I think that the passage by Scott McCloud does provide the reader with useful information about images and the written word. First, McCloud is able to explain the concept of how the written word and images have changed over the course of time. Next, he is able to implement the important point that as time went on, images and the written word eventually collided into a modern version of what we have today. After this introduction of main points, McCloud was then able to show his audience how images and words interact to form the basis of comics that are present today. However, this combination can change greatly depending on the artist, and how they go about arranging their comic. In addition to this concept, when a comic artist decides to implement the different styles that are available to them in their work, it can have a great impact on the comic.
I think that McCloud made a good point when he explained that artwork and the written word do not need to be separated. For example, he uses the example of early civilizations that used pictures very frequently. These pictures are representing early forms of language, which clearly shows that words and pictures were connected very early in history. As the written word evolved, it started to become a separate entity from images. Eventually, many different forms of artwork evolved, without words, that tried to express certain themese or concepts depending on the artist. This artwork further separated images and words, but in the near future this was going to change for a few different factors.
Later on, some artists who were known as Dadeists, Futurists, and others tried doing something different. They began to use words in their artwork, which added a new approach to the world of art. Interestingly, today comics area good example of this mix of pictures and words. However, there are different methods that can be used to implement the words into the artwork, without making them unrelated. Some of these methods include word specific, picture specific, due-specific, additive, parallel, montage, and inter-dependent. Depending on which method the artist decides to use, they each have a different affect on the comic itself, due to the fact that words and images are integrated differently into each style. I thought that this was an interesting point, because when I was younger I did read some comics and I noticed the different strategies that the artists were using in their work. I never really thought that these styles had specific names or purposes, due to the fact that they are present in many different types of comics and tend to go unnoticed.
Another interesting point that McCloud made was that when the comic artist uses these elements in the correct way, it will show in their work. He believes that when each part of the different types of styles is correctly integrated into the comic, it will allow the comic to be traced back to the art work that is regularly integrated into them. I think that this point makes a lot of sense, because with any form of writing, comics in this case, the author must know about the different styles and methods that must be done in the correct order and with the right amount of time to produce a good quality work. Thinking further on this point, I have come to realize that in any form of the writing process, steps can not be skipped or done half-way or the end result such as, a comic, paper, etc., will not be a very good work. I believe that this passage provided many interesting points about the integration of the written word and images, and not only their affect on comics, but on other works of art as well. It made me think about how much language has affected people, especially due to its early presence in ancient civilizations. Their combinations of symbolic pictures and characters, signs, etc., is further proof that images and the written word can coexist together in works of literature, or art.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Death, Acceptance, and Facing Reality
When I first looked at this painting, it seemed a little strange. After I spent a few minutes analyzing the painting, "The Death of the Grave-Digger" I believe that the image, or the artist of the image, is trying to show how he believes death will occur for not just the grave digger, but for all of us. For example, the woman standing behind the elderly grave-digger, appears to be fairly young. She is dressed mainly in a navy-like robe, with dark wings protruding from her back. She appears to be an angel of some sort, but she does not give the impression of being an angel associated with peace, love, etc. In addition to the ominous look on the angel's face, she appears to be holding something, that is glowing with a soft green light in her hand. The grave digger is looking up toward the angel's face, with an almost peaceful expression on his face. It seems like he knows that even though this angel may be associated with his death in some way, it does not bother him. I think that he knows that he is older, and it is his time to leave earth, and continue on to the next life. Behind the grave-digger and the angel, possibly an angel of death, there is a graveyard. Interestingly, even thought the painting is entitled "Death of the Grave-Digger" it seems like the graveyard is not the main focus of this painting. It is more of the background image to set the scene for the grave-digger and the angel of death. In addition to the graveyard, there is a large amount of snow on the ground, so it is obviously winter. It appears to be about late February to early March, since the snow is everywhere and does not appear to be melting any time soon. Another indication of spring are the small green buds that are beginning to appear from beneath the snow. Interestingly, they are near the grave-digger and the angel of death. The buds could symbolize new life for the grave-digger, because even though he is near death, it is implied that he will be reborn into new life. This is not only due to the buds which are symbolizing this rebirth, but the angel's body position. She is crouching and pointing upward to heaven, almost like she is trying to allow the grave-digger to come with her to be reborn there.
