Thank You For Everything By Sayuri Iwata (岩田さゆり)

To My AAD250 Instructor

Words Represent Art

Words represent art:

Ares

Patience

Creativity & Innovation

Innateness

Unique

Sacred

Composition

Animation

Magnificence

Glory

Earth & Mars

Art and Tech Research Post 2

Article: Corner of Art Place and Tech Lane

http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2001/12/48836

Summary:

In the article, Miss Veltman simply believes that Art and science have always been closely related. Even though some purists insist that the two disciplines have always been at opposite poles. Moreover, she quotes "when art and technology come together, magical things happen," said Andy Cunningham. Moreover, some people also suppose that technology is a cultural form as much as religion or art. However, in the end, although technology have always had a great deal of influence on the arts, but the arts have not had much influence on technology.

Reflections:

In my viewpoint, it seems that the link between art and technology is vital, and even some generations later, the influence of technology on the arts is as strong as it has ever been. Nevertheless, the influence from art back to the technology is somewhat absent. I really like the example that were giving in the article. “When an artist walks into a lab and sees equations written on the board, his usual response is to say, “I don't understand any of this -- it must be brilliant.”” However, “when an engineer wanders into an art gallery and sees stuffed animals, he is very likely to say, “I do not understand any of this, -- it must be garbage.”” This instance shows us that it seems that art cannot affect back to technology. I would say that I am only partial agree with the article because art actually influence back to technology in some contents. First, without using technology, such as computer programs, I would never have a chance to draw any “good-looking” pictures because I totally understood the ability of my hands. Second, by using the technology, artists have chance to capture the real-time event and incident. The picture of dropping water becomes possible, and people would never need to imagine this kind of pictures because all of these became photos. For that reason, we could believe that since people (or say artists) have the need of technology, other people then initiate the equipment. Consequently, we could also believe that the link between art and technology is vital, and both of them influenced each other very much.

Bibliography

Veltman, Chole, “Corner of Art Place and Tech Lane,” CondéNet, Inc., Dec. 4th 2001, Mar. 2st. 2008. http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2001/12/48836

Art and Tech Research Post 1

Article: Virtual reality art: Beyond technology
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/06/news/rush.php?page=2


Summary:

In the article, “Virtual reality art: Beyond technology,” Mr. Rush realize that technology leads people creates virtual reality arts much more easily than the old days. As Ippolito said, “The secret, however, isn't in the contraption.” The reason is that virtual reality affords incomparable access to light, space, sound, sensation, perception, visualization and disruption, all ingredients in contemporary art. In addition, some people would think the seductions of virtual reality perhaps need to be resisted before truly masterly art can appear from it, and artistic imaginations will match the technological innovations - artists will not just use the technology, but free it. Consequently, the whole concept is the technology is available, but it needs some artists to free it instead of use it.

Reflections:

Before I read this article, I thought that most of people recently create art works by using computer software and programs. Some of them might not be able to draw or paint any pictures. By such reason, how we could realize those works are ARTS. Now, it is clear for me that people create art by using their ability, which is consist of the ideas, imaginations, intentions, and even what they love. However, the ability does not include “the ability to draw or paint”. As we were taught in the first half of this class, the definition of art should be much more broad – “Art is a normal and necessary behavior of human beings that like talking, exercising, playing, working, socializing, learning, loving and nurturing should be encouraged and developed in everyone,” which said by Ellen Dissanayake. Moreover, according to Britannica Online, it is easier to describe art as the way something is done – “the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others” - rather than what it is. Thus, I believe I could answer my own question in my mind – “could a person learn art, and then becomes an artist?” The answer is of course yes. By using these technology (computer programs and software), everyone could try (try hard) to be an artist who can draw well. Although I think that I would never be a good painter, a calligrapher, or even a virtuoso, I might be able to use the technology to assist myself.

Bibliography

Rush, Michael, “Virtual reality art: Beyond technology,” International Herald Tribune, Jan. 6^th 2006, Feb. 1st. 2008. http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/06/news/rush.php?page=2

Creative Spirituality Reflection

1. How do you define 「spirituality」?

In my viewpoint, SPIRITUALITY is an awareness of your own soul, and an awareness of the nature of the world around you. In addition, since I am somewhat antitheist, I do not believe in any God although I respect God. Thus, spirituality would have nothing to do with God, but the entirely belief in my soul and my heart.

2. Does spirituality differ from religion?

In my opinion, I believe that spirituality gives a person the freedom to add or take away anything from his/her belief. On the other hand, religion does not change and clinging to makes a person a religious person. Some people who have spirituality can agree with dissimilar views of many religions, and moreover integrate and merge these aspects into their own belief system.

3. How do you define 「creativity」?

Creativity is defined as the inclination to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be valuable and useful in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others (Human Motivation). However, I define creativity is the idea that motivate people to innovate something.

