McFly...

As long as I am on the topic of art and what meets the qualifications, I thought I would take the time and recognize my favorite music artists. Just as visual art, dance and acting all represent expression, creativity, and though provoking discussions, so does music. Yes , by characterizing myself as a woman of classic taste I highly enjoy the compositions of Mozart and Beethoven as well as the must hear songs of the 60's, 70's and 80's, but British Pop/Punk/Rock band McFly has caught my attention.

A few years ago I watched the movie Just My Luck staring Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine. Although the acting and plot was mediocre, the music stood out. The movie somewhat revolves around a struggling band trying to make it big in NYC. By watching this film I could tell the band had definite talent, so I grabbed my dad's laptop, opened the Internet browser to google and YouTube to find out if the band in the movie really existed. Luckily for me they did and do. Actually, I discovered they weren't struggling musicians at all, rather the Jonas Brothers of England, on top of all the music charts,and worshiped by teen girls all over Europe and it is obvious why.

Tom Fletcher, Harry Judd, Dougie Pointer, and Danny Jones: good looks, sultry voices, bad boy attitude, British accents and incredible lyrics and melodies complete the perfect recipe for boy band success. Their song personality can be described as bubble gum pop mixed with classic rock with some alternative qualities. Like many forms of art, music and its artistic nature and appeal can be argued: personal taste and opinion always prevail. So the only way I can convince people to appreciate this art form is to expose them to it. So here is a link to one of my favorite McFly songs, I hoep you enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1WtsbQPEnE

What's a Jellicle Cat?

Are you blind when you're born? Can you see in the dark? Dare you look at king, would you sit on his thrown? Can you say of your bite that it's worse than your bark? Are you cock of the walk when you're walking alone? These words start one of the most famous and most renowned musicals of all time: Cats.

Andrew Lloyd Webber. This name alone brings about much discussion. If you aren't familiar with the dramatic arts, let me give you some background information. Although Webber is not responsible for creating and introducing musicals to American society like Rodgers and Hammerstein, his creativity and artistic genius has aided him in perfecting it. Webber is widely known as the most popular composer, writer, and dramatic artist of his time. This Brit has brought us incredible works such as The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Cats. Webber has received six tony awards, three Grammy awards, an academy award, seven Olivier awards, a Golden Globe, and he was even knighted in 1992. Still, this may not seem as impressive to those who have not been exposed to theatre and more specifically musicals. So what if people sing, dance, and act on stage? What is all the Hubbub about?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This age old saying can be applicable to more than just physical appearance, and art is no exception. There is no clear definition of art, rather basic guidelines. For one, expression. Does this work, if it be visual art or in this case performances, exhibit expression from the artist? Two, is this work creative and different than something previously viewed? Three, does this work promote discussion and conversation among its viewers? For the most part, works that can fulfill these qualifications can be deemed as art. Since musicals fit the three guidelines, they too fall into the "art" category.

For me, understanding, defining, and appreciating art comes naturally. Not only was I born with a creative and expressive persona, my family and the environment in which I was raised fostered these ideas and points of view. Ironically, neither of my parents have been involved in the arts like myself but have always supported them and cherished them as a vital part to life and society. I have and aways will be the "artsy kid." Painting, sculpting, dancing, theatre, movies, music, you name it, I've participated in it or interacted with it in some way. So, that goes without saying that I've seen my fair share of musicals. Although Impressionist paintings are my first love, I feel a different connection with musicals, especially those of Andrew Webber.

Yes, many musicals have similar aspects and should be considered art, the works of Webber always seem to stand out. Many composers and writers of musicals can be successful in connecting with the audience, making them feel like part of the production, and inspiring and awing their viewers, but Webber does that and much more. Webber is such a creative genius; creativity is his middle name. Taking bible stories and modernizing them to display their importance and life lessons, showing that beauty is only skin deep and doesn't really tell you anything about a person, and conyeing a possible side of animals we don't know and don't often think about. His imagination is endless as well as his success on stage.

My personal favorite Webber creation is the musical Cats. I'm sure going to the Riverpark Center as a young child and witnessing this unique display of talent contributes to my love for all things Cats, getting the opportunity to see cats twice as a teen and young adult has even furthered my adoration for Webber and his musicals. I understand that the non-artistic may find this play awkward, silly, and a bit creepy, but to me it is absolutely wonderful! Webber adapted his musical from Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, a book of poems by T.S. Elliot, so more than one renowed "artist" can be responsible for the incredible work of art. The combination of jazz, ballet, tap, classical dance, beautiful lyrics and songs, acting skills, and cat costumes provide for an artistic expereience like no other. It is even difficult for me to put into words: you just have to see to understand. So here is a link to a clip of the musical, watch and enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx7HhYXCxa4&feature=related WATCH!

Chambord

What is art? Panting? Drawing? Sculpture? All of the above? The world faces a common misconception of defining art. For some art is anything that displays detail, hard work, and massive creativity, while others feel as though the classics produced by the great triad are the only representation of skill and beauty. I feel it is important to make my stance in the middle of the artistic spectrum. The repetition of tomato soup cans is very creative and intriguing but the appeal of 17th century strokes by Rembrandt is undeniably awe inspiring.

Although my personal favorite style of art focuses more on the classics, appreciation for all types of art is most definitely needed. By appreciating the art of different styles and art you wouldn't most likely connect with, you are broadening the definition of art and your mind to ideas and beliefs conveyed by the artist. Even though you may not agree with what the artist is saying, you are still capable of understanding and respecting their point of view.

