Week 7: Neuroscience + Art

The Brain....most powerful and interesting organ of the human body. It controls and maintains the body, as well as conscious and unconscious thoughts. However, the cranium cavity is like the epicenter or capital of a city, in every city there are roads and highways that lead to other areas and help communicate to those other areas. These highways and roads are neurons. In the nervous system, neurons are in charge of communicating between cells, through chemicals and electrical triggers.

Where is the connection between the brain, or neuroscience, and art? Neuro-aestheitics, a new scientific study, which is the study of art by neuroscientists. This term was coined by Samir Zeki. This creates a "neurobiological definition of art." Both V.S. Ramachandran and Semir Zeki created this idea of connecting neuroscience and art.

Works of art are produced with specificities- tools, materials, and techniques. For instance, Annibale Carracci etched the painting below, however he worked this piece with more of a style of an engraver.

Another example of connecting neuroscience and art, is Dr. Gregg Dunn, he invented a new technique to change the way in which the viewer experiences a painting. By Microetchings, which are handmade lithographs that manipulate light on a microscopic scale to control the reflectivity of metallic surfaces in precise ways. 

Work Cited:

Drake, John M. "Ecology, Cognition and Landscape: Linking Natural and Social Systems . Landscape Series, Volume 11. By Almo Farina . Dordrecht (The Netherlands) and New York: Springer. $129.00. Xi + 169 P.; Ill.; Index. ISBN: 978-90-481-3137-2 (hc); 978-90-481-3138-9 (eb). 2010." The Quarterly Review of Biology 87.1 (2012): 55-56. Web.

"Greg Dunn Design | Visual Art | Neuroscience Art | Gold Leaf Painting." Greg Dunn Design. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://www.gregadunn.com/>.

"How to Build a Bigger Brain." How to Build a Bigger Brain. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/how-to-build-a-bigger-brain-91273>.

"Neuroscience." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroscience>.

N.p., n.d. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.ucla.edu%2Fstories%2Flopsang-rapgay-192875>.

"Swann’s Hypothesis." The New York Times. The New York Times, 03 Nov. 2007. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/books/review/Max-t.html?_r=0>.

"The Third Culture - Chapter 14." The Third Culture - Chapter 14. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://edge.org/documents/ThirdCulture/v-Ch.14.html>.

Week 6: Biotech + Art

Genetics...such a powerful word. It is a universal commonality, connecting every individual on this planet. However, from genetics comes was drives diversity in the world. The human genome. The dictionary describes it as "the complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism."Just like a USB stick or a an old school floppy disk, a genome contains information. But because biology is unbelievably fancy, we get 50% of our genes from our parents. Therefore, imagine that when your mom is pregnant with you, you mom and dads USB sticks combined and divided the information in half to create another USB stick....YOU!

A genome represented as a human

The codes that create the Human Genome, is the smallest unit of matter, DNA. DNA is comprised of four bases. However, the exact order and sequence of the four bases are what drive not just human diversity, but also providing scientists with infinite possibilities. With access to this powerful code, scientists can not just work towards saving/altering lives, but also create new life. 

Edunia by Eduardo Kac

Barry Schuler at TED Talk 

Joe Davis

The Human Genome is not just being used in the scientific field. Artists, such as Barry Schuler, Eduardo Kac, and Joe Davis, have used the genome to create beautiful pieces. Joe Davis, worked directly with scientists, regarding the genome project and inserting into living things. With this information he developed an artisitic piece called the Audio Microscope, and see the effects of sound to e-coli. Eduardo Kac on the other hand, took what he learned about the genome project in the direction of complete artistry. He created what he calls a “plantimal,” a flower that is genetically altered with his blood and a petunia, called “Edunia.” It is the central piece to his “Natural History of Enigma.” Lastly, Barry Schuler, had a TED talk and discussed the endless possibilities for art and science. Like I mentioned earlier, genomics is a composition or gathering of genetic material. Barry Schuler explained how the genome project would be represented similiar to the idea of a USB. 

 The chose to focus on the genome project because it's a powerful unit that is beyond the visibility of a naked eye. 

links:

"Barry Schuler: An Introduction to Genomics." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 11 May 2015. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xJXZBCOWMY>.

"NATURAL HISTORY OF THE ENIGMA." NATURAL HISTORY OF THE ENIGMA. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2015. <http://www.ekac.org/nat.hist.enig.html>.

"Understanding Genetics." Understanding Genetics. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2015. <http://genetics.thetech.org/ask-a-geneticist/siblings-are-around-fifty-percent-related>.

Vesna, Victoria. "5 Bioart Pt1 1280x720." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 11 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaThVnA1kyg>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Biotech Intro NEw." N.p., n.d. Web. <https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DFvp924_pbgc>.

"Webcitation.org." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 11 May 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webcitation.org>.

"What's a Genome?" What's a Genome? J. Craig Venter Institute, n.d. Web. 10 May 2015. <http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/resources/whats_a_genome/Chp2_2.shtml>.

