Samantha De Nardo Assignment 1

Sue O'Donnell's exhibition consisted of her concept on Memory Maps. Being a visual artist the work displayed was a combination of experimental book arts, graphic design, and conceptual narratives. Personally I found her ability to express memory as visual art incredible. From a distance, her work appeared as organic shapes, however up close you were able to read and discover intricate and personalized artwork. The personal touch within each piece was what I enjoyed the most. After reading and analyzing each piece I felt as though I personally shared the experience with her.I also enjoyed her work compositionally. The ability to display complex ideas in a simplistic manner was outstanding. Also the overall layout of the exhibition was successful. Having all her black and white images in one section and digital images in another allowed you to concentrate on one method at a time. Another aspect I enjoyed was her idea of open interpretation. By not using labels, you were able to discover what her ideas were and how she developed the work. Personally I enjoy open interpretation because you are not confined by the title. With open interpretation I believe you discover more about the artist because you are intrigued to find out what the artist is trying to portray. I personally enjoyed how O’Donnell’s work is a narrative and allows you to learn information about her. For instance, one piece discussed her being one of four girls in her family, and how protective and loving her parents were. Also from her artwork you felt a sense of warmth and love.

The piece that I chose incorporated a variety of techniques. One technique was the integration of three dimensional and two dimensional design. This approach made the piece extremely successfully and visually pleasing. Also I enjoyed O'Donnell's use of black and white. This approach allowed the artwork to appear aged which tied into the theme of memory. I also chose the piece because of its compositional layout and clarity. The integration of positive and negative space was well thought out, as well as the placement of the boxes. While to some the boxes appear randomly thrown the placement is crucial to having the interpreter's eye flow through the piece. What I noticed about the boxes was how there were more in the middle of the piece and fewer at the sides which drew my eye from the one side to the other in a smooth manner. Her incredible attention to detail was another aspect I enjoyed. Each box had a clear picture and writing on it.
After listening to O'Donnell's lecture I was correct in my interpretation. Being close to her family she was easily inspired. Raised in a close and loving family she had developed numerous memories all pertaining to the love her family had for one another. I personally loved how from her artwork you felt a sense of warmth and love. Also I liked how you felt as though you were beginning to know her and what she experienced in her life. The goal for artist is to have people interpret and connect with their artwork on a personal level and I believe that Sue O'Donnell did an incredible job in having her audience connect with her.

Samantha De Nardo: Assignment #1

Sue O'Donnell's exhibition consisted of her concept on Memory Maps. Being a visual artist the work displayed was a combination of experimental book arts, graphic design, and conceptual narratives. Personally I found her ability to express memory as visual art incredible. From a distance, her work appeared as organic shapes, however up close you were able to read and discover intricate and personalized artwork. The personal touch within each piece was what I enjoyed the most. After reading and analyzing each piece I felt as though I personally shared the experience with her.
I also enjoyed her work compositionally. The ability to display complex ideas in a simplistic manner was outstanding. Also the overall layout of the exhibition was successful. Having all her black and white images in one section and digital images in another allowed you to concentrate on one method at a time. Another aspect I enjoyed was her idea of open interpretation. By not using labels, you were able to discover what her ideas were and how she developed the work. Personally I enjoy open interpretation because you are not confined by the title. With open interpretation I believe you discover more about the artist because you are intrigued to find out what the artist is trying to portray. I personally enjoyed how O’Donnell’s work is a narrative and allows you to learn information about her. For instance, one piece discussed her being one of four girls in her family, and how protective and loving her parents were. Also from her artwork you felt a sense of warmth and love.

The piece that I chose incorporated a variety of techniques. One technique was the integration of three dimensional and two dimensional design. This approach made the piece extremely successfully and visually pleasing. Also I enjoyed O'Donnell's use of black and white. This approach allowed the artwork to appear aged which tied into the theme of memory. I also chose the piece because of its compositional layout and clarity. The integration of positive and negative space was well thought out, as well as the placement of the boxes. While to some the boxes appear randomly thrown the placement is crucial to having the interpreter's eye flow through the piece. What I noticed about the boxes was how there were more in the middle of the piece and fewer at the sides which drew my eye from the one side to the other in a smooth manner. Her incredible attention to detail was another aspect I enjoyed. Each box had a clear picture and writing on it.

After listening to O'Donnell's lecture I was correct in my interpretation. Being close to her family she was easily inspired. Raised in a close and loving family she had developed numerous memories all pertaining to the love her family had for one another. I personally loved how from her artwork you felt a sense of warmth and love. Also I liked how you felt as though you were beginning to know her and what she experienced in her life. The goal for artist is to have people interpret and connect with their artwork on a personal level and I believe that Sue O'Donnell did an incredible job in having her audience connect with her.