chichen itza, mexico, 1200 AD
Yesterday's class was fun. 😀
To bring home this idea of the mark, it would be nice to think of a mark that has made a difference in your life.
So, think of anything, man-made, that contains design and purpose in it, that means something to you (for whatever reason). It could go from trivial to mind-boggling. Search and try to connect the dots between the mark and your mind.
150 words minimum.
To leave a comment, click the word "comment" next to the pencil. A comment box appears. Write your comment in the box, sign with your name, and click "post comment."
Better to write down your comment first, and cut and paste it into the box. If there's a glitch, your comment may disappear.
Go ahead.
19 comments:
One of my favorite things in my room is a sort of plaque I made for my high school graduation. I knew I wanted something for all my friends and family to sign that I could take with me, but I didn't want the cliche bear or large picture frame that I would get tired of looking at after a year. I was inspired by different nail-string art I saw, so I got a wooden board and placed nails in the center in the shape of the U. Then I took orange and green yarn and wound it around the nails to fill in the color. Everyone signed their names and little messages all around the board. I was in love with it because I came up with this idea, it worked out perfectly, and it was something I could put up on my wall each year to remember all the people I have supporting me while I'm away at school. I love being able to make art and in this way I was able to do that and include the mark of all the people I care about.
- Kailyn Hayes
A mark that I regularly return to, is the Sainte-Chappelle in Paris, France. It is a royal chapel designed mid-13th century by Pierre of Montreuil and commissioned by King Louis IX to house the relics of the Passion of the Christ. It is aptly named the paragon of Gothic ideals and I consider it to be one of the most stunning buildings ever built. Outside of the obvious—gorgeous stained glass windows and impressive exterior—the overall plan of the chapel has a functional and aesthetic beauty that I greatly admire. The main body of the church is perfectly symmetrical and that symmetry carries up into the interior and exterior elevations. The exterior has all the dramatic features of a Gothic structure but maintains an overall simplicity in terms of color and texture. The interior is contrasting with extensive stained-glass windows and purposeful ornamentation. The combination of aesthetic and functional beauty to achieve a stunning, but clean design is something I try to emulate in all facets of my life—from architectural designs to cooking and even how I dress.
Mary Gorski
One of my favorite works of art is called Untitled (Black on Gray) by Mark Rothko. The painting is approximately 80 x 70 inches and was made with acrylic paint on a canvas. At first glance, the piece is arguably simple; a canvas has been horizontally split in the middle, with the top of the canvas painted in all black and the bottom a dark gray. However, when one understands the meaning behind this abstract color field painting, the value of the work is more present. Rather than existing as a simple “mark,” the painting is representative of multiple metaphors never truly revealed, and the history of Rothko’s process. As one of the last paintings Rothko made, the work stands as a stark contrast between Rothko’s usual use of bright and bold colors. To me, Untitled (Black on Gray) is more than a canvas with some paint. It encompasses the histories of an artist’s method and the creativity involved in nonrepresentational and abstract works that call upon the viewers of a piece of art to engage with the work as a whole.
Divya Srinivasan
It is interesting that you bring up the idea of mark for our first journal entry, because that is one take away that I have got from our first-class discussion. Starting off our class asking the question of “what is design?” followed by the answer of letting our hand move following our imagination. The idea of design and a mark come full circle. Then discussing one of the first marks in history. From early homo sapiens blowing a reddish powder on his hand leaving an imprint on the cave. To the end of our discussion being pre- alphabet marks. Writing is a form of “marking”. We can all make a mark in this world. A mark that has left an imprent in my life and that I vividly remember is a cardboard chair I have designed on my own. I started brainstorming, sketching on a pad. Then, gathering my materials for what is to be built. I had to come up with a design that can sustain the human body, but also a design that is visually appealing to the eye. Doubting myself in the process, it was challenging, yet liberating at the same time. Having the ability to create, and look back on the process, was very exciting. I look back on all the hours that it took, it defiantly left a mark as an artist. That was earlier on in my art career, but I will not forget it. It took me out of my comfort zone, and getting out of your comfort zone, helps growth and passion for future thoughts. It is obviously not a mark you are familiar with, but it is a mark from my life that left an impact.