MIDTERM PROJECT

Abstract
™ The idea behind “Emotional Music,” is connecting ones own emotion and having that emotion being connected to a pandora playlist. We all have headphones, know what pandora is, have emotional spectrum, and have cell phones. The intention behind this proposal, is not just to make a connection between music and emtions, but to also be able to have the music playlist either keep up with the emotion taking place are trying to be a mood changer.

Concept/Topic

• ™  What I am attempting to provide is the use of all kinds of music, in order to make a connection to someone’s personal emotions.
  
• ™  I know for a fact I have bad days, and need slow love ballads to stay in that state, or need pick-me-up songs to flip my day around.
  

Concept & Precedents
™ Every person on our planet has some form of an emotional spectrum, even people who have received lobotomy's still contain some form of emotion. Emotions are not just responses to situations or actions, they are also a way of identification. My idea behind “emotional music,” is show help people get out of a mood, stay in one, or just want to jam out to music and not have to worry about hitting the fast- forward button.

Project Proposal & Image
Taking blue-tooth headphones that are only designed for you and only connected your brain. The amygdala and hippocampus are the main areas of the brain that deal with emotions,

Project Proposal & Image cont.
™ The Limbic System of our human bodies are connected to emotions, learning, and memory. Imagine if we could have music connected to all of that. Someone could know how you are feeling by the playlist you are listening to.
™

Project Proposal & Image cont.
™ As worn as headphones, you also need a display mechnanism for this device. It is a watch directly connected to the headphones. Someone can look at your watch and it will display the type of playlist and the emotions connected to it.

Conclusion
™ To conclude, emotions are very powerful. They are either really good are really bad. I am thinking about taking a device that does not just recognize your emotions, but also plays music to either keep you stable or attempts to flip your emotions. I think it will be a powerful thing. Every one wants the new best piece of technology, why not a watch and a pair of blue-tooth headphones that attach to your limbic system. That is my idea: Emotional Music!

Bibliography
"The Fashion World Reacts to Apple Watch." N.p., n.d. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fnymag.com%2Fthecut %2F2014%2F09%2Fis-the-apple-watch-actually-stylish-enough.html>.
"The Main Areas Involved with Emotions." The Main Areas Involved with Emotions. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2015. http://www.cerebromente.org.br/n05/mente/struct_i.htm.\
"The Main Areas Involved with Emotions." The Main Areas Involved with Emotions. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2015. http://www.cerebromente.org.br/n05/mente/struct_i.htm.
"What's Your Companies Emotion Score? Introducing Net Emotional Value (NEV) and Its Relationship to NPS and CSAT -." Beyond Philosophy. N.p., 21 Nov. 2012. Web. 04 May 2015. http://beyondphilosophy.com/whats-your-companies-emotion-score-introducing-net-emotional-value-nev-and-its- relationship-to-nps-and-csat/.
"Who Am I?" Which Area of Your Brain Controls Emotions? N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2015. <http:// www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/WhoAmI/FindOutMore/Yourbrain/Whatareemotions/ Whichareaofyourbraincontrolsemotions.aspx>. 

Week 4: MedTech + Art

When first thinking about art, my mind does not automatically start thinking about the medical field or medicinal technology. However, the resources and the videos from this week, have caused me to have a whole new appreciation for their connection.

The medical field has evolved drastically. During the Renaissance, people cut human bodies open to discover what was inside, like the bigger parts. Now we have machines and the technology to see what is going inside and seeing the human body beyond the visibility of the naked eye. Our human bodies are absolutely beautiful and so powerful, even with the simplest of processes, like breathing or thinking. Now we have the technology to look at the activity of the brain, causing the result screen to light up like christmas tree or put on a light show.

Normal Brain Scan

How the Brain transmits information

Now another way to correlate the medical field and art, is talking about plastic surgery or surgery in general. the human body is a canvas. For instance, when someone tattoos their skin, they are creating a walking masterpiece.  Another example, is plastic surgery, the surgeons performing the surgery are altering the original composition of your body to your specifications. Interestingly enough, plastic surgery has existed for four thousand years, and India was its birthplace. Surgery, in my opinion, is an art. It is series of very slow and very controlled movements. Surgeons are a complete masters of their craft. Doctors all follow the Hippocratic oath. The most historical and sacred doctrine, in the medical field.

This week really opened my perspective of connecting worldly, considered normal, tasks or things and finding the beauty, plus an artistic value to it.
Citations:

Lecture Part 1. Perf. Victoria Vesna. Medicine + Technology + Art. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015.

Tyson, Peter. "The Hippocratic Oath Today." PBS. PBS, 27 Mar. 2001. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/hippocratic-oath-today.html>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Bodies© INCorporated." Bodies© INCorporated. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <http://www.bodiesinc.ucla.edu/>.

