Hi class. Pick any topic, image, etc., you found interesting from yesterday's class and present it in written form. You can go from trivial to mind-boggling. When you click "post comment," a comment box appears. Write your comment in the box & sign your name (no aliases), and click "post comment." Refresh, and the comment should appear. You have until next Thursday at 11am to finish this assignment, so I close the option to comment. Naturally, I need time to read what you write before the class.
Note: It has happened before that a student writes the comment in the box and clicks "post comment," and the comment gets lost. Write the comment separately (in Word or another format), then copy and paste it into the box. If it gets lost, you still have your original comment saved.
Go ahead.
12 comments:
I think there's something exciting about the use of airbrushes in a prehistoric setting. The idea that a technique considered ‘sophisticated’ has been discovered and used thousands of years before today, and continues to be used today is fascinating. Technology improves at an ever-increasing, exponential rate. And yet art, despite all technological improvements in the craft up till the present day; art techniques from thousands of years ago are still used and beloved. It's impossible to understand just how these techniques started, or what legacy they would leave upon their initial discovery, and yet they manage to resist the test of time. There's a unique beauty in art that derives from its timelessness. New generations of technology (computers, phones, automobiles, software, appliances, etc.) become obsolete upon the invention of a more computationally powerful or streamlined design. Yet, the same primitive art techniques used thousands of years ago still retain value today. Something as primal as mere colored powder on cave walls in what would be modern Spain is weirdly considered ‘sophisticated’, all while modern technology becomes obsolete at an ever-increasing rate.
In our first class, there were many pieces that I previously saw and examined last year in my AP Art History class. I thoroughly enjoyed that course, which is one of the reasons that I chose to take this similar class. One of my favorite pieces to rediscover was the caveman mark on the wall, which encapsulated the beginning of human creation and creative mind development. The photo urges me to think back to when I was a child, and first started experimenting with crafts and paints. My mom is an elementary school art and reading teacher, and so I have worked with markmaking from as early or before I even knew language. Art is such an important part of my life and our society, which is why starting from the very beginning at this piece of mark marking stood out to me so prominetly. I look forward to the rest of the course and what new pieces I will encounter.
Everything begins with a mark. Everything that is made is a mark, so a mark is the manifestation of an idea; therefore every mark made is technically just an idea someone first had in their head. When I apply this logic to the invention of the Arch it makes my mind spin a little. Maybe it is because I am an architecture student, but the fact that someone came up with the design and understood the physics of the Arch is quite intriguing to me. To me it seems so unreachable for someone to have the original thought of figuring out the reason for an arch to support itself. How does someone exactly figure out that the weight from the keystone being distributed throughout the rest of the voussoirs is what keeps the arch standing and how did they first convey this to other people, how did they prove it? Additionally, the arch is such a staple in architecture, it is a mark that is universally recognized as a great discovery. Even in graphic design the form of the arch can be found in many logos, t-shirt designs, etc. The arch is just one of many marks made in the history of humanity conveying the manifestation of an idea.
Ferrari as a brand has always been the epitome of class and classic designs that stay fresh for decades. In 2013, when Ferrari unveiled the LaFerrari to the world at the Geneva Auto Show and then at multiple other auto shows across the world, audiences were in a state of awe at the beauty of the vehicle. This beautiful car not only looked amazing on the outside, but it also housed a 6.3-liter V12 engine and an electric motor, which produced 950 horsepower. This car was truly a marvel of design and engineering. Ferrari has always been making beautiful classic designs ever since they came out with their first car, the Ferrari 125 S. The difference between the two cars is obviously very big, but they both share the elegance of what a Ferrari should have. Designers at Ferrari have always understood that they can't just make a car that looks like anything else on the market. They need to stand out from all the other top brands while holding on to their brand identity. The name LaFerrari literally translates to "The Ferrari," showing that this is the end-all, be-all of cars and it is Ferrari's most beautiful creation. The design of this car will forever be talked about because of how sleek and classy it is, but also because of how aerodynamic the vehicle is because of the design. They prioritized maximum downforce while also having very minimal drag. This car is truly amazing with every detail and will be looked at as one of the best car designs for years to come.
During our first class last week, we started to dive into the true meaning behind design by focusing on the idea that design starts with a mark. While we looked at multiple historical examples, the example that caught my attention was the initial stretch of the Ferrari, and the image of the final product. One of the focuses in our discussion about the car was its geometric structure and the symmetry of the car. While I've always subconsciously noticed these aspects I've never taken into account how intentional they were in the design. Every aspect of the car is there for a reason, whether it be performance or beauty. It’s truly amazing to think about Ferrari’s development as a brand since the beginning with the launch of the 125 S, to modern day with their flagship model the Ferrari F80. To stay relevant as a brand Ferrari has modernized their lineup without giving up the timeless styles that has been with their brand since its inception.
