Bei Bei with New Earth Ensemble

Bei Bei with New Earth Ensemble
From Traditional to Fusion
WED Nov 16 @ 5:30pm

BeiBei is a foreign artist who plays the Gu Zheng. This instrument I was very unfamiliar with and was not sure what to expect out of the performance. It started off with a mellow and very oriental vibe. I did not stay for the entire performance due to a time confliction but from what I experienced it seemed very cultural and interesting. I would recommend this to anyone interested in world music. 

Cyrill Clunev

November 30

http://onlycreative.com.au/cyrill-clunev-dualform/

Cyrill Clunev

This piece has a very clean/modern appeal. The art pieces have a lot of abstract and geometric shapes. It looks like he uses a lot of 3d effects to enhance the viewers experience. To me this art is nice for background images. The shapes and design are mixed well with the color purple he uses a lot. Overall, I feel like the art is quality work and he used many new age design elements to get his point across.

Javier Quesada

November 30


http://onlycreative.com.au/javier-alvarado-quesada-poisonvectors/


Javier creates a really stunning piece here. I really like the effects used on the background as well as the subject. Great use of photo manipulation and creativity. I do not even know where he started with this piece, but looks like he used some c4d, layer blending and other mastered tools. One of my favorite pieces I've reviewed. Check out the link for more detailed information on his art. 

Weird Self Portrait

November 30


http://justinsomnia.org/2008/11/a-portrait-of-the-artist-as-a-young-man-for-wired/


A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by Justin 

The self portrait done by "justin", is a strange but effective use of digital photography and enhancement. The image is a classic myspace shot of the artist. It looks like he put it through a few filter effects and put a gradient map on it to fix the color. Overall the picture has a nice effect but I am not a fan of the subject matter. I feel like the effects could be used on something better and there is a lot of potential. I have seen better self portraits in our class.

Contemporary Digital Photography

November 30,


http://emilyjanehurd.blogspot.com/2010/02/contemporary-digital-photography.html


Contemporary Digital art by Emily Jane Hurd


Emily Hurd uses a common technique in digital photography but seems to master it in these photos. She demonstrates the before and after effects she has done on the photos and the results speak for themselves. The studio lighting on the images really brings out the skin tones as well as eyes in most of the pictures.


I'm not sure of all the Digital enhancements she uses but they mostly look as touch ups on skin, hair and eyes. She also plays with drop shadows and vectorizes them. The results is a far more interesting piece of art than the before. 

Nina Park Fine Art Photography

November 30


http://ferenc.biz/photography/nina-pak-fine-art-photographer-digital-artist-vancouver-canada


This photo is untitled with no artist stated either besides the company, Nina Park.


The photo depicts a stunning model with a butterfly overlaying her eyes. This picture contains very artistic elements starting with the grudge background, the flower in her hair, and finally the model herself. The butterfly flows naturally with the curves in the model's face and brings out her eyes instead of being a distraction. 


The elements of design used in the creation of this image include, gradient mapping, possible use of Gaussian blur on a layer set on overlay, as well as a brush pack for the grudge back ground. It is not a complex piece but is put together very well.

Vector Art

November 30
http://www.estetica-design-forum.com/graphic-design-forum/35179-st-phanie-brusick-geneva-based-digital-artist-graphic-designer.html

Vector art by Stephanie Brusick

Vector art by Brusick utilizes a dancing model as the main object and is enhanced by the use of vector shapes to add dimension and style to the piece. I really enjoyed the colors that brought out the action of the image.

The artist used vectoring as their main tool in the picture. The use of lines enables the effect that the dancer is in movement and adds to the imagery.

Celestial Being

November 30, 
http://www.designjuices.co.uk/2010/04/interview-roberto-blake-graphic-designer-and-digital-artist/


Celestial Being


Graphic artist, Robert Blake creates the image of a "celestial being". The image is well done and fun to look at. The entire image is captivating and draws the viewer in. Even though is a depiction of only one person, the whole image itself is a journey. 




Blake utilizes many different effects and photoshop techniques in the image. It looks like he uses a brush effect as well as some gradients effects in the background. He might have also incorporated some C4d around the main image to give it that magical winding look. 

21 Inspirational Portraits

November 30, 2011,

 http://www.digital-photography-school.com/natural-light-portraits-windows

21 Inspirational Natural Light Portraits by Darren Rowse

Darren Rowse’s 21 Inspirational Natural Light Portraits depict models in different settings taking advantage of natural light settings. The photographer/artist utilizes models of all sex, age and race.

            I really like Rowse’s work and the way he uses lighting on his models. It brings a natural look to the photos and enhances the beauty of the models. The hair and eyes of the models really pop allowing for very interesting portraits.