4. What is the source of creativity?

As far as I am concerned, I believe that there are many things could be the sources of creativity, such as fear, happiness, and peaceful. I also think fear is the most important aspect because I believe that Margaret J. Wheatley says "the things we fear most in organizations - fluctuations, disturbances, imbalances—are the primary sources of creativity."

Horror Analysis Post 2

Source: Halloween Horror Movies May Cause Emotional Problems In Young Children

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061031113446.htm

Background:

"Watching 'Friday the 13th' with your child is probably not a good idea. Children under the age of 5 may be too young to actually watch and understand violent movies; however, they are psychologically affected by the scenes they are exposed to," says Dr. Daniel S. Schechter, the study's principal investigator and director of the Infant-Family Service at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital and assistant professor of clinical psychiatry (in pediatrics) at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the New York State Psychiatric Institute.

Summary:

Basically, this article points out that although some parents think watching television is the better way to keep their children out of violent while forgetting that kids would also be affected by watching violent programs on the television. In addition, the study shows that mothers who have a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) actually watched more violent movies than their healthy counterparts did. Moreover, of course they watched more television overall. Since the habits of parents always influence their children so much, kids would end up watching too mush television the same as their parents.

Reflections:

Actually, the title, “Halloween Horror Movies May Cause Emotional Problems In Young Children,” has totally catcher my attention. Most of parents haven’t really serious concern about this issue – while they are watching scary and horror movies, their children are also watching it, especially Halloween Horror Movies. The issue is too obvious, young kids might be affected and influenced a lot by watching the fearful movies because they cannot distinguish the reality and fantasy. Although the rating system for movies and television is already existed, it is not useful for most of time. For instance, many children are able to get into cinema to watch restricted movies by using fake IDs, or even no needed for IDs. At home, parents are watching these restricted television programs with their children because these parents just carelessness or neglect about the program rating system.

Hence, although it is exciting to watch the horror and scary movies, we should definitely concern about the outcomes of watching it at the too young age. People should be aware of this issue by helping out both their children and other youngers.

Bibliography:

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (2006, October 31). Halloween Horror Movies May Cause Emotional Problems In Young Children. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 17, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2006/10/061031113446.htm

Horror Analysis Post 1

Source: Why Do People Love Horror Movies? They Enjoy Being Scaredhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070725152040.htm


Normally, researchers use one of the following two theories to make clear why people like horror movies. First, the person is not actually afraid, but excited by the movie. Secondly, people are willing to bear the horror in order to enjoy an excited sense of relief at the end. However, Eduardo Andrade (University of California, Berkeley) and Joel B. Cohen (University of Florida) have done a study by arguing that neither of these theories is correct.

These two researchers believe that "the assumption of people's inability to experience positive and negative affect at the same time is incorrect" because people could experience both positive and negative emotions concurrently. That is, in fact, people may enjoy being scared, but not just relief when the risk is removed. In summary, the authors believe that most of people can experience positive feelings while still experiencing fearfulness.

As far as I am concerned, I certainly believe it is definitely accurate because I usually feel both excited and fearful while I am watching horror movies. Sometimes, even though the movie has finished already, I still feel both kinds of experiences – I become afraid of darkness, feared of spacious area without accompany, and dreaded of alone at any place. Nevertheless, I think the two original theories of the reason that people like horror movies are still valuable and appropriate, but just not prefect. In my point of view, some people would actually be the first type horror-movie followers, and they do not really feel fear at all while watching movies. Moreover, some people are definitely the second type of scary movie lovers, and in fact they fear would be relieved after the movie.

Hence, I believe that we could not say any theory is wrong or not correct because it is the feelings of people, and no one can actually figure it out perfectly. And, the mind of human beings is the most difficult to be analyzed and explained.

Bibliography:

University of Chicago Press Journals (2007, July 31).
Why Do People Love Horror Movies? They Enjoy Being Scared. ScienceDaily.
Retrieved February 17, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2007/07/070725152040.htm

People Watching

Person #1.

For my first observer, I decided to pick the first people who came to party at my place last night.
He is about 20 years old and 6 feet high. He is wearing deep blue loose jeans as well as bulky T-Shirt, and Converse Shoes. He also has a University of Oregon hat on his head. In addition, he was talking on the cell phone while entering my apartment, and many friends are around him.

I believe that he is kind of social leader for Chinese students in the University of Oregon, and he is an easy-going person because there are tons of friends around him almost everyday. To me, it looks like he values attentions and friends. He is getting attention by getting more and more friends to know him, and he could easily be good friend to other because he always willing to help other with their difficulties.

