Week 2 and 3's Homework

Homework for Week 2: Part 1 Shutter Speed and Motion 

shutter speed- 60, iso 2000, aperture 5.6

shutter speed- 250, iso 6400, aperture 5.6

Chapter 2: Barrett's Describing Photographs

Chapter 2: Describing Photographs Questions

1.  In your own words, how does Barrett define:

1a. Description is when you piece together words about a subject matter which can be based off fact or opinion. Talking about the details about the piece whether it is obvious to the blind eye or not. Descriptions go hand and hand with judgments, we like what we see or we don’t.

1b. Subject is the meaning behind a piece. It’s the artist’s way of expressing through art what he/she wants to address. Subject matter is what is obvious to the eye. It’s the art without an explanation or maybe not knowing the meaning behind it at first. 

1c. Form is the way the piece of art comes across and how it is arranged. It’s how the artist decides on how they want to depict their artwork. 

1d. Medium is the materials that make up the art. It is important to identify the materials because they have meaning behind them which creates the overall meaning of the whole piece. The chosen materials add up to make the bigger picture.

1e. Style is a particular taste that one artist has. It may change over time, in different cultures, and as the artist grows as an individual. It is the feeling and mood of the artist that is portrayed in their work. It is like their signature in art form, a way of being recognized.

2.  In your own words, summarize what Barrett means when he refers to:

2a. Comparing and Contrasting is talking about a piece while keeping in mind a secondary piece of art. It is talking about the similarities and differences of the two. 

2b. Internal Sources is the information given in the piece, kind of like what you see is what you get. The information displayed is the internal sources. External Sources is when a critic gathers information outside of the artwork to better understand what is not easily known just by looking at the piece. It is the truth behind what is seen such as what the artist went through to reach this point. 

3.  In your own words, summarize Barrett’s position on the relationship between:

3a. Description and Interpretation go hand and hand. You cannot have one without the other. To describe a piece of art you list the details that are given. To interpret a piece of art you find the meaning behind what is given. They go together because you have to be able to describe when you make an interpretation and interpret what you are describing.

3b. Description and Evaluation is how critics determine whether or not they like the piece of art. To make an evaluation the critic has to describe what he/she likes or dislikes about the piece and the way they phrase their opinion carries a bit of the description. 

4.   

I think what Barrett was trying to emphasize is that without a description along with a piece of art it is almost less meaningful. The information behind a piece is a big part of what the piece represents and what statement that artist was making. I also find facts and details whether it be about the artist or the process of the creation, just as interesting as the artwork itself. It is the ingredients that make a piece so unique. I think he was also making the point that criticism plays a major role in art as well. Not only can it compliment a piece of art but it gives a reason for people to engage in conversation, which is what an artist wants… recognition. It is important that people have opinions on art, whether it be positive or negative because it makes us feel something. And in my opinion, that is what art is suppose to do, enlighten you somehow. Another point Barrett made is that art is so diverse. People have so many different ideas what art is and how to value it. I love the different styles and techniques people use to create something that represents their feelings and/or thoughts. I think it is such a beautiful thing when people to come together as a community to enjoy art and admire it together because it truly is impeccable.