Found Drawings

Every time we take the Metro I notice the graffti on the windows. The marks are really interesting because, unlike most of the graffiti in Paris, they are etched into the glass. Since etching isn't as immediate as spray painting, I always wonder how much time was spent making it and why no one stopped them.

Wandering in Bercy

I was assigned a walk in Bercy -supposedly a derelict neighborhood only recently renovated. By renovation the city must have meant modernization, because the archecture in clean, geometric and innovative -no more engraved marble or narrow alleyways. Personally I find it refreshing, but is it possible to wander through Bercy? Is it capable of wanderlust? The space is so open and neatly partitioned, does that create the same allure or seducement or, most importantly, the mystery of older, interwoven Paris? I feel incapable of being lost in Bercy but quite possible to lose myself in the gardens, to forget about time as I way by the vineyard or muse through shops. And I can people-watch in Bercy like the skateboarders or other people enjoying the gardens or walking their dogs. So I would say indulge in Bercy, wander if it means indulging yourself but don't expect the confusion or fear of mazing through the older streets.

Found Drawings

Arthur Miller in The Crucible describes the feeling of stripped identity if your name is taken away. Conversely there is a feeling of pride or empowerment when you tie your name to something. I saw great works of art and grand monuments in Paris, but what I found was the importance of the signature on these masterpeices. The metro is a system to be admired and Sophie apparently wanted to add her flourish in the dust on the walls, while Kevin and Matt wanted their marks on ancient and prized constructions like the Arc de Triumph and the Catacombs respectively. Naturally Rodin would want recognition for his sculptural feats and so his signature is neatly curved into the bronze.

Mapping Red

As soon as we got off the metro it pulled us in every direction possible. It was as if the color red was a gigantic light and we were moths that just couldn't get enough of it. "There!!...No, no, there!"

Once we figured out the general direction of the Sacre Coeur, it was easier to let the red take us on our journey.

Books & Books

The book making process was an interesting one that stimulated me to create another after we were first showed how to build them. I felt as though the first book was more like an experiment, so I wanted to make another that used the book form more appropriately. The structure of the book is mimicking the many crevaces and interior spaces of the Catacombs. By using some images that cross over multiple pages and some that are individual compositions, I feel the book itself creates a sense of depth of the location depicted.

Metroing

Without consciousness, without design, without intention
the movement of my body turned into an interesting abstraction
that did best without my control. The art went through my hand,

and I became a part of it, an inside force that acts on me as much

as I act on it.

Catacombs & Bones

The Catacombs de Paris offered an abundant resource of pattern work. The bones and skulls were arranged in a way that created a visual rhythm that lent to the overall experience of seeing death as art.

Found Drawings-- decay

Paris itself is a center of history and culture, seperated entirely from the US, and even some European countries. Because of this deep rooted history, I was interested by all of the decay that surrounded it. By decay I mean more of the scratches, breaks, graffiti, paint fragments, or anything that could imply that a structure was aged. On my trip out to Versailles, and even in first arriving in Paris, the city was imerged in this decay that contributes to its beauty.

Rodin Museum

The most wonderful thing about the Rodin Museum was its approachable size. When walking around and analyzing each sculpture I wasn't overwhelmed by space. I was able to focus on the outer lines that these sculptures created as if seducing each piece one by one. My concentration never left any sculpture I examined (except for the few seconds of squeeky sounds coming from the old wood floor).

Found Drawings

I was able to find many examples of my themed found drawings throughout the city. My theme was the discontinuity that technology forces upon flooring. There is a need for vents and power sources in the age that we live in and because of this, the flooring medium, mostly tile and wood in Paris, must be altered to make room for their new neighbors. The floor no longer serves as merely a walkway but houses our technological gadgets attempting to improve our way of life. I was impressed by the different ways that Parisians have used this necessary function of flooring to display more of their artistic handiworks. This approach to art has allowed Paris to adopt an air of elegance in their structures and city layout without compromising their ability to function smoothly. The ability to make art out of the mundane is key to life because it transports its viewer, if even temporarily, out of their own lives and into the beautiful world of art.

Collages

What I thought was most interesting about the collages was the way that they really forced us to readdress the image in a variety of ways. So much of what this class was about was questioning our perceptions and the way that we see things. From the blind drawings and dinner at Dans le Noir to the quick sketches and collages, we were forced to rethink the way that we view the our surroundings. 

Beads in the Market.

I mapped the bead stand in the market. I have always been attached to beads and buying beads. I sort of collect them and make things on occasion. The beads in the market were all plastic, which disappointed me since I expected them to be glass or at least have some weight to them. They were still interesting to look at and recreate on paper. The shapes and colors varied and on some you could see the plastic seam.

