Homogenous

Many people, by choice, use their clothing as a form of expression. Dark colors go with bad moods; or the famous LBD for super model sex appeal; bright colors are common in spring... these are all choices people make with their dress. But what about required dress: the uniform. How does this affect the way the public views a person in uniform and more importantly the mood and self image of that very same person.

The purpose of uniforms in society is to identify members of a group. In the workplace, it makes employees easily identifiable, and leaders stand out. At least from the view of a spectator, this seems to be the case and point. As a member of a sports team, players proudly sport their jerseys and fans mimic them by spending hundreds of dollars to buy shirts with their favorite player's name or number displayed for the world to see. This happens at a national, state and even school level. In this case, the uniform is an object of affection bringing people together, again as a group. But what about the converse?

Upon dawning a uniform, for work, it seems that it wouldn't be such a big deal. It is the required dress for one's job, everyone in the workplace will be wearing the same thing. However, monotony strikes. The uniform steals a person's individuality. What's more, with respect to clothing as a form of expression or a confidence booster, uniforms are rarely appealing or stylish. Unbeknownst to many, a serious uniform can be a major buzz kill. Humans are social creatures and especially in America independence and individuality are central to one's persona. Surprisingly, the mental effect of a uniform can be heavy. No wonder the common fast food worker is stereotypically monotone and apathetic, the environment she is exposed to daily is reflected into her personality. For all the negative, the example of the sports team has the exact opposite affect. A jersey can boost confidence and make a person feel like they belong.

In conclusion, the effects of a uniforms on the laymen of society are much greater than one may think.

"Google Image Result for http://www.uniformsmag.com/issues/0708/images/feat01_01.jpg." Google Images. Web. 01 Nov. 2009. .

'Viral Fashion'

The Fashion industry is notorious for outlandish outwear and garments that are anything but practical. With the modern age the Fashion designers have begun to use their "muses" for economic victory. The picture to the right is of a fashion model strutting down the runway in Karl Lagerfield's newest design, the half shade rounded glasses. The picture set adjacent to the model, is the reality tv star known as Nicole Richie. Richie has become somewhat of a fashion icon within recent times, and casually fashions Chanel's newest eyewear. These ordinarily strange and impractical sunglasses would never sell to the average woman. Design is a great form of expression, but without relatability the design fails in society. By assigning bizarre designs such as these glasses to recognizable faces such as Richie, the design industry achieves a form of "Viral Marketing." In other words, various social networks connect interested parties rapidly and the product is spread to the vast population. In the fashion world, this process may be coined "Viral Fashion." Through creative marketing and selective choice of representation, the atypical designs of the most creative minds in Fashion reaches the mass public.

What does this process say about us as the consumer? Is it a fallacy that we fall into their clever marketing schemes? Does the average person glorify the wardrobes of starlets and those captured by the media's eye? The common person is fearful of the eccentric, whether it is in design or everyday life. Human nature naturally strives for assimilation, yet this process of viral marketing affects our perception of the ordinary.

photograph

"Google Image Result for http://sunglassblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/17.jpg." Google Images. Web. 29 Oct. 2009. .

The Urbild

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German philosopher, scientist, and great literary influence upon Western literature. This natural philosopher once said," Nature has certain forms that are urbild or ideal types, archetypes." In the image to the left, the innate texture of the tree bark is so delicate and detailed an artist could only hope to mimic its beauty. The red flower bursting through the center of the photograph serves as a focal point, creating great visual interest. The flower itself has symmetrical shape, for the flower is a mirror image of itself in composition. Goethe realized that nature is an archetype for artists work, it is the primordial masterpiece of mother nature.
In this second image we notice a man made sculpture placed in natural setting. The sculpture is peculiar not only in form, but also in positioning. The face of the man smiling gives the sculpture a sense of relatebility. However, the unusual coloring, and odd shaping of the structure gives the artwork an "egg - like" resemblance.

Thus this artist must have drawn inspiration from one of the most urbild forms of nature, the egg. The artist of the collection of egghead sculptures scattered around the UC Davis campus is Robert Arneson, who believed in the duality of " artist vs. academy, passivity vs. aggression, the bookworm vs. the dreamer, the yin and the yang of the institution and of life." (Teri Bachman, M.A. '82).

The final photograph is taken near the center of UC Davis Campus and is titled, " Bum, Bum, Youve Been Here Before." (1967 Tio Giambruni) The sculpture is undoubtedly visually interesting, the composition of the design is intricated and chaotic. The curving lines of the metallic sculpture create continuation, thus giving the piece a sense of cohesion. Despite all these factors, the design lacks similarity to any form of nature, and the urbild archetype as Goethe said. Due to the overally modern design and materials, the viewer percieves an industrial / manufacturing mechanism. Art is the greatest form of inner expression, and although it is not necessary, many succesfful works of art have built their structure and composition of the most natural occuring beauty of our world, nature.

photographs by Annie Boylan

My Mama Is Dead

"My Mama is Dead," 2007 by Avis Collins Robinson hangs in the Nelson Art Gallery, Art Bldg. UC Davis.

"This quilt was created after the death of Annie Ruth Collins who was a cancer researcher who worked alongside Nobel Prize nominee at the National Institute of Health."

A quilt by nature bears resemblance to a basic principle of design, the grid. Naturally the rectangle frame of the quilt is representative of the basic black and white checkerboard image, it is intriguing how the color composition of this quilt is also associated with the colors black and white. The splash of red fabric creates a focal point, a center of focus that the viewer is drawn to. The color red is associated with pain, death, and suffering. All aspects are highly appropriate due to this piece being a memoir for Annie Collins.

