The story consists of 4 different stories of the each four Garcia daughters. This story is a coming age story which describes the difficulty of adapting to a new enviornment and cultural clash is for the foreigners moving to the States. The girls who all came from the rich family in Dominican Republic, they suffer from the stage of sudden middle class living in the states. The story deals with the four Garcia sisters, Carla, Sandra, Yolanda and Sofia, the lives of their new life in the states. The first part of the story deals with how the police rejected the Garcia sister for their father not agreeing with the new government of dictatorship in the country. So they move into the States and this is how all the shocking and troubles begin. The daughters grown up as rich family in Dominican Republic, the girls have problems getting along with their boyfriends. The second daughter Sandra, when she is a college student, she meets a guy who she really loves. However, the boyfriend wants physical relationship rather than just having pure love, so Sandra gets schocked and cannot trust any guys after happening. Then while Yolanda walks alone to a library, the guys from street comes out suddenly and tries to abuse her. She fortunately gets over with the happening however, this makes her the sense of avoiding guys for her lifetime.

The author of the novel, Julia Alverz was born March 27th, 1950. She is a Dominican-American poet, novelist, and essayist. She spent her first ten years of her Childhood in the Dominican Republic. Her father was involved in a political rebellion which later forced her family to flee the country. The novel is, like many of her novels, was influenced by her own personal experience as a Dominican in United States, and she cheavily on issues of assimilation and identity. Her writing style is very descriptive and straight forward. She uses the narrative perspective in a very interesting way.

As a Korean-American, it was very interesting much to read about. How other Americanized foreigners would feel and have expeirenced living in the states. While I was reading the novel, I found many similarities and made me worry about how American really is. Also, I felt that Dominican Republic and Koreans may share many similarities such as the relationship between the men and women.

Art therapists use art as a medium to help clients. They encourage clients to express their thoughts and feelings through art, using materials such as paint, paper and clay. An art therapist’s clients or patients might include people who have: • mental health problems or learning difficulties • emotional and behavioural difficulties • stress-related problems • suffered head injuries or a stroke. Art therapists do not teach art. They encourage clients to experiment with art techniques to express themselves. By communicating their feelings, clients can work through their emotions and move on in a more positive way. Art therapists work with clients on a one-to-one basis or in groups. They also keep client records. Art therapists working full time for the National Health Service (NHS) usually work 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Many work part time. Those working in private practice have variable working hours. Some combine art therapy with other work or are self-employed. Therapists work in a variety of indoor locations, such as hospitals, clinics, prisons, day centres, community centres and retirement homes. Salaries within the NHS generally range from £24,103 to £44,527. An art therapist should: • be a skilled artist • have good communication skills, including listening and speaking • have good observational skills • have an interest in all forms of art. Art therapists may work for the NHS, private hospitals and organisations such as hospices, HM Prison Service, local authority education and social services departments, and charities. Some art therapists have their own private practices. To qualify as an art therapist, it is necessary to complete a Masters degree in art therapy approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC), and then to register with the Council. Entry to courses is usually with a degree in art and design. Applicants may also need one year’s work experience in health, education or social care. Courses offer a mixture of practical and theoretical training. Student art therapists must undergo personal therapy and complete 120 days’ clinical placement. Promotion is possible within the NHS to specialist, head of services, head of profession and consultant art therapy posts. Some art therapists specialise, while others build up a range of art therapy work with different employers. It may be possible to work abroad.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Industrial Designers may:

Study the potential need for new products

Read publications, attending showings, and study competing products on the market and design styles and motifs to obtain perspective and generate design concepts

Sketch the design of products, such as toys or cars

Consult with engineering, sales, marketing, and other personnel to determine packaging requirements, the type of product market, and to estimate public reaction to new design

Coordinate the drafting of sketches into working drawings and specification sheets

Coordinate the look and function of product lines

Make comprehensive drawings of the product with drafting instruments or computer-aided design equipment

Form a model of the drawing in plaster, clay, paper, wood or metal, using hand tools

Make changes on modifications required by the approving authority

Present designs and reports to customers for design committees, for approval and discuss need for modification

Design graphic material for use as ornamentation, illustration or advertising on manufacturing materials and packaging or containers

To view a brief video click here.