Les Portes de Paris

as i walked through Montparnasse i started to watch people go in and out of their apartments, wondering what their lives were like. la porte...a door..the name seems to fit these things that transport people from their public to their private lives. how many people have come and gone through these doors, i wondered. there seems to be so much wear and tear on these door...each mark telling a different story. these doors have kept the secrets of those that have lived behind them for decades, maybe even longer. do these doors hold some of the best kept secrets in Paris?

Wilderness to a Formal Garden

Is it really such a shame to turn what was once so complex into something so mundane? I guess it depends on who you ask;I for one am amazed by Haussan's difficult task. The garden lives and makes Paris renowned, and now what was lost can now be found.

Where am I?

I don't really know, I don't really know at all. When I try to pinpoint it, it slips away, like trying to remember a dream and only feeling its remnants. Sometimes when I'm looking so hard I can't make sense of it. I just keep doing something, almost rhythmically, almost theraputically, almost if I do it over and over again I can will an outcome. I'm trying to find where I am, and I just keep trying.

Found Drawings.

I photographed all over the city and found drawings everywhere. I figured that i could connect them in some way, but when I looked at them the only thing that connected them was the fact that I found them and photographed them. After this I decided to photograph found drawings within Reid Hall, which is sort of home base here in Paris. It is amazing how much one can find here in one building.

Mapping Red.

Red is a color that is used a to catch people’s attention and is associated with all sorts of past and present movements. When actively looking for red one will most likely find it all over the place. As I walked I began to see all the red cars, doors, shirts, and signs. It all came forward as I looked. I wondered if I had not been looking for the red if it would be so apparent. I began to make tally marks in my sketchbook of how many red doors, cars, and shirts I saw. 7 red doors, 6 red cars, 17 red shirts, although I know there were more.

Reflections on Paris

I agree with the Paris, or Botanizing on the Asphalt article in that the streets of Paris are decorated as if it were an outdoor museum for its residents and visitors. Paris enraptures me with its beautiful architecture, streets, squares and lovely restaurants and cafes. I also enjoy very much seeing local artists on the streets. Now I understand why there were so many artists that flocked to this amazing city for inspiration. This is a city that definitely draws the visitor. There is so much to see. So much art, culture and history. Paris definitely was the city that historically influenced the cities throughout Europe. It's like a dream come true to me to be able to walk through historical streets, have a taste of the cultural Parisian life, see the famous pieces of art and taste the delicious eats. Also, though Paris is a great cosmopolitan city I appreciate that Parisians take the time to appreciate the nature and outdoorsy life by visiting their beautiful and well-kept parks and gardens to unwind, relax or have a picnic. This city impresses me because it seems to have it all collected and well-balanced. There is everything for everyone and it's such a romantic city. I love Paris! This was a great learning experience and the perfect city to take an art class.

Walking the City

After reading Paris, or Botanizing on the Asphalt, I was able to further understand my own trip to Paris. In the article, the author, Walter Benjamin explains why it is so important to walk through Paris if you want to truly see it. He goes on to say that the best way to actually become a part of the city is by walking at a turtle’s pace without a hard-pressed destination in mind. There are so many sites that “you have to see” but each forces a path ending with a destination in mind. This movement is completely opposite from Walter Benjamin wants you to see when you want to become a part of the city. It is hard to reconcile these two seemingly different ways to approach the city but both must be used. When coming to Paris, I personally feel that I must see the Louvre and the Notre Dame, even after two other trips doing the same thing. It as if you owe yourself the most amount of time possible at certain sites in the world: if you are nearby, your very soul requires you to go regardless of whether you have been before. But then there is also the need to stroll aimlessly. Walking to find the Eiffel tower or Sacre Coure by merely walking in the right general direction brings you by places and things that would be bypassed when a direct route is planned out. The clear message that the journey is more important than the destination is undeniable as well. I have enjoyed seeing this city of lights through intended routes and random encounters, both have left me with the feeling that I have seen Paris.

I LOVE YOU (in montmartre)

This lovely little scene is of the I Love You wall in the Parc Jehan Rictus in Montmartre (just off the Place des Abbesses).

The Catacombes...and spiral staircases.

My initial fear of the Catacombes ceased once I entered the room full of neatly piled bones. I was instantly mesmerized by the unexpected beauty of human bones stacked with such care and drew as many as I could in the dimly lit rooms. As I was drawing I couldn't help but wonder if there were some sort of blueprint followed by the people who stacked them, and how long it must have taken. At times, I forgot what I was looking at and the patterns turned into an ornate wallpaper that lined the quarry walls.

