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.