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

142.061-026 INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS improve the outward form and functional design of manufactured products as well as plan their packaging and trademarks so that products may compete favorably with similar goods on the market. Industrial Designers combine technical knowledge with artistic talent.

142.081-018 PACKAGE DESIGNERS plan, design, and develop containers for products, such as foods, beverages, toiletries, and medicines.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

When designing and developing products, Industrial Designers work with engineers, research and marketing personnel, top-level managers, and production experts and machine operators.

Industrial Designers spend much of their time sitting at drawing boards or CAD work stations in manufacturing plants or private offices. Their work areas are generally clean, well lighted, and air conditioned. Designers may spend some time in the factory overseeing the production of their design.

Most Industrial Designers work a 40-hour week, but there are exceptions. Some Designers who do consulting work or who are self-employed may work long hours to meet deadlines. Some Designers travel to meet clients, inspect production runs, or attend conventions. Some work for flat fees.

Those who are self-employed must provide their own drafting and/or CAD equipment and other supplies.

Designers may join professional organizations such as the Industrial Designers Society of America. Members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Drawing, sketching, and designing

• Performing work which requires a creative imagination

• Communicating information or ideas to others

• Gaining satisfaction from seeing the results of your work

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic

• Understand the meanings and relationships of words

• Use arithmetic quickly and accurately

• Communicate with people and present ideas clearly

• See differences in the size/shape/form of lines, figures and objects

• Visualize how completed products would look from drawings

• Design objects from individual viewpoint using technical requirements

• Make decisions based on personal judgment

• Have agreeable working relationships with others

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

You are drawing a human face to advertise a product. The product’s packaging has a 5″ x 7″ surface. How would you figure out what size the human face needs to be in order to accurately portray the human face?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Must be able to research old products, competing products, and consumer reports so that you are better able to determine the publics wants and needs.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a graph showing how the public has reacted to a new product design. In accordance with the graph, prepare a written analysis explaining how the public has reacted and predicting what improvements should be made.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Creative thinking is necessary to appeal to the public and to stay one step ahead of the competition.

Industrial Designers usually have a bachelor’s degree in industrial design. However, graduates with a major in architecture, industrial engineering, or applied design may do this work.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: An Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond High School) or a Bachelor’s Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master’s Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

100 ART , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

011 APPLIED DESIGN

Programs in Applied Design provide opportunities to gain the technical knowledge and artistic skills needed for employment applying design principles in fields such as advertising design, metalsmithing, fabric design, jewelry making, woodcraft, and industrial design.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

210 PACKAGING

Programs in Packaging provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the packaging industry. Jobs may deal with product/package damage in the physical distribution environment, packaging systems and materials, development and distribution packaging.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

066 INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER

Some people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 – 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

Tracing

Simple Detailing (from Sketches)

Complicated Detailing

Simple Detailing (from Layouts)

Layout (Major & Minor)

Graphic Presentation (Charts/Graphs/Ink Work/Art Work)

Lettering (Familiarity with Company Standards/Dimensioning/Tolerances)

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Postsecondary programs in applied design or packaging may offer co-op, internship, or other work experience opportunities. A formal apprenticeship program offers an opportunity for experience in this occupation.

 School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Industrial Designer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Industrial Designer employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entry is for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in industrial design to apply directly to the employer. When applying, they must provide a sample of their work including drawings, slides, or other materials. Assistance in finding employment may be obtained from college placement offices, a local office of Michigan Works!, and the Industrial Designers Society of America. In addition, you should access and search the Internet’s on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.  

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Salaries of Industrial Designers vary according to the individual’s education and experience, the size and type of employer, and the geographic area. Industrial Designers who have their own consulting firms may have fluctuating incomes, depending on their business for the year. Some Industrial Designers may work for retainers; that is, they may receive flat (set) fees for given periods of time. They can work for retainers from several employers at the same time as long as they fulfill the terms of each contract.

Nationally, the annual salaries of various classifications of Designers were (early 2008):

Free-lance Designers or consultants may work for one company or several companies, under contract for a set fee. While under contract, Designers cannot design similar items for competitors. Designers’ earnings may range from $200 per design to $90,000 or more per year.