Gianna Guirgis
Printmaking has recently entered my oeuvre and as quickly as it came into my life as an artist it as quickly rose in my personal esteem and admiration. I love that in the process of printmaking, the artist must first design the composition of the print then transfer that mark to the block only to engage in another form of mark-making with innumerous small cuts carving out the final design. From there, the mark can be inked and reproduced over and over. I love the idea of my hands making a unique mark of my own imagination and labor then that very mark being capable on its own to be reproduced and made over and over without my hands. I see something magical in the process and the seeming permanence of a mark through printmaking. I can print my design onto a discarded cardboard box headed for the trash or I can print it on threaded paper headed for a frame. It is a mark that will continue on regardless if I am there to make it and it is a mark that will retain the essence and the labor of my design regardless if I am the one printing it. The evolution of the mark within the printmaking process and the lifespan of the mark through the print-block itself I believe will remain as one of my permanent fascinations.
ShelbyQuay Ernst
Great comments... don't mind me. Go on.
One of my favorite marks is Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. That is a beautiful Eastern Orthodox monastery that had a big impact on me when I was growing up. That place has always brought me peace of mind and I loved to go there with my parents for Christmas markets and Easter celebrations. Even though I don't consider myself to be as religious as I was, I still have great respect and love for this monastery. As mentioned in class, religion is design in its own and the monastery is a 3-D mark, which is architecture. I personally chose architecture as my major because I would love to be able to leave such long lasting marks of my own and I hope one day someone will have great love for them. As a side note, I really enjoyed the take on nature and art that was made during class. I never understood when people referred to nature as that since to me it always seemed grander than humanity. It is almost like people are trying to take credit for the nature around them. In my opinion, there is no point in competing with nature when it comes to creation of something beautiful. Instead, people should take inspiration from the world around them and compliment the spaces around them with the mark of their own. As an architecture student I hope one day to be able to create 3-D marks that compliment the nature and environment around them.
Eva Klovatskiy
I own a yellow Patagonia backpack that comes with me whenever I go to the field for archaeological work. It was originally a gift from my little sister and served as my primary school bag for a couple semesters but ended up coming with me on my first ever archaeological dig at Totten Key when I couldn’t find a suitable alternative in time. I was hesitant at first to bring it with me because I didn’t want to ruin a perfectly good backpack, but I was pressed to find a quick solution and it was the most convenient option. So, I made up my mind and brought it anyway. It wasn’t long before my pristine backpack got dragged through the dirt and acquired more than a few scuffs marks. What was once a perfect little backpack became weathered and worn, marked by staines that no amount of fabric cleaner seemed to get out. It bugged me at first that I had ruined a relatively expensive bag by dragging it through the scrub brush of Biscayne National Park, but my feelings have changed. After that trip, this little yellow backpack became my designated field pack and now travels with me whenever I go on a dig. It has since gathered many more staines and even a busted zipper! I bring this back pack up because it has become an accumulation of marks through its time as a field pack. Each scuff or stain is a reminder of myriad field stories, some of which are my fondest memories of undergrad to date. I like to think of it as a travelog of sorts that, through its utilitarian use, has become a sentimental object that means a lot to me. It is emblematic of my experiences as a young archaeologist but also a testament to the innocuous mark. Our discussions of prehistoric cave paintings and the mystery of their various inciting factors reminds me that the idea of a mark is significant not necessarily because of what it depicts, but also, and sometimes more importantly, why it was chosen to be made.
- Ricky Durga
When I was younger, I used to wear a pair of bright pink squishy, cozy slippers. Everywhere I went I had these slippers on my feet. I loved these slippers and kept them in perfect condition. One day, I heard a crunching sound coming from the other room only to find my dog with one of my slippers inside its mouth. Upon realizing this and seeing the shoe in its imperfect condition, I was crushed. The once plush and perfect outside of the shoe had teeth marks scattered everywhere. I hated the shoes in their new imperfect condition and pushed them aside in my closet. Not long after, my dog passed away. A few months later I had cleaned out my closet when I found the slippers, and they became my favorite pair once again. The teeth marks of my old best friend were more meaningful than any perfect design of a shoe. The marks reminded me of an alternate version of a paw-print and were reminiscent of the handprints young children do for their parents when they are young. The innocence of these handprints reminded me of the innocence of my dog when he chewed on my shoe. At first I had anger for the animal, but like a child, I am reminded that the marks of the innocent should be the most cherished.
