Sculpture, Ceramics, and Glass Videos

The video Through the Eyes of a Sculptor was one of the best I have seen that gives a detailed account of the process of making a stone sculpture, from the original sketch or model and the precise selection of the stone to the process of casting and finishing the final piece. I found it interesting to learn just how many skilled artists, or "craftsmen", have a hand in creating a single piece, and I think the video even expands on this idea by devoting some time to the important and dangerous role of the quarrymen in the whole process. I think this video obviously relates to the text in that it deals with the creation of sculpture and the use of different techniques, yet it is able to give the viewer a sense of the entire process and the different stages of a sculpture's development. I think when you actually see the whole process from the very beginning, and witness what the artist went through in the selection of the material and the technicality of the work, it really adds to the viewer's appreciation and respect of the artist and the final piece itself.

I guess I am a bit biased in my own preference of style and materials, since I found the video on stone sculpture much more interesting and informative than the others. I was interested to learn, however, of the various applications of ceramics in modern science and technology, including the potential use in automobile engines which would drastically increase our fuel efficiency while lowering pollution. I thought it was also interesting how they make the various types of glass, and how in general each medium discussed is a very time consuming and exact process. The video on installation art also helped to give me some background before I began my own project. I think all of the videos were informative and served to expand a bit on the readings in the text, while emphasizing the idea of process and the importance of technique.