Arts & Culture: 8 Culture Infusions for 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008 by Lindsey
While the holidays are over, most of us are already looking ahead to winter break, and even further ahead to the end of the '07-'08 school-year. Something about January always motivates me to clean things out and kick-start the year with a bang. On that note, I'd like to provide you with the same "bang" by listing out eight ways to infuse 2008 with culture and color.
8. Be the Color
We underestimate our role in modern culture. We all build new styles, expressions, and art-forms every day (usually by accident). However, if we seize this power, we can help define how our culture is viewed five years from now, fifty years from now, and maybe even five-hundred years from now. You never know who has noticed that unique outfit you put together, or the clever beat you were humming through the grocery store. So, be intentional; don't just throw on sweat pants and jeans, or keep that tune inside your head. Let your expressionism escape. Even if you don't change the world, it leaves you feeling refreshed and unhindered by the restraints of monotony and the expected.
A-1/Lindsey Bledsoe
7. Explore Cultural Arts
No foreign culture reflections in the U.S.A are un-americanized. Interpretations of artwork, music, and plays are all tainted by our perception of acceptable and right. Accept nothing at face value--always delve deeper. Not everyone has the money to explore these foreign cultures at the source (I sure don't!), but there are so many incredible resources available to give you a more objective view of what is a true representation of ethnic cultures.
(Check out these resources to learn about Cultural Arts.)
http://www.virtualquincy.com/quincy/culture/museums.html
http://www.si.edu/
A-2/Lindsey Bledsoe
6. Music and Theater
Broadening musical and theatrical horizons has become an increasingly less important priority in modern culture. A surprising amount of young teens have never been to a symphony performance, opera, or classical theater. It saddened me to attend a weekend performance of Aida and find a nearly nonexistent audience composed of a few scattered elderly couples with season tickets.
World-class theater productions become expensive quickly, but there is something to be said for the character in an inexpensive performance by a small acting troupe. Exposing yourself to culture is not defined by expensive theater productions and broadway plays, but by putting yourself out there and experiencing classic stories in different ways, with unique (and sometimes downright awful) interpretations.
While it's not necessary in expanding your tastes, I also encourage you to seek out one or two really well-produced (albeit more expensive) performances now and then. Giving up a little on the front end can enrich your life in the most abstract and incredible ways.
(Check out this resource to learn about classical theater.)
http://www.ticketmaster.com/section/arts_theater?tm_link=tm_arts_header
A-3/Lindsey Bledsoe
5. Surrealism
This modern art phenomena has earned a reputation for having dark and twisted undertones. While this is true of some work, it's still beneficial to explore the lighter and more mysterious side of surrealism. This genre of art has an abstract whimsy that remains unparalleled through almost all other genres.
(Check out this resource to explore surrealism further.)
http://www.markryden.com/
Hidden/Lindsey Bledsoe
4. Ballroom, Latin, Swing, something for everyone!
The social dance community has experienced quite a comeback in the past few years. Between television shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance?" and an influx of teens and young adults who are musically inclined, Ballroom, Latin, Swing, and other popular social dances have been revitalized with a modern twist. Social dance is available in most areas of the U.S. with a little investigation. Each dance I have attended in the past six months has surprised me with the increasing amount of younger dancers. It's a great way to be social in a non-threatening and active environment.
To get into the dance scene in your area, search the internet with "Social Dance" or "Swing Dance Club" in conjunction with your City. Local newspapers also tend to have social dance or event sections that list all of the dances, times, and requirements. (Most social dances have a complimentary group lesson with price of admission, and don't require you to have a partner.) The best way, however, to find a group you fit in with is to attend a social dance and talk with people there about other places you might try. Generally, experienced social dance members don't stick to one style of dance, and can put you in connection with the best fit for you, be it a weekly/monthly dance, Salsa, Lindy Hop, or Viennese Waltz.