These elements of winter, and the graveyard set the scene for the gravedigger's death. In addition, they also allow the angel and grave-digger to become the main focus of the painting, but these items are still noticed in the background without being overbearing. I think that the main message from this painting is, that even though death can be a difficult thing to accept in life, it does not have to be the end of something. In the example of the grave-digger, the expression on his face says that even though his death has come, he has lived a fulfilling life, and he does not feel like he is going to die with regrets. In addition, he may be relieved of his suffereing from being a lonely grave-digger, with a limited amount of family left, since most of them have already been taken by death. I think that the irony in this painting comes from the fact that the man is a grave digger, and he has been around death and dead bodies his entire life, he is now dying himself. Interestingly, the grave-digger is pictured with a shovel in his hand, and he is sitting in a hole he has just recently dug. It is almost like he has dug his own grave. The grave-diggerr will be joining the people that have died before him, since it is now his turn to face death. The expression on the man's face is also brave, because he is ready to face death, and he will not be afraid of what is going to happen to him after he dies.
Certain symbolic things stand out in this painting besides the graveyard, and the angel of death. The angel of death is holding a green object in her hand as she hovers over the gravedigger. It is almost like the artist put this here on purpose, to allow the viewer of the painting to wonder what the mysterious object is. My interpretation is that it could be the grave-digger's soul, and he is in the process of leaving his body through the angel's power. It could also be the angel's special preparation, to go about removing his soul from his body. Interestingly, there is a small green cross in the center of her green orb-like object. This could symbolize that is has some sort of divine power. It is symbolic, and ironic in my opinion, because even though she is an angel of death she must come in contact with souls of the departed, a symbol of a life that was on earth. In addition to the green light, I think that another prop in this painting could be the long tree limbs that are around the angel and the grave-digger. The tree branches give the painting a unique look, because they are like the angel's wings around the grave digger. They seem to convey the message that it is the grave-digger's time to die, and it is impossible to escape death.
I think that color plays an important role in this painting. For example, by dressing the angel in a fairly darker robe, it symbolizes that she is associated with something that may not be very pleasant. In this case, it is obviously death. The white of the snow allows the angel and the grave-digger, the main images, and the secondary image, the graveyard to stand out in the painting. The color contrast of the dark blues of the angel, and the reds and browns associated with the grave-diggers robe, stand out against the white snow. Since the graveyard interacts with the message of death in this painting, and allows the scene to be set for the main images positioned near the front of the graveyard, it is the secondary image. By placing the large angel and grave-digger near the front of the graveyard, that artist allows the person who observes the painting to notice them first, making them the main image. By showing the grave-digger laying on a pile of dirt, and other debris, the artist is using them as a prop. This prop further symbolizes the association with the grave-digger and death, because dirt is often associated with burial. Everything about this painting symbolizes the grave-diggers soon to come death, but the expression of peace on the grave-digger's face sets the interesting contrast for this painting. It allows the observer to notice not only the negative, but the positive fact that the grave-digger is accepting his death, and his lonliness in the graveyard has finally ended. Even though death is feared in culture, in the past, and today it does not have to be something that we avoid thinking about. The grave-digger is a good example of this because not only does he face his death, he looks like he believes that he has lived a fulfilling life. In addition to this, another message from this painting is that death does not have to be the end, but a beginning. The new flower buds, the angel's upward hand gesture toward the sky and heaven, and the orb-like object with divine power allow the observer to realize that the grave-digger may be reborn after his death. Interestingly, the artist was able to creatively contrast the depressing image of death, with the positive image of life and rebirth in this painting.
These elements of winter, and the graveyard set the scene for the gravedigger's death. In addition, they also allow the angel and grave-digger to become the main focus of the painting, but these items are still noticed in the background without being overbearing. I think that the main message from this painting is, that even though death can be a difficult thing to accept in life, it does not have to be the end of something. In the example of the grave-digger, the expression on his face says that even though his death has come, he has lived a fulfilling life, and he does not feel like he is going to die with regrets. In addition, he may be relieved of his suffereing from being a lonely grave-digger, with a limited amount of family left, since most of them have already been taken by death. I think that the irony in this painting comes from the fact that the man is a grave digger, and he has been around death and dead bodies his entire life, he is now dying himself. Interestingly, the grave-digger is pictured with a shovel in his hand, and he is sitting in a hole he has just recently dug. It is almost like he has dug his own grave. The grave-diggerr will be joining the people that have died before him, since it is now his turn to face death. The expression on the man's face is also brave, because he is ready to face death, and he will not be afraid of what is going to happen to him after he dies.
Certain symbolic things stand out in this painting besides the graveyard, and the angel of death. The angel of death is holding a green object in her hand as she hovers over the gravedigger. It is almost like the artist put this here on purpose, to allow the viewer of the painting to wonder what the mysterious object is. My interpretation is that it could be the grave-digger's soul, and he is in the process of leaving his body through the angel's power. It could also be the angel's special preparation, to go about removing his soul from his body. Interestingly, there is a small green cross in the center of her green orb-like object. This could symbolize that is has some sort of divine power. It is symbolic, and ironic in my opinion, because even though she is an angel of death she must come in contact with souls of the departed, a symbol of a life that was on earth. In addition to the green light, I think that another prop in this painting could be the long tree limbs that are around the angel and the grave-digger. The tree branches give the painting a unique look, because they are like the angel's wings around the grave digger. They seem to convey the message that it is the grave-digger's time to die, and it is impossible to escape death.
