This weekend, I find myself in scenic Idaho! My wife has been tormented by dental pain to the point of contemplating a life without teeth, so we came up here to visit our good dentist friend Dr. Bond- licenced to drill. We explained the we had to get back by Saturday morning so that we could attend the farmers market in Provo for this week's cultural event. "Nonsense!," said he, "Why, this very evening there is a Pioneer Day festival on yonder plain! 'Shall be music, dancing, and all varieties of merriment!" Upon further questioning I learned that there would be a specific concert of the western/country variety. Using the vast intellect God gave me, I determined that this was very much a cultural event of MUSIC! We determined to go with him and traveled with him many dreary miles across the Idahoian wilderness until...
KER-THUD! We were there. I looked around for the source of the odd sound-effect, but none was to be found. We walked from the parking lot across the grass field and into the square where many were to be found merriment-ing. I was eager to find this rumored Country Concert, and looked with much eagerness and angst until at last! I found it!
T'was a make-shift stage on the back of a diesel truck; Quite fitting of the caliber of the music which was soon to grace my ears. T'were two guitar player, two singers, and one with a strange bass instrument made from a washtub, broomhandle, and a very long rubber band. T'with great anticipation I awaited the start of what promised to be the closest thing to a heavenly choir I had heard in all my short life. I could feel the impatience eminating from the 1500 Idahans gathered around in a huge semi-circle eating thier ham and beans from the buffet tables behind them. Then, oh what rapture!, the five men clad in blue jeans and cowboy hats began to sing!
They sang first the sad ballad of John Denver, "Country Road." Tears has already begun their steady and salty work in my eyes by the time they had finished. I was simply overcome as they sang for the next hour all variety of country classics. Truly, this was I night that I shall never forget. I shall never forget the sight of those five mighty men, surrounded by the crowd of Idahan hicks, and the smell of beans and cornbread the filled the evening air. Yea, this shall be a night that I shall one day tell my children in an eventide tale. As they drift off to sleep, I shall spin the stories of the Cowboy Band of Idaho, and that evening I will never forget. As their eyes close, my children will drift into sleep with such thoughts as, "For a truth, none had it quite so good as our dad."
The atmosphere gets a 10. The music was great. You can never go wrong with a collection of classics. 10. The perfomance itself was wonderful. They sang and played great. I'll give them a 9 however because they all had dark blue jeans except for one of the singers who wore very pale blue. No mosquito bites. The bugs get a 10 as well. All in all, t'was a great night.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Class for Week 5
Watching the videos in class has been a nice break from lecture. I understand that the lectures are unavoidable due to the utter lack of time that Summer Semester brings, but it's still nice to get away from it. I would like to take this opportunity to officially apologize to Sister Stokes for dozing off again on Wednesday. I have a very busy schedule and I don't get anywhere near the sleep I need to cope with it all due to homework, insomnia, etc. I bring energy shots, water, and food to keep me focused but sometimes I still slip. Sorry!
Oh, and I LOVED that we got a handout for the dance unit! THANK YOU! It was great to just hear the term, know that I needed to remember it, and put the definition on the paper! GENIUS! Please do this from now 0n!
Oh, and I LOVED that we got a handout for the dance unit! THANK YOU! It was great to just hear the term, know that I needed to remember it, and put the definition on the paper! GENIUS! Please do this from now 0n!
Readings for Week 5
The chapters we read this week were ok... I'm actually starting to find reading from the text very boring. I'd much rather have the discussion on the topic in class and then go out and look at the thing again with new eyes.
That has been the really interesting thing for me in class so far. I mean, I love reading and I love the classics- but I hated 90% of what I read in High School English. I felt like I was forced to read and forced to understand the way the teachers wanted me to. Then came The Old Man and the Sea. What an absolute treasure! It was so short that the teacher hardly had us do anything with it at all- and I loved it! I must have read it 3 times in that week! I found all sorts of insights and personal application because no one was forcing me to see it a certain way.
This is how I tie my personal expiriences into my rant on art elitism last week... I need "professionals" to stop telling me what art is and how to look at it! Let me grow! Let me find my own meaning in life! Thank you.
That has been the really interesting thing for me in class so far. I mean, I love reading and I love the classics- but I hated 90% of what I read in High School English. I felt like I was forced to read and forced to understand the way the teachers wanted me to. Then came The Old Man and the Sea. What an absolute treasure! It was so short that the teacher hardly had us do anything with it at all- and I loved it! I must have read it 3 times in that week! I found all sorts of insights and personal application because no one was forcing me to see it a certain way.