Experienced Designers with a graduate degree may become college or university teachers of industrial design courses. The annual salary of professors in colleges and universities averaged $75,084per year (2006 -2007). The average salary for professors in the East North Central area, that includes Michigan, was $96,362 per year.

In Southeast Michigan, the annual base salary for most CAD Designers averaged $42,400 per year in early 2008. Lead designers or designers who checked other designers’ work had salaries ranging from $54,200 to $71,600 per year.

Depending on the employer, most Industrial Designers receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. Some employers offer stock purchase or savings plans also.

Possible steps in a career ladder include industrial design assistant, Industrial Designer, design project leader, and design manager or private consultant. Advancement for a Designer depends on the talents and ability of the individual. Advancement may occur in the form of higher wages and/or in the form of a more responsible and challenging position. Individuals may change employers often when seeking advancement opportunities. With experience, an established reputation, and enough money, Industrial Designers may establish their own consulting firms.  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 48,000 Commercial and Industrial Designers employed in 2006. Employment of Industrial Designers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. About 25.3 % of all designers were self-employed. The industry distribution for Commercial and Industrial Designers looked liked this;

Industrial Designers are increasingly using computer-aided design (CAD) systems in many large companies. CAD systems allow the Industrial Designer to design and analyze a product before it is manufactured. Industrial designers also used computer-aided industrial design (CAID) to create designs and to communicate them to automated production tools. This saves expense and time in the product schedule. It also results in major improvements in product reliability, as well as in manufacturing flexibility and scheduling.

Demand for Industrial Designers will be created by companies that make business and office machines, electronics, biomedical equipment, devices and systems for environmental protection, and industrial ceramics. Currently, major efforts in industrial design are in the areas of safety and ergonomics (the science of designing products with how people use and interact with them in mind). Competition is keen in this occupation.

About 7,600 Industrial Designers are employed in Michigan. Most Industrial Designers work for design consulting firms or large manufacturing companies, designing industrial or consumer products. Some work for architectural and interior design firms or do free-lance work.

Employment of Industrial Designers in Michigan is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 170 annual openings is expected with 70 due to growth and 100 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Emphasis on designing safer, cheaper, more efficient, and pollution-free products, and demand for industrial and consumer products, should increase employment opportunities.

MICHIGAN’S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014

Advertising Account Executive

Advertising account executives may perform the following tasks:

• discuss with clients and other sources the products to be advertised and obtain relevant information from clients such as product and company details, budget, marketing goals and marketing research
• brief other specialists in the agency, such as the creative team, media planners and researchers, on client requirements in order to develop the details of a campaign
• present draft campaign suggestions to clients along with a summary of the expenditure involved, and negotiate and arrange for modifications if required
• supervise and coordinate the work of the relevant production departments so that the campaign meets deadlines and budget requirements
• keep in contact with the client throughout the project and deal with problems as they arise
• assist the client with marketing strategies.

Specialisations:

Media Planner

A media planner organises and purchases advertising space on television, radio, in magazines and newspapers or on outdoor advertising. They liaise between clients and the sellers of advertising space to make sure that the advertising campaign reaches the target market.

Advertising account executives usually work as part of a team. They work closely with their clients. Their work is usually carried out under pressure to compete for clients’ accounts and to meet their requirements within strict deadlines.

Personal Requirements:

• creativity
• imagination
• good communication skills
• organisational skills
• able to work under pressure
• analytical ability.

The photo above is a Smile chair by designer Marcello Ziliani. This chair has an odd shape compared to the other straight and squared officce chairs. The changing in shape and stylish chair definitely is a great example showing the modernism era.

Tender Buttons: objects, food, rooms is the title of a 1914 book by Gertrude Stein consisting of word clusters chosen for their prosody, juxtaposed for the purpose of subverting commonplace dictionary meanings which Stein believed had largely lost their expressive force and ability to communicate. The words were re-defined using both their etymology and analysis of syllables by themselves

expressionist paintings and prints in a series by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, depicting an agonised figure against a blood red sky.

was a cast-iron and glass building originally erected in Hyde Park, London, England, to house the Great Exhibition of 1851. was a cast-iron and glass building originally erected in Hyde Park, London, England, to house the Great Exhibition of 1851. The Crystal Palace by Joseph Paxton at the Great Exhibition of 1851 was an early example of iron and glass construction

The story is about how to secretly success in both work and life. The story begins with the main character named Charlie. While he drives and serves for his boss, Jonathon, the boss tells him different people’s story of upcoming stories of how the men became rich and succesful.  Jonathon Argues that the key difference between success and failure lies, not only in hard work or superior intelligence and talent, but also in the ability to delay gratification, in a guide that combines a simple parable with real-life examples of different people.

