interviews!

I interview my mom, a parapro, and one of my classmates. I asked them questions dealing with what they thought about the 21st century as a whole, and the people that defined it. I also questioned them about what kind of art they like and what it was about that art that made them like it so much. Overall my research was not consistent; each had their own ideas about what they thought defined our century. However, I can say that each felt very strongly about what they were concerned about in the future. The parapro feels very strongly about protecting the earth and being "green" so his children will have a beautiful place to live. My mom expressed alot of conern for the world's decline in morals and values. And my friend Hana talked about how technonlgy is taking over, replacing human interaction. When I asked them about art, they also had different responses but I saw a common thread: they all like art they feel they can relate to on an emtional level and looks nice.
From my research I am concluding that GBS needs a piece of art work that is realistic in what it communicates, but also focuses on the good things of this century. The people I interviewed had many concerns about this century, but they are all still very happy and have hope for the future. I think people want a piece of artwork that has significance to their lives; something they can connect to that is wholesome. The sculpture does not have to necessarily be abstract or realistic-- as long as it communicates a larger theme, lesson, or idea. People are starting to really appreciate creavitity and we should highlight that!

David's Interviews

For my interviews, I wanted a diverse group of people so that there would be differing perspectives and opinions on the given questions. The people I decided to interview was a friend of mine in art school, Kayla Perry, my lovely mother, Mrs. Park, and a friend, David Americus.

There were four questions that I asked of each interviewee:

1. Which would you prefer from the 9 evaluations of art? Truth, utility, ideology, intrinsic aesthetic merit, expressiveness, sincerity, technique, originality, or historical importance?

2. What characteristic separates our generation from others?

3. What object would you say symbolizes our generation?

4. What kind of sculpture would you want to see put up in front of Glenbrook South to represent our generation/century?

First, Kayla answered that Truthfulness is the most important because as a perfectionist, she wants everything the way it should look like. She says that the characteristic that separates this generation compared to others is the immense social network that we have on hand, which connects us to others closer than ever imagined. She said that the ipad can symbolize our generation because our generation likes it bigger, faster and more efficient. She says that a sculpture with lots contemporary, modern style, and shiny metal to represent the "Bright new future"

Secondly, my mother had completely different opinions, which was what I was aiming for. She believed that ideology was the most important, that it had to stand for something. She said that texting separated our generation from others because we do it so often everywhere we go. That it has become acceptable for this generation to text in the middle of dinner, church, school and other unorthodox places. She believes the computer represents our generation because everyone is in front of it all the time, even if it is for school work. Because back when she was my age, schools required a notebook and a pen. She says that a sculpture that should be put up in front of GBS should be something memorable from how Glenbrook South started perhaps the mascot, or the first principal, and have it turned modern-esque. Perhaps the first principal texting she joked.

Lastly, my friend David Americus, who attends Indiana University, said the different things. First of all, he answered expressiveness should be the main goal as artwork because if someone expresses their emotions or feelings into something, it can be considered art. He compared it to music, how song tempos change when the artist feels different emotions for their songs. David said that the characteristic that represents our generation is the need for everything to be done fast. Back then, he says people were patient and waited for things. Now, we have microwaves, Youtube, Ondemand, iPhones, faster cars, and online shopping. He said the iPhone truly represents the object of our generation because he believes that technology has improved so much that supercomputers of the past that filled up rooms are dwarfed when compared to the iPhone. Its small, powerful, efficient and beautiful. He believes that if there were to be a sculpture, it shouldn't be too big, but have the same big of an impact because of what it represents. He doesn't know how it should look like, but he believes it should look good.

Although all the answers were different, one main trend was common: The use of technology in our generation. Now that technology is so accessible and portable for everyone, everyone can stay connected. And I believe connection is what makes us human.

Interviews

I interviewed four people. I interviewed by brother who is a junior at South, a graduated student of South, my mom and Mr. Mash a psychology teacher. Some of the things they wanted to see in the sculpture and ideas were the same and some were very different.
All of the people I interviewed wanted the piece of art to be very expressive. They felt that it brought out peoples feeling and emotions. You can see and feel the heart and emotion that was put into creating the work of art. Finally with expressive art you can create your own truths and have a lot more freedom to create and explore truths. Next was the issues or concerns of this century. We are lazy and things are done for us. This is due to technology taking over our life. This also connected to the idea that we have lost the human connection. We no longer talk to each other face to face, it is done through a portal. This is something different about our generation and the fact that we have limitless possibilities. We can imagine and have no limit with things and we can explore a lot more. We can learn and explore more about other cultures and we are connected globally together. This then comes to the very important and very defining element of our century which is the computer. This is a major and very important image in this century. Technology has defined our century and way of life. Computers are so much a part of our life that we have become lazy and fat and do not do things away from computers. All of the people wanted to see passion in the sculpture and does not care who creates it as long as it is done with heart and passion. Finally, technology should be included because that is what defines our century.

David's Park's Part

Skills that I can contribute to this group: Being a leader and a follower, time management, brainstormer, listener, ability to come to an agreement

Roleplay: to contribute to the well-being of the group

My Part

Julia:

Skills: Listening, organization (check lists!), collages/ crafty artwork, leading groups (w/ positive energy)

Role: Positively motivating everyone and keeping people on task

The 21st Century Human!

"Human Happenstance"

          creating new perspectives

rules:  meet deadlines with quality work
          keep all work on the blog to make it less confusing
          good listeners, open to all ideas
          everyone contributes equally
          ask for help if needed, don't procrastinate

Tara:
skillz- drawing/ sketching, being a good listener and open minded, being creative
role- make sure everyone's ideas are heard and/or tried