This is how I tie my personal expiriences into my rant on art elitism last week... I need "professionals" to stop telling me what art is and how to look at it! Let me grow! Let me find my own meaning in life! Thank you.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Cultural Event #4
I was a little short on time this week, so I opted for one of my "optional" options for a cultural event.
While in Salt Lake running certain errands, I found myself with some extra time on Temple Square. Deciding to visit the conference center, I discovered that they had a huge gallery of religious art displayed in the West wing! Above are some of my favorite pieces. I tried to think about everything that we're learning in class about how to read art. So with these pieces, the ones I really liked, and tried to think about their context, intended audience, and the author's thoughts.
The first painting was titled "Solitude" and shows a woman outside of a castle in nature praying. Immediately the topic of secret prayer came to mind. That in and of itself gives the painting important meaning- especially to its intended audience of LDS folk. But then I wondered, why would the artist choose a castle in the background? The girl is wearing a dress which can be considered modern or archaic, so it's difficult to tell the time period. What I ended up deciding is that it can be both. In times present and ancient we build walls around our lives that are so thick and high to protect ourselves, that sometimes the only way to get to God is to stray outside of them.
I forgot the title to the next painting.... But it portrays Christ appearing before Pilate beaten and bloody. The painting itself is very symmetrical; and yet very weighted. While the eye tends to give equal weight to each side of the painting, the reality is that the King on the left is of far more importance than the king on the right. Although despised and tortured, He stands in majesty while Pilate seems to cower. Even though the artist is portraying blood, which is usually shied away from in LDS culture, I feel that his work will become a classic among those who actually strive to understand the price Christ actually payed.
The final painting was entitled "Agape" which is Greek for "God's Love." It is rich with symbolism. Bordered in red with three corners, 10 stones above three trees centered above a mountain. These references to holy numbers, the atonement, and the temple are rich. One can't help thinking that the city on the right is paved with streets of gold, the only substance rich enough for God's faithful to walk upon in Zion. This was by far the one I spent the most time looking at, it really got me thinking.
I really loved this exhibit and would urge you all to go. I loved it, and there's a whole bunch of new classics there.
Class for Week 4
Class this week was ok. It seemed a little rushed because we're preparing for a test, but by the same token it's understandable. I'm still waiting to get the study guide because I have no idea what I need to know for the test. It seems like the past 4 weeks have flown by and I'm realizing that much of what I thought was only presented in passing will actually be important for me to retain. This is the source of my confusion and upset stomach.
It seems like what I still enjoy most about the class is learning about the symbolism in art. I love learning about the mythology and its tokens in art, and of the early Christian works even more. I love learning about anchors as early crosses and laurel trees pertaining to Apollo. Discussing them in class and being trained in skill more than content is what I am truly liking about this class.
It seems like what I still enjoy most about the class is learning about the symbolism in art. I love learning about the mythology and its tokens in art, and of the early Christian works even more. I love learning about anchors as early crosses and laurel trees pertaining to Apollo. Discussing them in class and being trained in skill more than content is what I am truly liking about this class.
Readings for Week 4
For the reading this week, I started reading Sister Stokes' essay on Dadaism... but then I had to move to my home computer and couldn't open it anymore. So, I went onto Wikipedia and found the section on Dada.
I find Dada so intriguing, and I think it's because it was an anti-art movement. The whole concept of an anti-art movement just makes me giggle inside! Are artists so high and mighty, so self-righteous in their positions as aestheticians for the lowly masses that they can't stand a little teasing?! Could it really cause a reviewer from the American Art News to say, "The Dada philosophy is the sickest, most paralyzing and most destructive thing that has ever originated from the brain of man."? I'm sorry, but I'm going to side with the Dadaists on this one; the art community as a whole can just get over it.
I have a very high opinion of art, but a very low opinion of the "elite" in art. I despise that anyone could possible have an ego so large that they would seek to define beauty for the rest of us. I can't stand that there is right and wrong when creating and analyzing art. I believe with my whole heart that beauty, art, and love for aesthetics were gifts from a generous God on high. I believe that just as he made each of us, His children, unique, He made our individual perceptions different from those belonging to anyone else. Beauty cannot possibly be defined, categorized, or systematized; beauty is too different for each of us!
If I see a painting that stops me in my tracks and catches all of my senses, draws me in and forces me to stay then there's a good chance that it's "art." I may sit and study the piece itself; I may look for what it's portraying and its symbolism. Later, I may look up it's background and the artist to gain a broader understanding. On the other hand, I may not. But that's my choice. Just because a painting is hanging in a museum doesn't mean that it's art for me, for you, or maybe Fred next door. "Art" is what people decide it is, and it's different for everyone. There's a reason so many people hate modern art- It's just not that good!