I really. really loved this novel. This novel was not only very enjoyable to read but also was very influential and touching story for my life as well. Since I had much stress from both school and house and I started to degrade myself somehow currently, this book really helped me to get ideas to refresh myself for bright future and have goals for my destination.

#2 How many hours per week do you estimate you spend on Facebook or similar personal networking sites? What are the benefits and disadvantages of using these sites?

#3 To what extent are you aware of viral marketing, the use of “advertorials” (presenting advertisements as editorial content), or direct marketing on Facebook and other social networking sites?

#4 Personal response based on your individual viewing of “Growing Up Online”.

In the past, celebrities were considered as simply entertainers and clowns who people sought for enjoyment. However, as time passed by, people started to recognize, the influence celebrities brought to people started to call celebrities, “stars.” Celebrities now are noted for their fashion trends because they are some of the most rich and successful people in the world. Also, the trends of a celebrity are followed by other celebrities to make a hit and become some of the most famous trends among the general public.

Writing Prompt #1

1.      After researching and observing several video clips and pictures, we were able to determine different archetypes within celebrities. Our first celebrity is Oprah Winfrey. She was the first official female talk show host who invited many famous movie stars, singers, and models to her show. She also put her name into the title of the show, a unique trademark in comparison to other TV talk shows’ ideas. Her show gained popularity as Oprah successfully managed to reveal many famous TV stars’ inside emotions and thoughts. The archetype in this case may be Tyra Banks and the Tyra Banks Show. This talk show is also run by a female host and also used her name in the show’s name. Similarly, this show invited many famous TV stars to discuss their private life and feelings.
Another celebrity is Jackie Chan. Jackie Chan was the first Asian Hollywood star and became famous for his martial arts skills that were viewed in most of the movies he was involved in. He was an icon that set a generalization that Asians are good at martial art s. One archetype of Jackie Chan is Rain. Rain has recently become a Hollywood actor as well as being a recognized Korean singer. Interestingly, in his earlier movies, such as Ninja Assassin, Rain was already involved in martial arts training for his movies.
The third celebrity is Yoo Jae Seuk, who is well known as the national MC in Korea. He has become a famous MC from his job as a comedian, a completely different job. An archetype of Yoo is Kang Ho Dong, who is trying hard to also become a national MC and leave his former job as a professional Korean wrestler.
The last celebrity was Jessie Ventura, who set an idea of muscular TV stars getting professional jobs, especially related to the government. An archetype is Arnold Schwarzenegger. Both Ventura and Schwarzenegger used to be buff actors who became Governors in the future.
2. Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks, Jackie Chan, Rain, Jessie Ventura, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s images seem to fit the international audience because all these people are well known and many try to copy these celebrities from all around world. However, Yoo Jae Seuk and Kang Ho Dong seem to have a more Asian audience because they are only well known in East Asia. Also, only people in Korea try to follow Yoo Jae Seuk to become famous MCs.
3. From our group’s images, it seemed that men around age 30 to 40 seemed best represented because our group selected celebrities for research and usually men among that age had enough TV broadcast experiences and weren’t too old, thus had more popularity around the globe.

4.      Celebrities are portrayed as successful and rich people who can manage to buy more than one house and live lives full of luxuries.
5. Women around younger age seemed least represented mostly because women lack influential power in TV and younger women had little experience in mass media.
6. It was interesting how archetypes of celebrities usually remain within the same job, race, and, sex. For example, there are many Asians who try to follow Jackie Chan, black women who try to follow Oprah Winfrey, and Korean comedians and singers who try to follow Yoo Jae Seuk.