I think that color plays an important role in this painting. For example, by dressing the angel in a fairly darker robe, it symbolizes that she is associated with something that may not be very pleasant. In this case, it is obviously death. The white of the snow allows the angel and the grave-digger, the main images, and the secondary image, the graveyard to stand out in the painting. The color contrast of the dark blues of the angel, and the reds and browns associated with the grave-diggers robe, stand out against the white snow. Since the graveyard interacts with the message of death in this painting, and allows the scene to be set for the main images positioned near the front of the graveyard, it is the secondary image. By placing the large angel and grave-digger near the front of the graveyard, that artist allows the person who observes the painting to notice them first, making them the main image. By showing the grave-digger laying on a pile of dirt, and other debris, the artist is using them as a prop. This prop further symbolizes the association with the grave-digger and death, because dirt is often associated with burial. Everything about this painting symbolizes the grave-diggers soon to come death, but the expression of peace on the grave-digger's face sets the interesting contrast for this painting. It allows the observer to notice not only the negative, but the positive fact that the grave-digger is accepting his death, and his lonliness in the graveyard has finally ended. Even though death is feared in culture, in the past, and today it does not have to be something that we avoid thinking about. The grave-digger is a good example of this because not only does he face his death, he looks like he believes that he has lived a fulfilling life. In addition to this, another message from this painting is that death does not have to be the end, but a beginning. The new flower buds, the angel's upward hand gesture toward the sky and heaven, and the orb-like object with divine power allow the observer to realize that the grave-digger may be reborn after his death. Interestingly, the artist was able to creatively contrast the depressing image of death, with the positive image of life and rebirth in this painting.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The Mona Lisa: A Well-Loved Painting Throughout History
The first thing that I notice when I look at the painting of the Mona Lisa is that the expression on her face seems almost like a mysterious smile. It is like she is planning to do something secreative, that she does not want anyone elst to know about. I think that this feature of the painting captures people's attention at first, and what keeps them interested in the artwork. Another important feature that I noticed was the background behind the woman. It appears to me that she was most likely painted outside at the time, since the background of the painting is full of trees, small shrubs, and other types of foliage. It is difficult to notice at first, since I noticed the painting of the woman at first because she stands out. However, as I continued to look at the painting for a longer amount of time, I noticed this small detail, and I thought that it added to the relaxing scene in the art. I think that this feature allows others to notice the woman in the painting more, but at the same time, it allows the painting to have an interesting feature seperate from the woman in the distance.
It is apparent from the painting from the clothing the woman is wearing if from a later time period, possibly the mid to late sixteenth century. When I looked at what the woman was wearing, it made me think that the time period that she lived in was not only different, but I thought that the people back then were crazy to think that style of clothing looked fashionable. Naturally, it was a different time so people are going to dress differently than they do not in the twenty-first century, but I still can not understand how the people of that time believed that style of clothing looked good on anybody. Besides this point, the clothing made me wonder what it would be like to live in that time period. I thought about what types of foods people in this time ate, what they did for entertainment, and how they passed the time every day. I think that when other people look at this painting, they think some of the similiar thoughts that I wonder about when I have the opportunity to take the time to look at this painting.
I think that another reason that so many people love the Mona Lisa is that the man who created it, Leonardo da Vinci, was an interesting person during his time of history. I learned in my past education that not only was Leonardo da Vinci a great artist, he also invented many things that have helped modern technology today. I think that is fascinates certain people when they think about how much this man contributed to society during his time, and how it affected our society today. I think that people can appreciate a painting, or work of art more when they know a little about the person who created it. This will allow others to make logical decisions, about why the artist created the work of art, and what could have inspired him that led to the creative process. I have always found that knowing something about an artist, allows me to become more interested in the artwork, and I do not wonder what is so great about the art work in the first place. I think that this deeper appreciation of art will not only benefit socity, but it will teach others to think more about the artwork before they judge it for themselves. They could end up judging something that they could end up liking in the future, but by not giving the artwork a chance they are only hurting their chances of becoming a more well-rounded person.
After I examined this painting further, I noticed that the coloration the artist used create the painting seemed to fit the mood it was trying to establish. For example, the dark greens of the foliage in the background and the soft yellow-white color of the sky allow the painting to relax anyone who will look at it long enough to feel it calming affects. I think that the expression on the woman's face in the picture, not quite a smile, but a mischeaveous, yet calm persona adds to the paintings relaxing atmosphere. This thought of the painting being relaxing did not occur to me when I first started to examine it, but after I looked at it for a while I felt a nice, calming sensation. I think that is part of what makes the painting special to so many people, since so few works of art have the ability to have this sort of affect on people. I think that this affect could be different for others, depending how they examine the painting. However, I believe that even though their experiences may be different, the painting will still have the same over all affect on people. I appreciated this painting more after it had this affect on me, because in my experience with artwork, not a lot of paintings have this affect on me.