- Emily Collins
We all have an interesting mark that has impacted us in a positive way that led to a difference in our lives. I found it very interesting that we talked about marks during our first-class session on what design is and how it can be anything in general like examples of a Ferrari or writings like early alphabet markings. Surprisingly, I have a creative mark that impacted me in a positive way when I took a class called 3D Design. I was assigned a project which was to make a 3D print on a software platform called Autodesk Fusion 360. It was my first time using the software and wasn't too familiar with it but my creativity paid off. I needed to come up with a design for what I wanted to do and the fun part was coming up with a name for it. What I decided to do was a print of an airplane. But the interesting part about the project was that I was able to receive the solid 3D print object in the palm of my hand. I wouldn’t have ever thought that a design could be converted through computer software and receive the physical airplane printed in 3D. Overall, the project was meaningful to me because I ended up creating something that I can apply to real life and put into practice as a part of my graphic design major.
-Joshua Escobedo
Something man made that means a lot to me is a 6 foot wooden surfboard that I painted when I was in my senior year of high school. This was the year that I had finally made it into AP art which had always been a goal of mine seeing as I had intended on majoring in studio art in college. Each person in the class had to have a theme and a purpose for the pieces they made while taking this class, and my theme was connecting art and emotions, as well as how a person can express themselves through art. The surfboard is painted with elements of the earth which include, the sky, the ocean, fire and land. I used acrylic paint for the main parts and a glossy top coat in places that needed emphasis. I originally had to design this piece by drawing a plan for what I wanted to paint on the previously bare wooden surfboard. To do this I also had to come up with how each element relates to human emotion and how I felt while creating it. Each element symbolizes a human emotion, and in the end they all connect to how a person feels when they are either in love or falling in love. It also is interesting how I chose to use an abnormal object as my canvas because it serves more than one purpose.
-Sydney Essex
In the 2022Fall Semester, I chose a graphic design course. In the Final Project, the professor asked us to make a magazine that interests us. I chose a game theme magazine. It tells about the basic content of the game, product sales and version updates. It seems boring, but for me I'm fascinated by it. From the cover to the last page, I have been carefully designing how to place this picture to make readers feel comfortable, is there a better font to choose, is there a more comfortable text layout, do I need to draw something for filling content, how can I make this magazine look fresh and simply. During that time, I put my heart and soul into the Final Project. I think this is my favorite Mark, it is my masterpiece. It represents my efforts. When it is printed by me, whether this magazine is insignificant or refreshing in the end, it represents my efforts. I am proud of it.
-Kai Gao
The mark that comes to mind is the computer. Its original design and purpose is significantly different from the computers we have today, and will only continue to change. The first digital computer design was more than 50 feet long, and weighed around five tons, taking up a whole room. It was designed for the U.S military, with the purpose of calculating artillery firing tables. In today’s world, computers can be as small as smartphones, weighing a few ounces, allowing people to carry them around in their pocket. They have a variety of purposes and nearly everyone uses a computer today. As computers continue to be developed, the design becomes more aesthetic and more user friendly. The purpose of computers is also being advanced; one example is the field of artificial intelligence, enabling computers to mimic the human mind. It is interesting to think how much further the design of the computer can advance.
-Robert Bolton
A mark that I often return to is Altos de Chavón in La Romana, Dominican Republic. It is a cobble-stone Mediterranean-style village filled with narrow streets located at the top of the Chavón River. The structure was built by Charles Bludhorn in 1976 in reference to the historical buildings in Santo Domingo, the capital. Chavón has become a sentiment place for me ever since visiting for the first time at five years old with my parents and siblings. I loved throwing a penny into the fountain and walking up the steep roads to look over the edge to count the cattle along the river basin. Since I could remember, my dad told me stories of him and his siblings going down to the river to swim and play. Even though there were millions of insects and snakes, they frequented the spot throughout their childhood. When I turned ten, I was allowed to hike down to the river basin to touch the water. I was terrified with each step that I was going to get bit by something. However, when I reached the bottom I felt relief and a deeper understanding of what my dad was talking about. Although I was too scared to touch the water, I felt as if I was living in a memory of my dad.