I think that art needs to return to the values of the general public. We're not as dumb as "the elite" think we are. I think that artists need to be less concerned with reaching out to the upper crust of society. They should remember that if their work can't catch the eye of the public, then it shouldn't matter if they can catch the eyes of those who are "trained."
I find Dada so intriguing, and I think it's because it was an anti-art movement. The whole concept of an anti-art movement just makes me giggle inside! Are artists so high and mighty, so self-righteous in their positions as aestheticians for the lowly masses that they can't stand a little teasing?! Could it really cause a reviewer from the American Art News to say, "The Dada philosophy is the sickest, most paralyzing and most destructive thing that has ever originated from the brain of man."? I'm sorry, but I'm going to side with the Dadaists on this one; the art community as a whole can just get over it.
I have a very high opinion of art, but a very low opinion of the "elite" in art. I despise that anyone could possible have an ego so large that they would seek to define beauty for the rest of us. I can't stand that there is right and wrong when creating and analyzing art. I believe with my whole heart that beauty, art, and love for aesthetics were gifts from a generous God on high. I believe that just as he made each of us, His children, unique, He made our individual perceptions different from those belonging to anyone else. Beauty cannot possibly be defined, categorized, or systematized; beauty is too different for each of us!
If I see a painting that stops me in my tracks and catches all of my senses, draws me in and forces me to stay then there's a good chance that it's "art." I may sit and study the piece itself; I may look for what it's portraying and its symbolism. Later, I may look up it's background and the artist to gain a broader understanding. On the other hand, I may not. But that's my choice. Just because a painting is hanging in a museum doesn't mean that it's art for me, for you, or maybe Fred next door. "Art" is what people decide it is, and it's different for everyone. There's a reason so many people hate modern art- It's just not that good!
I think that art needs to return to the values of the general public. We're not as dumb as "the elite" think we are. I think that artists need to be less concerned with reaching out to the upper crust of society. They should remember that if their work can't catch the eye of the public, then it shouldn't matter if they can catch the eyes of those who are "trained."
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Cultural Event #3
This week's event was my favorite by far! After having had it approved by Sister Stokes, I attended a screening of "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog!"
It was something my friends put on in the park; they brought a projector and a giant screen for all in attendance to enjoy. I sat down with my family, friends, and a few people I didn't even care for but I didn't care! This has been my favorite musical since I saw it for the first time last summer.
The story is that of an aspiring super-villian desperate to earn his place in the Evil League of Evil. The story starts as a comedy when he inadvertently introduces the girl of his dreams, Penny, to his arch-nemesis, Captain Hammer. The acting is wonderful, the timing perfect, and the music catchy. I'm humming it even now as I write this entry! It was a nice cool evening laced with light starlight and a cool breeze. It was so wonderful to snuggle up to my wife and enjoy her reactions (this was the first time she'd seen it).
The musical gets a 10 not only because it's the coolest thing ever, but because of how it makes you think. In the end Dr. Horrible gets just what he wants - he wins. But this comes at a terrible loss for him: A loss of a part of his soul. He started off as such a nice villain, unwilling to harm any innocents, but by the end his nightmare of turning evil becomes a reality which he is secretly sorrowed to face. Films like these are very rare these days. What's even more rare is that the film is available to watch for free online, and to purchase for a mere 5 dollars. The film was intended to be a slap in the face of Hollywood by distributing it to the masses for an affordable price and to show that something wonderful could come from a less than modest budget.
The setting gets an 8 because I got a mosquito bite that has been itching all weekend. Other than that though, it was a gorgeous evening and the popcorn was delicioso.
In conclusion GO WATCH IT! It's great and it's free at www.drhorrible.com through hulu. You'll love it and join with me in the revolution for sure.
Class for Week 3
Class this week was OK. I know that it just couldn't be nearly as good as class has been in the past because of the sheer amount of power-points that we needed to get through. Sister Stokes, I'm sorry that I dozed off a few times - I tried really hard to stay awake! It's just that it's my last class, I'm tired, I'm hungry, and my brain can only take so much of capitals and metopes.
I'm still glad to retain and share my own opinions, and I do hope that you never get tired of them, Sister Stokes. I never want you to call on me whilst thinking to yourself, "Oh great... it's Josh again. Let's just let him talk so we can get on with it." Because that would make me sad.
Reading for Week 3
The reading this week was OK again. I'm really grateful that we discussed "From Bauhaus to Our House" in class; I honestly felt like I didn't understand it at all! But now that we've done a little background, discussed it's meaning, and walked through the book together I feel much better. I'd still really like the study guide before any tests though!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Cultural Event #2
This week's cultural event comes to you all the way from Fiji!.... sort of.
