Podcasting

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Hello, my name is Lisa Steiner and I am a student at Metropolitan State College of Denver in the art education program. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Colorado State University and now I am pursuing my K-12 licensure. This is my podcast entitled, “Question Visual Art”. This is intended for the general listener and the student of art. Following are a few questions and answers designed to increase your awareness of art by taking a fresh look at what it’s all about. Because it is so pervasive, art can go unnoticed or be taken for granted, yet it is still a continuous influence, and deserves a closer look. The following questions and comments represent my philosophy.

What is visual art? Visual art is a type of human expression that takes its’ form in actual physical space, such as a painting, tapestry, digital drawing, sculpture, or architecture. It is experienced visually and translated verbally through art history and criticism. Art exists within physical and cultural surroundings but they are secondary to it. The history and environment are important and may speak through the piece, but the work itself is paramount. Visual art on an individual level is a type of language made through images, shapes, pattern, line, or color. It is primarily created for aesthetic enjoyment, but may also be therapeutic, informative or reactionary.

When did people come to value art culturally? I believe that art enrichment comes from visual enjoyment, comparison of style and character, and the awareness of beauty and ugliness. From this a sense of value arises, giving artists and their work a place in society. Appreciation of art depends upon the period in time in which it was created and the experience of the person contemplating it.

Why do patrons commission and buy art? Museums and collectors buy art for pleasure, social status, sentiment, historical significance, or as a commodity. Religious and political iconography is important to people, as is symbolism, therefore works of art are commissioned to represent and give visual meaning to these things. The relationship between artist and patron can be difficult if there is disagreement on what the finished piece should express.

Why do we teach art in schools? Because creating and enjoying art enriches our lives! Art education can help students find a connection between great works of art and their own lives, creating understanding out of something that may otherwise be strange and remote. Students can learn to be comfortable seeing and talking about different styles and works of art. They can also disagree in matters of quality, accept varying attitudes and tastes, and develop confidence in their own artistic self-expression.

Where does the evolution of art lead us? First of all, an understanding of the change of artistic styles from one period in time to another is basic to interpretation and art history. For example, some aspects of Classical and Greek styles continue to be an inspiration today. Stylistic development can occur when achievement progresses from easy to more difficult, or simple to complex eventually reaching a peak. Current methods of digital design are a phase of representation that parallel other kinds of technical progress, and are evolving daily. Also, an individual artist may grow from early beginnings, to maturity, to decline even though the art may or may not coincide with the times. Finally, changing political and economic climates influence artists around the world. Art exists in multiple styles, sometimes changing abruptly, but always evolving as a form of creative expression that will continue to be unpredictable. I hope that you can carry some of my ideas with you everyday, in your next art class or for your next museum visit. Thank you for listening.