Early Christian Art

Early Christian Art was similar to Byzantine Art in thought, yet the main aspect we discussed was illuminated manuscript. These were used to portray stories from the Holy Bible and were usually written in Latin. MY favorite letter, as most people would agree, is the first letter of the writing. This is because the first letter is designed exquisitely. I was very happy with the letter "S" I had to design. I made it a green woman flipping her body around and gargling (if you read my quote you will understand). In class, we chose an inspirational quote to write in calligraphy and use the first letter in design as an illuminate manuscript would. Then, we made a frame that had something to do with the quote, yet I was displeased with my resulting frame. Also, I do not have very well calligraphy skills, so it could have been much better. Over all, this project seemed simple yet was challenging and made the students dip into their mental beliefs as well as creativity. Picking the quote was just as meaningful as making the art, personalizing each piece. I used the only quote I could find that inspired me, yet most did not take Jack's words that way. I think this project was one of the most individual and self-reflective ones we have had all year and enjoyed it even though I did not enjoy my results. To do calligraphy, you need a pen and India ink, so I chose a picture of those supplies necessary. Also, the first photo displays an example of one of the many beautifully detailed illuminated manuscripts. .

Gothic Art

When "Gothic" comes to mind, the view is usually negative. So many think of dark, gloomy things because of the modern person labeled "Gothic", yet the Gothic art is actually vibrant and rich with color. Critics viewed Gothic Art and named it as an insult, for they believed it to be under earlier periods of art such as Roman Art. I cannot disagree more with this statement. The architecture is a step ahead, using not only pleasing visual art but more complicated math and physics as well. Cathedrals of Gothic style baffle me, simply open my mind to endless possibilities and influence. Many are in France, with flying buttresses, rose windows, and pointed tips. Flying buttresses allow a narrower support system for the walls while appearing slender and classy. Rose windows hold vivid colors of stained glass, shining through the dark that would otherwise consume. I did not particularly like making the rose windows, for not all the colors were available and I feel you can only get so creative with a window that has to hold a design instead of anything wanted, yet the results of this project was more promising than many others. I chose too display the Cathedral of Reims in France called Notre Dame of Reims, meaning Our Lady of Reims in the French language. I was in the group project that had this cathedral and remember researching the wonders it beholds. I only wish to visit one day and experience it's power. Also, I chose the main rose window from this cathedral because it is superb. I feel Gothic Art is an evolution from the previous art stage of Rome and am glad I can laugh at this name given as an insult, such closed-minded people.