Final Blog Post - Confessions of a F#ck Boy

I am embarrassed and flat-out ashamed by the oppression of women, minorities, and indigenous communities throughout my country, but also including the entire Earth. The mere fact that history has and is still written primarily by oppressors of the elite class reminds me of my privilege as a male, free American, and survivor of the military. I must admit as someone driven by money and power, the reality remains that there are many voices throughout society that are suppressed, and this class made me realize this reality. 

From a pragmatic point-of-view, this class is a great introduction to history, theory, and art practice. When I was young, my voice coach told me that "practice makes permanence," and what this class has also taught me was that art is not about acknowledgement, it is about the practice put into the craft, and the appreciation that manifests as a result of continuing. As someone who identifies as a writer, the idea that practice is key to perfecting a craft is accurate, but instead of a paintbrush, I have a laptop, and often times a notepad and a pen. When I was able to attend class, I enjoyed the short lecture in the beginning, and the implementation of practice in the middle and the end. I also enjoyed the documentary footage shown in class; it was visceral, almost raw, like the movie District 9, a film written and directed by Neill Blomkamp, if you have not seen this, you must! 

My only regret is that I did not become emotionally attached to the material, which is unfortunate because I feel passionate about education. I struggle with the idea of traditional learning, and sometimes find myself always trying to question the system; maybe it has to do with my background. I have read about the different styles of learning in regards to how the Greeks and Romans enforced education, but in today's learning institutions I find myself distracted, nervous, and anxious to go on to the next thing. Bi-Polarilty. 

My favorite artists are Yreina Cervantes, Frida Kahlobecause, and Laura Alvarez because I had a chance to personally meet her. 

I leave this blog understanding and learning two major points from this class: (1) art cannot and should not be rushed and done in a state of anxiety, and (2) artists become more inclined to isolate themselves from society which leads to higher probability of depression and sometimes suicide. 

Thanks for sharing everyone. 

Respectfully,

Will. 

P.S. My favorite artists that were presented today in class (Monday, November 30th) were Santa Barazza with "In-Betweeners;" Camilla Rose Garcia - shout out to Selina Porteria-and "The Woman is a Doctor" by Margaret Garcia. 

#YourLifeMatters

Sketch Book Cover Art - "Just Do It"

The image I chose for the cover of my sketchbook is a still from the famous motivation speech of Shia Labeouf's "Just do it" video.

Since I was a kid in elementary and then later in middle school and high school, I grew up watching Shia Labeouf in Even Stevens, Holes, Disturbia, and then later the Transformers movies, which ended up coming out to be really bad, except for maybe the first one.

If you have not watched the clip, I have included below so that you may watch it; Don't worry it's only about a minute long:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXsQAXx_ao0

Other than it's because comedic values, I believe the idea or slogan "Just Do It" is applicable to all aspects of life, including art making.

As much as I dwell into self-help books, work-out videos, and philosophies of famous celebrities, there is nothing more true than simply getting up and starting.

They say the hardest thing to do in anything is STARTING. Unfortunately, I started these blog posts way too late, but at least I have a forum and opportunity to share my thoughts, beliefs, and ideas.

Have a great week everyone, and best of luck on finals and your future academic and artist careers...

JUST DO IT!

- Will

The Prayer - Laura Alvarez

ARTIST TALK - LAURA ALVAREZ

The image I chose to discuss was Laura Alvarez' "prayer in the garden."

I chose this image because of its spiritual and religious symbolism.

As many chicana(o) artists identify with the Catholic/Christian religion, it is only natural and innate, in my opinion, for Ms. Alvarez to create an image combining both her identity as a Chicana artist, and include an affiliation with quite possibly Christian or Catholic identity.

The image itself is simple and sophisticated. The imag is purely sketch, which I take favor in, and includes only a few other images such as the trees in the background as well as a couple.

I appreciated the talk Ms. Alvarez gave in class, it felt genuine and vulnerable, and I believe that is ultimately what art calls us to do - become vulnerable and speak truth.

Laura spoke in detail about the idea of "double agency" and "authorship." Although I am still unclear about the philosophy of "authorship," the concept of double agency I find cool and almost mystic in a way. Maid by day, and an agent by night. The prayer in garden also reminds me of the rap song "Energy" by Drake. When the female in the center is holding her hands together it is reminiscent of the last scene in Drake's Energy music video, powerful!