I had the privilege of attending Fijian wedding this week. One of my wife's best friends married a young man from these isles, and we got to go. There wasn't much out of place at the sealing and luncheon aside from the leis the men wore and the flowers above the ladies' ears. I was glad to see that my wife was wearing hers above the left ear, which means that person is taken. But the real party didn't start until that evening at the reception.
They were playing classic Fijian music which seemed to waft over you just as the smells from their authentic barbecue. They greeted you warmly and directed you inside where they had tables set up around the West and East sides of the room. On the North was a long banquet table reserved for the Bridal Party facing the buffet tables on the South. The whole area in the center was left open, for dancing I assumed. I sat with my wife and in-laws and waited a few moments until the start of the program.
To open the program, they introduced every member of the Bridal party leading up to the Bride and Groom. That took nearly 30 minutes because the party was so large. Once they were all seated, they had servants dressed as islanders, probably family, serve them food and drink. Then the guests were invited to go and get in the buffet line. The food was authentic, cooked by the family themselves. They had a rice and cinnamon dish, several meats, and a few drinks that were interesting. One was watermelon coconut juice, and the other was a slushed pineapple and orange drink reserved specifically for VIPs. 10 minutes after everyone was seated again, they started the entertainment. This was around 8 o'clock and it didn't stop until midnight. I felt so sorry for the poor Bride and Groom! I remember what it was like waiting until my reception was over... but anyways, moving on.
The numbers were many. First, 2 of the cousins and their guitars. They played 5 love songs with a few encores. Next was a group of hula dancers. It's always been interesting to me to watch the story they tell with their hands, as opposed to other guys there who were more interested in their hips. We were then privileged with a war dance. They had the real attire complete with leaves and spears. They shouted and jumped and snarled and growled and sang and march and so forth. The next number was a group of women who sang some Fijian love songs a cappella. All of these lasted until 11:30 when the Bride and Groom had their first dance and the Bride finally threw her bouquet. By midnight, we had bid the young couple farewell.
It was a cultural eye-opener to attend this wedding. In most Utah weddings, we just show up to congratulate the couple, drop the gift, grab a taste of whatever is being served and leave. These people partied all night! There was dancing even after the couple left! It was a huge, family wide celebration with lots and lots of food. It makes me wonder what exactly our culture has forgotten. What exactly changed at the centuries have passed? Have we just moved more and more toward informality and political correctness?
I would rate the performances as an eight. You could tell that they were all family and friends performing, but they had practiced and were very professional. They obviously did this a lot, maybe even for a living. The background music was a soothing perfect fit for the atmosphere and island decorations, so I'd rate it as a 9. The decorations get a 10 for being island-ish, and yet keeping in harmony with a North American wedding theme. Overall, that's a rating of over 9! I really liked it. Even though I couldn't stomach all of the food, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I had the privilege of attending Fijian wedding this week. One of my wife's best friends married a young man from these isles, and we got to go. There wasn't much out of place at the sealing and luncheon aside from the leis the men wore and the flowers above the ladies' ears. I was glad to see that my wife was wearing hers above the left ear, which means that person is taken. But the real party didn't start until that evening at the reception.
They were playing classic Fijian music which seemed to waft over you just as the smells from their authentic barbecue. They greeted you warmly and directed you inside where they had tables set up around the West and East sides of the room. On the North was a long banquet table reserved for the Bridal Party facing the buffet tables on the South. The whole area in the center was left open, for dancing I assumed. I sat with my wife and in-laws and waited a few moments until the start of the program.
To open the program, they introduced every member of the Bridal party leading up to the Bride and Groom. That took nearly 30 minutes because the party was so large. Once they were all seated, they had servants dressed as islanders, probably family, serve them food and drink. Then the guests were invited to go and get in the buffet line. The food was authentic, cooked by the family themselves. They had a rice and cinnamon dish, several meats, and a few drinks that were interesting. One was watermelon coconut juice, and the other was a slushed pineapple and orange drink reserved specifically for VIPs. 10 minutes after everyone was seated again, they started the entertainment. This was around 8 o'clock and it didn't stop until midnight. I felt so sorry for the poor Bride and Groom! I remember what it was like waiting until my reception was over... but anyways, moving on.
