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The Arts |
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The Potter House
The
Potter House is located at 108 S. Main
St. in Celina, OH
They display a vast
array of decorative items, pottery and
gifts that range from vintage to hip.
With Christmas around the corner this is
one spot you don't want to miss. You
absolutely must visit this unique shop
that features a coffee bar and working
ceramic studio, where you pick your
piece and paint on site! The cozy
environment and delightful staff make
any trip to the Potter House memorable.
For more information email:
thepotterhouse@bright.net
Call for more information:
419-584-1705
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Abstract Art And Music - What Is The Common Language?
by Ernie Gerzabek
It's not surprising that many people, who are not conversant with the language of contemporary art, become very puzzled when they encounter an abstract artwork. Their confusion is usually triggered by being confronted with an unfamiliar visual experience. Normally when people come across a painting or sculpture, they are looking for visual references they are familiar with. Such references may include landscape features, the human body or ordinary objects they see every day.
So when looking at an abstract art piece and their familiar visual references do not compare, they tend to become confused and bewildered. They are inclined to ask 'what does this mean?' rather than come to the simple conclusion 'I like it' or 'I do not like it'.
Why is abstract art and music perceived differently?
It is interesting to note that the very same people would not be confused the same way if they just heard a new musical piece. Instead of asking 'what does this mean?' they would certainly come to the simple conclusion 'I like it' or 'I do not like it'.
When hearing a new musical piece, people are not making comparisons with the natural sounds they hear in their daily lives, such as sounds heard in the bush, at the seashore, in the city and so on. They respond to the mood, the melody and the rhythm of the music instinctively. They either like or dislike the musical piece without resorting to reasoning and analysis or looking for a meaning. Their reaction is instinctive, intuitive and quite often emotional. It may even go straight to the heart.
This indicates to me that many people perceive abstract art and music quite differently.
Music is intuitively assessed and accepted or rejected, as the case may be, however, visual art is scrutinized with analytical reasoning, looking for a logical explanation. For some inexplicable reason the intuitive approach gets switched off by many viewers when it comes to appreciating contemporary art, especially the non-representational kind.
The parallels between abstract art and music
In this discussion I deliberately have chosen music for comparison. Even though abstract art and music are treated quite differently, I believe there are very strong parallels between these art forms. Creators of abstract art and music apply the same principles in their compositions and they rely on the same basic elements. Their common language is color, tone, texture, mood, rhythm, harmony, contrast, balance, tension, counterpoint, integrity and so on.
The dynamics of the creative process in both art forms are directly comparable and the parallels are strikingly similar. Yet evaluation and understanding of music and abstract art are treated entirely differently.
Why is it so?
I do not know the reason for this curious divergence and the general lack of understanding of abstract art. As a contemporary artist, I wonder why this is the case and only have a few guesses.
I suspect the main reason may be lack education in the visual arts. There may be insufficient coverage in schools of any visual arts related subjects. Another reason may be the lack of exposure to such works of art during the formative years in a young person's life. Are any psychological factors involved? Is the undue emphasis on sports the culprit? Is the decline in general knowledge across the board the explanation? Please let me know if you know the answer.
In the meanwhile, lets enjoy the enjoyable, including the best of abstract art, without analyzing too much, without explaining too much or even thinking too much of the extremely high selling prices some artworks reach in the current art market.
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www.artsland.org
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Art Therapy
What comes to your mind when you hear the word art therapist? Some people think that an art therapist psychoanalyzes art.
I first became aware of the power of the visual image and art therapy through my son. He was four years old when his father and I separated. The next day he drew a huge, scribble picture in red crayons……….unusual for him as he literally teethed on crayons and could draw detailed figures. He was in emotional turmoil. Next, and for about a year his people drawings no longer had faces. One would not need to be an art therapist to understand that this child was confused about his self-image and the people around him.
Art need not have words. It is a non-verbal language.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is an established mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight. Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. It is in essence the marriage of art and psychology.
Although art therapists do not psychoanalyze art, they are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media) for assessment and treatment. Several pieces of art are used to form an assessment based on elements within the art and its process.
How Does Art Therapy Work?
Although some people confess that they do not have any artistic abilities, it is my belief that artistic expression lies in all of us and requires a sense of trust and the freedom to allow the flowing for magic to happen.
An art therapist sets the stage for the magic to happen. In other words, the magic is the process by which a person explores their world using art medium to foster self-awareness guided by an art therapist. Similar to other mental health professionals, an art therapist provides a safe environment in which a person feels comfortable to share from the heart.
The process of creativity is transforming and allows the person to realign with oneself. Thus, creating art provides the opportunity for healing of personal issues which cause a person to be out of touch with one’s true essence. The art product is not only a representation of this process, but also a product of the Self.
It is known that just the process of creating art is therapeutic and talking about it may or may not enhance the experience. The sharing of artwork allows the person to be heard or understood as well as integrates the insights. It is a product of Self and how incredibly healing it is to have someone listen or be present when sharing at a deep personal level. This is the essence of art therapy.
In Summary, art therapy utilizes the creative process of artistic expression to promote healing. Art therapists are trained to understand and evoke artistic self-expression whereby a person gains greater understand of himself and the world. Art therapists promote individual well-being in an environment of safety and fun where a person feels free to be himself and share from a heart level. Art Therapists treat the person, his process and art with the utmost of compassion and skill to foster self-esteem and discovery.
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Frame
Your
Artwork!
A
History
Of
Art
Showcasing
Encasing
art
in a
decorative
enclosure
has
been
a
technique
that
has
been
used
since
ancient
times.
It
really
became
popular
during
the
middle
ages;
artwork
was
and
still
is
used
for
status,
community
well-being
and
other
purposes.
Art
serves
the
vital
need
in
man
to
express
himself.