Not only can the subject matter of an artists work be unique and convey a personal message, but the form in which this message is conveyed to viewers can also take many shapes. For most of us, we don't have to visit a museum to be effected by art on a daily basis: art is everywhere. From buildings and architectural structures, art makes subtle but influential impacts. Last summer I traveled to Paris, (they should rename it the city of art instead of the city of lights) it was absolutely impossible not to see art and take away a feeling of inspiration and awe. Apartments, to La Tour Eiffel, to the art featured in the Louvre and even the chateaus in the Loire Valley: Paris and the surrounding outskirts serve as the epicenter for art.

Shockingly, one of the works of art that impacted me the most was Chambord, a chateau designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, in which the greatest absolute monarch was born, Lois the XIV. Being a self proclaimed history and art buff, this building combined my two loves. The spiraling staircases, ornate decoration of the towers, the gargoyles in the courtyard, the resemblance of the towers to wine bottles and the specific placement of the front lake to reflect this building and all of it's glory: art. Da Vinci shows classic beauty with out the fear of too much decoration. The structure stands out among the countryside as if to say "Look at me! You can not ignore my beauty!" I heard the call of Chambord. The only rival to its beauty is that of Versailles. Chambord is the perfect example of hidden beauty, strange awe and acceptance, and the hopefully ever growing definition of art.

Giverny

about an hour away from Paris lies a small town by the name of Giverny. For most, the name of this village holds no significance but for those who live and breath art, it's another story.

Claude Monet. A pioneer, an innovator, and an artiste. This man was responsible for the creation of a new style and the beginning of a new era. His painting Impression Sunrise, or Soleil Levant, was criticized and misunderstood by the French artistic society. Although many wrote him off as talentless and confused, he went on to become one of the most popular and noted painters of all time. Without his bravery and passion, many of the artists and painting we have today would not have existed. Later in his life, Monet found inspiration through flowers, nature, lilies, and the French countryside. He made residence in the town of Giverny where his home and the area in and of which he painted is now a place of pilgrimage for artists and those who appreciate art.

While traveling in Paris last summer, my group decided to visit Monet's home: a truly unique experience. His hose and gardens have been restored and when walking around you feel as though Monet's easel and brush could be seen at any moment. Monet's nineteenth century home is very beautiful and an interesting snapshot of the time, but his gardens, lilly pond, and poppy field are what bring the tourists. Spend five minutes here and you will think France has transformed into Eden.

One of Monet's most famous paintings Poppy Field, was created here. This work of art captures the essence and the beauty of Giverny as if you are standing in the field as Monet paints. Ironically I stood in this very field. After living this moment, then realizing it on canvas, my perception of anything and everything has changed. Monet took things for what they were, quirks and all, and found beauty in every single one. If Monet did this with art, why can't I do it with my life? The work of Claude Monet is simply this: art of inspiration.

The Musee d'Orsay on a Friday Afternoon

One fine day last summer, I strolled the streets of Paris with my grandmother: something I had dreamed about doing my whole life.

Both sets of my grandparents can be referred to as "world travelers." My whole life they have been venturing to new places and sharing their experiences with me. From Scotland to Italy, I became accustomed to post cards and numerous souvenirs, but what I longed for was the trip itself. I wanted to stand and live in those places, not just see them through a Kodak camera.

I was born and raised to appreciate and love other cultures, so naturally I have become quite the world traveler myself. I have journeyed to Uruguay, Mexico, France, and England: all before the age of 18. Out of those countries though, France remains my absolute favorite. From learning bits of French as a toddler and taking upper level french in high school, I am practically a Frenchman in all but name. The laid back life style as well as the incredible architecture and art is so romantic and ideal. You don't just love France, you fall for it.

Along with my love of all things french, I also have a love for french impressionism. So where do I combine my love for a specific nationality and paintings? The Musee d'Orsay. Having some background knowledge of the artists featured in the museum from my favorite impressionists book, I made a list of every single piece I wanted to see, number one being The Floor Scrapers by Gustave Caillebotte.

While taking arts and humanities in high school, we were asked to find a painting and critique it. Browsing Google Images I came across a painting that literally took my breath away. Not many things in one's life can cause such and emotional reaction, especially paint on canvas. Being somewhat of an art conesure, the brush strokes of Caillebotte captured me and drew me in. At first glance the scene seems to be just three men renovating an apartment, but after taking a deeper look, it can be taken for much more.

There is so much to say about this work of art, where to begin? First, Caillebotte utilizes shape and value to start the eye's journey throughout the painting. The richness of the wood and the two men in the foreground combine to create a focal point. The lightness of the bare wood moves the eye to the outstreached arm of the last man to the side. From the last man's leg, the eye of the onlooker moves to the horizontal and simple lines of the base of the walls. This creates movement back to the wine bottle on the floor which then flows to the first man in the beginning.

The techniche of this work is not the only impressive aspect, but the emotion Caillebotte gives to this simple scene. In the painting each man's face is hidden. Not completely opaque but shadowed enough to give no specific identification. This combined with the muscles of thier backs and shoulders lets the viewer realize how tiering the life of the hardworking can be. Sometimes the reality of humanity can be clouded by social and material status.

It is possible Caillebotte did not intend for a political message to be taken from his work, but none the less it is an awe inspiring painting. The simplicity makes such an impact. The Floor Scrappers is my favorite painting and it is even more beautiful in person. Paris and Caillebotte in one day? I guess c'est la vie.

top ten things to NEVER do...duh guys!

1. Ignore a girl you like
2. Avoid communication
3. Cheat
4. Lie
5. Act immaturely- come on this is high school not 5th grade.
6. Gossip to start drama
7. Impersonate something you are not-ughh just be who you really are
8. Manipulate
9. Date someone more emotionally invested or mature
10. Obsess

so many guys are incredibly incapable of being mature, emotional, caring, sensible, intelligent, and thoughtful creatures.

that is all I have to say for now...