Red Ladybug

So many more things are red then most people would note. In the Wanderlust reading, it briefly describes the colors and textures of Paris- and red does not come to mind. Many man-made objects seemed to be red to grab the attention and stand out from the subtle pallet of the city streets and buildings. I enjoyed finding the most subtle of those, such as the red ticket stub contrasted against the green grass and the red spray paint on the black starcase guide. It was inderesting that red is often an indicator for a wide variety of signage.

(I apologize for some of the inverted orientations on these but it was the easiest way for them to all fit.)

reflections of paris: found drawings

i found that reflections of everyday things can be incredibly interesting... especially different reflective surfaces...they have a way of distorting simple forms and light in creative ways...they make me take a second look and examine the spaces around me ...i found so many beautiful shapes and colors happening on tiny reflective surfaces all around Paris.

Seine River

The best way to see Paris is by foot. The second best way is by boat. Going on the river tour of Paris today allowed me to see Paris without worrying where the metro stop was or where the nearest water closet would be. Because of this, I would say the water provided a very close “second best way” to see the city. I love the beautiful bridges that this city has built to traverse its bloodline, the Seine River. Sitting directly beneath them allowed me to see the incredible detail of their façade. I also was able to enjoy seeing many of the famous sites that the city has, all in one sitting. It was a great mapping exercise of the city. This single sitting allowed for the greatest continuity I have felt to date about where places are located within the city of Paris.

Quick Sketches.

        

I know that quick sketches are meant to be fast, but I think that at times I move too fast for my own good. I put too much down on the paper, too much weight. I enjoyed my sketches a little bit more as I began to slow down and measure a little bit. Fast sketches can still be done slow.

Dans Le Noir.

I thought it would be comfortable in the dark, and I was for the most part. The worst part was walking in to the table and feeling the pull on my arm thinking I would be separated from the group I tried so hard to keep my hand on Chelsea’s shoulder as we were pulled into the darkness. I ate with my hands, as it was too difficult to find the food using a fork. I tasted smoked salmon. I had no idea what the rest of what I ate was, but it tasted good until I tried the dessert. I do not like grapefruit. I found out the “steak” we had was actually bison, and I realized that had I known that before I would have never eaten it. So perhaps it took this experience to broaden my senses and help me look, and taste things differently and without fear.

Hodgepodge and other mixes

Do, just do, just do and feel and see if anything comes out.
Just wait and see if anything does.
While making collages I cut and pasted (which I rarely do by hand) papers I had found, but I found the whole process a little monotonous. However, by the end I was paying little attention to designing and glued until things looked right, felt right, if it did feel right.
In the end, they turned out perhaps as well as if I had planned them.

Don't Think, Just Sketch

"Don't Think, Just Sketch" that was the motto for Monday's class. Six or ten minute sketches without really thinking about what you were putting on your page. Liberating you from the constraints of details and proportions. A woman sitting beneath a tree is no longer just a woman under a tree on the page, she becomes one with the tree, as you sketch them rapidly together. You really begin to discover how many parts there are to a tree when you have to break down it's shapes into value. You notice that even the sky; although it looks clear blue, is actually many shades of blues. I was surprised at how much I noticed through quick sketches.

Center of the World

I did not realize the information that maps could provide beyond direction until going to the Bibliotheque Nationalle de France Map Department. There, I was able to learn so much more about France and her relationship with the rest of the world. Paris was drawn out in great detail in a variety of maps while the countryside was barely understood. Louis XVI finally commissioned hunting maps of the areas around Versailles and the surrounding land was elevated to “map status.” This disregard for detail can also be seen in older maps of America. Louisiana would the focus but would not be drawn out in true likeness; non-existent geographical locations were drawn in. This center of the world approach showcases that France was an empire for a long time and was the center of life for its subjects. This understanding served me well while exploring her grand museums, palaces, and gardens.

Sight

I thought that I would need to keep my eyes open for this class but have realized that in order to do that I would first need to shut them.  I have noticed that a theme throughout this class has been to see things with your eyes closed.  Through the blindfold drawings, I learned to draw through words and that the outcome would be a result of two people's perceptions.  Another art form, eating would also need to be done without my sight.  Eating at Dans Le Noir was a dining experience unique in its darkness; everything is done in the black of night.  There, I learned that I really enjoy knowing what i am eating before doing so and that along with taste and smell, sight was a big part of my dining experience.  I am glad that I could learn all of these lessons through my temporary loss of vision.