It's All About the Title

If you haven't noticed, for most pieces of art there is a title. This title then interests the public, and if the piece matches the title and the audience likes it, the title then becomes iconic. I'm assuming that many of you have created some piece of art before, or you at least know of art. (That would explain your interest in my blog) If so, then you know just how difficult it can be to come up with that perfect title or name. There isn't any reason that this should discourage you from getting your work out there though. If a title is so hard to come up with, then ask some friends for help, or you could become an ominous artist and title everything "untitled". I recommend that you only use "untitled" when you've been struggling for days on trying to come up with a name for a piece. It's a last resort of sorts.

 

Now for those who haven't even thought of naming their work, IT'S IMPORTANT!!! What if someone read a poem or saw a picture of yours and they wanted to show a friend, but didn't know what it was named? "I'm sorry Jill, I swear it was the best poem/picture I've ever had the pleasure to experience, but it has no name... It's disappointing, such talent.." that will be the things people say to one other about your work.

 

Also DON'T FORGET YOUR NAME! Unless you want to go by an alias or be unknown for life. (If you're going by an alias, don't do something like Sohn Jmith... [that's John Smith] someone might figure you out.) A lot of the time if people like something you made, they'll search your name and try to find more works by you. If your goal is to get out there, definitely include your name (it goes right after the title)

Until I write again
Au revior,
~Rayne

Should Children be Exposed to Art?

Art work is an outlet of creativity, that is why children should be exposed to art as early as possible. The ability express yourself without worry of judgment is probably the most important thing that children should be able to do, especially in the age of cyber bullying and fear of being who you are. Children should learn that they are important and that what they do as well as how they feel matter. Art allows people to feel without feeling guilty. And personally that's all I want for my own children, I don't know about you.

There are some parts of the "art world" that I believe that children should be sheltered from, but to each his own. If you want your child to listen to Drake and Lil Wayne talk about how many "blunts they be blowin'" and all the "ho's they playin'" that is completely up to you. It's not easy to understand, in today's world, what real art is. But Children should have the ability to spend time at school expressing themselves the way they want to. Instead of just copying down math problems and trying to write in cursive all day at school. Art is a time when being different is okay. Children should have that opportunity to be just that, children, and enjoy the perks of not caring what others think all the time, as long as they're happy. So yes, children should definitely be exposed to art, what kinds of "art" is up to each and every parent out there.

Until I write again
Au revoir,
~Rayne

The Importance of Writing

Once again I was on the debate site for some topics I found interesting to talk about, and I found a debate that was all one sided. "Are instant communication platforms overshadowing the art of writing letters?" Every single person said yes! I mean I agree but if so many think this, why hasn't there been a change? Personally I write letters all the time. I don't really like the whole social media thing, (although I have to admit, I'm beginning to enjoy blogging.)
I feel that if so many people think that writing letters is a dying art, then why don't people make an effort to change it? I would, and if anyone is interested in joining me that would be awesome! I don't want hand written messages to be lost, they stay around longer than a phone call or text will. And it's already bad enough most don't know how to write in cursive.  It's shameful really, it's one of the first things we learn in school and pretty much the first thing people forget. But anyway, I hope all of you will keep writing letters and make sure you never lose the intimate connection that letters to one another bring to people. Comment back if you have your own opinions or comments.

Until I write again
Au revoir,
~Rayne

Art of the heArt

Today I witnessed someone creating some real heart... Actually I saw my mother make a homeless man's day. I'll explain:

We were on our way to the store, and we always stop at this specific curb to give some money to the pan handlers on the corner, and today this man was so exuberant about the change we were able to give him that my mother gave him the soda we had just bought. He started to cry and opened it right up. We continued on our way to the store and my mother couldn't get the look of the man's happiness out of her head, so we went on a food shopping spree for him. We bought him some cans of ravioli, sandwich meat, and a loaf of bread. I could feel my mother smiling all the way back over to where the gentleman was still sitting. As we pulled up next to him he waved really big and we waved him over. We handed him the food and he got tears in his eyes. He said "If there's anything I can ever do to repay you.." and my mother cut him off saying "Happy Halloween" with the brightest smile I've ever seen on her face. The man said he could go back to where he slept now, he had enough food, so he didn't have to be in the cold anymore. There was some faith in humanity restored right then. 

I realize that this may not seem like art to some, but to me it was the best kind of art out there. The type of art that really touches your heart and that you'll remember for the rest of your life. 