(Check out this resource for links to swing dance clubs around the US!)
http://www.americanbopassociation.com/
Dance/Lindsey Bledsoe
3. Lifestyle Art
It's easy to flip through a magazine and be impressed with the modern, ecclectic styles of "modern homes." It's significantly harder to incorporate these seemingly perfect displays into a functional space. However, if you can find a few pieces of art that represent your lifestyle, it adds a great deal of character to an otherwise efficient, yet colorless area. You don't have to be a craft queen or the a world-class sculptor to add an artistic flare to your spaces, nor should you have to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars for priceless artwork.
Craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels have great sales on art prints that, if framed correctly, can look very sheek. A lot of furniture companies offer more 'artistic' pieces to supplement in with your bargain buys. Even having one bright lamp or a sculpture that makes you smile to offset that messy desk can bring your style into your daily life. Don't fear being bold, fear being complacent. (Be the hawaiian punch in an oatmeal lifestyle.)
A-4/Lindsey Bledsoe
2. Urbana Boheme
Bohemian art and culture has been a development of the past forty years or so, and is generally associated with beatniks, hippies, and other slightly bizarre artists. "Urban bohemia," however, is a new and improved spin on an old (and incredibly flawed) genre. This artistic movement of coffeehouse, free-spirited and abstract thinkers and musicians is by far my favorite development in modern culture.
Urban bohemian groups are not always easy to find. However, when you happen upon one, it will be evident. There is no basic ideology among these groups of friends and artists. You'll find a mixture of the most conservative christians, to nonconformist surrealists, who all enjoy each other's company despite their differences.
It is one of the most fascinating and intelligent movements of the 21st century, and we can look forward to seeing it expand and develop over the next several decades.
A-5/Lindsey Bledsoe
1. Virtual Arts & Culture
It would take more than a few paragraphs to thoroughly delve into the world of digital arts. From web design to digital photography, this rapidly growing art form has become increasingly popular over the past 10 years. ACSII art, vector-based portraits, and photo manipulation are a few of the many popular art forms available on digital art forums and websites. While these skills can be easily learned to an adequate level, as with any other art form, those with exceptional talent stand out significantly.
A-6/Lindsey Bledsoe
Whatever form you choose to pursue, don't allow yourself to fall into monotony. Pursue your passions, and remember that Google is a great way to do that. With that said, have a wonderful, culture-filled 2008!
8. Be the Color
We underestimate our role in modern culture. We all build new styles, expressions, and art-forms every day (usually by accident). However, if we seize this power, we can help define how our culture is viewed five years from now, fifty years from now, and maybe even five-hundred years from now. You never know who has noticed that unique outfit you put together, or the clever beat you were humming through the grocery store. So, be intentional; don't just throw on sweat pants and jeans, or keep that tune inside your head. Let your expressionism escape. Even if you don't change the world, it leaves you feeling refreshed and unhindered by the restraints of monotony and the expected.
A-1/Lindsey Bledsoe
7. Explore Cultural Arts
No foreign culture reflections in the U.S.A are un-americanized. Interpretations of artwork, music, and plays are all tainted by our perception of acceptable and right. Accept nothing at face value--always delve deeper. Not everyone has the money to explore these foreign cultures at the source (I sure don't!), but there are so many incredible resources available to give you a more objective view of what is a true representation of ethnic cultures.
(Check out these resources to learn about Cultural Arts.)
http://www.virtualquincy.com/quincy/culture/museums.html
http://www.si.edu/
A-2/Lindsey Bledsoe
6. Music and Theater
Broadening musical and theatrical horizons has become an increasingly less important priority in modern culture. A surprising amount of young teens have never been to a symphony performance, opera, or classical theater. It saddened me to attend a weekend performance of Aida and find a nearly nonexistent audience composed of a few scattered elderly couples with season tickets.
World-class theater productions become expensive quickly, but there is something to be said for the character in an inexpensive performance by a small acting troupe. Exposing yourself to culture is not defined by expensive theater productions and broadway plays, but by putting yourself out there and experiencing classic stories in different ways, with unique (and sometimes downright awful) interpretations.
While it's not necessary in expanding your tastes, I also encourage you to seek out one or two really well-produced (albeit more expensive) performances now and then. Giving up a little on the front end can enrich your life in the most abstract and incredible ways.
