Cooper, TX

Fellow Classmates

Swine Flu

What newest craze is all the kids at school talking about? This Swine Flu. It's the newest thing. Everyone has to have it. What is awesome is that you can get it for free but the price may be fatal. Aw!!!!! OK on the serious side. I'm up in the air as to whether I should be concerned or not about the swine flu. Yes it's true that this virus is fatal. It has killed many already. But the seasonal flu kills numerous people every year. What makes me the most nervous is that I have 3 elementary aged children. I question is the risk of the vaccine because I've heard conflicting reactions. On the news, 'experts' say that the vaccine is harmless and no more dangerous than getting the seasonal vaccination. On the other hand my grandmother's doctor said that he wouldn't get the swine flu vaccine himself unless it gets tested first. I can understand what he is saying. It's not worth the risk. When you think about it, the swine flu is not all that dangerous. The children who have died have mainly had underlining health conditions already. I have decided to give my children just the regular seasonal flu shot until the swine flu shot gets fully tested and a seal of approval.

Balloon Boy

As a parent there is nothing more terrifying than imagining your child in harm's way. I was horrified thinking this young boy was trapped in a balloon scared for his life. It was hard not to imagine my 6 year old son in the same prediciment. Imaginaing his fright as he falls out of the sky. When I heard that there is a possibility that this may be a hoax it makes me sick to my stomach. I can understand the boy being scared and hiding in the closet but rarely do children hide the truth. When asked why he was hiding in the attic the boy replied, "because of the show." What gets me is that the father doesn't ask what his son is talking about, but rather sits quiety (ah-oh) and then quickly changes the subject. He is obviously hiding the truth. It's sad that he would use his son to gain publicity.

Advice to Young Artists - Chapter One Review

What I think is so interesting is that when people look at my work their first response is "Wow your such a good artist" and my response always is "Well actually I'm more of a perfectionist." I may have been born to naturally 'see' objects better than some people and render them realistically on paper, but I don't think what I do is unrealistic for others to achieve. I will give you an example, my 6 year old son loves t-rex more than the air he breaths. He would always ask me to draw a t-rex for him, which would always end up on the floor anyways. So one day I told him, "You can draw a dinosaur yourself." He says, "But I don't know how to." I said, "Just practice and you'll figure it out." So he grabs a dinosaur book, as a reference, and begins to draw a sloppy t-rex. He gets frustrated and begins to cry. But I keep to my decision to let him do it himself. He keeps trying over and over, day after day.... and now 6 months later he can draw a t-rex better than me. In this chapter, I agree in what the arthur is saying about how artistic ability is created by determination and consistent practice. When my son gets frustrated and doubts himself I always remind him "Your mommy is an artist so that makes you an artist too because your my son." Though I don't know how that means anything, but it makes him feel better and encourages him to keep trying.

Blogging as a Promotional Tool in College

What sets M.I.T apart from other colleges? They actually post current students’ blogs on the admission page on their website. As a growing nation dependent on the internet, I am not surprised that higher education has conformed to this trend. What better way to encourage prospective students to apply then by allowing them to view the experiences by current students. What is even more interesting is that these blogs are uncensored. I can see how posting blogs can be an advantage for the college but I doubt their decision. What if a student posts something negative about the school or makes a threat? The lines between promotion, slander, and security are a fine line. Also, who is going to oversee and monitor these blogs? Does it raise the price of tuition to have these blogs available? In all, I am not convinced that these blogs are the answer to promotion. Here, at TAMU, it is required in many classes that you have a blog to post your assignments. These are accessible by a simple search engine. The school does not fund monitoring and it doesn’t come out of students’ shallow pockets. M.I.T., I would rethink your strategy with this blogging plan.

Rogue Swans

Nothing interests me more than watching “battle of the species”. The fact that these mute swans are battling it out for territory in Prospect Park in Brooklyn just shows you that even lowest of animals can’t seem to get along. I think it’s funny to think of it as two Brooklyn families fighting over the same turf. But seriously, what is sad is that local people find it neccessary to intervene between these battling swans instead of letting nature take it’s course. It’s survival of the species. Also, why don’t officials step-in and remove these animals. If they are attacking everything in sight, possibily a toddler someday, then they should be taken out of a public park and perhaps relocated or eaten. There are lots of hungry New Yorkers. My point is that these swans are becoming a safety hazard. They need to be dealt with before somebody gets hurt. I understand that some people have the need to protect the victim swans but eventually they are going to get a chunk taken out of them. Officials need to do something about this.

