I have to admit that museums aren't my favorite place in the whole world. As a kid I loved going to the museums it was like a world outside of my own but as an adult serving jury duty in downtown Milwaukee and getting a free pass during our break I walked through our museums quickly not stopping to appreciate the art because all I could think about was not dying from dust inhalation. ( I survived)
While walking through Alverno’s Art exhibit I couldn't help but be amazed that our school would offer something so amazing (and not dusty!) I walked around about 3 times until I settled on the piece talked about in our video which I had an immediate connection to. The Limestone Sculpture is just amazing in it simplicity to me.
While reading our Article “The Art of Slowing Down in a Museum”, Dr. Haizlip took the words right out of my mouth when she said,“I was actually projecting a lot of me and what was going on in my life at that moment into that painting,” she continued. “It ended up being a moment of self-discovery.” In chapter 5 our book talks about focal points or Center of Visual Interest which would be what draws your eye and at first I would say it was the bird perched on the sculpture mostly because the material is different than what the majority of the sculpture is made from but in staring at the culture for some time the blanket became the focal point for me.
In my silent moment in front of the glass case my art work lives in all I could think about was my journey in going back to school. The blanket represents the support system I have had in starting this journey. There are many layers the sculpture representing to me the many levels of support I have while going back to school. Nervous in going to my first class I had my husband giving me words of encouragement, my parents making me dinner showing how proud they are of me going back to school, the support of my co workers working late so that I can leave work early on Wednesdays to get to class on time, and the amazing women I have met in my courses showing me that this journey is possible. All of these people showing and giving me their “blanket of support” so to speak and when I feel overwhelmed I can wrap myself in that blanket and know that everything will be just fine. I know I am not the only one that may need that little bit of encouragement and its great to know that that blanket exist for me. Make sure you wrap yourself in that blanket when things get hard and everything will be just fine. (Its like the dust…You will survive!)
Who is in your blanket of encouragement?
I really like this art work, and the way you incorporated the blanket into your "blanket of support" system. Family and close friends are my blanket of encouragement too. -Christy
ReplyDeleteJen P. I also was drawn to this. I have a sense of peace and love from this piece. And I really liked your connection with this piece and going back to school. I think a lot of us know how frightening it can be to make such a big change in our lives and commit to school. You DO have a blanket of support.
ReplyDeleteMy blanket of support and encouragement? My family and friends - at school, at work and at home.
I don't mind going to museums, but when I do go, its usually with my kids and while they enjoy it, they don't have an appreciation of it yet and jet along from one exhibit to the next.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the sculpture I thought how beautiful and classic it is. I had noticed the bird because it's made of a different material than the sculpture and stood out to me. But, I love how you made the blanket as the focal point and how you made a connection to yourself. Now that I'm thinking about it, the artwork I was drawn to reminds me of paj ntaub (pronounced "pa dao")in my culture. Paj ntaub is literally translated as flower cloth and can be a simple or elaborate embroidery.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07Oei7hg9OI/VklwZ7pi5UI/AAAAAAAAWKU/bfAdsZKFofo/s1600/hmong-paj-ntaub-storycloth.png
Melinda T
Katelyn H.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be honest, I didn't take the time to look at this sculpture when I visited the art collection, I was so focused on looking at all the paintings! This is a great metaphor for life, though. I agree that the simplicity is quite beautiful, and says a lot with a little. My blanket of encouragement is my wonderful boyfriend for always supporting me (especially in going back to school). I'm doing a lot of self-discovery since I've started at Alverno, and he's there with me keeping me motivated and happy!
Nycolle, I also found myself thinking about the quote re: projecting a lot of one's self onto a chosen piece of art as I sat in front of the piece I selected for this blog project. I had a similar experience when I went to an exhibit when I was in my teens, and connected so deeply with one particular painting that i purchased a print of it at the gift store on my way out. That framed print hangs in my bedroom, next to the mirror I stand in front of as I get ready to leave the house each morning. It still resonates with me.
