Sorry this is late.
1. Consistency of design: Very consistent. You kept the blue line at the top on every page. There was a simple color scheme throughout (grey/navy blue). There were 5 buttons that never changed- this made it easy to navigate.
2. Color and design: simple but easy to follow. I did not feel distracted as I do on many sites. It was easy to find your work and enjoy your pictures. You stuck with grey for text- this made it easy to read
3. Use of imagery: Limited. A couple times you used your own picture to fill an empty space. This made the site feel fuller but also felt a bit random. For instance the triple image of your dog confused me just because I was unsure of what it related to.
4. Use of line/color/text: You kept this plain. There was the one line at the top of every page that held the site together. Other then that there was little extra "decoration." Sometimes you used your own picture to fill and empty space on a page. Although they did look nice I didn't see the connection between the image and the content of the page
5. Desc. of projects: the description of the 2nd and third project fell a little short. The only description was the words that were already part of the project. I would have liked to read some of the things you told the class while presenting (especially for the home project.)
6. Bio: Complete and informative but not too personal. I liked how you included your education and exhibited works of art. It was a well organized page.
Overall I really enjoyed viewing you site and images (I might even check back to see if there is something new). Way too go! Hope you have a nice summer.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Review of Jaqueline's Site
A day or two late, but hopefully not a dollar short. My apologies.
Jaqueline's website was fairly straightforward, boasting a menu at the top which provides links to all three of her projects. The first two projects are navigated by simply clicking along to view the work, and all links were in working order. The video project was also hosted on the site, and was able to be viewed by an embedded quicktime player. Her bio contained a photo of herself, along with contact information and a little 'about me' section. The entire webstite as a whole was incredibly effective and really highlighted her work!
Kudos Jaqueline!
Jaqueline's website was fairly straightforward, boasting a menu at the top which provides links to all three of her projects. The first two projects are navigated by simply clicking along to view the work, and all links were in working order. The video project was also hosted on the site, and was able to be viewed by an embedded quicktime player. Her bio contained a photo of herself, along with contact information and a little 'about me' section. The entire webstite as a whole was incredibly effective and really highlighted her work!
Kudos Jaqueline!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Review of Sean's website
The header portion of each page contains links to the home, projects, bio and contact pages, and remains consistent from page to page. This keeps all the essential links in one place, making navigation easy and intuitive. Design is consistent and very simple, utilizing a standard black on white color scheme, and sans serif fonts. All of the imagery on the site is well organized and relevant to the content. There is a thumbnail in the header that is different at each page visited, as well as previews for each project on the "projects" page, a more in-depth preview of the "Fear and Loathing in Asbury Park" project on the homepage, and a nice postcard graphic on the contact page. The images from each project are organized into separate flash galleries that are accessed from the projects page. This works well and is an appropriate way to view the work, although there is no space left for descriptions of the individual images. In fact, my only problem with the site is that the description for project two is on the homepage, which is somewhat confusing and separates it from the rest of the project. The description itself, however, is interesting and well written, providing a historical background on the area, a description of the town's current state, and a poem. The bio page is very sparse, with only two sentences and an accompanying photo, but I think that this works well, complimenting the minimalist aesthetic of the rest of the website, something that is also reflected in much of Sean's work.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Website Review
I am supposed to view Allie's site but can't seem to see any page besides the home page. So, I randomly selected to review Mike's website since I will be out of town for the rest of the weekend.
1. Consistancy of design from page to page works well. The navigation bar on the left is very consistent which helps the view to navigate through the pages. The concept of the contact sheets helps the viewer understand that it is a photography website.
2. The navigation throughout the pages works well. The scroll on the right is a little distracting because you actually have to use it to view the whole picture (at least on my computer) and it takes away from the images.
3. Use of imagery: I like the choice of imagery and using his own pictures as the thumbnails for each page, I think that works well and entices the viewers.
4. The use of color is nice. The black background works with the images. The text might be too large, I would maybe make it a size or to smaller. It tends to be too distracting with the page.
5. I really enjoy the setup of the pages, the introduction to the project, then hitting enter, and then seeing the pictures.
6. I like his bio page. It does not look last minute and explains just enough information about him.
1. Consistancy of design from page to page works well. The navigation bar on the left is very consistent which helps the view to navigate through the pages. The concept of the contact sheets helps the viewer understand that it is a photography website.
