.144). Texture can be how the painting feels when you touch it and it can also mean how the painting looks. Everyone has their own definition on how a painting aesthetically looks. When I first noticed the painting, I initially saw the texture instead of the colour. Some may think its weird and unnatural to see the painting's texture before the colour, even when you can't touch but to me, it how the analysis and the thought begin.


What is your initial reaction?

When I first saw this painting, I immediately thought it resembled a woman who is experiencing a death in the family; maybe a husband, a mother or a child. She could be organizing the flowers in memory of that person. She also could be thinking of that person by placing the flowers into the vase. 

I really enjoy this painting because there could be many interpretations for what the woman is doing. Some may think that she is sad, others may think that she is happy and just loves the colour black. No matter what your interpretation of this painting is, it can neither be right nor wrong. 

What do you see that makes you say that?

This painting grabs my attention simply because this woman looks mysterious. She is sitting at the table organizing flowers and you do not know what she is thinking. She could be thinking of something wonderful or something traumatic. Only the artist knows. The colours which are present in this painting are very deep; many dark blues, blacks, and browns. And the slight bit of light are the flowers and the splash back of the wall. To me, I think that the flowers are suppose to symbolize light, happiness and beauty. In my opinion, if the flowers were more of a deep red, my initial reaction would be "oh, her husband died." Pink flowers could symbolize friendship so maybe a friend gave her flowers as a token of their friendship and she is organizing them into a blue vase.

I think that the artist took weeks to paint this picture simply because it could have been a moment in time that he saw this lady experiencing that certain emotion and he felt strongly about capturing that emotion into a piece of artwork.

What more can we find?

The other artworks in the room are all Canadian. Many of them existed during the 1800s in various parts of Canada (mainly Canada West, which is now Ontario). The artists in the room all have different styles of painting. But one thing that I found to be a reoccurring element is the use of oil on canvas. As an observer you can tell that each artist used oil on canvas but made their painting different from everyone else. 

This painting overall was one that made me think. Not only do you not know what the artist is thinking or even the lady, but many ideas can play a part in the way you feel about the painting. Like I said, she could be happy or she could be sad. Each person has their own interpretation of that artwork but its the artist that knows the real interpretation.


When it comes to children and the concept of "art", it is important to recognize that it is a form of expression. It is the artist who distinguishes what he/she wants the painting to "mean" but its the viewer who sees it as a perspective. Each individual casts their meaning on a piece of art. A child may draw a picture of a cow and says its a bunny. To the child, it symbolizes something in their life but to the educator, it could just mean, a cow. Accepting the child's art work is important and allowing expression goes even further. Not knowing is believing and seeing is interpreting.


Reference

Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J.E. (2009). Art and creative development for young children 

        (6th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar

Arts Explorer #2: Instant Sculpture

 Art word of the week: Shape

"Shape is an appropriate criterion for critiquing two-dimensional art that has length and width" (Fox & Schirracher, 2009, p. 140).

Some say that creativity comes when you are experiencing something that you have no words to describe;  a divorce, a break-up, a death, a marriage...the list goes on and on.

In my case, my sculpture came when I was going through something I have no words to describe. The person to whom I share my most valuable memories, thoughts and feelings decided it was time to move on. Yes, it is hard and sometimes it happens but because of my uncertainty and confusion, I portrayed a sculpture that simply explains what I'm going through.

 The Beginning of the End

Materials:

1) Ryerson Adgenda

2) 5 crayons

3) 2 facial creams

4) make-up foundation

and

5) 1 purple nailpolish

This sculpture shows how my relationship primarily was, unbalanced. The foundation symbolizes myself (standing strong, head on, in love etc) and the nail polish resembles the boy (uncertainty, confused, lost, etc). I decided to place the nail polish upside down because it was suppose to show the confusion and the abnormality that he had for our relationship. The crayons were the barrier that surrounded us; society, family, and friends. As to the reason behind the only yellow crayon, that I do not know. It was something that I realized toward the end and came up with numerous reasons why my subconscious mind placed the yellow crayon. Maybe it was the beginning of the end? Maybe I was the only one wasting away? Who really knows...not even myself.