The first assumption that I think when I see him is – He is easy-going person. Moreover, I also suppose he is about 20 year old, and he does poorly in school because he spends too much time to socialize. Doubtless, my finding shows that I think schooling is the most important task since I came to the U.S. to study. I would like to spend most of my time to learn and to gather new materials from the classes, but never spend too much time to make new friends. However, I know I have contra feeling also – I would like have as many friends as possible to be around me, but it seems that I have no chance to do it now.

People #2.

For my second observer, I picked one of my best Taiwanese friends. He is about early 20’s and about 5 feet 7 inches. He has a long hair, and maybe longer than lots of girls. He usually wears a dirty white thin jacket, dark blue jeans, as well as a pair of never changed sport shoes. By the way, he does not like to shave, and he almost always plays computer and console games at home.

To me, I believe that he does not feel lonely while he is playing games alone at home because he usually enjoys himself while playing. Moreover, he likes to have timetable for his life, and such schedule cannot be changed too much unless it is necessary, hence, I think he is very task-oriented. I also suppose he is poor because he is very frugal before I know him well, however, I finally found out that his family owns an international company in Taiwan.

The first assumption I make is – he does not feel lonely while he is playing games. This might reflect my value of friends because while I have free time, I would never play game by myself alone, and I would invite many friends to have fun. The second assumption is I believe he is task-oriented, and following the timetable. Since I also value time and self-fulfillment, I like his unchangeable schedule because I will always know what to do next to get some achievements. The last assumption I make is – he is poor. While I value neat and clean, fashion, and money, none of these values on the forefront of his mind.

People #3.

For my third observer, I examined one of my friends. He is a very fashion person because he usually wearing clothes and bringing gadgets from Gucci and Abercrombie & Fitch. He is the loyal member for these two brands. He would spend at least 20 minutes everyday to make his hairstyle. In addition, he also sprays some men’s perfume everyday while leaving his apartment.

As far as I am concerned, I believe his fashion dressing and professional looking shows his self-confidence and wealth values. I suppose that he might not be as rich as we think because he always wears bad-looking and dirty clothes while he is at home. In addition, he usually talks about how to make money, and how much he achieves already. This indicates that he values personal accomplishment and wealth although I usually doubt about it.

My first assumption is – he is not as rich as I see. Since I value both security and wealth, I believe that a rich person would understand the importance of saving money, and will not spend too much money for unnecessary things. My second assumption is – he values personal accomplishment and wealth, and such values lead him to tell people what he capable. However, I value integrity heavily, and if something is too great to be true, I usually doubt about it.

What is Art for?

Personal Adornment Reflection

Personal Adornment Reflection

When I was in the high school, I always dress black jacket and black pants in order to be mystified. In addition, since my parents usually told me that I have to be gentle, hence, I have to wear very formal, that is shirts and tie, in front of my parents. At that time, my value has two dimensions – one part is expertness and personal accomplishment, and the other part is creativity and enjoyment. In the high school, I chose to wear black jacket and pants because I valued friendship more than anything did, and since most of my friends like this kind of style, I just followed their notions.

After I came to the United States, I became to wear clothes what appear to be teenagers. Hence, I changed to put deep blue loose jeans as well as bulky T-Shirt, and Converse Shoes for my informal clothes, which shows my value of creativity, friendship, and young. This kind of dressing also could illustrate that I am a fashion person. However, I usually have two business suits in different style for my formal dress. Since I am a business major student, I understood that good-looking suit gives professional looking. Therefore, I also value personal accomplishment, personal development, prestige, and expertness.

In my family, my father and my mother are the owner of a consumer electronic store in Taiwan. They are similar to businesspeople, but not exactly. Therefore, they never wear any formal business suits because it is not necessary to wear formally in order to sell goods to the retailers. I believe they value family and security, especially financially. The reason is that they tend to be not care about themselves too much, but only care about my brother and me. Hence, what they gave us are the best of best.

In fact, since I am not the only person who lives on the earth, I usually care about the dressing of other people because I usually want to be part of my social group or my family. Hence, I believe that my value of family and friendship are the first and second value in my mind.

Food as Art

Source:
“Galleries put food and wine on the art menu; from paintings to pinot noir, two women are serving their clients more than just a feast for the eyes – strategy”
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HMU/is_5_30/ai_101940420

The owner of “Tasty of art”, Laurence Asseraf made her coffeehouse combined with the art galleries on the wall in order to make the coffee bar much more special, and therefore she could attract more and more customers to come in. Actually, art is the main purpose that she wants to present in her cafe. On the other hand, the other person named Molly Miller has the similar idea of Miss Laurence, and she opens a bar with galleries.

In fact, this is a fantastic idea to congregate and attract not only the artists but also people who love to enjoy good food in an artistic place. People could relax and enjoy both the food and the art works. Miss Miller believes that “with everything going on in the world, she think people have to be as creative in the marketing plans as they possibly can.” Hence, for this reason, both Miss Laurence and Miss Miller consider to gather more art buyers by uniting the food and the art together. Indeed, this creative and inventive idea has made the world different, and many of the restaurants have paintings or drawings on their wall in order to make a special image of the bistro.

