Caleb’s Video

Portfolio Day Reflection

Seeing as I have no intention of going to college for art, Portfolio Day did not have the same meaning for me as it did for other art school bound students. I did not spend the weeks prior to Halloween preparing my artwork for critiquing, nor did I anxiously wait in line for a review from the college of my dreams. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even show any artwork at Portfolio Day. Yet for some reason, I had a sense of dread in my stomach as I walked into the Convention Center without a single piece of artwork in my hands.

I was only at Portfolio Day for about half an hour before I left. During this time, I walked around the perimeter of the room, walked through the lines, walked by all the tables proclaiming the names of art schools across the country. I could tell the popular schools from the unknown schools simply by the number of people lined up behind each table. I saw all kinds of artwork, from sculptures to paintings to drawings to abstractions and everything in between. I could also see the expressions on each students’ face as they waited in line, and they all screamed out the same thing: PLEASE LIKE MY WORK!!!!

I applaud each and every student who showed artwork at Portfolio Day, because I sure didn’t have the guts to do it. It takes a certain kind of bravery to go up to a complete stranger and ask ” so what do you think of my work?”. But honestly? I didn’t like Portfolio Day at all. Granted, It was fascinating to see all the different artwork of students across the area, but I couldn’t stand to watch everyone line up in front of RISD’s table and Tyler’s table, wondering if they’re good enough to get into that school.

Good enough? Wait a minute… what? Isn’t the entire basis of art that there IS no good and bad? That there is only opinion? And the opinion of one person really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of the art world? Well, if that’s the case, does it really make sense to have art students line up and wait for hours in order to gain approval from someone who may just dismiss their work? In my opinion, that is the problem with Portfolio Day. I know a few students who’s artwork was completely dismissed because the reviewer didn’t like it, and I don’t think that’s fair. If an art student puts their heart, soul, and hardwork into their art, then I think their art has merit.

I realize that one person’s opinion isn’t going to change the art world. Especially since this person isn’t even going to art school. But, I put my heart, soul, and hardwork into my art, so I think my opinion has merit. And I think that Portfolio Day could br improved immensely from what it is now.

“Bottletar” Rationale

The very first art project of the school year was to create a spiffy little avatar out of a 1 liter bottle and whatever other materials you could find. My avatar (or “bottletar” as Mr. Miller likes to call them) is a shark jumping out of the ocean. He’s made of tissue paper, tape, cardboard, and hot glue; my favorite materials.

I must admit that I don’t really think that sharks reflect my personality. I don’t prey on small creatures, I don’t dwell in the sea, and I’m not as fantastically skilled at jumping out of the water as sharks seem to be. (Seriously, they’re ridiculous. I watched a special on sharks jumping out of the ocean to catch seals during Shark Week over the summer. Crazy stuff.) But, I do think that sharks are wicked cool, and I’m finding that a lot of my art has an “Under the Sea” feel to it.

I guess this has to do with my unremitting love for the ocean and just about everything in it (except jellyfish- those are awful creatures). If I could, I would live at the beach and go surfing everyday. I also find sea-life fascinating, especially all the different ways that sea creatures have adapted over time. So I guess I automatically turn to the sea when I’m looking for something to describe myself.

Then again, maybe I’m more like a shark than I realize. I may not prey on helpless animals, but I definately go after what I want with fervor. I’m not afraid to say what I think and do what I want, and I don’t really care what people think about me. I think this is comparable to a shark’s demeanor. I may not be as cruel, but there are some similarities there. But mostly I want to be able to jump out of the ocean like my “bottletar” and like the real deal.

Tessalations to all!

Ja!

100 Images

Tess,

Your 100 images have major snazz appeal!

Word,

Mr. Miller

Your images

Tess,

Your first set of images is way boss! I’m also intrigued by the potential of the images on the “back” of your pieces. You should look at On Kawara and consider the possibilities for future investigations, especially in your sketchbook…

Did I mention that I really dig reading your responses to our prompts?

Way word,

Mr. Miller

Well, howdy.

Hello, friends. Prepare yourselves for the most glorious art related blog your eyes have ever feasted upon.

That is all.