Class discussion 3

Well, it seemed like we spend a long time studying different types of architecture through this week as well as last. I do have to say that I enjoyed learning about the different styles of artwork and seeing how the styles of architecture changed through the different periods. The style of architecture that I found to be the most impressive that we talked about in class is the Gothic style. The Roman is also very impressive with the development of the arch and domes, but what makes Gothic stand out is they take the idea of the arch and use it to build extremely tall cathedrals. They essentially took the idea of weight transfer used in domes/arches to transfer the weight of the tall building off the walls onto something they developed called flying buttresses. These buttresses are essentially exposed and can be viewed on the outside of the buildings. One gothic cathedral that uses the concept of flying buttresses is the Saint-Etienne cathedral in Bourges. You can see the buttresses supporting the upper portion of the building then extending horizontally to other supporting column built into the cathedral. You can essentially see how this new idea would allow them to accomplish the task of building such tall beautiful building. The development of flying buttresses must have been a difficult task that took an enormous amount of trial and error. But I think that the concept of building such tall building also goes along with their idea of having their constructions pointing up to the heavens. The gothic style seems to exemplify this concept, especially with their use of such tall buildings. It seems with the gothic architecture that they put in a steeple or a construction that point up to the heavens. I mean even most of the windows that they would incorporate into their cathedrals would come to a point directed up to the heavens. This is also seen with the use of their constructed arches. Their use of pointed arches, steeples, and windows goes right along with the concept of their larges buildings. Patronages therefore have to look up or are directed up towards the heavens when ever in the presence of the building. To me, the gothic architecture is therefore trying to cause humility on the part of those who attend or visit the tall building. It is to remind them of the graciousness they should have towards God and their role as patronages of God on earth. Another reason I like Gothic cathedrals is there use of stain glass window. Although I have never been in a real Gothic cathedral, I get the feeling that with all amount of stained glass window part of the building, that the light contrast inside the building during the daytime must be amazing. We should therefore appreciate the developments and accomplishments of architecture that has occurred through the ages. We (meaning the general human race) would not have the beautiful and amazing buildings that we are allowed to appreciate currently if it was not for the accomplishments of the previous centuries.
Now, more about interpretation of the visual arts. From humanities lectures, it has come to my attention that I need to think more as an artist. I need to appreciate the beauty of the visuals and less of its function, such as a chair. Therefore, I would like to try my artistic mind and describe the meaning and beauty of a coat rack found in my office at work. First off, the color of the coat rack is completely chrome with black plastic tabs on the ends of the bars that the hangers are hung on. The color of the rack gives it a sense of sleekness and attractiveness (if you can say that a coat rack is attractive). Compared to all the other objects in the room, the color of the rack makes it look like it is the cool kid of the room that all the girls (or lamp…ha) would be fighting over. The roundness of the base of the rack is easy on the eyes compared to having a base with an edge. It shows that it is continuously flowing from the top of the base to the bottom of the base. The prongs extend out of the top of the coat hanger rod in a symmetrical manner with altering prongs at differing heights. This also adds to the sleekness of the coat rack, especially since there are no decorative designs on the rack. The black plastic tabs on capped onto the ends of the metal prongs also work to contrast the colors of the chrome. If is as if the caps indicate where the rack stops so that your eyes stop at the top of the rack. Therefore, the caps end the sleekness of the chrome rack. There, I did it, well to the best of my abilities. Hey, maybe if I keep it up I will be an art critique at the end of the semester, most likely not though.