Artist-Statement

My work is a direct result of my interest and experience with abused dogs. I was inspired by my own rescue dog, a Boxer and Labrador mix I picked up from a local San Marcos shelter. She was abused by her previous owner as a puppy and was dropped off at the shelter on the day I was visiting. I chose my topic because, I believe others should be made more aware of these dogs, their situations and action should be taken to rescue more of them.

Sparked by personal interest and experience I began to research the topic more to get a better understanding of just how serious the problem is that I need to portray in my art. I explored the deadly cycle of the puppy mills, recent dog adoption statistics, and background information on local San Diego shelters. I was so startled by the devastation created by the puppy mills; I decided it would be the most relevant topic for my narrative piece. The knowledge I gained empowered me to create art that made a bolder statement related to my research.

Discovering information and translating that through my art was the most interesting and challenging part of this journey. My intentions and position to be the voice for abused dogs never changed, but evolved as I got deeper into the topic. Creating my art strengthened my stand and I hope it has the same effect on viewers, to get up and do something to help these dogs. Whether their support is adoption, signing a petition to end puppy mills or donating to a local shelter. We must be the voice of these abused dogs. 

Woman Arrested in Puppy Mill Bust, Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

The article discueses a story about a woman who was busted by animal cruelty authorities in a puppy mill busy. The alleged suspect is Tianna Rannals and she faces several animal cruelty chagres and possible prision time ahead of her, a punishment that will still not due justice to the lives she has effected. She was busted for the living enviornment she provided for her dogs. There were weeds over 7 feet tall, water bowls full of green algae and massive ammounts of feces that were never picked up. Ticks and fleas thrive in these environments and conditions and many of the dogs that were recovered are being treated for severe flea and tick bites at local shelters as well as many other medical conditions. Many of these dogs are going to make a full recover and hopefully will find adopting homes where they will not have to deal with those living conditions ever again. I cannot fathom how an individual could do this evil to these aninmals and not feel bad about it but instead use it as a money making program. Puppy Mills are on the rise and authorities are cracking down on them. The more mills busted though, mean more shelters will need to be established in order to provide services to the sick dogs involved in the mills. Offenders will keep facing animal cruelty charges and prision time. If you have any knowledge on puppy mills in your area please contact local Animal Service Authorities. The more we continue the effort to prevent and put an end to exisiting puppy mills, the more dogs can have a chance at a second life. To read more on the article and inform your self more on the topic visit

http://www.news9.com/story/12881227/woman-arrested-in-puppy-mill-bust-faces-animal-cruelty-charges?redirected=true

Woman Claims Dogs Were Poisoned

The article covers an alarming story of a woman’s claim, that two of her dogs were poisoned. The story is so alarming that The San Diego County Department of Animal Services investigating the case and they consider it “a likely case of animal cruelty”. The article goes into detail that the woman’s two dogs (pit mixes), were playing in the back yard when the older one named, Ed, came inside choking on something until he swallowed it whole. Four hours later Ed was on the floor having a violent seizure as well as foaming from the mouth. Both dogs had CPR operated on them but there was no success in reviving the dogs. For both dogs to die so quickly, violently and at the same time, suggests that there was foul play involved and they were possibly both poisoned. A neighbor in the community is offering $1,000 as a reward for any information that can be given on the event. The San Diego County Department of Animal Services is suggesting that the perpetrator will be facing felony animal cruelty charges that could result in prison time, a worthy penalty for such a disgusting crime. The department also suggests that finding the suspect will also be a difficult challenge. With no leads, witnesses or past history complaints against the woman or her dogs, there is no path to find this perpetrator. Most of these cases go unsolved and this is unacceptable. The San Diego community needs to be on alert and make sure they’re dogs are watched over or in a secure environment where no one could possibly poison them. Hopefully this case will not repeat itself but only time will tell, in the mean time make sure your dogs and animals are all safe from the weirdoes out there.

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/130747558.html

Working In a League of Their Own

The article is a great example of essential promoting of animal abuse advocates. It addressed the many benefits and recovery facts of The San Diego Humane Society, a local cornerstone in the battle to provide animals with a second chance at life. The article also provides historical back ground facts about the Humane Society Did you know it was organized in the 1880s? It is also the largest in San Diego, the oldest and most established name. The article also goes into more detail of recent dogs that were rescued and that had found new families. Adopting is no the only service they offer. They have also been providing animal health care, education on animal cruelty and prevention forces dedicated to stopping neglect and mistreat of the animal of San Diego. This is a righteous cause and it is not the only in San Diego County. Over 60 shelters have been involved in the rescue of these animals. San Diego Humane Society has two locations in both San Diego and Oceanside that provide treatment and shelter for rescue animals The article also provides the reader with a link for more information and to see current animals for adoption. The link is www.sdhumane.org. The article also tells a touching story of two dogs left for dead when their families house was foreclosed. Both dogs were tied up in the backyard with no food or water bowls. They were there for a week before found and turned into the San Diego Humane Society, and luckily both these wonderful creatures were found homes very fast and now have loving families. The incredible stories in this article are very informative and moving. They help individuals be aware of the issues involving Animal Cruelty and I recommend it. http://www.visionmagazine.com/archives/1110/1110_holistichealth_league_of_their_own.html

