When a line travels

Until a few days ago I thought the following picture was someones idea of being very creative with a continuous line. It wasn't until I read into it that I learned it is actually a very old joke that had turned into an art form.  Yes, a traveling salesmans joke.

It turns out that traveling salesmen would map out the routes they had either walked or traveled and the started to see that they were forming artwork on their maps depending on how their European streets were mapped out.

Of course these pieces are not the route someone has walked.  This is the artwork someone has created from the TSP (traveling salesmen's Problem).  They are one continuous line that weaves in and around.  In fact it might be the best mazes in the world.  Since none of the lines ever touch.

Do you think you could find the beginning or the end of these lines?  Would this be a project you would ever like to try?  Do you think you could do it?

If you want to see more look up TSP art.

First Day

The first day can mean different things to different people.  Some love the first day and they can't wait for it, while others are filled with fear and dread of the unknown.

What were your feelings on the first day?  Were you excited, scared or nervous.  What are you looking forward to this year?

Threading a nail

So those of you who are reading this blog know that I am easily amazed by the patience that some artists have to create their works.  Well i found another artist that has that phenomenal patience.  Kumi Yamahita is a New York artist that uses white boards, galvanized nails and black thread.  That is it!!

She takes that single-unbroken strand of black thread and winds it around the nails.  So anywhere that the thread gets darker is just her weaving it around the nails as many times as she needs to to get the denisty that the picture needs.  I hope that makes sense.  Can you explain it better?

She calls the overall collection "Constellation"  any ideas why that is the title of her show?  You know I have to ask if you could do this?  And no I am not going to have you do this, at least not this year.

Playing with your food

So I am sure that at one point or another all of you have played with your food.  Well the young artist Hong yi has taken playing with her food to an all new level. I saw her plate art this weekend and I thought it was amazing and had to share it with you.  She uses a plane white plate as the background to show off her food and images.

So can you figure out what type of foods she uses for most of her pictures?  Do you have a favorite?  Or which food do you think made the most creative plate?  Can you think of a food that would make a great picture?

Sticks and Strawa

I hope this year I have shown you all sorts of items that could be used to create art, well I have another interesting art sculpture.  This time they are made out of sticks and straws.  I thought they were kind of cool.  But I would love to know what you think?

Can you guess this famous person?

Herb Williams CHALLENGE

CHALLENGE QUESTION:

To recieve credit for this post you must answer the question at the bottom correctly.  If you answer correctly then I will give you two weeks credit.



 

 

I am sure that most of you have never heard of Herb Williams the artist.  I know I hadn't heard of him until a few days ago, but you will be amazed by his sculptures.  Now Herb is not found in your text book, and he is not a super famous artist, but he does use a very common material to create his sculptures.

Finishing one of his sculptures

Herb in the beginning stages of a sculpture

A finished dog sculpture

 Ok you had a chance to look at his work.  To collect credit for this post you need to tell me what material he uses?  Be very specific, because he only uses one brand of this material.  I am also curious what you would do if you had access to that specific factory?

Paper Architecture

So you can't live in these buildings, but you can visit them, you can see them and you can be amazed by them.  This is a city cut out of paper.  Now paper is not one of the strongest mediums, but our artist Ingrid Siliakus out of Amsterdam has created complicated and beautiful paper cities that are similar to pop up books. 

So what do you think of these works of art?  Would you have the patience to create a project like this?  What would be the hardest part?