My take on Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga may be a little strange. Ok. A lot strange. But as an artist and painter myself I find her differences to be refreshing. It nice to see someone in the music industry who is willing to put themself out there for a change and not modifying their artistic beliefs for spectators. Yes, as an artist you must make and do weird stuff. It’s a must. Being different and weird is what gets you noticed and seriously makes people think about stuff they normally wouldn’t think about. I think that it’s interesting that at the VMA Awards Lady Gaga did a show in a beautiful white outfit and ended it covered in blood hanging from the rafters. Who in the world would think of that? I think it’s wonderful that she mixed the two subjects (beauty and grotesque) together in one scene. Now I would be interested in hearing some more of her art in her music. I doubt that she gets to make many decisions in that area, but maybe in the future she can have more artistic freedom to pursue that. So my hats off to you Lady Gaga. It’s a proud day in the art world. In mine, at least.

Obama speech to School Children

Regarding Obama’s speech to children, I am totally FOR it. I can remember the speech George Bush Sr. delivered when I was in elementary school in the 90s and the impact it had on me as a child. Now are we a country of free thinkers? I believe so. Are we a society that wants to promote free thinking in the next generation? I hope so. As a mother of 3 elementary students, I would never shield their eyes and close their ears from an opportunity to hear promotion of education from the most powerful man in our country. They hear it from me too much as it is. Maybe hearing it from a respectful man would have more of an impact. I don’t want to shield my children. So what if Obama starts to talk politics to my children. When they talk about their concerns and questions to me I will gladly give them my opinion. They can take with it what they will. Yes, Obama, you may be the king of this country. But in my house, I am the head rooster and none of your clucking is going to overpower my squawking, as far as my children are concerned.

And the Emmy goes to........

Have I yet expressed my joy at the winning of "Grey Gardens" at the Emmys on Sunday? This was a fantastic movie that left me happily watching two eccentric women. I actually watched the HBO movie before watching the documentary which now I wish I had done it the other way around. Oddly this movie was recommended to me by Mr. Miller. I’m glad that I took his advice. What I found so enjoyable about this movie is the personalities of Big Edie and Little Edie. The fact that they were so destitute living in this mansion but did not recognize their situation and acted like they had all the money in the world. Also, I fell in love with their relationship with each other. The typical mother daughter relationship mixed up with equal amounts of quarreling and affection. I was blown away by the acting abilities of Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore and how they could perfectly duplicate the odd behavior of Big and Little Edie. If they were able to give Emmys to both women I’m sure that they would. Also, the fact that it did win for Outstanding Movie Mini Series does say it all. Congratulations to you, Grey Gardens!

Tax on Sugary Drinks.......

I never believed I would see the day when the government would consider putting a tax on soda drinks. Soda and I have a special relationship. To think that I would have to pay more for my beloved drink is outrageous. What next? A tax on chocolate and cheeseburgers. I feel like everyday we are coming closer to the lifestyle of the people in Demolition Man where I would get a ticket for cussing. Moreover why should I be the one targeted for the nation's debt? Isn't that a form of discrimination? I understand putting a tax on cigarettes and alcohol because those will eventually kill you, but the worst thing soda could do to you is stain your teeth and give you the farts. So, as you can see, I am totally against putting a tax on soda. I say leave my soda alone!!

Never Leave Home Without It

I learned something today. When I stopped at an intersection this morning, I noticed a very interesting man walking down the road. Was this some tanned, ripped guy showing off his peculiars, no. What I witnessed was a grotesque overweight man, SHIRTLESS, with the most severest form of farmers tan I have ever seen. Did I have my camera...unfortunately no. But from now on I will always carry my camera to capture photographic opportunities like this. If you are this man, I'm looking out for you!!!!

Current Events - Week 1

President Obama Speaks to School Children

As the nation prepares today over the controversial speech by President Obama I remain at a loss at the sanity of our nation. I don’t understand why people would be so against listening to the president encourage our children to remain diligent with their education. Even though my children are influenced everyday by political decisions, as their parent, I still play the most important part in their political beliefs. Not that I am trying to push my children toward certain political beliefs but it’s common knowledge that children are influenced mainly by their parents. I don’t understand why some parents choose to shield their children from the president’s speech, thinking that he will turn their children communist. I think that is the worst option because you are refraining your children from having their own opinion and creating their own beliefs. Historically, presidents have had a focal input to children in school. Remember the speech by George Bush Sr. in 1991? He spoke to the children in school about staying away from drugs and focusing on education. I can remember, as a 10 year old, the importance of the words of the president and was taught to respect his words whether I agreed or not.

