Rockwell's "The Runaway"

During the 1950's, as the Cold War dragged on and the women's movement became apparent, America became a country of progress and achievement. Rockwell's picture illustrates America's counter culture - the youth - face to face with the foundation of American culture during the 1950's (lawfulness and order). In depicting a child who was running away sitting down with a policeman eating lunch, Rockwell is illustrating how Americans unruly counter culture is suppressed by the American norm of lawfulness and order.

"Across the Universe" by the Beatles

Every time I listen to this track, it automatically triggers so inborn sense of bliss and nostalgia.


 Identify Three Images in this Song:
Space and the World
Climbing Trees and Watching the Sky
Light


Are Any of These Images Symbols in Context?
Space and the World: This image becomes apparent in the line "Nothing's going to change my world."This image assumes the standpoint of the 'big picture' and grand scheme of things, as assumed by 'nothing's going to change.' As a result this image may symbolize being at peace with yourself and be calm, collected, and relaxed.


Explain One Symbol That You Know is a Symbol. What Makes it More Than an Image?
Though Light is an image that automatically pops into my head when i hear this song, it is more than just that. Light symbolizes the content and warmth that this song radiates, as well as the happiness and bliss that this piece allows the viewer to carry with himself/herself. 

What is The Overall Feel of this Song :
The mood of the song is upliftingly happy, to the point of almost ecstasy or bliss.

What Musical Element Put Off This Vibe :
The Synthesizer  along with the vocals that seemed gleeful - almost in an acapella like manner gave a 'groovy' element. The upbeat tempo that accompanied it it also helped the song feel relaxed.

Identify the Choices the Musician had to Make to Get this Feel and Why they Worked :
Shuggie Otis used an upbeat rhythm accompanied by a synthesizer and vocals to expound upon the groovy/funky tune and it and make it even more blissful and relaxed.

"Semeadores" by Diego Rivera

S - Workers
O - Slavery
A - Blacks/Those Oppressed
P - Tells a Story On Slavery and Workers / One Can Always Find Freedom
S - Slaves
T - Self Advocating

What is Occurring in this Picture:
In my opinion, what is happening in the picture is the artist portrays a slave working and to his left the same slave is free. His message is for the oppressed - as shown by the slaves - and it is to achieve freedom. The way the man on the left is walking and the adjustment of his bag can contribute to the assumption that he is free.

Wilco

Summarize Wilco's Approach to Song Writing:

• They Get a Feel for the Music
• They Deconstruct the Song, Add Individual Detail, then Reconstruct It.

What is Your Creative Process for Writing and the Steps You Go Through:

• Get a feel for the topic
• Write it once straight through without stopping
• go back and edit out kinks
• Wait a day
• Go back again and make final touch-ups. 

Nostalgia

What is Nostalgia?
A sentimental longing towards the past.

What Images Come to Mind When You Hear This Music?

• Birthday Party
• Children Playing
• Cheesy Slow Dancing
• Disney World

What Images Pop Into Your Head When You Think of Your Childhood?

• Birthdays that were fun
• Scaring Friends
• Riding my Bike
• Candy
• Bliss
• Fresh Breeze
• Smell of Lavender 
• Elmo
• Cigar Smell
• Candles
• Smoothies
• My Old House
• Cruise Ships
• Disney World
• Disney World Smell

A Pinch of Poverty by Thomas Benjamin Kennington

Major Contributing Factors to Poverty:

• Overpopulation
• Lack of food/money 
• Lack of opportunity
• People born into poverty have little to no chance to come out of it.

How Does This Artist Portray Poverty:
Kennington uses a monochromatic scheme in the background - consisting of dull grays,browns, and blacks. He then adds inference onto his message of poverty by coloring in the flowers with a bright yellow and the baby's clothing with red. He finishes it with a gloomy touch through creating a bleak/damp look by painting the picture as though it has just rained in the painting.


What is the Artist's Message:
Those who are doomed to poverty have bleak and dreary lives, only to find happiness in the simplest of items.

Two Examples that Contribute to the Author's Message:
1. Flowers - the flowers, being on of the only things colored in, displays how they find happiness in the simplest of things.
2.Imprisoned - their sad faces show their lack of optimism in the current situation and the bars in the background further symbolize their imprisonment.