 

Writing Prompt #2

 Our group was able to observe that Asian people in the media, especially Asian celebrities, group together to follow a certain archetype. Many Asian people try to follow only one certain method to become successful actors, singers, dancers, etc. For example, many Korean people in media try to follow Yoo Jae Seuk to gain popularity and money. However, following Yoo Jae Seuk isn’t the only way to succeed in television careers. There are always other options such as becoming great actors and going to Hollywood or becoming great singers and gaining reputation around Asia. It is common in Korea to see many comedians and singers trying so hard to become MCs of various different TV shows, just to follow Yoo Jae Seuk. This shows how narrow-minded people sometimes can be. However, we also learned how this idea of archetypes can help Asian people in media become more involved in the global community. Nowadays there are many more Asian actors becoming Hollywood stars as more audiences understand Asian culture. One big example is Jackie Chan. Because Chan became so famous for martial arts in his movies and spread its culture throughout the world, it was Asian actors much easier to become Hollywood stars and easily get accepted to the audiences by doing martial arts. People no longer think of Asians as the less civilized people who just perform traditional fights. Overall, this project gave us more insight into how our global community works and how people are portrayed through media.

 

With plastic surgery all over his face, Michael Jackson stares into the camera. Jackson was considered as one of popular celebrities who had excess plastic surgery over the appropriate level.

Fat lady standing on the left and skinny lady standing on the right in the movie poster of, “Beautiful Women Suffers”, the two shows great contrast between ugly and beautiful women. The movie visualized how people with same characteristic, but different appearance usually are treated differently in our current societies.

Intentionally spilling water on his face, Yoo Jae Seuk tries to create a funny moment in the TV show called “Family Outing.” Yoo Jae Seuk was a former comedian who recently earned a reputation as the national MC, being included in several different famous TV shows in Korea.

Assisting his fellow TV show member to create a funny moment in the show, Kang Ho Dong advises his fellow member to talk simple and funny. Kang Ho Dong was formerly a wrestler, who now is one of the best MCs in Korea.Pulling the opponent’s hair with his buff arm during a wrestling match, Jesse Ventura tries to knock the opponent on the ground. Ventura was considered as one of the fiercest wrestler and action actor.Pointing his finger towards the camera and standing in front of the U.S. flag, Arnold Schwarzenegger takes a picture for his governor elections. Schwarzenegger was elected as the 38th Governor of California.

 

Using his Kung-fu moves to fight against his enemies, Jackie Chan tries to escape from several different enemies fighting against him at one time. This particular scene was from the movie, “Jackie Chan’s First Strike” which was one of his earlier movies, which made him popular as the Kung-fu fighting guy all over the world.Learning Kung-fu moves and practicing swords fights using a stick, Rain trains for the upcoming movie, “Ninja Assassin” that he is planning on to be a part of. Rain also set the idea of Asian actors using martial arts to fight off several people in Hollywood movies.

List of Vocabulary Words from our project

Sexy~Icon

Rich

Money

Brand

Buffy

Muscular

Asians

Hollywood~Star

Celebrity

Women

Stereotype

Archetype

Products

MC

Singer

Dancer

Actor

Dual~job

Martial~Arts

Kungfu

Red

Yellow

Talk Show

Movie

TV

Broadcasting

Pretty

Skinny

Tall

Plastic~Surgery

Influential

Beauty

Beast

Professional~Jobs

Senator

Popularity

Second~Jobs

Fame

Copy~Cat

Follower

It’s~Good~To~Be~Celebrities

MOCA 2

In my trip to Japan with my mother, we found a very famous artist’s museum Takashi Murakai, who also worked together with Louis Vuitton. We right away bought the ticket and entered the museum. I was amazed with all the strong and beautiful colors he emphasized on his art works. In the museum there was many sculptures, models, paintings, and drawings on the same characters, which is also printed on Louis Vuitton’s bags. The artist used printed patterns for his art work with strong colors. The tiny flowers on the wall creates beautiful background as well as a art work. Repetition is another technique he uses a lot for his art works. The art work (shown below) was my favorite artwork. I liked how using only one same flower to create beautiful art piece. The difference in size and colors of the flowers really caught my attention.

While I was in a 

MOCA

The Alchemist Paulo Cohelo

The Alchemist begins the story as the main character, Santiago meets an alchemist and goes a journey to find his treasure. However, everywhere he travels, he can never find the treasure he wants. Santigo only following his heart and will goes all the different places to find gold and treasures. During the journey, he also falls in love  at a first sight. However, the local alchemist pushes him to start again his journey. Then later, he starts to dig out sand to find the treausre but nothing comes out. After a long journey is done, he realizes that te treause he was loking for was right next to him.