In the quilt we may notice some consistency and repetition in shape, and continuation in lined up edges. Due to the irregularity of the pattern, and positioning of the shapes the design is anything but boring. Change in variation of design creates visual interest. This concept is known as unity with variety. The shapes in the above quilt may repeat in various locations within the design, yet there is variety in size and position.

Rhythm within the quilt is achieved through the contrast of light and dark shapes that make up the figure and ground. The ground is white, while the dark and harsh colors (black and red) of the figure create conflict with the simplicity of the background. Many of the triangular shapes and slanted lines of the design are strikingly primitive and archaic in form.

photo by Annie Boylan

Gestalt Theories

The german psychologist Gestalt, is known for the perceptual studies of how the eye and brain conceive, the theory of visual psychology. His theories all center around the brains visual process of analysis, and the multiple methods in which we organize information.

According to Design Basics by David Lauer, unity is the presentation of an integrated image. In other words, a congruity or agreement exists among elements in design, there is a harmonious collaboration. According to Gestalt, there are multiple forms of organization the human mind seeks towards simplicity. For example, by grouping objects close in proximity together, it enables our mind to remember and identify the multiple images within the image. Our brain in addition tends to relate/group objects of similarity together. Thirdly, our brain adapts to missing pieces of information by closing the gaps between patterns to see the larger picture. This process is known as closure. In another form of organization, something repeats in various parts of the design to relate parts to each other, known as repetition. Continuation usually involves a line, an edge, or direction from one form to another. All of these mentioned forms of composition create unity in design.

A key concept of Gestalt theory is that variety adds visual interest, this interest or focal point may be achieved through position. If unity is achieved without variety, then overbearing monotony can lead to evocation of ill feelings towards the design, imitating assembly lines and institutions. This leads us to Lauer's theory of chaos and control, "without some aspect of unity, an image or design becomes chaotic and unreadable." Thus design without any aspects of unity is visually unappealing, and reveals a sloppy unorganized design.

Gestalt claimed that perception was a subjective and multi sensory process. Ultimately perception is the "the spontaneous drive towards simplicity." The minds constant struggle to separate unity from chaos.

Kampis, George. "Active Perception." JAIST: Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Web. 27 Oct. 2009. .

Lauer, David A., and Stephen Pentak. Design Basics (with ArtExperience Online Printed Access Card). Belmont: Wadsworth, 2007. Print.

Permanent Art

Art is irrefutably an expression of emotion and passion. But in modern times art has become so diverse and in many cases controversial. Body art, more specifically permanent tattoos have become increasingly popular amongst the young generation. This artwork is usually crafted with the utmost attention to detail, shading, and contrast. Yet despite tattoos rise in popularity, the older generations continue to look upon the artwork with disgust and disrespect. A person's dedication to a piece of art or design must be significant in order for them to dedicate part of their body to the artist's work. The human body has become a new modern canvas for the tattoo artist's designs.

What is it about this generation that readily supports this permanent art form? Is it their existentialist lifestyles that advocate moment to moment decisions ? Or perhaps it is the medias overwhelming coverage of artists and musicians whose skin is marked by ink. Such performers are often idealized by young fans, wishing to mimic their style. One of the most prominent brands over the past several years, Ed Hardy, focuses their line around tattoo designs printed upon the garments they distribute. In addition, popular network stations have been promoting shows such as Miami Ink and LA Ink, which are basically reality shows centered around the lives and work of prominent tattoo artists. Such television programs bring greater knowledge of the art to persons normally uninformed.

Tattoo Art is a direct representation of society and the moods of the people. Tattoos are personalized pieces of artwork often symbolizing and object or person of significance. Death is often honored through tattoos, as well as personal achievements and struggles. Society's youth may be moving towards an edgier image, involving tattoos and piercings. The work of tattoo artists in affiliation with their supporters will lead to a revolutionary new style in society.

Digital image. All Things Tattoos. Web. Oct. 13. .

The Root of Inspiration

British artist Andy Goldsworthy first began his unique and rather unusual trade at age thirteen. Growing up in rural England, Goldsworthy was fascinated by the raw beauty of nature. He relies on this outside force as his greatest inspiration. Similar to McCloud, both artists believe in the power of physical creation, using your hands to mold or sketch the artwork.

Goldsworthy relies on "found" objects to create his artwork. His art is a direct representation of the environment he chooses to work with. Due to his will to keep the piece composed entirely of natural products, Goldsworthy cannot utilize modern inventions to hold the art together such a nails, tape, or glue. Due to this factor, his work is often in a transient state. He comments, "Each work grows, stays , decays - integral parts of a cycle which the photograph shows at its heights, marking the moment when the work is most alive." His fascination with nature and the cycle of life is highlighted in the above statement.

Goldsworthy is drawn to the images of circles, noted in numerous pieces of his artwork. In addition, the "S" Curve is frequently seen winding through his designs.

Journalists, Songwriters , Designers, Sculptors, Painters most often find inspiration from within. Traumatic life experiences, depression, life and death, as well as epiphanies are some of the infinite reasons for artists to feel inspired. These factors often are associated with mental emotions, centered around the artist and their life. Andy Goldsworthy is unique to center all of his artwork on objects so distant from his personal life. Perhaps it is his environmentalist nature, however he is an artist undoubtedly fueled by the exterior inspiration of mother nature.

"The Environmental Art of Andy Goldsworthy & laquo;." Red Star Cafe Art and Java for the Masses. 29 Feb. 2008. Web. 13 Oct. 2009. .