I find it special to appreciate the significance of a mark that leads to the creation of objects that we overlook in today’s day and age. Countless of my previous courses in writing, psychology, culture and diversity, etc., strongly emphasize the use of a “lens” in considering alternate points of view. While I am proficient in using a lens for these subjects, I have not spent much time thinking about the origins of design that we discussed. This particularly stood out to me when discussing the arch in architecture and how meaningful this design was when it was first drawn up. Learning to acknowledge these seemingly unimportant details for the innovation that had to occur for their creation inspires a special appreciation for life. Even in monumental objects like the pyramids or the campanile, overexposure from social media and other platforms makes it easy to forget their significance at the time of their creation, all which began as a mark. Through the introduction in class, I am reminded to appreciate even the most insignificant details that all contribute to where we are now.
Abigail Crowder
In ancient Egyptian times, The Book of the Dead was essentially a textbook guide for navigating the afterlife, but it also alluded to a less-obvious concept–the mark left by the deceased, or, the “mark of the dead.” I find this topic to be the most interesting (although morbid) one briefed in class because it is highly consequential and its outcomes are universally relevant, since everyone will eventually experience death and dying. Additionally, it’s a distinctive, psychological lens to use when considering the concept of the mark. The book was a highly sacred item, composed of manuscripts detailing a sort of judgement of individual lives. One’s actions on earth were believed to directly impact their ultimate fate in the afterlife. In contrast, the “mark of the dead” today is often made obscure by modern efficiency. As a result, the dead don’t often receive the remembrance they deserve. Simple gravestones, urns, and memorials, paired with the immense cost of these services, leave little room for carrying out the personalized care once dedicated to them. Coupling this discussion with the topic of the class, design can commemorate the presence of the dead and their earthly lives. As an architecture student, my mind considers the idea of treating the physical remains of the dead as the Egyptians once did, by designing accessible memorials that truly reflect the unique mark left by those we have lost.
During our first class, I was most intrigued by the ancient handprint on the cave wall. It's incredible that early humans used something as simple as blowing pigment over their fingers to leave their mark. This was more than just art; it was their way of showing that they were there. What interests me is how this little mark can reconnect us with them after thousands of years. They wanted to be remembered, just like we do now. It is one of the first examples of creativity and design, leaving a legacy for future generations to observe. The mark may be basic, but it also is a reminder that design and art do not need to be elaborate or complex in order to be discussed and remembered. Sometimes the most basic marks are the most timeless and impactful.
Caroline Clarke
During our last class, the topic of the “paleolithic mark” deeply resonated with me, particularly what could be thought of as ancient graffiti. It’s captivating to think about how something like graffiti, often considered rebellious and spontaneous, has continued to be a form of artist self-expression and cultural identity for decades. Thinking about these markings one sees in today’s world, a question could be asked: What is it that influences humans to leave their mark on the surrounding environment? As an architecture student, this question is especially thought-provoking. I’m currently studying graffiti art throughout Miami in areas such as Wynwood and Little Havana, where this type of art seems ubiquitous. After analyzing the compelling and reflective artwork throughout these neighborhoods it becomes clear that these markings are not merely rebellious and spontaneous, but rather, a part of the cityscape. The artwork is the cityscape that its residents have created for themselves, and I find this not only interesting, but inspiring.
Mason Rape
Nice thread. Don't mind me. Go on.
In our first class, I was truly captivated by the cave paintings of Altamira. It was amazing to learn about their techniques, like using reddish powder to create such vivid and lifelike images. I found it remarkable how these ancient artists could depict animals with incredible depth and dimension, almost as if they had a natural talent for capturing the world around them. Now, I view it differently: the "Photoshop" of Ice Age hunters, a tool for expression and storytelling. Additionally, I was intrigued by the ancient graffiti. It's interesting to think that even back then, people felt the need to leave a trace of themselves. Knowing that graffiti has such deep historical roots adds a unique perspective to our understanding of human expression.
(Posting for Caroline Blessing)
What I found interesting in our first class was how some marks were almost a cooperative effort through time. Specifically, the mark of the arch has commonly been associated with the Romans and their bridges/aqueducts. Having been fortunate enough to see some of these in person (for example the hallmark aqueduct in Segovia, Spain) it is truly a feat of design and architecture worthy of being considered an important mark. However, Iranians and other Middle Eastern nations/cultures had long since been using similar technology to create arches. The innovation based on marks left by other civilizations is what intrigued me the most. Because what is ownership and originality if someone else has done something first, but no one knows they did it? In that sense there is no true first instance of a mark, but rather an individual's first instance of THEIR mark. Even today, architects and engineers use ancient principles to better construct the cities of the future, and by doing so their marks pay homage to the innovations and designs of days past.
Caroline Blessing
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