I believe that they are both artist because they have the inspired idea to combine food and art together as a whole. In addition, they know that art should be the main concept of their restaurant, and they discern how to use food as intermediate to attract more and more people.

This article might not perfectly relate to the article – “food as art”, however, it presents us that people have used food as intermediate of the art by long time ago. Moreover, this article kind of shows the tightly relationship between food and art. In my opinion, I suppose art can be everything if it is something special for both makers and receivers. Hence, food must to be considered as art because dishes are created by people’s imagination and creativities.

Bibliography

Amy Leibrock “Galleries put food and wine on the art menu; from paintings to pinot noir, two women are serving their clients more than just a feast for the eyes – strategy,” Art Business News, May 2003, FindArticles.com, Feb. 1st. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HMU/is_5_30/ai_101940420

Food as Art

Source: Chinese Cooking Art
http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-food/cooking-art.htm

The article gives us an introduction of Chinese Cooking Arts, which includes several features – flavors, seasons, feelings, interests, health. All of these features collectively create the Chinese Cooking, which is unbelievable and astounding, and this cooking style could not be easily to be replaced by another kind of cooking.

There are two main points that I want to emphasize:

First, in the article, the author mentions, “Chinese cooking has not only superior techniques, but also has the tradition of placing an emphasis on the aesthetic feeling of dishes and pays attention to the harmony and agreement of food's color, fragrance, flavor, shape, and utensils.” Hence, the first priority of Chinese Food toward to people is FEELING. Form Chinese perspective, not only the food itself should be taste good, but also the color of the dishes must be attractive towards to eaters.

Secondly, in the article, the author also states, “certain requirements on the naming of dishes, the manner of tasting the flavor, the rhythm of having dinner and the insertion of entertainment, etc. The names of Chinese dishes can be called reaching the acme of perfection and suiting both refined and popular tastes.” This statement shows the importance of interest of Chinese Cooking.

From my viewpoint, I believe that the name of every dish is undeniably the art of food, especially in Chinese. For me, it is marvelous that how these chefs come up with the name that sounds both attractive and interesting.

Bibliography:
“Chinese Cooking Art”, China Highlights, 2007,
from http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-food/cooking-art.htm

Life Value Appearance

1. Family
2. Friendship
3. Integrity
4. Health
5. Security
-------------------------
6. Wisdom
7. Loyalty
8. Leadership
9. Power
10. Prestige
11. Wealth
12. Personal Accomplishment
13. Personal Development
14. Independence
15. Enjoyment
16. Community
17. Expertness
18. Creativity
19. Service
20. Location

On Sunday, I always call my parent who live in Taiwan around 6 am to 7 am in the morning because I would like to share my life experience in the United States with them. Not only for telling them what I am doing here, but also for getting some advice and feedback from my parents on the incidents and events just happened to me. This communication connects my family members and me tightly, and we called this "Guan Xi" in Chinese. Since "Guan Xi" (relationships) is critical in Chinese culture, the "Guan Xi" with family members is crucial and vital. Therefore, I gave the first place to "family".

In the rest of morning, I was studying finance with my friends. While studying, we also discussed our plan for this afternoon - go to Valley River Center and Ski Shop to get the equipment for tomorrow's snowboarding trip. As we can see, I spent most of my time with my friends, and therefore, I placed the "friendship" as my second priority. In addition, there is a Chinese proverb says, "All within the Four Seas are brothers." Thus, the friendships is significant to me as well.

In the afternoon, we went to Valley River Center and Ski Shop with my friends from both Chinese Student Association and Alpha Kappa Psi. We were chatting about my final "Court of Honor" interview for AKPsi examination. My friends were surprised when I was responding the question - "what are your personal characteristics ?" They were shocked not because the whole "integrity" idea was my answer, but I told everyone that I had never and would never cheat on any kind of tests, no matter big exams or small quizzes. Hence, I am greatly proud of myself that my third value of my life is "integrity".

Nothing Is Free - Including Debit Cards

http://www.bargaineering.com/articles/national-collegiate-lending-institute-free-300-debit-card.html

As same as the author said, "Companies are getting more and more clever these days."

Recently, I have unbelievably powerful feeling about it. There are so many companies' promotions and advertisements on the street. Most of these attractive advertisements are some what "too good" to be real, and companies put some "besides & assumptions" by using tiny little fine prints in order to fool customers. For instance, I remember that one national bank had a promotion for their internet banking services. By creating the online banking service, customers would receive $100 in their accounts in 3 months. However, this bank didn't mention on the advertisement that the service is "not free." Thus, lots of customers were paying the charge, but not knowing what it is.

Therefore, Make Sure that "always read the tiny tiny fine print."