Not Your Thing: May 18-25, 2023
Explore a type of art that doesn’t typically speak to you. You can research it, or go to an art museum, or attempt to make art of that type - however you choose to do it, just spend some time experiencing the art/form/medium without your usual prejudices against it. Record your experience in some way - photos, writing, original artwork, whatever - and tell us how it either challenged or confirmed (or both) your preconceived notions about it.
Due May 25 by 7:00 p.m.
The Submissions:
by Captain Quillard
These “immersive” art experiences seem to be all the rage lately. I had never been to one, but I hadn’t had much interest in them, either. My assumption was that I’d much rather look at the original paintings than to have them projected on walls in larger-than-life form to walk through.
But, last Christmas I couldn’t for the life of me think of a good gift to give my mom, so I ended up getting her tickets to see the “Monet & Friends Live” LUME experience at Newfields in Indianapolis, figuring she might enjoy it and would mostly appreciate just spending a day with me. This past week, we finally went.
First the “bad” news: A couple of my assumptions were confirmed - I would still very much prefer to look at the actual paintings themselves than to view them this way. And, nothing about the experience ever felt “immersive” - at no time did I feel transported to the streets of Paris or the French countryside circa 1890 - it always felt very obvious that I was sitting in a room full of projection screens.
But the good news was, I didn’t hate it. Not at all, actually. Taken for what it is, it’s actually an enjoyable experience. The technology is simple but cool, the accompanying soundtrack was lovely and suited the art well, and it was a good way to see a lot of paintings in once place instead of traveling to see them individually in person. More than that, it was clear that some thought had been put into the organization of the presentation. Rather than just focusing on Monet, it centered around several of his contemporaries of both the time period and the impressionist style. Historical background and interesting facts were presented without being overwhelming or detracting from the visual experience. Types of paintings and subject matter were grouped together in interesting and fun ways, and the presentation was much longer than I expected (50 minutes) while rarely feeling overlong. Outside the exhibition, some money had clearly been spent - a small bar area had been created to look like an authentic French bar from the time period, a photo opportunity space allowed you to step onto a bridge over a stream and flowers and pose like you were in a Monet painting, elevator doors had been made to look like old French barn doors, and the exhibit’s gift shop also had an impressive attention to detail and French authenticity. Nothing seemed to have been done just “good enough,” making you feel like you were getting your money’s worth even if you didn’t buy anything at the bar or gift shop.
Overall, I’m glad I tried it, and I did enjoy it for what it was worth. I doubt I’ll make a habit out of going to these sorts of “experiences” and I definitely still prefer to see the actual art itself, but I’m happy to admit some of my negative preconceptions were corrected by the visit. More importantly, Mom loved it.
by Anonymous Frau Redux
Over 10 years ago I went to YouTube and learned to knit. There were a few classes attended for techniques since then as well.
The yarn store in town (just celebrated 1 year in business- yay for small business!) has classes in loom weaving that I’m debating. They also have spinning, crochet, macrame and quarterly projects to donate to a cause (currently chemo caps).
This video I watched seems to be an introduction to weaving piece from a hobbyist.
Good for the concept foundation, however I need an instructor for all the questions I have now.
How do you remove it from the loom, what else can do you do with it, how do you take care (launder) of it?
So many questions and one day I may have the answers to share with you.
Next Week’s Assignment:
Sculpt something out of clay or similar material - Play-Doh, Silly Puddy, mud, flan, whatever you’ve got lying around. Bonus points if you give it a clever title or backstory.