This creative process as helped me in many ways recover from this terrible milestone. I never saw this coming and for once in my life, I've finally understand what was the problem. The problem was, that we both were not on the same page. I wanted a life with him and he wasn't sure. Because of the unbalanced effect in our relationship, something had to be done. And now, in order for the partnership to be balanced and successful, there needs to be two people who land on the same page.

When I was creating my sculpture, I immediately thought of what shapes will I use. Sometimes shapes are simple or complex, they are circular or angular, they can be quiet or active and they can be tall or short (Fox & Schirracher, 2009). I wanted to make my sculpture seem to have various shapes with a variety of meanings. The more shapes an object has, the more interesting the sculpture becomes. 

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.” -George Bernard Shaw

Reference

Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J.E. (2009). Art and creative development for young children 

        (6th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar

Arts Explorer #1: Creative Inspiration

 Art word of the Week: Design or Composition

"Design or composition is the overall mark of success, the standard of achievement, and the fostering on the cake" (Fox & Schirracher, 2009, p.142) 

When I think of design or composition, I instantly think of the architecture of my travels. Each artist that captures the beauty and the essence of their buildings or paintings, shows me that not only are they trying to accomplished originality or whether they used other forms of art into their creation but they have meaning behind their creation.

The Rise of the Carthaginian Empire 1817

Joseph Mallord William Turner (April 23rd 1775-December 19th 1851)

This painting shows design particularly in how the artist used lines, shapes, colour, texture, and a form of blending. These techniques work very well together to visually show an audience how an artist can capture the beauty of a problem while at the same time creating a very meaningful painting.

 One of the very few creative inspirations that I have are my travels. I was lucky enough to go to Greece and England all in the same year!

The reason why I love traveling is because there are so many unique and historical monuments that make you wonder 'what was the creative idea behind making that?' You also get a chance to get up close and personal with the culture. Eating the foods you would NEVER imagine touching, swimming in waters that look a little strange because all we ever see is Lake Ontario and we all know THAT cannot be swam in, and the people you meet along the way.

Each person has their own definition of what inspires them. Some may think that my inspiration in traveling is COMPLETELY ridiculous but I beg to differ.

In Greece, I was welcomed with the opportunity of going to the beautiful island of Crete. For those who have never been, it is ABSOLUTELY breathtaking! The image above is a beach that is located North of Crete called Matala. The holes in the mountain were created by the people of Matala in the 70's. The purpose of the holes were so the people of Matala could hide from the Romans when they invaded Crete. When we stayed in Matala for the day, I couldn't tell you how many "hippies" there were. Many of the free spirited people have a passion for the water. Who wouldn't if you could swim in crystal clear water!

This place in Crete was filled with history that I never knew existed! To know that there are people who find peace and relaxation in the noises of the ocean and to know that there were paintings all throughout the beach to symbolize creativity and individualism, sprouts an envious feeling inside me. Each person living in Matala was unique and appreciated the history that they lived in.

Next on the map was England. England is another country which is surrounded with interesting historical facts. My friend and I were lucky enough to visit Stonehenge, Shakespeare's home in Stratford, Oxford University, Windsor Castle and the London Eye.  

In highschool you learn about places such as England and about the Queen of England but actually going to the country and seeing these famous places is a sight in itself.I must say that the people of England are very creative. Whether you walk down the fashion district of Oxford Street or walking near Piccaddilly Circus to see the replica of Times Square, there are loads and loads of creativity. For example, the women in London dress with their own sense of style. Even though the stores are ALL the same, each man, woman and child dressed differently. They all showed their individualism in their society. And that is what I LOVE about London!

No matter where you are in the world, creativity is there. I find my creative inspiration from my travels. I take the experience, the luxury and the culture when I return home.

Reference

Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J.E. (2009). Art and creative development for young children 

        (6th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar