This week’s experience was sketching in the garden. The Japanese garden was very peaceful and serene. I never realized how calming sketching was in the right environment. My pictures reflected what I saw: leaves, fish, bamboo, etc. I drew triangles because I saw change in so many aspects in nature, the growth, the color, and size. I drew circular objects because of water droplets and a bridge to symbolize life and overcoming. This week’s experience was good for the soul. Finals are coming up and I felt relieved even though it was for only an hour or so.
Wk 13 – Artist Conversation – Nick Bamford
Artist: Nick Bamford
Exhibition: N/A
Media: Foam, Wood, Plaster, Cement
Gallery: CSULB School of Art, Gatov-East
Website: N/A
Instagram: nickbamf4d
Nick Bamford is an undergrad senior graduating this fall in BFA Ceramics at California State University, Long Beach. He grew up in Huntington Beach and his whole life revolves around art. His love for art started in high school ceramics and from there his passion grew even more.
Bamford’s art pieces were tall structures. They included many different objects, all of which had different textures and curves. He used bright, vibrant colors to “pop” out to the audience. To enhance the colors he used a back light which only amplified the colors and brought attention to the exhibit.
Bamford’s intention was to bring different context of objects together to bring a different meaning of them. He wanted to create something different, and did so though the different arrangements of objects. He also told us that he puts things of himself into his work.
I really liked Bamford’s artwork. It was different. It was vibrant and the back light was very cool. It brought emphasis to his pieces and brought meaning to everyday objects.
Wk 13 – Art Experience – Art Care Package
This week’s art experience was to make an Art Care Package. To be quite honest I had no idea what to put inside this envelope, but I thought about what hobbies I use to enjoy and did a little self-reflection on my past and present. Inside the package I put in a Disneyland pin. I use to be an annual pass holder for the past 6 years and during my down time I would always just go on a quick trip and feel like a care-free kid again. I also included a Long Beach Fair Grounds, City Grounds business card. I use to ride my fixed gear all over Cerritos and Long Beach in middle and high school, so I thought to include a business card to spread awareness about cycling. I also included two stickers, an Obey “PEACE” sticker and a Live Lokai sticker. I love everything Live Lokai stands for and they donate proceeds to different foundations. As for the peace sticker, I just thought it would be cool to “spread peace” in the form of a sticker. My final piece was a ticket to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Growing up this was my favorite place, I even use to be a club member. I have a few free tickets, so I thought why not include it. Hopefully you enjoy my package Florenz!
This week’s experience is different than sending a snapchat. It’s more personal. There’s more thought put into it and it’s sent like a package and cool surprise. Ephemera is something precious and all these items in my package mean something to me and hopefully Florenz enjoys all the goodies inside. I believe that art is art and there is no difference in it’s importance as long as someone enjoys it and can connect or understand where you’re coming from as a person. Sending an ACP is again more personal than a snapchat, it’ll bring more joy to the person opening it and it’s a fun surprise knowing it can come at any unsuspected time.
Wk 13 – Classmate Conversation – Carlos Madrigal
This week I was able to meet Carlos Madrigal. He is a second year at LB majoring in Econ. He went to Gahr High School and played on their Band. In fact, he went into further detail about their bands accomplishments in the State Championship. During our conversation, I couldn’t help but notice how laid back and relaxed Carlos was. He also mentioned that he use to have long curly hair and had taken an astronomy class here at LB, which I thought was very cool. We also have a few friends in common! Check out his stuff at: https://itsonlymemarvin.wordpress.com
Wk 12 – Artist Conversation – Jennifer Chen
Artist: Jennifer Chen
Exhibition: Succession
Media: digital print making
Gallery: CSULB, Gatov-Gallery West
Website: N/A
Instagram: N/A
Jennifer Chen is a current student here at CSULB. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology and is currently going to school for her Master’s degree in Printmaking. This huge change of subjects is due to an interest Chen had in order to make her grow in a different way and see the world from other perspectives. In the fall she will be teaching her own Art 270 class with one of her friends.
Chen’s artwork is printed in 3D. She uses digital printing, masking, and monotype style. She tops of her artwork with a gloss to add a 3D effect.
Chen’s goal is to show ecology and after disturbances in landscapes due to natural disaster. Her ideas explore the microscopic and macroscopic views and looks at cities that may be historical or monumental. Her artwork speaks by saying that even through all disaster, beauty is within and will overcome.
Chen’s pieces were very beautiful. The colors and vibrancy pop and the glossy-ness effects really help highlight the scenes. I really enjoyed her pieces.
Wk 12 – Classmate Conversation – Eddie Castillo
This week I met Eddie Castillo. He’s a first year here at Long Beach. Eddie just changed his major from Computer Science to Political Science. He hopes to become a politician one day. Eddie commutes from Irvine. He attended Marina High School in Irvine. He played on the Badminton team. In fact, he played against my high school and was familiar with the team! When talking to Eddie he seemed very shy, but he looks like the type of person who is outgoing once you actually get to know them. Check out his stuff at https://eddiescastle.wordpress.com/
Wk 11 – Art Experience – Turning Pages
This week’s art experience was unlike all others. During the experience I felt like I was able to connect with my outside world and notice the small details of the “norms” of the library. As other people passed our class reading, they just stared which is pretty ironic considering we were in a library. In addition, without my phone I felt free and concentrated and surprisingly relaxed. I had no distractions and actually participated in the activity. During the trip to the bookstore I found it a little more hectic. There were so many things going on and people were just, again, staring and watching our activities as we were making the most of the objects that the bookstore held, such as playing the guitar and using the macs. This experience was unlike all others, it shows the changing or settings and the different norms people see today and how doing something opposite the norm can cause a semi small commotion, causing all heads to turn.
Wk 10 – Artist Conversation – Helen Werner Cox
Artist: Helen Werner Cox
Exhibition: Silent Screams
Media: Oil, Pastel, Marker, Inks, Canyon, MonoPrints, BassWood Carving
Gallery: CSULB, Gatov-Gallery West
Website: http://www.helenwernercox.com/
Instagram: N/A
Helen Werner Cox is a graduate student with an MFA in drawing and painting at CSULB. She taught high school and middle school art before returning to school for her masters. Before moving to California she lived in Boston, but after 13 years she got tired of the weather and moved to sunny side California.
All of Cox’s work is different, but share a same common theme, Griffith Park and carousels. In most of her artwork she uses multiple strokes, especially circular motions to create the bodies of horses. In addition, she uses mono prints to create textures and pattern in her artwork.
Since Cox is inspired by horses and carousels, she seeks a deeper image within her paintings. The carousels resemble everyday people and the endless cycle of life. This includes moving forward in the same motion as carousels and making mistakes, but moving on.
Cox’s artwork is very intricate and I enjoyed it very much. Her message speaks to me as I relate a carousel to my own life. It makes me think back to past relationships and friendships, the fast abrupt changes and how moving forward was the only option to growing up and moving on.
Wk 10 – Classmate Conversation – Florenz Baltazar
This week I had the pleasure of meeting Florenz Baltazar. Florenz is a first year at CSULB, he is currently undeclared, but hopes to enter the Nursing Program here at Long Beach. Coincidentally he is from Cerritos, CA, a city I grew up in. He attended Whitney High School, Class of 2015, and attended Tetzlaff Middle School, both of which were in the same school district as me. What a small world! While talking to Florenz we realized we had a few mutual friends. We added each other on snapchat and from the looks of his stories, Florenz loves to hang out with his friends. Florenz was a super cool guy, check out his stuff athttps://florenzbaltazar.wordpress.com .
Wk 10 – Art Experience – Instagram
This week’s art experience was Instagram. Instagram is used everyday by thousands to share pics, ideas, and set a generic idea about a person’s life through photos. Through our art110s16 I found a lot of us have so much in common, we enjoy good food, do simple everyday activities, and some occasionally live cooler lives than expected. On a Thursday night you wouldn’t expect much, but there were people posting photos of bands, planes, and cool sunsets. It really gives off the ambiance that everyone is different but enjoys to make the most of things. These photos also highlight the beauty we see in everyday life.
WANDERLUST 