- Milla Nader
One mark that has had a profound impact on my life is the scrambled egg. It is remarkable the amount of design present in a scrambled egg. The chef must make many decisions for the dish to be a success. Since an early age, I have been very particular about my eggs. To this day I still cannot identify the greater evil between an overcooked and undercooked egg. This fear and blatant rejection for anything other than a perfectly cooked egg has made my breakfast dining options pretty limiting, especially in new settings. It has also made me very critical on new variations chefs experiment with adding milk, water, cheese, etc. My willingness to eat a scrambled egg cooked by anyone other than myself has become a gesture of trust between myself and that person/establishment. In order for me to eat a scrambled egg cooked by someone else, I need to know that the person preparing it has a full understanding of how the egg responds to the factors required to prepare it (the heat, the scrambling, the oil agent). It is incredible how something so simple could be ruined so easily if this basic understanding is not present. While this may sound like a highfalutin over analysis of a simple breakfast food, the scrambled egg has served as my palate’s guardian in many culinary scenarios. If I can’t trust you to cook a proper egg, I won’t subject my stomach to your more complex dish.
-Sarah Stehling
The Bean(Cloud Gate) in Chicago is one of the most outstanding art mark in my memory. The Bean is a work of public art in downtown Chicago. Officially known as Cloud Gate, the sculpture is one of the largest permanent outdoor art installations in the world. The monumental work was unveiled in 2004 and quickly became Chicago's most iconic attraction.
Bean's reflective finish is inspired by liquid mercury. The shimmering exterior reflects people moving around the park, the lights of Chicago, and the surrounding skyline and greenery.
I came to the United States to go to college. In my second year in the United States, I traveled to Chicago. Chicago and Miami are completely different cities. Chicago is a big city with dense buildings. It is a joy to find a green park in such a highly industrialized city. In the park, this silver bean becomes the finishing touch and attracts people's attention. It's a combination of industrial and natural.
Pay attention to this bean, we can see the clouds, the sky, and even ourselves, which makes people more imaginative.
Rui Zhu
One of my favorite pieces of art I have loved ever since I was a little girl is the Empire State Building. Amongst the most iconic monuments in New York City the Empire State Building was always the tallest skyscraper in the world for a very long time. This building helped New York gain much of its allure in the 1930s and 1940s. In addition, developed into the global metropolis it is today. The structure foundation is still in use, and the community can presently access the observation decks. The structure itself is an iconic representation of America during the height of the Art Deco era in design. Ever since I was little, every year my family and I would go to New York City. I would always be amazed by the beautiful structure in the sky. It always captivated my attention greatly. It truly is such a remarkable piece of art. The Empire State Building is the most iconic landmark in New York City. It is one of the most stunning Art Deco structures on the planet, a contemporary element of New York history, and a universally recognized representation of contemporary urban culture.
Ally Campisi
A mark that has meant a lot to me especially over the past few years is the marking of a four-leaf clover. I do not come from Irish heritage, in fact both of my parents come from Italian descent. However, this mark has meant a lot to me because one of my good friends growing up had the four-leaf clover tattooed on his chest and he ended up passing away just two years ago. Since then, this mark has meant a lot to me and every time I see a four-leaf clover or even just a drawing of one it causes me to think about my good friend and the great memories that we made growing up. This marking has meant so much to my group of friends that we all plan on getting it tattooed somewhere on our body to remember our friend Dolan and some of my friends have already done so. Within the year I will most likely also have the drawing of the four-leaf clover on my ankle or somewhere so that whenever I see it, I am reminded of our great memories during our childhood.
-Damien DiTaranto
When thinking of a man-made mark, I had numerous different ideas, but none of them encompassed the idea of design in a way I felt was necessary for this assignment. Eventually, I decided on bits, the piece of metal that goes in a horse's mouth when you ride them. I have been riding horses my entire life, and professionally for the past two years. When I was 14, I decided that I needed to know everything and anything there was to know about bits. I found them so fascinating, and still do. They are crafted beautifully and with the utmost intention. Every curve, every joint, and every twist in the metal serves a purpose. It’s what connects you to the horse and even the smallest difference in two bits can make a huge impact. Learning about every bit I could find was what got me really into the technical side of riding. Every time I go into a tack store I must spend at least an hour with the bits, studying each one, trying to decipher what their purpose is and how they would work in a horse's mouth. It’s an obsession. Some bits haven’t changed since the 17th century, and others have evolved into works of art. Each has its own beauty, design, and purpose.
Gigi Moynihan
Post a Comment