The numbers were many. First, 2 of the cousins and their guitars. They played 5 love songs with a few encores. Next was a group of hula dancers. It's always been interesting to me to watch the story they tell with their hands, as opposed to other guys there who were more interested in their hips. We were then privileged with a war dance. They had the real attire complete with leaves and spears. They shouted and jumped and snarled and growled and sang and march and so forth. The next number was a group of women who sang some Fijian love songs a cappella. All of these lasted until 11:30 when the Bride and Groom had their first dance and the Bride finally threw her bouquet. By midnight, we had bid the young couple farewell.
It was a cultural eye-opener to attend this wedding. In most Utah weddings, we just show up to congratulate the couple, drop the gift, grab a taste of whatever is being served and leave. These people partied all night! There was dancing even after the couple left! It was a huge, family wide celebration with lots and lots of food. It makes me wonder what exactly our culture has forgotten. What exactly changed at the centuries have passed? Have we just moved more and more toward informality and political correctness?
I would rate the performances as an eight. You could tell that they were all family and friends performing, but they had practiced and were very professional. They obviously did this a lot, maybe even for a living. The background music was a soothing perfect fit for the atmosphere and island decorations, so I'd rate it as a 9. The decorations get a 10 for being island-ish, and yet keeping in harmony with a North American wedding theme. Overall, that's a rating of over 9! I really liked it. Even though I couldn't stomach all of the food, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Class for Week 2
Class this week was good; I thought we had some very interesting discussions. I'm still a little confused about the definitions of "Beauty" and "Art." I still feel that these terms are indefinable. Based on personal experience, knowledge, culture, upbringing, personality, taste, prior experience, and many other factors, one thing could fall anywhere on the scale between Beautiful and Ugly for an innumerable host of individuals. For example: My wife and I are in a current disagreement about babies. I think that skinny babies are just adorable, and my wife prefers the little chubby-chunkers. Now what God-fearing person, with all their degrees, letters, and study in the field of "Beauty" would dare to make the final decision on which babies are beautiful and which are not. What is ugly to one person will inevitably be beautiful to another, and vice-versa.
As far as Art Critics are concerned, I will still never let anyone tell me what to think. I refuse to be told what art is. In my mind, if they have to tell you that it's art, it probably isn't. I have no problem with a critic writing, "Hey, I really like this piece. Here's the historical background. I think it means this because of this and that. This is why I appreciate it. Go check it out!" But instead, we get critics and scholars arguing over the definitions and meanings nigh unto bloodshed. Yet that's what makes it funny: They could never, if they had all of eternity, define beauty or art. Nor could they ever capture all the meaning that once piece could convey. Times change, as do individual interpretation. And that is the keystone of art: What it means to you.
As far as Art Critics are concerned, I will still never let anyone tell me what to think. I refuse to be told what art is. In my mind, if they have to tell you that it's art, it probably isn't. I have no problem with a critic writing, "Hey, I really like this piece. Here's the historical background. I think it means this because of this and that. This is why I appreciate it. Go check it out!" But instead, we get critics and scholars arguing over the definitions and meanings nigh unto bloodshed. Yet that's what makes it funny: They could never, if they had all of eternity, define beauty or art. Nor could they ever capture all the meaning that once piece could convey. Times change, as do individual interpretation. And that is the keystone of art: What it means to you.
Reading for Week 2
I found the reading for this week to be... well, let's take them one at a time. I just finished reading From Bauhaus to Our House. That was a tough read. In fact, I'll probably have to re-read it because it couldn't hold my attention past the first few chapters and I just ended up skimming. Even by the end I had no idea what the author's intent in writing was. His voice and tone were sarcastic and satiric, but because I had no background on the subject, I found myself having to sit and think about why every joke he told was funny. My favorite part of the book was reading about that Stone fellow because he fell in love, got a vision, and began breaking norms. We was hated and ridiculed by his fellows, but I don't think he cared.
The chapters in the book were alright, but I got the biggest kick out of Appendix 2. That was a fun read! I found all of the symbols highly interesting. It was actually funny because I saw a painting this week titled "Agape" (Greek for "God's Love") that was riddled with symbolism. I felt like such a champ explaining the color and number symbolism to my wife. "You see, Dear, the 10 stars symbolize the perfection of man..." "Oh Sweetheart! You are SO knowledgeable!" Yeah. It was pretty awesome.
The chapters in the book were alright, but I got the biggest kick out of Appendix 2. That was a fun read! I found all of the symbols highly interesting. It was actually funny because I saw a painting this week titled "Agape" (Greek for "God's Love") that was riddled with symbolism. I felt like such a champ explaining the color and number symbolism to my wife. "You see, Dear, the 10 stars symbolize the perfection of man..." "Oh Sweetheart! You are SO knowledgeable!" Yeah. It was pretty awesome.
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