Class Conversation

The class on Monday was pretty good I thought. I got a little frustrated at the beginning because I felt that the conversation was a little one sided about some things. I guess that was the point of the discussion we had on beauty. My opinion is that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It doesn’t mean that as the beholder learns and grows that things don’t become beautiful. I guess I have a lot of learning and growing to do myself. I really did enjoy the article though. As the conversation moved a long I thought the class got better. I really enjoyed talking about art and what it is. I thought a lot of great comments were made on the subject. I also liked talking about the aesthetic experience we have with art. I liked it because I felt this while looking at Walter Wick’s art. For a beginner in this field it was something I could relate to and understand and I think that is why I liked it so much. I felt like a little kid again but could appreciate the talent it takes to accomplish what Walter Wick has with his art. If anything it motivated me to learn about “Higher Art” so I can appreciate it that as well. I know that I will continue to learn many things in this class and by the end I will have a better understanding of my surroundings and the art that tells are story and the art that tells the stories of the past.

Planned activities

i plan on going to the orem library next Tuesday for a movie then to Joseph and the Techicolor Dream coat. Then possibly the ballet under the stars and the farmers market and the utah symphony.

Reading #1

The first reading assignment was a great one. The only thing that made it hard was getting the book a couple hours before class but that is ok because I got it done. I loved how the book started with what the humanities are and then went on to explain how it is becoming a lost tradition. Most people take humanities as a general class and then never think of it again. They go on to their specific fields and get lost in some other work. I think it is a great idea to make the humanities more of a requirement so that we don’t forget are past and so we can stay linked as a human family. Unfortunately the world is not looking for these kinds of people. The world is looking for people who are fast and efficient at a certain thing. It also takes time to learn all these different things and to develop a passion for them. If anything the reading inspired me to keep my mind open and to take chances to learn whenever I get the chance. I actually read a few of the stories at the end of the chapters as well and really enjoyed them. My favorite was the graduation speech that was given. The speech was so simple and to the point and was a great reminder that we chose to be who we are and chose to be great citizens and well rounded people. This book sounds like it will be a great one and I am excited to continue reading.

A Day of Learning

I really enjoyed class yesterday. I learned many new things and was provoked to deep thought about my life and who I want to be when I grow up. The first part that really got me thinking was when we discussed President Kimball’s talk. It made me really wonder what I love to do most. The article was telling me to find that and to become the best I can be in that field and more. I really liked all the comments that were made as well. The humanities really do bring us all together. The next part that I liked was long and was a whole lot of information but I learned a ton. The dates that I had related to major artist were way off so I learned how close to us in time these actually occurred. I look forward to the next class and what it will open my mind to.

Today I went to the Museum of Art on the BYU campus and saw Walter Wicks expo. It was a great experience for me and I really enjoyed his work. Walter Wicks uses everyday items to create a scene and then takes a photo of his work to make it come alive. For example in one of his pieces he used salt and pepper shakers and a whisk and strainers to make a futuristic space station scene. The expo was laid out well and along the way you could see some of his photos taken out in nature as well. One of these photos was titled "Granbrook Park," it was a great photograph of a pond and some tress behind it. What was so neat was the top part of the photo was cut off but completed in the reflection that was in the pond. It took me a second to notice but it was great. I stood in awe with some of these wonderful photographs. One of the other things I really enjoyed was that they actually had some of the models he used and showed how a well placed camera angle can make his scene seem real. One example of this was a photo called "Sky High," it was an awesome photo of a futuristic city with flying cars and tall buildings. What was great was under the picture was the buildings themselves. They only stood maybe three feet high and were made of cardboard and everyday household items. It was neat to see the actual pieces in front of you then the completed photo on the wall. There was great detail in all his work. Walter actually has a whole line of eye spy books for kids. So in these scenes are well placed objects for kids to find while they enjoy his artwork too! This was a great expo to go to and I encourage both old and young to go and check it out. It is free!!! You will leave happy and want to go back for more.