2. The navigation throughout the pages works well. The scroll on the right is a little distracting because you actually have to use it to view the whole picture (at least on my computer) and it takes away from the images.
3. Use of imagery: I like the choice of imagery and using his own pictures as the thumbnails for each page, I think that works well and entices the viewers.
4. The use of color is nice. The black background works with the images. The text might be too large, I would maybe make it a size or to smaller. It tends to be too distracting with the page.
5. I really enjoy the setup of the pages, the introduction to the project, then hitting enter, and then seeing the pictures.
6. I like his bio page. It does not look last minute and explains just enough information about him.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Jeff's website critique
1. Consistency of design: Layout is consistent, except last project Home goes over navigation words on left side.
2. Color and design: I feel the black background and simplicity of site works with your images. Your logo is great, the letters JF & the layout you have works very well together, very professional looking logo.
3. Use of imagery: Thumbnail images when clicked led me to the blue “windows internet explorer viewer” with their nav. bar. I don’t know if that’s how it looks on all computers or just my window’s environment at home but that does not look/work well.
4. Use of line/color/text: Easy to read text and nice color choices, simple layout. I personally am not a fan of very busy sites especially for this type of Artist website. I did find it hard to see the dark grey against black words on the left side; you might want a little more contrast for ease of viewing on different monitors.
5. Desc. of projects: Is not there yet.
6. Bio: Is not there yet.
You did give me a heads up about it being a work in progress, so far looks like your going in the right direction with the layout and design. I would have liked to see your bio and where you are heading in life…lots of luck in the future…Nancy
2. Color and design: I feel the black background and simplicity of site works with your images. Your logo is great, the letters JF & the layout you have works very well together, very professional looking logo.
3. Use of imagery: Thumbnail images when clicked led me to the blue “windows internet explorer viewer” with their nav. bar. I don’t know if that’s how it looks on all computers or just my window’s environment at home but that does not look/work well.
4. Use of line/color/text: Easy to read text and nice color choices, simple layout. I personally am not a fan of very busy sites especially for this type of Artist website. I did find it hard to see the dark grey against black words on the left side; you might want a little more contrast for ease of viewing on different monitors.
5. Desc. of projects: Is not there yet.
6. Bio: Is not there yet.
You did give me a heads up about it being a work in progress, so far looks like your going in the right direction with the layout and design. I would have liked to see your bio and where you are heading in life…lots of luck in the future…Nancy
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Review of Amber's Site
1. Consistancy of design from page to page - Color and theme are consistent but the page changes size from page to page.
2. Ease of navigation: Navigation is simple and easy. All pages are accessible as you move through the site.
3. Use of imagery: I really love the logo/key rollover link! I also like that you added a quote to accompany it. The website doesn't incorporate any other imagery but I think it works. Otherwise, it might be overwhelming and erroneous.
4. Use of line/color/ text: The black, white and blue is really simple yet elegant and the blue goes along with your first project which I thought was nice. The black border is a nice frame too.
5. Text that explains each project. The text is clear and proper English. I wish you had included the significance of the blue eyes in the text for your first project and how your dad had blue eyes as well.
6. Discuss Bio- Went beyond the basics; included how her perspective of documentary photography as changed. I don't think it was last minute. I also like that is the first thing we read when entering the site-- it gives the viewer your background before looking at your pictures.
Overall: I thought your website was really well done and looks very complete!
2. Ease of navigation: Navigation is simple and easy. All pages are accessible as you move through the site.
3. Use of imagery: I really love the logo/key rollover link! I also like that you added a quote to accompany it. The website doesn't incorporate any other imagery but I think it works. Otherwise, it might be overwhelming and erroneous.
4. Use of line/color/ text: The black, white and blue is really simple yet elegant and the blue goes along with your first project which I thought was nice. The black border is a nice frame too.
5. Text that explains each project. The text is clear and proper English. I wish you had included the significance of the blue eyes in the text for your first project and how your dad had blue eyes as well.
6. Discuss Bio- Went beyond the basics; included how her perspective of documentary photography as changed. I don't think it was last minute. I also like that is the first thing we read when entering the site-- it gives the viewer your background before looking at your pictures.
Overall: I thought your website was really well done and looks very complete!
My site URL:
http://www.tcnj.edu/~farinar2/index.html
it is not the essence of perfection, it is in a means of development to always be updated and improved. I'm pretty sure everything works, but things may be blacked out because there's no link yet, etc.
http://www.tcnj.edu/~farinar2/index.html
it is not the essence of perfection, it is in a means of development to always be updated and improved. I'm pretty sure everything works, but things may be blacked out because there's no link yet, etc.
1. Consistancy of design from page to page -
The page design is the same every time you click on one of the series. First, it brings you to a description, then a link and finally, large-scale photos of the series.
2. Color and Design - The color of the text varied from link to link - it might have been more cohesive if you had stuck to one or two colors. The main index page of the site is interesting, but a bit hard to figure out because I didnt see any names that indicated what each of the links brought you to...the photos didnt seem like links. I liked the film strip border idea though - it was a good way to tie in the header and the series posted on the left side.
3. Use of Imagery: The images seem to be organized well. Each one is set up the same way. Thus, there is consistency within the whole website's construction.
4. Use of line/color/ text - As stated previously, it would have been good to stick to one or two colors and used them throughout the whole website. Also, it would have been interesting to see a simple, but different font other than times new roman. The index page is clean, concise and neat to look at.
5. Descriptions of Projects: Some were more clear than others. Series One's description was a bit too simple. I would have liked to know why the project was called 'evil' or the thinking behind its construction. Series Two's description worked well with the coinciding pictures. The same for Series Three.
6. The bio seemed to be well though out. In the future, it might be cool to include links or additional information related to your creative processes.
Overall, nice job!
The page design is the same every time you click on one of the series. First, it brings you to a description, then a link and finally, large-scale photos of the series.
2. Color and Design - The color of the text varied from link to link - it might have been more cohesive if you had stuck to one or two colors. The main index page of the site is interesting, but a bit hard to figure out because I didnt see any names that indicated what each of the links brought you to...the photos didnt seem like links. I liked the film strip border idea though - it was a good way to tie in the header and the series posted on the left side.
3. Use of Imagery: The images seem to be organized well. Each one is set up the same way. Thus, there is consistency within the whole website's construction.
4. Use of line/color/ text - As stated previously, it would have been good to stick to one or two colors and used them throughout the whole website. Also, it would have been interesting to see a simple, but different font other than times new roman. The index page is clean, concise and neat to look at.
5. Descriptions of Projects: Some were more clear than others. Series One's description was a bit too simple. I would have liked to know why the project was called 'evil' or the thinking behind its construction. Series Two's description worked well with the coinciding pictures. The same for Series Three.
6. The bio seemed to be well though out. In the future, it might be cool to include links or additional information related to your creative processes.
Overall, nice job!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
JEFF!
JEFFJEFFJEFFJEFF
heyyy, please view my site in safari, or at least any browser other than firefox. for some reason my fonts and image order don't translate in firefox =) thanks!
-Dena
heyyy, please view my site in safari, or at least any browser other than firefox. for some reason my fonts and image order don't translate in firefox =) thanks!
-Dena
JEFF!
JEFFJEFFJEFFJEFF
heyyy, please view my site in safari, or at least any browser other than firefox. for some reason my fonts and image order don't translate in firefox =) thanks!
-Dena
heyyy, please view my site in safari, or at least any browser other than firefox. for some reason my fonts and image order don't translate in firefox =) thanks!
-Dena
WEBSITE REVIEWS
If you're website is not posted - immediately post it ON THIS BLOG!!!
Reviews due: Saturday, 11
Criteria for review of websites:
1. Consistancy of design from page to page - do menu items move? Does color and design
remain same from site to site?
2. Ease of navigation: confused? simple? elegant? frustrating?
3. Use of imagery: organized? Distinctive? Clever? How?
4. Use of line/color/ text
5. Text that explains each project. IS it clear? Is it repetitive? Is is proper english?
6. Discuss Bio- effective or obviously last minute design/content?
---------------------------------------------------------
Mike review Artur's site:
Nancy, please review Jeff's site:
Amanda: review Nancy's site: http://www.tcnj.edu/~oreilly4/Index.html
Allie review Amber's site http://www.tcnj.edu/~cortina3/
Sean, review Jacqueline's site: www.tcnj.edu/~laven3
Addie, review Mikey's site: www.tcnj.edu/~smith279
Jeff: review Dena's site: www.tcnj.edu/~lagomar2
Mikey: review Ross' site: http://www.tcnj.edu/~heutmak2
Dena: review Amanda's site
Amber review Allie's site
Alex review: (your choice, must add additional information than waht's listed above)
Jacqueline; review Alex's site:
Ross review Sean's site:
Artur: please write review for Addie's site:
www.tcnj.edu/~stuber2/Web%20Final
Reviews due: Saturday, 11
Criteria for review of websites:
1. Consistancy of design from page to page - do menu items move? Does color and design
remain same from site to site?
2. Ease of navigation: confused? simple? elegant? frustrating?
3. Use of imagery: organized? Distinctive? Clever? How?
4. Use of line/color/ text
5. Text that explains each project. IS it clear? Is it repetitive? Is is proper english?
6. Discuss Bio- effective or obviously last minute design/content?
---------------------------------------------------------
Mike review Artur's site:
Nancy, please review Jeff's site:
Amanda: review Nancy's site: http://www.tcnj.edu/~oreilly4/Index.html
Allie review Amber's site http://www.tcnj.edu/~cortina3/
Sean, review Jacqueline's site: www.tcnj.edu/~laven3
Addie, review Mikey's site: www.tcnj.edu/~smith279
Jeff: review Dena's site: www.tcnj.edu/~lagomar2
Mikey: review Ross' site: http://www.tcnj.edu/~heutmak2
Dena: review Amanda's site
Amber review Allie's site
Alex review: (your choice, must add additional information than waht's listed above)
Jacqueline; review Alex's site:
Ross review Sean's site:
Artur: please write review for Addie's site:
www.tcnj.edu/~stuber2/Web%20Final
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
final exam class
please sign up for food/drinks you'll bring to final critique on the class blog--- just go to this entrty pn the blog and hit comment!!!!
Amber taco dip..and bringing chips for it.
Amanda______
Allie cups and plates if we need
Addie _______
Jeff________
Ross _______
Sean________
Artur ________
Dena donuts
Nancy Cookies.
Mikey few bags of chips.... does anyone want anything specific? Yes!!! Pretzels????
Alex_________
Jak : soda/tea!
Amber taco dip..and bringing chips for it.
Amanda______
Allie cups and plates if we need
Addie _______
Jeff________
Ross _______
Sean________
Artur ________
Dena donuts
Nancy Cookies.
Mikey few bags of chips.... does anyone want anything specific? Yes!!! Pretzels????
Alex_________
Jak : soda/tea!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Political Response
Just realized that I never put this on the blog!
Although my family was not to interested in many political events, there are a few that I remember like they were yesterday.
September 11th..
I clearly remember sitting in art class where we listened to the radio, and being one of the first students to here the devastating news. Minutes later, the principle came over the intercom and explained what had happened. Then, we went into the gymnasium and watched the news and events on television. It was a horrible experience ad something that I will remember forever. Not even knowing anyone who was in New York that day, I could feel nothing but sadness towards the victims and our country.
The OJ Simpson Trial..
Being a huge football fan, I was always interested in things that surrounded players lives. This trial happened when I was pretty young, but I still remember being glued to the television with my mother yelling at me to turn it off. She was so angry because she truly believed and still believes that he is guilty and said I was wasting my time by watching it. In my own opinion, I still think he is guilty and cannot believe that he was set free.
When I was younger, political events did not seem as important to me as they do now but I realize that they did have an impact on my opinions, decisions, and ideas of the world as it is today.
Although my family was not to interested in many political events, there are a few that I remember like they were yesterday.
September 11th..
I clearly remember sitting in art class where we listened to the radio, and being one of the first students to here the devastating news. Minutes later, the principle came over the intercom and explained what had happened. Then, we went into the gymnasium and watched the news and events on television. It was a horrible experience ad something that I will remember forever. Not even knowing anyone who was in New York that day, I could feel nothing but sadness towards the victims and our country.
The OJ Simpson Trial..
Being a huge football fan, I was always interested in things that surrounded players lives. This trial happened when I was pretty young, but I still remember being glued to the television with my mother yelling at me to turn it off. She was so angry because she truly believed and still believes that he is guilty and said I was wasting my time by watching it. In my own opinion, I still think he is guilty and cannot believe that he was set free.
When I was younger, political events did not seem as important to me as they do now but I realize that they did have an impact on my opinions, decisions, and ideas of the world as it is today.
Political Events and My Lifee
Neither of my parents have adamant political agendas, and so politics have never played a huge part in my life. As I have come to know something about them from friends and high school/college, I've just strengthened my belief that our government is incredibly corrupt, and I want no part in it. However, there have been a few events that have affected me, as well as contributed to this belief.
1995- 6 years old- the O.J. Simpson Trial. This case was the first time I was introduced to how corrupt our government and judicial systems are, as well as the materialism of the majority of Americans. I knew OJ was a bad man who killed his ex-wife and her boyfriend, because I knew he had special Italian shoes (a fact I announced proudly, being 100% Italian.) When he was found not guilty, I was so angry, and I knew it was because he had a lot of money, being famous. This made me very angry and disgusted at my country.
2001- 12 years old- September 11th. I was sitting in English class when my teacher was called out of the classroom. She came back in holding back tears, and told us all that the Twin Towers had been hit. I live about 20 minutes from the city, and as I walked through the halls, kids whose parents worked there were clustered together calling to see if they were okay. Quite a number of students lost parents that day, and I for every anniversary since, it's always such a fragile time in school, and everyone gathers for those students. I got picked up early that day, and my mom was so scared that we weren't safe- my family all just held each other on our couch watching tv.
1995- 6 years old- the O.J. Simpson Trial. This case was the first time I was introduced to how corrupt our government and judicial systems are, as well as the materialism of the majority of Americans. I knew OJ was a bad man who killed his ex-wife and her boyfriend, because I knew he had special Italian shoes (a fact I announced proudly, being 100% Italian.) When he was found not guilty, I was so angry, and I knew it was because he had a lot of money, being famous. This made me very angry and disgusted at my country.
2001- 12 years old- September 11th. I was sitting in English class when my teacher was called out of the classroom. She came back in holding back tears, and told us all that the Twin Towers had been hit. I live about 20 minutes from the city, and as I walked through the halls, kids whose parents worked there were clustered together calling to see if they were okay. Quite a number of students lost parents that day, and I for every anniversary since, it's always such a fragile time in school, and everyone gathers for those students. I got picked up early that day, and my mom was so scared that we weren't safe- my family all just held each other on our couch watching tv.
Political Response
super late, i know
O.J. Simpson
1995: 6 years old
This is the first thing I remember that has to do with anything political... but all I remember is that O.J. became a bit of a punchline about getting away with something. It didn't affect me otherwise.
Columbine H.S.
1999: 10 years old
I remember this really distinctly. My parents were freaked out and I didn't really get it, but I still knew it was important and scary. The next time I was doodling, i decided to draw something related to Columbine, and I drew this picture of my brother's hat, with a bullet hole, on a table, blood dripping down to the floor where a gun layed. If I had any abilities, it would have been a pretty scary picture, but it looks like hell.
Bush's first election
2000: 11 years old
This was a pretty big deal to me... I was very much for Bush, and very much against anything that was involved with Clinton (thanks to my parents' distaste). My school did the whole mock vote thing also, and I remember being a smug little bastard when he had officially won, because my class was probably about 85% for Gore. More than feeling like I won, I felt that I was "right", and it was nice to be "smarter" than the other kids who picked the "wrong" candidate. Looking back, I think I was really just choosing who I thought would win, so that I could look smart.
9/11
2001: 12 years old
My mom came and picked me up first. I was more freaked out about it at the time because my mom was too scared to understand me when I asked if my dad was working there, because he used to get around a good amount for work. We picked up my 2 brothers, and our neighbors (one guy and one girl). We drove home, and all of the guys thought it was great; a day off of school! We went home and played Battleship as out of the corner of our eye the buildings were going down. I saw it all happen, and if I really wanted I could have seen the building's smoke from my town. My mom told me years later that she was convinced we were going to die that day.
War on Terror/Iraq
2001-present: 12-present
It has been me against everyone I know when it comes to this war. I feel that this is the kind of thing that should have happened. If you'd like to hear more, just ask, but I've had this argument too many times to think that I can fit it into one blog post.
2008 Presidential Election
2008: will be 19
This is my first election, and I'm very excited to vote in it. I feel like I have some small degree of power and I'm really pumped up to contribute to the candidate I decide to vote for. I'm undecided right now though.
O.J. Simpson
1995: 6 years old
This is the first thing I remember that has to do with anything political... but all I remember is that O.J. became a bit of a punchline about getting away with something. It didn't affect me otherwise.
Columbine H.S.
1999: 10 years old
I remember this really distinctly. My parents were freaked out and I didn't really get it, but I still knew it was important and scary. The next time I was doodling, i decided to draw something related to Columbine, and I drew this picture of my brother's hat, with a bullet hole, on a table, blood dripping down to the floor where a gun layed. If I had any abilities, it would have been a pretty scary picture, but it looks like hell.