There is actually some videos on YouTube that have been going around where people are doing about the same thing. Making The Homeless Smile I keep saying how art is about heART, and that art makes the world beautiful, well these acts of kindness are making the world beautiful. It doesn't take much, just a little contribution to the community and you could make someone's life better. Because you gave them hope, and that's a lot for someone who doesn't have anything. 

If you would like to comment a story of an act of kindness that you've seen, please do. I'd love to hear about the wonderful things people are doing around the world.

Until I write again

Au revoir,

~Rayne

Is Photography a Real Art?

So today I was looking at art topics and I found a site that had all sorts of debates on all different kinds of art. The first topic that caught my eye was the question of if photography was a real art. I was surprised to see that it was even a debate. I understand that it doesn't take much to take a picture, but that doesn't mean that all photography is, is just snapping a shutter. I have personally taken photography classes and there is actually a lot to learn. Plus there is all the different types of photography. There is black and white, film, digital, landscape, profile, portrait, and so much more. Obviously it takes some kind of talent to be able to get paid to take peoples wedding pictures or school pictures.

There are a lot of misconceptions that photography is only beautiful when it is edited, so basically the computer does all the work. Yeah there are those people who just edit and take pictures for fun, but those who do it for their lively hood, those people do way more than just hit a few buttons to make a computer fix the picture. The fact that they have to know what every single filter and effect will do to the picture means that they have to think about what they're doing, and not just guess and check. There's a science to it. You have to be totally committed to do that day in and day out. How do you think that businesses get their logos and such? Computer graphic designers. What about those Home and Garden's magazines? They get all their pictures and layouts from people who have an eye for art, photographers.

There are some instances where photo's are not arty. That is when a someone takes a blurry picture in a bathroom with their tongue sticking out with a filter over it. I say photo- not photography- because there IS a difference. Photography comes with decisions and a meaning, so it takes heart and time. Photos don't take time at all and all you really have to do is press a button. Those kinds of pictures are the reason that people don't believe that photography should be considered a fine art. But what people don't think about is "what about those people who actually take time and put effort into their pictures?" Those are the people who deserve credit for their talent and love for showing the world in ways none of us have even thought of.

Until I write again
Au revoir,
~Rayne

http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-photography-fine-art

photo

photography

What Speaks to you?

This is quite an obvious topic isn't it? You'd think so but that's not the case. What speaks to me is completely different from what speaks to you. In your case, maybe a painter who can capture such sadness in a picture that no photographer could moves you. Or maybe one of the "greats" (i.e. Pablo Picasso The Dream- Picasso, Salvador Dali Dali, or M.C. Escher M.C. Escher) is your hero. Their artwork inspires you to "go on" or "follow your own path." Or maybe there's an artist/genre that speaks to you. Its the only thing you listen to on a bad day, or your motivation for that extra mile for track.
My point is, in life there isn't just one answer to this question, there are millions. There's answers you won't agree with, or some that you may not particularly looooove, but you understand how others do. But either way there isn't any reason to just stick with that one thing that you've found that raises your spirits and delights your mind. You should always be looking for more heART and creativity in everyday that goes by. It helps make the day go faster and life seem brighter.                              
I'm not preaching to anyone telling them how to live their lives but I am making a suggestion to everyone to open up their eyes and smile about what they see. I will add a few more links to other pieces of art I have seen and that I know others enjoy quite a bit.

Until I write again
Au revoir,
~Rayne

What Is heArt?

The Webster's dictionary defines Art as something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings. A good definition, I mean it IS in a dictionary so that has to be what it means right? (Well maybe... they did put "swag" in the dictionary so sometimes the dictionary isn't always right.) I'm kidding (in sorts). See, to me art is anything that conveys to you a strong emotion. It could really be anything. Think of a song that really speaks to you, where the words describe your life so perfectly its scary. (If you don't like music references, my blog is definitely not for you. Music and poetry are things that I will be talking about a lot.) That song you thought of is heArt. It's not the same as art. Art encompasses everything. HeArt is when you feel the meaning in your heart and soul. Maybe you don't understand the feeling but you still feel it, that doesn't matter. Its still heArt, here's an example that I personally love.

There are so many things I wish I could say

But finding the words takes courage

Because I have none, my feelings are useless

Some think that words have no real meaning

But if they hurt, you'll be left bleeding

There are just too many things I've left unsaid

So maybe one day I'll find the strength

To face the truth of my thoughts...

But that day just isn't today

 

~Lakota Tarbox

 

The truth is sometimes hard to say or write, so music and drawing/painting or any other art form is one of the easiest ways to realize what you want to say, and how to say it. (without really "saying" it)

Anyway, that's just why I love heArt, what about you?

 

Until I write again,

Au revoir

~Rayne