Portrait Photographers

The first photographer I was introduced to was the Depression era, Dorothea Lange. Her inspirational portraits of everyday, poverty-strickened families was eye opening for me. I felt the sadness and hopelessness that Lange was trying to capture. I had a desire to understand more about the families and their stories'. I learned from Lange that a portrait is not just a picture of someone, but capture of their history.

Dorothea Lange

I am also interested in old photographs back when photography became mainstream. The mix of reactions from the people between boredom and pride makes the pictures memorable. It makes me wonder if they knew how much their lives were going to change with the upcoming years of industrialization.

http://www.old-picture.com/

Another photographer that I find inspiring is Cindy Sherman. She places herself in different situations and disguises that focuses on her expressions. I feel that her photographic language is more of a study inward and discovery of her inner passions.

Cindy Sherman

My last photographer is Sally Mann. I know I've posted women photographers but maybe it's because I can relate to their work. I love Sally's photographic images of her children in grown-up situations. I find them to be highly intriguing and awe inspiring.

Sally Mann

Questionnaire

1. Katherine Klutts; kklutts@leo.tamu-commerce.edu

2. What’s your major? What year will you graduate?
Painting; 2010

3. Why did you choose a photography class (or photography as a major), and what do you hope to learn from school in general and this class specifically?
Other than it being required for my degree, I actually enjoy photography. Seeing life through the lens intrigues me.

4. What are your goals after graduation? Please list your goals in reverse order, starting five years out, then three, two, one, and six months.

5 years - teaching on the secondary level at Community. Directing an Arts Center for my community.

4 years - teaching on the secondary level at Community. Directing an Arts Center for my community.

3 years - teaching on the secondary level at Community. Building and organizing the Arts Center.

2 years - teaching on the secondary level at Community. Applying for grants for the Arts Center.

1 year - teaching on the secondary level at Community.

6 months - working hard for graduation. Applying for teaching position at Community.

5. What artists, musicians, photographers, writers, movies, books have influenced you/your work?

Andy Warhol
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligri
Dreams
Bridget Riley
Hayao Miyazaki

6. Where do you get information about current national and international events?
Channel 5 news, MSN internet, 1080 AM News radio back and forth to school

7. Are there any important websites that you are referencing for art/photo competitions and/or information?

Art Forum

8. What museums and/or galleries have you been to in the past year?

Fort Worth Modern
Kimbell Art Museum

9. Have you had any photo projects and/ or training in the past?

Photography 101 at a community college back in 2000

10. What is the value of art for the artist?

as a way of expression to relate the artist's beliefs and values; improving problem solving skills

11. What is the value of art for the audience?

to see a subject through the artist's eyes, possibily seeing the subject different for themselves; opening their eyes

12. Is photography a vocation or an avocation?

For me, it's avocation because it needs to be for personal expression because once you start pursuing photography merely for making money then you lose the love for it. Now if you can express yourself, make it you own, and make lots of money from it then you've hit the jackpot.

13. What is your passion?

Making a difference in the lives of children. I also have a passion for discovering ideas through art. I'm in experimenting process of integrating the two.

14.What are you afraid of? What makes you uncomfortable?

I'm somewhat of a quiet person and like my personal space. It's hard for me to go up to people directly and ask to take their picture. I like to melt in the crowd so to get out in public taking pictures makes me stand out. I will do it, but it makes me feel uncomfortable.

15. Do you have a passport?

no

I have read the syllabus and understand what is expected of me in this course. I understand and agree to the attendance policy. I have had a chance to ask questions about the syllabus, and have had my concerns addressed.
I understand the grading policy and that my grades should be discussed in private with the professor. I understand that no grades will be posted in public and that all grade inquiries must be made in person, not via telephone or email.
I further warrant that all images will be created by me this semester expressly for this class and will not be used in other classes without instructor permission.
Print Name Here
__Katherine Klutts_______________________________________________
Signature Here__Katherine Klutts________________________________ Date___9/8/09_____________