1.23.07 Field Trip Write-up
The Ivy was a bit intimidating. I was impressed when I saw Adidas and Macy’s signs that I recognized. I also thought it was awesome that a man that worked there built a machine that cut a certain sized sign because he needed it for a project.
At the Frye Museum, there were many pieces that I found interesting. The collection that stood out for me was the “Instructions for Idleness” series of photographs. I thought they were extremely witty and well done. The male character used for each photograph was perfect for the role and his expressions seemed quite honest and real. When looking at them, I didn’t feel like I was witnessing something that was staged, although I clearly was.
The human-made sculptures were ridiculous and I would say it’s a stretch to call them art. I only thought maybe one or two out of dozens were the least bit clever. It just doesn’t seem like sticking a banana in someone’s mouth makes the person a sculpture. I can see the argument for it, but the work just didn't do it for me.
Seeing Claude Cervaz’s studio was a highlight. It was the first time I have ever been in someone’s art studio, and it was nice to be in a professional artist’s studio, to boot. He was very down to earth and mellow, and I was shocked when I learned that he would go for a month eating beans and rice if he had a show coming up, because the art was his top priority. It didn’t seem like he was making enough profit to buy anything but food and more art supplies. I could be wrong though. His photographs in which he scanned grains of wood turned out well. The monkey brains picture was really cool as well, but I would have never known they were monkey brains had he not shared that. The little owls whose eyes glowed were a little goofy, but grew on me.
I enjoyed the field trip, despite being really sick.
