Monday 18 April 2011

Lets see the transformation of animation ( age of enlightenment )

Introducing a list of animations that i have watched since childhood.
 Animated Soviet Propaganda - American Imperialist (1933)

Felix The Cat And The Golden Goose (1936)
- Here we can see that animation are in colour. The characters unlike the previous video, each character have their own individual character and voice (audio)

Konjek-Gorbunok (hunchback horse russian animation (1947)

For this animation,we can see people starting to voice out their opinion. This film was banned for over 20 years in the mid-19th century as it made the Tsar appear foolish. Until 1856, the tale was published with dots representing omitted verses and songs in many sections. The tale is meant to be a satire on the absurdities of Russian feudal and bureaucratic life at the time. Today it is considered a classic children's fairy tale.

Walt Disney : The Little mermaid (1989)Here, we can see the improvement of animation. Animators were able to make the colours on the show more vivid and the outlines of the characters were darker. The fonts were improved and the sound of the show is alot more clearer. This is very apparent if you compare it with ( The little mermaid that was made in 1975)
 
 Today,we have our own animations which are japanese animations called anime. For example Princess Mononoke  (1997) or Howls moving castle (2004)

 I find that the characters have more expression however, unlike the old movies, people have reached the age of reason that instead of singing the characters should talk. However, why are there still some people who classify that an a good animation classic should have more singing ( such as the makers of walt disney show entangled )
 
 For more animations go to this link:
It tells you when the film was made, it also tells you a little bit of history of the film and there are also comments about the film

Saturday 16 April 2011

Age of enlightenment: Film /movies/ animation

* Disclaimer *All videos here are from youtube.
Charlie Chaplin work                               
The sound of music
V for Vendetta

The Da vinci Code

Romantic Victorian times -Flower language

The language of flowers, sometimes called florigraphy, was a Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. This language was most commonly communicated through Tussie-Mussies, an art which has a following today.
For example, red roses  imply passionate love and pink roses a lesser affection; white roses suggest virtue and chastity and yellow roses still stand for friendship or devotion. Also commonly known meanings are sunflowers, which can indicate either haughtiness or respect.A daisy would mean innocence or purity.

Today, this language is still used. During valentimes day, boys give flowers and chocolates to the girl they like. Now we have a florist to make a bouquet that have a special meaning.However,people in the past knew what each flower meant. Each flower had a meaning and depending on the colour of the flower, the meaning could change. Even today, i find the delightment of receiving a flower have not changed. Now when a girl receives a flower she is as equally delighted if they are sent by the guy she likes.

Friday 8 April 2011

E learn - Age of enlightenment

Write a short essay (of 80-100 words) based on a critical reflection on the period, The Age of Enlightenment and Revolution. You may relate it to suggested questions (in the PPT); what is your school of thoughts? What are your values,and why?

Remember to relate it to the understanding of the era; The Age of Enlightenment and Revolution.


This period makes me think of the current situation in Singapore now. Our culture has taught us not to question, but in recent years, Singaporeans are questioning the government. (Take for example; we are increasing the ministers’ salaries. Like the age of reason, Singaporeans question and now think of their own solutions to their questions evident through the blog called the Singapore Dissident. A television programme called: ‘Singapore Talking’ where Singaporeans can express their views. However, to what extent I wonder are we allowed to go against the system? If we are not careful we might get sued for defamation.

Bibliography
I would like to give appreciation to Miss Sabrina for her Age of Enlightenment power point presentation.
Age of Enlightenment.7 April 2011 at 09:18.8 April 2011 3.35PM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment
Goplan Nair. The Lee Kuan Yew family owns the Republic of Singapore and every one in it! Examine the facts 6 August 2007 8 April 2011 2.50PMhttp://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/2007/08/lee-kuan-yew-family-owns-republic-of.html
Singapore Talking 2.8 April 2011.3.40PM

Singapore's top leaders sue opposition party for defamation. Thursday April 27 2006. 8 April 2011. 3.49 PM

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/4/27/apworld/20060427210536&sec=apworld

Seah Chiang Nee.Singapore minister’s pay rise. Apr 14, 2007. . 8 April 2011. 3.49 PM
http://www.littlespeck.com/content/politics/CTrendsPolitics-070414.htm


Wednesday 6 April 2011

Romantic period the hair and clothes affair

ClothesRomantic-Women (~1820-1835)
This fashion plate from the September 1831 issue of The Royal Lady's Magazine demonstrates many of the the characteristic trends of the Romantic Era.
These include:
-a silhouette that is wide and top-heavy, especially when compared to the vertical columnal silhouette of the previous period.
-demi-gigot sleeves (full and balloon-like from shoulder to elbow and tight fitting elbow to wrist). Other popular large sleeve styles included the leg-of-mutton/gigot sleeve, the imbecile/idiot sleeve, and the Marie sleeve.
-a tiny, corsetted waist sitting a few inches above the natural waistline
-cone-shaped skirts created from gored (triangular shaped) panels. Hem widths gradually increase throughout the period. During the early years of the period fullness at the waist is minimal.
-Sleeves sit low on the shoulders and necklines are wide, baring the shoulders. Here the exposed neckline is concealed by decorated, coordinating pelerines (large removable collars) for proper day wear.
