I really did enjoy the book as I was reading. As I was reading the novel, I could relate many aspects of the boys stories to mine. I, as a high school student, am always looking for something to come and dreams will happen eventually someday. I am always looking for my dream. Even though I do not have an alchemist to lead my life, I have teachers and parents who can guide me at some point. As he is having the journey, he learns true lessons in his life and while I was reading the novel, I was able to relate his hardships during finding the treasure as all the obstacles I had in my life.

I loved the author’s writing style of the novel. The novel itself was very interesting and meaningful, yet it was also very simple and easy to read. I did not struggle every single moment to figure out what the author is trying to deliver messages to the readers. I could just right away know and directly understand the author’s point of view and words. The finding dream of Santiago really helped me to have more hopes for my dreams as well. Maybe  my dream is just very close by me that I am not aware of.

The author of the novel, Paulo Coelho is born in Brazil. At the age of 38, he published his first book, Alchemist. He studied law in many countries such as Mexico and Europe. After coming back from studies he was famous for a songwriter.

starfish.plaster work

I decided to make my plaster form organic. By incorpoating the real image of starfish, I made rough textures on the surface of my artwork and created edge shaped pattern on top to make it look like a starfish.  After I doodled lines on a paper I marbled I found a figure that I wanted to make it into 3 dimenssional. At first, I did not make the decision that it is going to be a starfish, however, as I was developing my artwork into plaster, I noticed that it gave me the image of starfish.

Before starting the project, we all listened to Ms. Dayton’s jazz and doodled. While I was doodling, I saw many interesting shapes on the paper. Then I decided to choose one shape and make it into 3 dimenssional with clay. With the clay model, I used straw form to enlarge the shape and then used plaster to make the piece harden. I also decorated details with plaster so that it looked more like a starfish.

While I was making the art piece, I focused on the texture to create rough surface. Also, I shaped the form as if it was moving under the sea and creating movement in the art piece. To make my starfish look more organic I put patterns on the surface like the real starfish has. I also focused on the color of my paster work using red and orange color scheme.

Overall, my art work came out with great satisfactions. I like how the colors really stand out creating the warm and hot feeling.   The red dot really stands out making it look more superior and unique.

With the same plaster process I could make abstract form as well. 

This project was very much fun!

DEDICATED this piece to Ms. Dayton~ 

Reviewer: Engie Suh

Novel: Born Confused

Author: Tanuja Desai HidierTanuja

The book, “Born Confused” written by Tanuja Desai Hidier is about a girl named Dimple Lala who is not sure of her own identity and how to think. This novel is a coming of age story of the protagonist.  Her parents are from India however, the family all moved to America after Dimple was born. Growing up in the different part of her parent’s own county, Dimple denies and resists Indian culture and traditions. However, when she becomes a high school student everything Indian-related is fashion and trend. Her parents make her to meet a guy who is suitable to her however, at first, Dimple finds him not attractive. However, when she goes to a club and sees the guy dancing, she suddenly becomes interested in him and the cdultural clash starts to happen. While I was reading the novel, I figured out how my situation was similar to hers and understood every word that was written as Dimple’s words. I as a Korean-American going to an International School in Korean society too find very difficult to claim my own identity and culture. Sometimes like the main character in the novel, I too resist my Korean culture to fit in myself with cool American culture. Growing up with old school Korean grandparents and Americanized parents it is sometimes very difficult to choose how I should act and how I should be taught in those very different enviornment. Now, as a grown up, the blended mix of two cultures really add interest to my and myself and it is what defines my true identity. I am proud to be a Korean-American. Born Confused was the first novel written by the author. The author, Tanjua Desai Hiner was born in America and lived in New York. Desai also filmed movies such as The Test and it too dealt with cultural issue. The novel is written in very casual and teenage-ish style and the whole book deals with the theme of finding true identity, the protagonist’s own heart and feelings. I liked how the novel had many dialoguing part and made me to imagine how characters should have spoken like and in that way I was able to connect myself with the situation and made the novel more interesting.

cover of the novel Tanuja Desai Hidier