(Check out this resource to learn about classical theater.)
http://www.ticketmaster.com/section/arts_theater?tm_link=tm_arts_header
A-3/Lindsey Bledsoe
5. Surrealism
This modern art phenomena has earned a reputation for having dark and twisted undertones. While this is true of some work, it's still beneficial to explore the lighter and more mysterious side of surrealism. This genre of art has an abstract whimsy that remains unparalleled through almost all other genres.
(Check out this resource to explore surrealism further.)
http://www.markryden.com/
Hidden/Lindsey Bledsoe
4. Ballroom, Latin, Swing, something for everyone!
The social dance community has experienced quite a comeback in the past few years. Between television shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance?" and an influx of teens and young adults who are musically inclined, Ballroom, Latin, Swing, and other popular social dances have been revitalized with a modern twist. Social dance is available in most areas of the U.S. with a little investigation. Each dance I have attended in the past six months has surprised me with the increasing amount of younger dancers. It's a great way to be social in a non-threatening and active environment.
To get into the dance scene in your area, search the internet with "Social Dance" or "Swing Dance Club" in conjunction with your City. Local newspapers also tend to have social dance or event sections that list all of the dances, times, and requirements. (Most social dances have a complimentary group lesson with price of admission, and don't require you to have a partner.) The best way, however, to find a group you fit in with is to attend a social dance and talk with people there about other places you might try. Generally, experienced social dance members don't stick to one style of dance, and can put you in connection with the best fit for you, be it a weekly/monthly dance, Salsa, Lindy Hop, or Viennese Waltz.
(Check out this resource for links to swing dance clubs around the US!)
http://www.americanbopassociation.com/
Dance/Lindsey Bledsoe
3. Lifestyle Art
It's easy to flip through a magazine and be impressed with the modern, ecclectic styles of "modern homes." It's significantly harder to incorporate these seemingly perfect displays into a functional space. However, if you can find a few pieces of art that represent your lifestyle, it adds a great deal of character to an otherwise efficient, yet colorless area. You don't have to be a craft queen or the a world-class sculptor to add an artistic flare to your spaces, nor should you have to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars for priceless artwork.
Craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels have great sales on art prints that, if framed correctly, can look very sheek. A lot of furniture companies offer more 'artistic' pieces to supplement in with your bargain buys. Even having one bright lamp or a sculpture that makes you smile to offset that messy desk can bring your style into your daily life. Don't fear being bold, fear being complacent. (Be the hawaiian punch in an oatmeal lifestyle.)
A-4/Lindsey Bledsoe
2. Urbana Boheme
Bohemian art and culture has been a development of the past forty years or so, and is generally associated with beatniks, hippies, and other slightly bizarre artists. "Urban bohemia," however, is a new and improved spin on an old (and incredibly flawed) genre. This artistic movement of coffeehouse, free-spirited and abstract thinkers and musicians is by far my favorite development in modern culture.
Urban bohemian groups are not always easy to find. However, when you happen upon one, it will be evident. There is no basic ideology among these groups of friends and artists. You'll find a mixture of the most conservative christians, to nonconformist surrealists, who all enjoy each other's company despite their differences.
It is one of the most fascinating and intelligent movements of the 21st century, and we can look forward to seeing it expand and develop over the next several decades.
A-5/Lindsey Bledsoe
1. Virtual Arts & Culture
It would take more than a few paragraphs to thoroughly delve into the world of digital arts. From web design to digital photography, this rapidly growing art form has become increasingly popular over the past 10 years. ACSII art, vector-based portraits, and photo manipulation are a few of the many popular art forms available on digital art forums and websites. While these skills can be easily learned to an adequate level, as with any other art form, those with exceptional talent stand out significantly.
A-6/Lindsey Bledsoe
Whatever form you choose to pursue, don't allow yourself to fall into monotony. Pursue your passions, and remember that Google is a great way to do that. With that said, have a wonderful, culture-filled 2008!