Mankind
uses
art
objects
to
give
his
environment
feeling,
to
bring
that
impossible
quality
to
life,
a
quality
that
can't
be
explained
in
words,
but
is
always
communicated
through
art.
Presentation
Of
Art
The
presentation
of
art
without
picture
framing
certainly
takes
nothing
away
from
the
piece,
but
putting
that
artwork
in a
harmonious
surrounding
adds
something
to
the
piece.
Art
that
is
enclosed
causes
our
eyes
to
go
directly
to
the
work
of
art
you
are
viewing,
and
If
it
has
an
eye-catching,
attractive
picture
framing,
the
art
will
benefit
from
the
added
visual
appeal
of
the
enclosure.
This
has
been
known
before
the
medieval
days;
art
that
is
framed
has
an
extra
ambiance.
The
Type
Of
Picture
Framing
The
artwork
can’t
be
placed
in
just
any
enclosure;
the
frame
has
to
accentuate
the
piece
in a
some
way.
Think
about
the
art
in
the
Vatican,
in
the
Metropolitan
Museum
of
Art,
the
framing
is
exquisite,
the
art
has
a
lasting
effect
on
us.
Now,
there
are
variables
to
consider
when
choosing
what
will
best
showcase
the
art.
Below
I
have
tabulated
these.
You
will
have
to
choose
between
various
shapes,
these
are:
circular,
triangular,
square,
non-geometric,
and
of
course,
the
traditional
rectangular
designs.
All
of
these
shapes
have
individual
qualities
that
will
influence
the
art
in
quite
real
ways.
The
shape
of
the
frame
should
be a
thought
out
decision,
carelessness
in
this
area
can
ruin
some,
or
all
of
the
essence
of
the
artwork.
Size
is
another
consideration,
the
picture
frame
can
be
close
to
the
size
of
the
art
or
it
can
be
much
larger.
You
must
choose
the
picture
frame
that
affects
you.
Frame
size
will
definitely
affect
the
overall
feel
of
the
piece
of
artwork.
Next,
color,
you
must
select
an
appropriate
color
or
colors.
The
color(s)
do
not
necessarily
have
to
be
the
color(s)
in
the
artwork.
This
decision
has
to
come
from
the
depths
of
your
being;
the
same
process
used
to
select
the
art
must
now
be
used
to
choose
the
color(s)
of
the
picture
framing.
Once
again,
go
with
your
feelings.
Art
is
about
feeling.
Design,
the
frame
will
usually
have
some
type
of
pattern
in
it,
be
it
lines,
carvings
or
molded
forms.
These
can
consist
of
all
kinds
of
creativity,
from
the
plain,
to
the
very
detailed.
The
frame
can,
in
some
cases,
outshine
the
art
that
it
encloses.
This
is
not
an
infrequent
occurrence.
Choose
wisely.
Finally,
frames
are
made
from
a
variety
of
framing
materials.
You
can
have
wood
(the
most
common
material),
metal,
porcelain,
ceramic
and
a
host
of
others.
They
all
have
a
different
effect
to
give.
Wood
for
instance,
with
its
sturdy,
natural
quality
adds
a
very
warm
and
strong
feel
to a
work
of
art,
as
if
the
wood
itself
is
sheltering
the
picture
or
image.
Take
your
time
to
feel
what
the
material
of
the
frame
is
saying.
This
is
the
world
of
art.
Art
is
fascinating
and
can
bring
lots
of
fulfillment
in
our
lives.
Choose
artwork
that
has
a
connection
with
you.
If
you
do
this
one
thing;
you
can
look
forward
to
many
years
of
satisfaction
in
the
viewing
of
your
artwork.
There
is
insightful
information
above,
read
it
often.
I
know
you
want
picture
framing
that
adds
to
your
art,
not
take
from
it.
So,
go
ahead,
armed
with
your
new
insight,
and
get
the
frame
that
works.
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Types of Drawing
Charcoal
When
it comes to drawing and
sketching there are many
instruments that you can
use to get your
imagination onto a sheet
of paper. One of the
most commonly used
mediums by artists is
the drawing charcoal.
Drawing charcoal is
easily accessible, can
create the lightest of
grays to the rich
darkest of blacks and is
very easy to work with.
Its popularly seems to
be steadily growing over
the years as more and
more artists realize its
unique quality to
enhance the visual
presentation of many of
their sketches and
drawings. Compared to
that of the pencil,
drawing charcoal is
arguably more visually
stimulating. Plus people
will tend to take you
more seriously as an
artist, since drawing
charcoal is used by some
of the most renowned
artists from all over
the world.
Before
using drawing charcoal
for your artistic
endeavors, you must be
aware that there are a
few different types of
charcoals to choose
from. The first is the
drawing charcoal pencil.
The drawing charcoal
pencil is merely tightly
compressed pieces of
charcoal wrapped in a
plastic or a timber like
material. Charcoal can
be flaky and powdery, so
if you decide to use a
charcoal pencil without
its plastic or timber
wrappings, you may end
up with dirty hands.
The
charcoal pencil is also
very easy to sharpen,
which is very important
for the finest details
of your drawings.
Another of type of
drawing charcoal is the
Willow and vine
charcoal. The willow and
vine charcoal is
generally unwrapped and
can produce shades from
pale gray to a deep
black. This utensil is
great for the everyday
sketches. One of the
most noticeable traits
of the willow and vine
charcoal is that it
tends to smudge. Hard
charcoal is a strong,
tough sketching tool
used primarily for
extremely fine lines.
You may be want to use
hard charcoal on strong,
thick paper. Charcoal in
general is very
affordable. So try them
all out until you find
the on that fits your
needs the best.
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like to get earn serious income online from
your sketches and drawings visit:
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Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephan_Smith
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