Romantic Era dresses were often described by either the time of day during which they were to be worn (ie. a morning or an evening dress) or the activity for which they were intended (ie. a promenade (walking) or a carriage dress). Very often the differences between the types of dresses is so subtle, it is difficult to distinguish the styles.
The following distinction can be made, however:
-Dresses for day wear are more conservative. They tended to have shorter hemlines, higher necklines, longer sleeves and were made of sturdy, sensible fabrics (ie. cotton and wool).
-Dresses for evening allowed more skin to show. They were generally floor length, have open exposed necklines, shorter sleeves, and were made of fancier fabrics (ie. satin, taffeta, moire).


Illness became a fashion statement. Women cultivated a sickly paleness of complexion
 (often enhanced by rice powder). They lauded of their illinesses like trophies, often trying
 to out do one another with their laundry list of maladies. Due to extremely "tight-laced"
corsets, the Romantic woman had no problem "swooning" like the best literary heroine.
During the Romantic Era, the Male sphere and Female sphere became increasingly
 separated, especially among the upper classes. The home was no longer the center of
 business affairs, but now served as the center of entertainment. The Victorian woman--a
subordinate of her husband--was expected to live a "doll-like" existence while playing hostess
to her husband's affairs.
A substantial wardrobe of clothing was necessary in order to fulfill this role effectively.
Stylish gowns of the Romantic Era featured sleeves set low on the shoulder.
 Women could not raise their arms above their heads.
This combined with an extremely tight-laced corset rendered a fashionable woman
 incapable of performing any physical labor. Servants carried out the physical housework,
 while the lady of the house busied herself with low physical activities such as sewing,
embroidering, modeling in wax, sketching, painting on glass or china, and decorating
other functional objects in the home.Clothing of the period was still constructed by hand.

The hair affair


  • Women of the Romantic Era often went to great lengths
    to create elaborate hairstyles
  •  as a way to express themselves. During this period,
    from the late 18th century to the
  • middle of the 19th century, many women looked to
    the hair fashions of classical antiquity
  •  or the Middle Ages for their inspiration. Others,
    in the late 18th century especially, chose
  • a more contemporary motif and adorned their heads
    with models of ships and other objects
  • relating to the events of the day.

 

 

Extreme Styles

  • In the late 18th century, women often wore wigs to increase the size of their hair.
    They also used frames or pads to create additional volume. The largest and most
  •  elaborate hairstyles were those with bird cages or miniature gardens resting on
  •  top of the head. Marie Antoinette, who used wigs to add three feet to her hair,
  • famously adorned her hair with a replica of a French battleship.

Ringlets

  • During the early 19th century, ringlets were the rage. Women worked their hair
    into elaborate updos that consisted of a part in the center with ringlets on the sides
    and top of the head. Buns with loose sausage curls at the temples also were popular.
  •  Another popular hairstyle was the Apollo knot, which featured a bun on top of a
    woman's head and ringlets framing her face. According to the Fashion Encyclopedia,
  • Some women used hairpieces to create volume at their crowns for the Apollo knot.

Accessories

  • Many women of the Romantic period reproduced the hairstyles of ancient Greece
    and the Middle Ages. One medieval-influenced trend was wearing a ribbon around
    the head with a single jewel hanging over the forehead. Women also imitated ancient
    styles by wearing wreaths on their heads or using combs to decorate their Apollo knots.
    Many wore bows and feathers for a more dramatic look, especially in the 18th century.



    My reflections
    When i see thoes romantic period i get inspired to draw dresses.
    However,unlike the romantic period.
    I prefer it down heavy. In modern days ,wearing what was expected to wear
    during that time is way too
    much today.

    Such dreses would taeages to make. Women during that time had(must have)
    a lot of time and patience
    to do sewing, Nowadays,Women want a career!
    We want to be independent! who have the time to sew
    dresses!

    I see alot of romatic characteristics in a wedding dress. Well, i think majority
    of women would want (at least)  a slight hint of romanticism in their weding!
    They want to have that glow an the gown is the most impotant
    of all! Looking sick is no longer a fashion statement.
    Looking healthy is ( well at least for me) I would prefer
    the silhouette to be flowy and down heavy.

    A corsett to keep my tummy in ! but i would prefer
    any clothing that are sleeveless as these few days the weather
    is so hot! Much less wearing this dress! Big hair is stil rather popular.
    It looks chic and make your neck
    look longer.

