NYAA Studio
New York
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Week 1
Hello Everyone! New York is incredible! I arrived here last Sunday (June 3rd), and successfully made it through my first week in one piece! Haha My Schedule: My classes are 5 Mon-Fri from 10 - 5pm. Mon - Sculpture Tue - Drawing Wed - Art History Thu - Painting Fri - Arts & Culture We begin class with a short lecture and an outline of what we will cover. Lunch break is from 1 - 2pm. The rest of the time is spent working until 5pm, which we are then free to return to our dorms or stay in our studios (open until 11pm). This past week, I spent a majority of the time out of class exploring the city, looking for art supplies, and walking to museums and galleries in Chelsea, Manhattan, and Tribeca! The Curriculum: This program is heavily based in the traditional principles of Academic artwork. By that I mean we are taken back to understanding the figure as a form made up of shapes, lines, and tradition measurements - the body is made of 7 1/2 heads, the bottom of the pelvis marks the centre of the body, the space in between the eyes is the same size as one eye length, etc. While understanding these measurements was simple while drawing and painting, when taking sculpture I felt lost at first. 1) Because I have NO experience sculpting whatsoever, 2) I had to let go of my so-called "experience" and learn all over again. That, in my opinion, is the beauty of accepting that we will always be students of whatever we claim to be passionate of. I don't know everything; I don't know this. I will learn. Forget what you know/thought you knew about something. I didn't come all this way to act, think, or create in the same manner in which I arrived. As with all new activities in life, the quote still stands strong that "If you're willing to be bad at something for a short while, you'll be the best at whatever you do." I take that to mean, if we can accept that fact that we need guidance, we can then learn all there is to know about any given subject. As the week continued, the classes coincided with each other from learning the see the body internally first - separating each form as a shape, then diving into the details once the overall 'mapping' is complete. We will work this way for this next week, then we will have freedom to create more of what we choose to expand on while working with the models. The City: NEW YORK IS AMAZING!! This city shines with possibility, opportunity, creativity, and a sense of urgency found nowhere else - at least by me. Everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere. Whether I say that as a literal description of their pace, or a metaphor examining their lives... you decide. I see a few people looking up and around just as I am. Fire in their eyes as they look like this city is made for them. I love observing that. I love passionate people; just as I'm passionate about my life. I can't wait to walk the streets after class because I see so many driven people. If this week has taught me anything, its the harsh truth that there are people out there just like you and I - determined to get to their destination. They may have to take a 20 minute train ride, a 3 mile walk, and bike it as far as their legs will let them. But they will get where they need to go. This commute is a daily trip for them all just to get one step closer to their dreams, succeed at work, or just to pay the bills. My point is that we all need to keep our destination in mind and don't squander the opportunities that we've been given. Because someone is ready and willing to go through twice as much just for our spot on the R-train to the Upper East Side. Perhaps that last paragraph was for me to realize... This opportunity is a blessing. This blessing I will not waste. Your support means so much to me. I will make us proud. If you want to reach out, shoot me an email of FB message and I'll do my best to respond daily! I'm still learning the city, so bare with me!! [email protected] |
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Week 2
Hello Everyone!
This past week was full of great information, a breakthrough on my work, amazing art openings, and MUSEUMS!
Class:
In week 2 we continued implementing the methods from week 1 in most of my classes. Drawing and painting was filled with more exercises pertaining to viewing the figure anatomically before diving into details. It really is helpful as a guide, because it allows me to be precise from the beginning, instead of figuring it out half way through. Then you won't be stuck with a perfect upper body with tiny legs (speaking from past experience). The methods are no different than the old masters, but continuing to work this way will speed up your understanding for where certain parts of the body are in relation to the rest.
Sculpture REALLY HELPED!!! In week 1 I talked about hitting wall. Well, in week 2 I worked my way through! Sculpting with clay is not an easy task if you aren't used to the material. I had my frustrations. I understood that just because something looks correct from the side doesn't mean its proportionate from a frontal view. Going further, we learned about the muscles of the body and sculpted an entire side of the figure's muscle structure. This knowledge began assisting me in my personal work IMMEDIATELY! I found myself drawing out muscles and forms on a figure in my studio that evening using what I learned that morning in sculpture.
That's not to say I didn't know of the muscular make-up in the body before. But, when given the task to physically create them - compared to seeing them in a book or on screen - it truly changed my approach to the way I shift them in drawings. We also visited the MET Museum and attended galleries and openings that week.
The MET:
In Art History we took a trip to the MET to study the figure in art. We learned that figurative artwork goes as far back as India thousands of years ago. Sexually was celebrated many years ago, not shunned in a public setting. This is a large contrast to the way the figure is portrayed and interpreted today - although to note, the figure is indeed used in many different ways now that stray away from the ancient appreciation for the overall creation itself. From the flat, plain, undefined bodies to the perfected rendition of the body in the infamous Greek and Roman periods, the figure in art has truly come a long way. Now we are able to study and learn from their knowledge today and avoid some of their mistakes. Afterwards, I ventured through the MET independently and explored it for the first time.
Seeing the Heavenly Bodies exhibit was out of this world (that was a pun)! Luxurious robes, angelic costumes, all enhanced by a gothic-style chorus playing in the background made me feel like I was entering a sacred place. Seeing art and music combined to enhance the overall show is an interesting idea. I considered it once, but decided against it because I didn't feel it would be understood...
Life Lesson #242: If you feel an idea budding inside and your own doubts and fears choke it out before you give it a fair chance - slap yourself.