I believe that there are several more reasons why this painting is world-famous. For example, in additon to the interesting style of clothing, mysterious expression on the woman's face, the thoughts about what the culture was like during the time period, and the interesting foliage, the painting has allowed many people to appreciate, or not appreciate this style of art. I think that the best way to learn about art is when is has been around for a long time, because to me personally, I think that older artwork has more of a history that some of the forms of modern art that I see in museums today. I believe that when something has a history, especially a lengthy one, it will allow people to become curious about the artwork, and then ask questions about who created it, how old it is, what inspired the artist, etc. I believe that this painting has allowed others to learn about art, and they do not even realize that they are becoming more educated, well-rounded people. I believe that education should be something that is not boring, tiresome, and monotonous, like so many forms can become after a while. This painting, and many other forms of art, allow teachers, students, and civilians to learn about something, but keep the learning interesting at the same. Even though not everybody is interested in artwork, this painting may allow more people to appreciate the field.
It is apparent from the painting from the clothing the woman is wearing if from a later time period, possibly the mid to late sixteenth century. When I looked at what the woman was wearing, it made me think that the time period that she lived in was not only different, but I thought that the people back then were crazy to think that style of clothing looked fashionable. Naturally, it was a different time so people are going to dress differently than they do not in the twenty-first century, but I still can not understand how the people of that time believed that style of clothing looked good on anybody. Besides this point, the clothing made me wonder what it would be like to live in that time period. I thought about what types of foods people in this time ate, what they did for entertainment, and how they passed the time every day. I think that when other people look at this painting, they think some of the similiar thoughts that I wonder about when I have the opportunity to take the time to look at this painting.
I think that another reason that so many people love the Mona Lisa is that the man who created it, Leonardo da Vinci, was an interesting person during his time of history. I learned in my past education that not only was Leonardo da Vinci a great artist, he also invented many things that have helped modern technology today. I think that is fascinates certain people when they think about how much this man contributed to society during his time, and how it affected our society today. I think that people can appreciate a painting, or work of art more when they know a little about the person who created it. This will allow others to make logical decisions, about why the artist created the work of art, and what could have inspired him that led to the creative process. I have always found that knowing something about an artist, allows me to become more interested in the artwork, and I do not wonder what is so great about the art work in the first place. I think that this deeper appreciation of art will not only benefit socity, but it will teach others to think more about the artwork before they judge it for themselves. They could end up judging something that they could end up liking in the future, but by not giving the artwork a chance they are only hurting their chances of becoming a more well-rounded person.
After I examined this painting further, I noticed that the coloration the artist used create the painting seemed to fit the mood it was trying to establish. For example, the dark greens of the foliage in the background and the soft yellow-white color of the sky allow the painting to relax anyone who will look at it long enough to feel it calming affects. I think that the expression on the woman's face in the picture, not quite a smile, but a mischeaveous, yet calm persona adds to the paintings relaxing atmosphere. This thought of the painting being relaxing did not occur to me when I first started to examine it, but after I looked at it for a while I felt a nice, calming sensation. I think that is part of what makes the painting special to so many people, since so few works of art have the ability to have this sort of affect on people. I think that this affect could be different for others, depending how they examine the painting. However, I believe that even though their experiences may be different, the painting will still have the same over all affect on people. I appreciated this painting more after it had this affect on me, because in my experience with artwork, not a lot of paintings have this affect on me.
I believe that there are several more reasons why this painting is world-famous. For example, in additon to the interesting style of clothing, mysterious expression on the woman's face, the thoughts about what the culture was like during the time period, and the interesting foliage, the painting has allowed many people to appreciate, or not appreciate this style of art. I think that the best way to learn about art is when is has been around for a long time, because to me personally, I think that older artwork has more of a history that some of the forms of modern art that I see in museums today. I believe that when something has a history, especially a lengthy one, it will allow people to become curious about the artwork, and then ask questions about who created it, how old it is, what inspired the artist, etc. I believe that this painting has allowed others to learn about art, and they do not even realize that they are becoming more educated, well-rounded people. I believe that education should be something that is not boring, tiresome, and monotonous, like so many forms can become after a while. This painting, and many other forms of art, allow teachers, students, and civilians to learn about something, but keep the learning interesting at the same. Even though not everybody is interested in artwork, this painting may allow more people to appreciate the field.
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