http://learningtogive.org/papers/paper359.html

The article Animal Cruelty is written by American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the article start of by quoting the ASPCA and its definition of of what Animal Cruelty entitles. According to the APSCA, animal cruelty is, “Acts of violence or neglect perpetrated against animals are considered animal cruelty.”  One form of animal cruelty mentioned in the article is intentional abuse, this happens when a person hurts an animal physically causing serious injury or even death. Neglect is also considered cruelty failing to provide your pet with basic necessities like water, food and an appropriate living environment. Unfortunately, most neglect comes from lack of education and proper animal raising techniques. Individuals are not the only perpetrators of animal crimes, larger institutions are also at fault. There are large scale dog fighters, canned hunting preserves, and puppy mills. Animal cruelty is not a new practice. It goes back to its historic roots where dogs were trained to fight each other for entertainment.  Dog on dog combat became a cheaper form of entertainment in Europe. Cruelty extended beyond entertainment purposes. It made its way into life on the farm and became a large scale problem with the practice of larger farming institutions. Luckily, today there are regulations thanks to groups like the Certified Humane.  Animals must have the ability to have freedom to roam and engage in natural acts,  be raised with enough living space, have access to a water source,  have protection from weather, and owners must poses educated knowledge on taking care of their life stock.

            One horrible form of cruelty the articles discuses is, “video crushing”. In which baby animals are physically crushed by women wearing heels and filmed. Luckily congress has banned and made this from of “entertainment”, illegal. The internet spawned a mass of animal cruelty due to the shock factor of the videos that made many people tune in to watch. The Crush Act is still in effect and stops these sites from popping up but it is hard to bring these people to justice due to their ability to hide in the virtual world. 

http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-statistics.aspx

Today in the United States there is around 5,000 individual shelters with no national chair monitoring them. With an alarming 7 million domesticated animals entering them, around 3 million are euthanized, 60% of them are dogs.  Most of these dogs are picked up by animal control.  Less than 20% of owners return to get their dogs that are picked up by animal control. Most of them are not sprayed or neutered, some are even carrying babies. This is alarming in itself because the shelters must now use preventive measures to ensure there is a population control and no breeding going on. It costs less to have your puppy or dog sprayed or neutered than it is to raise their puppies.  The majority of stray dogs are not sprayed or neutered, resulting in over population, most of these strays will at one point end up in a shelter, however most of their off spring will not survive past 1 month. The smartest choice we can make as owners is to have our dogs fixed, in order to keep population controlled and less strays out of the shelters. Only 10% of these dogs are adopted from the shelters and rescues, while many are going straight to breeders, instead of the rescue option.  Unfortunately the majority of the dogs that are adopted from a shelter or rescue end up being returned to the same on.  Five out of ten dogs in shelters are eliminated, not because of health reasons, but simply because there is no one to adopt them and the shelters need more room for incoming dogs.  With estimated rising numbers in strays and not enough shelters to provide them with a home, the responsibility falls on us or there will be no stop to the endless euthanasia of these helpless, domesticated animals.

Paws for A Cause

Research Review

Animaroo.com, provides an analysis of  the negative effects of dog abuse, abuse of puppies, and shelter mistreatment of dogs. The article starts of by defining what dog abuse really is. Animaroo.com’s definition states “it can be defined as the hitting, shouting at, or injuring a dog in a specific way. Dog abuse is not consider the employment of dogs for specific performances or tasks such as law enforcement dogs, or aid dogs. However, Dogs must be treated in a humane and healthy environment or else it is considered abuse. A dog must also be fed appropriately, under fed or over feeding is consider inhumane and abuse.

 According to the article, more thhan half of the 12,000 cases of animal abuse are dog abuse cases, this is an alarming number. A direct effect due to dog abuse is aggression. Many of these abused dogs suffer physical and psychological long term effects. Most dog attack cases towards innocent people are a result of  abuse. Males are the most common to be abused against, as many of them are used for dog fighting.

Currently there are several shelters and welfare groups that are supporting dogs that have been abused. This is still not enough to keep up with the increasing number of abuse cases.

            Another form of dog abuse that many are not aware of, are puppy mills. The adorable puppies in the pet stores at the malls are results of puppy mills. They face harsh living conditions, disease, and cruelty. Their parents are used as breeding machines until they are no longer useful for the puppy mill.  Puppies need the same affection and attention as a young child, but going through the puppy mill system does not give them that opportunity they need. A direct result is physiological problems, in many of these young dogs. 

List of images

Cage
Paw
Eva
Dog house
Leash

Power Words

Cruelty
Welfare
Family
Integrity
Love
Care
Loyalty
Under Fed
Disease
Unlivable
Abused