    MTV music videos also use romantic themes in their movies. Take for example,
    Taylor swift music video :' Love story'. '

    In the music video, the whole music video has a romantic theme.
    The props she use, the dress she wears, the makeup in the music video,
    the hairstyle and the choice of place even the garden.
     Everything fits in with the lyrics she wrote for the song. I find that this music video is the best summary for
    the romantic era. Like the romantic period,i pictures a girl,
    daydreaming when her prince romeo would come, he
    the hero, she the damsel in distress and they would have a happy ending. Everything a lady
    in the romantic days would fawn,daydream and swoon for.
    I think it would be very much what they would do.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vls5WXTusfU





Thinking of how to do her hair?
here is her hair tutorial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6jEHuyKAzg

 










































 .

Online history-Romantic





Write a short essay (of 80-100 words) based on a critical reflection on the period, Romanticism. You may relate it to our current contemporary times if you wish.

In this open-ended assignment, you are required to attach and submit a creative essay with supporting images and bibliography/references.

It is recommended for you to refer to NAFA Text Types (via iLearn; Homepage).

                                     Thomas Cole’s Romantic Era masterpiece, “The Oxbow,” (1836). 

Like Romantics, designers still use nature as a source of inspiration today. Our perception towards science has changed: science make sense of how the world works, why instead being seen as evil during romantic times.

 I feel man appreciation of the beauty of nature began during the romantic period because of industrialization of Europe. With industrialization comes pollution, relevant in today’s society, like the oil spill from the Gulf of México. With technological advancement brings more pollution, although it has made our lives better. However, to what extent are we willing to destroy the nature for our own personal benefit?


Word count : 100



Source : http://bookstove.com/poetry/the-function-of-nature-in-18th-century-vs-romantic-period-literature/

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/20/coast-guard-investigating-reports-oil-spill-gulf/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanticism

http://library.thinkquest.org/15413/history/history-rom.htm

http://www.empire.k12.ca.us/capistrano/Mike/capmusic/romantic/romantic.htm

http://www.glogster.com/media/2/9/20/9/9200984.jpg

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l9z2a8Bkly1qb4pmuo1_500.jpg

field trip 2

I was fortunate to go to batam, during the weekends. The toliets were always WET. There was NO tissue paper. Apparently they like to use the waters to wash their butt or something. The toliets also STINK. major STRONG urine smell. Even if you want to buy tissue paper you have to find where do they sell it.

It makes me appreciate clean toliets. When i was at Batam, the hotel bathroom was the best. It was clean. There was tissue paper. No smell and oh the abundance of hot water.

If you went to the rural areas the toliets were in another building. They had a seperate place. And its no wonder why. This was the place that stink like hell! i could not bring myself to relive myself cause the smell itself was OVERWHELMING. URGH.and it was so dark there was no lights! I think if i closed the door i wouldn't be able to see a thing!

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Romantic Era Gardens

Throughout history water features have been an important focal point in landscape design.



 Let’s back up a bit and see why the Romantic Period was such a revolution in the world of Landscape Design. In the centuries before the Romantic Period Landscape Design was ruled by Roman influence. Over sized fountains, concrete structures and neatly trimmed symmetrical gardens were made the norm during the Renaissance Period of the 17th century in Western Europe. The Villa d’Este in Tivioli is a perfect example of this Landscape Design which is shown in the following pictures:

As the 17th century and Renaissance Period ended a new style and way of thinking was breaking through. Western Europeans were tired of the structure that came with the rule of Monarchy. An air of change was on the horizon. With Europeans breaking free from their home land and traveling to the Americas to start an independent life  there came a feeling of freedom and independence.
The beginning of the 18th century brought the beginning of the Romantic /Picturesque Period. One of the leaders of this movement was William Gilpin (1724 – 1804).

 William Gilpin was an accomplished artist who preferred untamed nature over structured gardens.
He felt that Landscape Designers of the Roman influence were imposing stereotypical design solutions onto the landscape, instead of responding to the natural topography.
In 1791 he wrote a book titled Remarks on Forest Scenery

 where he described the picturesque appeal of twisted trees, exposed roots and irregular land forms. He commented on the quality of  wild and rough texture.
By the 18th century the English shed excess made popular by Italian influence. They infused their garden style with Asian influence. By doing so the garden’s essence was brought back to emulating untamed nature. This movement was catagorized as the Romantic/Picturesque period.
The geometric symmetry found in the structured gardens were replaced with informal.
Mass planting, flowing meandering streams and irregularly shaped ponds became the goal of this style. Families used these man-made ponds as a place to gather and celebrate as well as a place to reflect and relax. Water Features of this period emphasized on the mirroring of the natural landscape. There was a respect for nature rather than an effort to harness and control it.

Reflections
I think this would be very useful to me, who is planning to study environment.I think the change of landscape design also influenced not only the garden but art too. You will find a perfect example of art impersonating life as well as life impersonating art.
Artist like Claude Lorrain,(seaport at sunset 1639)
 Gaspar Poussin(Gaspard Doghuet (1613-27 may 1675)
and Salvator Rosa
Landscape with Tobias and the Angel (ca. 1660-73) - Salvator Rosa

depicted natural landscapes in their masterpieces and in turn Landscape Designers copied many of their works of art in their design.
Nowadays,we work with nature to create a timeless work of art in every Water Feature and Landscape Design.