The Galleries:
On Wednesday afternoon we all attended an opening at The Flowers Gallery in Chelsea. The show was a mixture of current students, alumni, and faculty presenting in a curated show with a record number of over 600 entries. The result: There was no room to move around AT ALL! The entire gallery from jam-packed from 6-9pm. Free wine and beer - for those of age (hells yeah). The mixture of styles and technique assembled together on the walls was a great showcase of the work that the Academy produces in some of its best, brightest, and well-respected artists.
Friday, we traveled to D.U.M.B.O. Brooklyn (which I thought was an inside joke, but it really is the name of the area - oops). We visited non-profit galleries, learned about ways in which artists can secure a residency and work together to start a movement, then met with renowned artist and NYAA Provost Peter Drake. Peter taught us his technique of using sandpaper on Bristol Paper covered with acrylic paint to create his work. After listening to his process, his inspirations, and his story of how he managed to land his first show after being embarrassingly rejected, I'm so enthused to continue working and learning about new ways to create marks, tell stories, and further develop my voice within my work. I came from a University with amazing individuals and Professors to help guide and encourage me. I'm blessed to have that here as well.
Final Thoughts:
I found my focus in Week 2. I don't know where it was hiding; I don't know why I put it away. But its back and brighter than ever. I'm deepening my understanding of the figure, my path, and my route to get there. There are so many possibilities for artists now more than ever. While I'm here, I sign up for every "extra" trip, every studio visit, and live each day fully. This trip is extraordinary. I wish more of you were with me inside classes and studio visits!! I'll do my best to be in depth!
P.S. Pictures coming Tuesday afternoon. Its bedtime.
If you want to reach out, shoot me an email of FB message and I'll do my
best to respond daily! I'm still learning the city, so bare with me!!
[email protected]
Hello Everyone!
This past week was full of great information, a breakthrough on my work, amazing art openings, and MUSEUMS!
Class:
In week 2 we continued implementing the methods from week 1 in most of my classes. Drawing and painting was filled with more exercises pertaining to viewing the figure anatomically before diving into details. It really is helpful as a guide, because it allows me to be precise from the beginning, instead of figuring it out half way through. Then you won't be stuck with a perfect upper body with tiny legs (speaking from past experience). The methods are no different than the old masters, but continuing to work this way will speed up your understanding for where certain parts of the body are in relation to the rest.
Sculpture REALLY HELPED!!! In week 1 I talked about hitting wall. Well, in week 2 I worked my way through! Sculpting with clay is not an easy task if you aren't used to the material. I had my frustrations. I understood that just because something looks correct from the side doesn't mean its proportionate from a frontal view. Going further, we learned about the muscles of the body and sculpted an entire side of the figure's muscle structure. This knowledge began assisting me in my personal work IMMEDIATELY! I found myself drawing out muscles and forms on a figure in my studio that evening using what I learned that morning in sculpture.
That's not to say I didn't know of the muscular make-up in the body before. But, when given the task to physically create them - compared to seeing them in a book or on screen - it truly changed my approach to the way I shift them in drawings. We also visited the MET Museum and attended galleries and openings that week.
The MET:
In Art History we took a trip to the MET to study the figure in art. We learned that figurative artwork goes as far back as India thousands of years ago. Sexually was celebrated many years ago, not shunned in a public setting. This is a large contrast to the way the figure is portrayed and interpreted today - although to note, the figure is indeed used in many different ways now that stray away from the ancient appreciation for the overall creation itself. From the flat, plain, undefined bodies to the perfected rendition of the body in the infamous Greek and Roman periods, the figure in art has truly come a long way. Now we are able to study and learn from their knowledge today and avoid some of their mistakes. Afterwards, I ventured through the MET independently and explored it for the first time.
Seeing the Heavenly Bodies exhibit was out of this world (that was a pun)! Luxurious robes, angelic costumes, all enhanced by a gothic-style chorus playing in the background made me feel like I was entering a sacred place. Seeing art and music combined to enhance the overall show is an interesting idea. I considered it once, but decided against it because I didn't feel it would be understood...
Life Lesson #242: If you feel an idea budding inside and your own doubts and fears choke it out before you give it a fair chance - slap yourself.
The Galleries:
On Wednesday afternoon we all attended an opening at The Flowers Gallery in Chelsea. The show was a mixture of current students, alumni, and faculty presenting in a curated show with a record number of over 600 entries. The result: There was no room to move around AT ALL! The entire gallery from jam-packed from 6-9pm. Free wine and beer - for those of age (hells yeah). The mixture of styles and technique assembled together on the walls was a great showcase of the work that the Academy produces in some of its best, brightest, and well-respected artists.
Friday, we traveled to D.U.M.B.O. Brooklyn (which I thought was an inside joke, but it really is the name of the area - oops). We visited non-profit galleries, learned about ways in which artists can secure a residency and work together to start a movement, then met with renowned artist and NYAA Provost Peter Drake. Peter taught us his technique of using sandpaper on Bristol Paper covered with acrylic paint to create his work. After listening to his process, his inspirations, and his story of how he managed to land his first show after being embarrassingly rejected, I'm so enthused to continue working and learning about new ways to create marks, tell stories, and further develop my voice within my work. I came from a University with amazing individuals and Professors to help guide and encourage me. I'm blessed to have that here as well.
Final Thoughts:
I found my focus in Week 2. I don't know where it was hiding; I don't know why I put it away. But its back and brighter than ever. I'm deepening my understanding of the figure, my path, and my route to get there. There are so many possibilities for artists now more than ever. While I'm here, I sign up for every "extra" trip, every studio visit, and live each day fully. This trip is extraordinary. I wish more of you were with me inside classes and studio visits!! I'll do my best to be in depth!
P.S. Pictures coming Tuesday afternoon. Its bedtime.
If you want to reach out, shoot me an email of FB message and I'll do my
best to respond daily! I'm still learning the city, so bare with me!!
[email protected]