Bush's first election
2000: 11 years old
This was a pretty big deal to me... I was very much for Bush, and very much against anything that was involved with Clinton (thanks to my parents' distaste). My school did the whole mock vote thing also, and I remember being a smug little bastard when he had officially won, because my class was probably about 85% for Gore. More than feeling like I won, I felt that I was "right", and it was nice to be "smarter" than the other kids who picked the "wrong" candidate. Looking back, I think I was really just choosing who I thought would win, so that I could look smart.
9/11
2001: 12 years old
My mom came and picked me up first. I was more freaked out about it at the time because my mom was too scared to understand me when I asked if my dad was working there, because he used to get around a good amount for work. We picked up my 2 brothers, and our neighbors (one guy and one girl). We drove home, and all of the guys thought it was great; a day off of school! We went home and played Battleship as out of the corner of our eye the buildings were going down. I saw it all happen, and if I really wanted I could have seen the building's smoke from my town. My mom told me years later that she was convinced we were going to die that day.
War on Terror/Iraq
2001-present: 12-present
It has been me against everyone I know when it comes to this war. I feel that this is the kind of thing that should have happened. If you'd like to hear more, just ask, but I've had this argument too many times to think that I can fit it into one blog post.
2008 Presidential Election
2008: will be 19
This is my first election, and I'm very excited to vote in it. I feel like I have some small degree of power and I'm really pumped up to contribute to the candidate I decide to vote for. I'm undecided right now though.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
reminder: Exam meeting 5/5/2008 7:30 pm - 10:20 PM in HH374A
Hi All,
Your final project 3 will be due during our exam week meeting and not next Monday. You need to have a final version of your mock-up or rough to show me Monday.
ALSO:
please sign up for food/drinks you'll bring to final critique:
Amber _______
Amanda______
Allie _______
Addie _______
Jeff________
Ross _______
Sean________
Artur ________
Dena ________
Nancy _______
Mikey _______
Alex_________
Jak __________
Your final project 3 will be due during our exam week meeting and not next Monday. You need to have a final version of your mock-up or rough to show me Monday.
ALSO:
please sign up for food/drinks you'll bring to final critique:
Amber _______
Amanda______
Allie _______
Addie _______
Jeff________
Ross _______
Sean________
Artur ________
Dena ________
Nancy _______
Mikey _______
Alex_________
Jak __________
Monday, April 14, 2008
Project Three: Home
The fundamental difference between a house and a home is the source of comfort a house provides. While brainstorming for project three, I asked many of my friends and family about one object/thing/idea they could not leave the house without. Many said their phones, wallets, ipods. I then specified my question to: if you were moving away from the house you grew up in, what would you take to remind you of home? Many responded in a manner that shows that this is something they have thought about before because many are in their first year of school and had to go through the process of moving not too long ago. One of my friends said they could not leave their house without an escape plan, another said her favorite Cat Stevens album and my sister said her family. Another asked if it was possible to bring a smell. For me, I could never move away without Moby Dick. Many of the responses I received translated into a person's prized possesion, their source of comfort and their source of security. It makes me wonder how objects can have so much power over an individual, the epitome of this being a house. Without a house, you don't have much. America places so much emphasis on "stuff" and housing your "stuff." Without emotional attachments, one's possessions would basically mean nothing. In my series, I would like to attempt to capture the intimacy of a person and their "object." Because a Cat Stevens album may not mean much to anyone else, but to someone, it can mean home.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
My Life and Political Events
I believe that political events: Have influenced my life to some degree.
Year: 1973
Age: not born
Event: Yom Kippur War
Effect: My dad basically dodged joining the Israeli army and came back to America for college. I added this because the major political influence in my life is my father. He has described this time in his life to me in much detail. If he did not choose to move back to America my entire life… well, may not have been a life.
Year: 1998
Age: 9
Event: Clinton sex scandal- The president “kissed” a woman that was not his wife. He denied it even though everyone knew it was true. President Clinton was a good politician but “couldn’t keep his pick in his pants”
Effect: I became aware of the media and its relationship to politics. I learned that if you have something politically related to say adults will actually listen to you.
