Michele E. Hughes
October 5, 2007
ART 1301-002
Art Appreciation
Professor D. Gibney
Museum Visit Visual Analysis
Art is defined in and by our text as a human phenomenon by which visual medium is used to express ideas about human experiences and the world around us. Art serves many purposes and encompasses and or consists of many different avenues. Ones interpretation or perception of art can vary depending on personal preference, creativity, and experience. A visual analysis of an art piece can be used to depict intricate and defining aspects and details of an art form.
I visited the African American Museum in the historical Fair Park located in Dallas, Texas. There I observed several pieces of art and one stood out among them all. The piece of art that caught my attention was a carved and painted wood of Martin Luther King. This beautiful work of art belongs to the Billy R. Allen Folk Art Collection and was sculpted by artist Joseph Sharlow. Born in 1934 Joseph Sharlow received no formal art training and he is an excellent woodcarver, figural sculptor, painter, and drawer.
Art elements such as line, shape, space, light, color, and texture where all depicted in this carving. Several lines where used to enhance or bring out certain features including the hair and beard of Martin Luther King in this carving. To do this a metal rod was heated to create the hair and beard. Several basic shapes were used to erect this carving. These shapes included circles, rectangles, and squares. The figure suggested proud and string in the sense that the appearance told a story of boldness, and screamed beautiful and striking due to arrangement and presentation. Next we examine the space to determine composition. The carving filled spaces by lending a head sculpture that one can formally and quickly recognize. It was of normal size therefore making it realistic and easy to relate to. Now we look at how light accents the work of art. The interaction of light with the carving was not substantial due to where the carving was placed in the museum. Another very important quality or feature in art work is color. Due to the type of art there where not any or many colors used, because the artist used a wood medium to give birth to this carving. The color of the wood was appropriate for the theme and subject the artist wanted to convey. Now we take a look a texture and how it complimented the surface/object. The texture was both smooth and rough in certain places. A pattern of smoothness was created at the base and on the face of the carving, while patterns of roughness or jaggedness was used for certain features.
First we looked at how art elements help to bring art work to life, now we will integrate art principles and see how they affect art. Balance in this work was asymmetrical thus allowing the artist to erect the necessary shapes to create the carving. The artist also used opposite shapes to create the carving. There was particular emphasis placed on designing the body or head of this piece. My attention and eyes where drawn to the face of the carving because the facial features spoke volumes. Certain patterns or elements are repeated purposefully in order to bring out or enhance certain features. The rhythm in this piece unified and blended in with the theme of the work.
Now we look at how the incorporation of media and technique helps or limits the artist. The carving of Martin Luther King displayed in the museum was three dimensional. The medium was highly durable thus preserving the integrity of the work. The carving of this piece was defined in the sense that all features where brought out equally and not implied of blurred. To create this work the artist carved the wood medium thus requiring strength. The sculpting or making of this carving was created through a subtractive process. The artist used such tools as wood and a rod to bring his work to fruition. Thus representing, creating, and portraying the power of this great leader through his work.
It is not until we analyze things that we get a better understanding of what it is we are analyzing. By incorporating and looking at certain elements and principles we truly come to understand and appreciate art and its benefits. Joseph Sharlow’s carved and painted wood of Martin Luther King on the surface looks to be a simple art form, but when you apply and look at the detailed elements and principles of art the same does not hold true. Instead I found it to be that and even more incrusted into hard work, vision, and purpose.
Art Appreciation
Professor D. Gibney
Museum Visit Visual Analysis
Art is defined in and by our text as a human phenomenon by which visual medium is used to express ideas about human experiences and the world around us. Art serves many purposes and encompasses and or consists of many different avenues. Ones interpretation or perception of art can vary depending on personal preference, creativity, and experience. A visual analysis of an art piece can be used to depict intricate and defining aspects and details of an art form.
I visited the African American Museum in the historical Fair Park located in Dallas, Texas. There I observed several pieces of art and one stood out among them all. The piece of art that caught my attention was a carved and painted wood of Martin Luther King. This beautiful work of art belongs to the Billy R. Allen Folk Art Collection and was sculpted by artist Joseph Sharlow. Born in 1934 Joseph Sharlow received no formal art training and he is an excellent woodcarver, figural sculptor, painter, and drawer.
Art elements such as line, shape, space, light, color, and texture where all depicted in this carving. Several lines where used to enhance or bring out certain features including the hair and beard of Martin Luther King in this carving. To do this a metal rod was heated to create the hair and beard. Several basic shapes were used to erect this carving. These shapes included circles, rectangles, and squares. The figure suggested proud and string in the sense that the appearance told a story of boldness, and screamed beautiful and striking due to arrangement and presentation. Next we examine the space to determine composition. The carving filled spaces by lending a head sculpture that one can formally and quickly recognize. It was of normal size therefore making it realistic and easy to relate to. Now we look at how light accents the work of art. The interaction of light with the carving was not substantial due to where the carving was placed in the museum. Another very important quality or feature in art work is color. Due to the type of art there where not any or many colors used, because the artist used a wood medium to give birth to this carving. The color of the wood was appropriate for the theme and subject the artist wanted to convey. Now we take a look a texture and how it complimented the surface/object. The texture was both smooth and rough in certain places. A pattern of smoothness was created at the base and on the face of the carving, while patterns of roughness or jaggedness was used for certain features.
First we looked at how art elements help to bring art work to life, now we will integrate art principles and see how they affect art. Balance in this work was asymmetrical thus allowing the artist to erect the necessary shapes to create the carving. The artist also used opposite shapes to create the carving. There was particular emphasis placed on designing the body or head of this piece. My attention and eyes where drawn to the face of the carving because the facial features spoke volumes. Certain patterns or elements are repeated purposefully in order to bring out or enhance certain features. The rhythm in this piece unified and blended in with the theme of the work.
Now we look at how the incorporation of media and technique helps or limits the artist. The carving of Martin Luther King displayed in the museum was three dimensional. The medium was highly durable thus preserving the integrity of the work. The carving of this piece was defined in the sense that all features where brought out equally and not implied of blurred. To create this work the artist carved the wood medium thus requiring strength. The sculpting or making of this carving was created through a subtractive process. The artist used such tools as wood and a rod to bring his work to fruition. Thus representing, creating, and portraying the power of this great leader through his work.
It is not until we analyze things that we get a better understanding of what it is we are analyzing. By incorporating and looking at certain elements and principles we truly come to understand and appreciate art and its benefits. Joseph Sharlow’s carved and painted wood of Martin Luther King on the surface looks to be a simple art form, but when you apply and look at the detailed elements and principles of art the same does not hold true. Instead I found it to be that and even more incrusted into hard work, vision, and purpose.
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