ReplyDeleteJenna
Thats amazing! We have a huge canvas painting of a bridge with trees in the back ground and I love it!
DeleteAbove is Nycolle B
DeleteStephanie W.
ReplyDeleteNycolle, thank you for sharing such a beautiful metaphor with us! I wasn't crazy about this sculpture, but my opinion has changed slightly because of your point of view. I love how you personally connected to the piece by thinking about the "blanket of encouragement" you have through your family and friends. I got teary eyed thinking of my own journey back to school, and how blessed I am to have a nice warm "blanket of encouragement" to wrap around me when I am having one of those "not feeling it" kind of days.
YES!!! And my "blanket" has gotten bigger with each class and every new person I meet.
DeleteNycolle B
This piece kind of stumped me because it looks bulky and plain. Upon further review of this piece, you do notice that it seems to be wrapped in a blanket which leaves you with a feeling of safety and security.
ReplyDeleteMichelle-
ReplyDeleteI love that the limestone sculpture you chose was symbolic to you. The women represents you and you mentioned that the blanket surrounding her represents the people in your life that nurture, encourage, and provide support for you during your transition time. Many of us in the course are trying to make ends meet in order to pursue higher education and understand how important it is to have people to rely on during fearful and emotional times. I also like that you pointed out the lack of dust. I guess I never really thought about the efforts of the cleaning people keeping these pieces of artwork dust-free so that we can further enjoy them. My main person of encouragement is my boyfriend Charlie. The other day we went to the gas station and he filled up my tire that has a slow leak as well as my gas tank. When he got back into the vehicle I thanked him for doing those this for me and he replied, "I love to do them". I was taken aback and responded, "Really you love to do those things?". He said that he wanted me to just be able to drive and not have to worry about those trivial things. I was deeply touched and thankful to be cared for. I have spent much of my past alone and in numerous unhealthy relationships which have taught me to appreciate this kind, gentle, and caring man in my life!
I met a man like this and now we have been married for 2 years! Its a great feeling to know you have someone like this in your corner.
DeleteNycolle B.
Chris A-
ReplyDeleteWhat a great metaphor to have drawn from this piece! Like Stephanie, I did not really appreciate this sculpture until you helped me to see it differently. You really got me thinking about who I am grateful for.
Jenny Pollen The Representative
ReplyDeleteI still not a fan of this one, but I'm glad it made you think of a good past time. I too remember things from the past, feelings of moments when I look at some art pieces I have at home. I understand the connection between something a person went through and an art piece. Thank you for sharing.
Jenny Pollen The Representative
ReplyDeleteI still not a fan of this one, but I'm glad it made you think of a good past time. I too remember things from the past, feelings of moments when I look at some art pieces I have at home. I understand the connection between something a person went through and an art piece. Thank you for sharing.
Jenny Pollen The Representative
ReplyDeleteI still not a fan of this one, but I'm glad it made you think of a good past time. I too remember things from the past, feelings of moments when I look at some art pieces I have at home. I understand the connection between something a person went through and an art piece. Thank you for sharing.
Kelly Lawler ~ Not a big fan of this piece myself but I am glad that you were able to connect it to a particular past time, and found the beauty in the piece the artist was trying to convey.
ReplyDeleteAmongst all the required reading for classes and papers I'm assigned, I sometimes forget why I'm even in college. I sometimes need to revisit my favorite books to remind myself why I want to pursue a career in writing. Because of this, I would say the Harry Potter Books and To Kill a Mockingbird are in my blanket of comfort, since they help remind me of the beginning of my journey into the world of Literature.
ReplyDeleteLeah Stikel
Its amazing that art just like books each person gets something different out of it.
DeleteNycolle B.
Heather - Nycolle, WOW. I LOVED your blog. While everything you said about the actual piece was great, I really connected to your words regarding your support system and connecting the blanket from the piece to the blanket of support. Well written and THANK YOU!
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