Year: 2000
Age: 11
Event: Bush beat Gore- I was in school and we were having mock elections. We spent a couple weeks split into two sides debating and researching our chosen candidates. The class became very competitive and I personally was very upset at one specific girl (Kristen) who was a Bush supporter. I am not sure why, but I have a clear memory of getting into a heated argument about our candidates and feeling that neither of us had any clue why we chose our guy. The teacher had to intervene because we were both becoming angry.
Effect: Eventually Gore lost, in the real election that is, and I felt embarrassed. I learned from this experience that politics felt a lot like sporting events. Everyone chooses a team; if you win you are cocky and if you loose you are ashamed and frustrated.
Year: 2001
Age: 12
Event: Sept. 11- I was in class with my favorite teacher. He calmed everyone down and broke the news. We went outside and listened to the reports on his car radio. My class spread rumors around the entire school, even to teachers, that the twin towers were hit by mistake but they crumbled to the ground. A few kids were hysterical because their parents worked in the buildings. I was upset because other students were crying but could not visualize what really happened. I got home and watched the video on the news and broke down. My two younger siblings and I had a sleepover in my parent’s room for the next couple days because we were afraid.
Effect: I learned that America is hated.
Year: 1973
Age: not born
Event: Yom Kippur War
Effect: My dad basically dodged joining the Israeli army and came back to America for college. I added this because the major political influence in my life is my father. He has described this time in his life to me in much detail. If he did not choose to move back to America my entire life… well, may not have been a life.
Year: 1998
Age: 9
Event: Clinton sex scandal- The president “kissed” a woman that was not his wife. He denied it even though everyone knew it was true. President Clinton was a good politician but “couldn’t keep his pick in his pants”
Effect: I became aware of the media and its relationship to politics. I learned that if you have something politically related to say adults will actually listen to you.
Year: 2000
Age: 11
Event: Bush beat Gore- I was in school and we were having mock elections. We spent a couple weeks split into two sides debating and researching our chosen candidates. The class became very competitive and I personally was very upset at one specific girl (Kristen) who was a Bush supporter. I am not sure why, but I have a clear memory of getting into a heated argument about our candidates and feeling that neither of us had any clue why we chose our guy. The teacher had to intervene because we were both becoming angry.
Effect: Eventually Gore lost, in the real election that is, and I felt embarrassed. I learned from this experience that politics felt a lot like sporting events. Everyone chooses a team; if you win you are cocky and if you loose you are ashamed and frustrated.
Year: 2001
Age: 12
Event: Sept. 11- I was in class with my favorite teacher. He calmed everyone down and broke the news. We went outside and listened to the reports on his car radio. My class spread rumors around the entire school, even to teachers, that the twin towers were hit by mistake but they crumbled to the ground. A few kids were hysterical because their parents worked in the buildings. I was upset because other students were crying but could not visualize what really happened. I got home and watched the video on the news and broke down. My two younger siblings and I had a sleepover in my parent’s room for the next couple days because we were afraid.
Effect: I learned that America is hated.
Project 3- Home
For project three I will explore home as a casing. I have decided to photograph a group of things that people live inside... bed, clothing, car, house and skin. I want to include two groups in my series. One will contain things that are new and fresh looking. The opposing group will be of things that are old and decrepit.
My goal is to create an assumption in the viewer when they look at the images as a whole. Each image, of something that acts as a shell, will not show what is inside. I am trying to create a commentary on modern values in America.
Most of our country has the financial ability to make choices about what color mulch to use in their front lawn, what molding to use around their windows and which shoes wear with their dark jeans (the list goes on). In many other places life is lived to survive and not to create any specific lifestyle or image.
The content of each casing becomes secondary to the exterior. I wonder if this mentality carries over into other aspects of our life, such as, presidential candidates. Is the image of a politician more valued then there policies and principles?
Home is the ultimate casing, the ultimate exterior. So much goes on inside a house that is never seen, but, your neighbors always think they know you
My goal is to create an assumption in the viewer when they look at the images as a whole. Each image, of something that acts as a shell, will not show what is inside. I am trying to create a commentary on modern values in America.
Most of our country has the financial ability to make choices about what color mulch to use in their front lawn, what molding to use around their windows and which shoes wear with their dark jeans (the list goes on). In many other places life is lived to survive and not to create any specific lifestyle or image.
The content of each casing becomes secondary to the exterior. I wonder if this mentality carries over into other aspects of our life, such as, presidential candidates. Is the image of a politician more valued then there policies and principles?
Home is the ultimate casing, the ultimate exterior. So much goes on inside a house that is never seen, but, your neighbors always think they know you
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