Rarick Hall

Week 3

Blog Photo #2- Line and Rhythm

1) Immediate Response

The thing that I notice first about this photo is the large limestone brick column in the center. It stands out to me and I believe it is the main focal point. My first impression of this photo is that it has nice lines and looks peaceful. It affects me because it brings to mind that peacefulness in which we all seem to be seeking.

2. Objective Description

This photo is of large limestone building located on the Ft. Hays campus that is called Rarick Hall. It has nice vertical lines, in the middle of the photo is a large limestone brick column which is the farthest end of the building. Next to the larger column are two square, smooth limestone columns which appear to run through the outside wall, then reappear for a moment beside the windows and stop at the top of them. In between the two columns hardly distinguishable is a black handrail. There is a concrete sidewalk leading to the front of the building as well as a short brick flowerbed. The rhythm is nice in this photo because of the trees around the building. There is a shadow from the adjacent building which has a long diagonal line that almost connects the two buildings together, and even though you cannot see the other building you still know it is there. Finally, the bright blue, clear sky in the background really adds some vibrant color also helping the rythm of the photo.

3) Formal Matters

The composition of this photo is unique because of the assymetrical balance of the top left and bottom right corners. All over I believe that this photo is very well balanced, and the color is vivid and appealing. I think that it is placed very well in space because you can imagine yourself walking up the sidewalk and into or beyond the building. The lines quality is excellent because it has very defined vertical and diagonal lines going in various directions.

4) The Story It Tells

I think that the story told by this photo would be one of beautifully sound architecture. This building has stood the test of time thus far. Knowing that this limestone brick building is a school, you have a sense of all of the academic achievement that is going on inside of these closed doors. If I were to name this photo I would call it "Achieving."

5) The Work in the World - How does the photo connect to Honore Daumier’s drawings?

I think that this photo connects with Honore Daumier's drawings because of the nice vertical architecture, as well as the long diagonal lines which seem to be a common theme throughout many of his works.

Hays Mall

Week 1 & 2

Hays Mall

Something or someone being expressive

1) Immediate Response

The thing that I notice first in this picture are the two young girls. Since they are in the center of the frame and are the main subject this has become my initial focus. One thing that I think stands out in this picture is the curved line of the photo booth. It seems to separate the photo, although it is still a big part of it. My first impression of this picture is that these girls are "Best Friends" and are just being goofy and carefree. The affect that this photo has on me is that it brings a smile to my face and a reminder of the good 'ol days!

2) Objective Description

I would begin describing this photo by telling someone that in the center of the frame are two young girls. They are sitting in a Fun Foto booth and you can just tell that they are great friends. They are making silly faces for their newest memory together. You can see in the background, one of the many women's clothing stores in the Mall. What I seem to notice most about this background are the two manequins and the picture in the storefront window at the top left and at the top right is a bright orange shirt that really pops out. The floor throughout the photo is almost bamboo colored and has many lines and squares running through it, which remind me of a woven mat. The other main focus of this picture is the curved line of the photo booth which splits the photo from top to bottom. It has a bright blue stonewashed jean pattern in the background and on top of this "jean pattern" is a film strip with example pictures of two girls that says "Best Friends" on it.

3) Formal Matters

The composition of this photo is interesting because the viewpoint is from a vantage point not only capturing the young girls faces, but it also divides the picture almost into thirds. I see the girls sitting in the booth is one third, the right end of the photo booth as another third, and the background space behind the seated girls as the other. There are many different lines, some are curved and some are straight, they go in all directions, diagonal, vertical and horizontal. Some are very light and faint, while others (such as the photo booth) are very bold and defining. I think that the placement in space is good because the photo has balance and the yellow colored background really makes the blue of the photo booth stand out.

4) The Story It Tells

I think that the story that this photo tells can be described much like the objective description. It tells a story of two girls who are best friends and are just having a good time shopping at the mall and being goofy together. They are taking pictures in the photo booth in order to create memories for the both of them forever. If I had to name this photo with one simple word I would have to say I would call it "Friends."

5) The Work In The World

I think that one way that this photo connects to Kathe Kollowitz's drawing is that mine would be considered the complete opposite of what her drawings were. My photo tends to leave you with a happy, silly feeling. While on the other hand, Kathe Kollowitz's depictions of motherhood, poverty and death are on a completely different side of the spectrum.