Happy Post Thanksgiving - Please let me introduce myself

Greetings Fellow Classmates,

My name is Michael Williamson, but I go by "Will."

I am a fourth year, technically 2nd year, transfer student. I transferred from Saddleback College after earning my Associates of Arts (A.A.) in Liberal Arts and Sciences. While at community college, I focused my energy in theater and film production; later, I discovered writing, in particular screenwriting. I am a World Arts and Cultures major, and I am planning to minor in Public Affairs.

I am taking this course because it is a combination of both art history and theory, and and art practice. In high school I took two years of art, both introductory and advanced, and I believe I excelled in "free sketch." Although I do not find myself participating in art as a profession after I graduate, I do plan on continuing courses in the different forms of art as I continue to practice and further develop my craft.

Ultimately, I want to become both a paid and credited screenwriter, as well as become a published novelist. I am working on the 2nd draft of my novel Turds: An Untold Story, which is about four Marines and their entry and exit from the military. The emphasis of my book will focus on the lives of four different service members and their engagement with the political culture and environment of the military.

For fun I write, produce and direct Youtube videos for my channel, the #StudentHeroesExperiment, on the weekends with my friends and local LA aspiring filmmakers. It is a lot of fun, and I recommend becoming a Youtube creator as it is a great opportunity for independent artists from any platform to express themselves and showcase their work.

Please subscribe to my channel!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW_jNKhDDgldxdo5JSTD3iw

: )

Although this is a LATE POST, I do appreciate this class as it has forced me to think from a different perspective.

Go Bruins!

- Will

"Pray for Your Enemies" - Week Four - Laura Alvarez

The image I chose from Ms. Laura Alvarez’ work is the “Prayer” sketch. This sketch brings to mind many feelings of empowerment, humility, but also strength. I appreciated the lines and the focal point of the image, it reminds me of some of the renaissance artists who often used mathematical equations and geometry to map out where they would place their subjects and the elements around them.

In Chicana Sexuality and Gender, Gloria Anzaldua, Borderlands/La Frontera, “draws on personal and collective memory to rewrite Chicana/o history and construct a Chicana cultural symbol" (97). Similarly, I believe Alvarez is drawing upon family memory, if not, perhaps a dream. If you look in the background, there seems to be a couple holding hands, whether or not these figures represent a heterosexual or homosexual couple is unclear; however, Alvarez makes her subject the focal point; and through this image we see by the subject's linking of hands and erect body posture a political and religious gesture. Alvarez reminds us the importance of spirituality and prayer.

In comparison to the some of the early imagery displaying Chicana/o heritage and culture, the Virgen de Guadalupe is an excellent example of the illustrious need for spirituality and self; and likewise, Alvarez clearly reminds us of the power of self in her character, or subject – her mom/self- the maid, caretaker, and worker. Additionally, the image brings to life nature and in the distance, youth and innocence through the imagery of small children, or youth-like attitude with figures in the trees. The woman praying holds her stance strong, and is not distracted by her environment. What really inspires me in this work is the obvious rebellion by gender and body politics. Typically, images of women in the past highlight sexual features, and/or are dominated by men in positioning. In this image, the woman praying is center, and still, there is no one like her. Even in religious propaganda of the Spanish colonists, or the Catholic church, most imagery would not hold a woman in such high regard with such reverence and stillness. In The Last Generation, Cheerie Moraga exposes ‘patriarchal social constructions’ and uses rebelliousness as a form of expression in her work”

“She resurrects the goddess as the Christlike figure who sacrificed her body to inspire future generations to rebellion.” – Moraga on The Last Generation

https://lauraalvarezart.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/prayer-in-the-garden.jpg

Yreina Cervantes

Artist: Yreina Cervantes

The artist I selected for my presentation is Yreina Cervantes. Two things to note: I chose Yreina because (1) her name stuck out to me, and (2) I procrastinated, so unfortunately my selection of artists to choose from is limited. I am however excited to announce that I will researching a Chicana artist who is a fellow alumnus. Her most notable work is titled La Ofrenda, which translates to "The Offering." 

Go Bruins!

Have a splendid weekend everyone.

Ciao!