Week 3: Robotics and Art

This week's topic is about the power and influence of technology towards art. Professor Vesna mentioned in her lecture video that the first robot was in theaters in the 1920s. Nowadays, we have robots all over the place. From Terminator, to I-Robot, even in animation, Wall-e.

However, Walter Benjamin, a critic, philosopher, radio broadcaster, and an essayist, argued in his essay “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction”, that technology may not always have a positive impact. Benjamin explains how the mechanical reproduction of art, or mass producing art, can take away from the creativity and originality (1-20). Walter Benjamin's point he made, makes me think of Walmart or Target where you see so many pictures or posters for sale. Yes they are great, but they are basically a blown up basic photo. 

But, even though that mass producing art may be seen as a negative, art is still appreciated. Art and Science are both beautiful things. They work together in complete harmony. Like mentioned before, Wall-E is clear clear example. This adorable robot, is also amazing. Wall-E collects thrown away material, and tries to create something of his own (Wall-E). 

Citations:

Benjamin, Walter. “The Work of Art in Age of Mechanical Reproduction.” Marxists. N.p.. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <http://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/ge/benjamin.htm>.

Vesna, Victoria. “CoLE.” CoLE. N.p.. Web. 18 Apr 2015. <https://cole.uconline.edu/~UCLA-201209-12F-DESMA-9-1

Unit 2: Math and Art

This week’s topic involves the connection between mathematics and art. Ironically enough art is filled with math. For instance, the picture above is of the Great Pyramids of Giza. These pyramids are known to be a meaningful landmark, but also referred to as a beautiful artistic creation. I was fascinated that a simple shape, like a pyramid, is a beacon for royalty and power. 

In Flatland by Edwin Abbott, he explains the connection between civilization and art. He also describes the perception of art. For instance, his example was to place a penny in the middle of a table. If you look at it from above, it will appear to be a circle. In addition, Good Will Hunting is movie about Matt Damon playing a role of a math genius, however his skills aren’t just regarded as nerdy, but as breath taking and beautiful.

Many artists see science and art on the same playing field, but Leonardo Da Vinci, sees no division at all. He is an artist and also an innovator. He did amazing work and will forever be remembered as the man who constructed the Mona Lisa and the last Super.

Math and art go hand in hand. Artists construct and connect shapes, lines, and colors. Everything an artist does is very scientific. However, I think every artist has their own identity within their style of art, meaning that an artist defines his own scientific style to his art.

CITATIONS:

Abbott, Edwin Abbott. Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1963. Print.

Good Will Hunting. Perf. Matt Damon. Miramax Films, 1997. DVD.

Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov. Perf. Victoria Vesna. N.p., 9 Apr. 2012. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg>.

Week 1: Two Cultures

The term two cultures, is quite interesting to me because I feel like a live a two cultured life. for instance, I am a student-athlete. I play centerfield for UCLA softball, yet I am still a Political Science major. 

This is me robbing a home run, last year against Kentucky in post season. 

This is Easton Stadium, the prettiest field I have the honor to play on.

This is the Space Needle. This picture represents where I am from. I was born and raised in Seattle. i moved down to California when I was 13. 

This picture is by Azusa Pacific, but the reason why I took it and have uploaded it in this blog post, is a clear representation of my faith. I am a Christian and I will never have any fear of voicing that out.

As a softball player for UCLA, you get the opportunity to play on a team, that is basically your family. Well this group of girls in this picture are my ride or die girls. They are the best of friends and they always have my back. We are all unique and crazy, but one thing is for sure, we are a family. 

This is my family, They mean the absolute world to me. I would not be who I am today, without them by my side. 

The idea of "Two Cultures," is very powerful. I personally feel like I live a double life because I have my athletic life, as well as my academic life. However, They go hand in hand. Through my athletics, I have been given the opportunity to represent UCLA on the softball field, in addition to receiving a degree from the most prestigious university in the world. 

David Bohm, struck me very deep, with his take on creativity. He says "creativity cannot be defined in words." Interestingly enough, I totally agree. Creativity is based upon and defined by the individual. Personally, creativity is something that an individual conjured up in their mind and actually presented to someone else. However, after reading David's perspective, I found myself questioning and changing my own definition. In addition, creativity, in my opinion, is the thing that is least likely to be judged by the outsider. Judging one's creativity, is like judging someones personality or genetic make-up. Unfortunately, you can judge all you want, yet you still won't make a change in that person. 

Two Cultures is apparent in all places, even when you are not even looking. This idea speaks volumes. Everyone has two cultures. This term can be taken both literally and as a figuratively.  I am an athlete, yet I am still a student. I am an adult, yet still apart of a family. I am a teammate of UCLA softball, but also a Christian. This idea of of two cultures is in all of us and always surrounding us. 

CITATIONS:

Bohm, D. "On Creativity." Leonardo 1.2 (1968): 137-49. JSTOR. Web. 05 Apr. 2015.

All the pictures are from my IPhoto.