WP3:

Authors Note

When I started the process of analyzing the art sculpture Ouranos, by William Tucker, I had a hard time getting started. When I first laid eyes on the sculpture I was worried. I thought it just looked like a big blob, and I was pretty sure it was going to be impossible to analyze and come up salient information about the sculpture. However, once I started to really look at the sculpture and give it some thought, ideas started to roll. It was crazy the type of ideas that where rolling onto the piece of paper. This process only increased after some research done on the actual structure itself. I learned that Ouranos was actually a god from ancient Greece. When this information was added to some of the ideas I had was able to come up with my argument that I was going to implement into my paper. I started to contemplate ideas of imperfection and perfection, and how a god could be depicted as imperfect.

In my first draft I talked a lot about the media. I touched on how the media played a big part in how we live our lives. More importantly how the media influences how we view ourselves and how we feel about ourselves. I think my first draft had a lot of good ideas that had to just be expanded upon. I thought that it was a good template for future drafts, but very raw and unpolished. I decided when I was going to write my final draft, that I would pretty much retype my paper, using the first draft to get my basic ideas.

First I scrapped the old intro, and decided that I would start my new intro with some context that I would carry on throughout the rest of the paper. I started with “In this day and age we are constantly reminded through media about our image and how to view ourselves.” This let the audience know where I was coming from and it made it easy to come back to that influence throughout the paper. I talked about The Classical period of art, and how old sculpture of gods and goddesses where depicted compared to the way that William Tucker depicted Ouranos. For example I stated, “The depictions of gods in that time period where always idealistic. They had over exaggerated muscles, and symmetrical faces. In this time this was the acceptable way to depict a god. This is the exact opposite style used in Ouranos.” This helped me expand on my argument, and gave salient information about the imperfection of the piece compared to the idealism of the Classical sculptures.

I also increased the length of my paper and ideas quite a bit. I cut out some of the ideas that where rough and expanded upon a few key ideas. For example I took out the bit about “Another kind of pathos that comes up when one looks at this structure is excitement.” And focused on the “This overall concept of imperfection, more specifically how it is more real than perfection and acceptable, brings up a great deal of pathos and emotion in the audience when viewing Ouranos. The most prevalent emotion would have to be that of comfort.” I also added some of the multimedia and hyperlinks that I was missing. Last but not least I made sure that I had my works cited included and cited my sources throughout the paper.

Statement of Purpose

Rough Draft

Final Draft

In this day and age we are constantly reminded through media about our image and how to view ourselves. All it takes is one look at the magazine rack to make us feel like we need to make some drastic changes. This idealism has been going on for as long as we can remember. It even dates back to the days of Greek gods and goddesses. When a god was depicted in the Greek culture nothing but perfection would be acceptable.(Kleiner) This is idea of perfection is extremely interesting when we take a look at the art sculpture I was assigned which is titled Ouranos. We see that the sculptor, William Tucker, took a total 180 on the idea of a Greek God. When we look through a rhetorical lens, and look at the concepts of ethos, logos, and pathos the argument of this sculpture becomes clear. That argument is that the concept of imperfection is more real, and should be more accepted, than perfection.

Ouranos was an ancient Greek god. He was at one point and time the ruler of the entire universe.(Ouranos) In this particular sculpture Ouranos is depicted as a boot planted in the ground. It is also believed that the sculpture is a torso, or an acrobat.(New York Times) The interesting aspect to all of these adaptations is the imperfection of the sculpture itself. It is very abstract, and when I first laid eyes on this sculpture I thought it was a big blob. This is a very interesting style when one considers how gods have been historically depicted through art. Specifically if we look back to the Classical period of art and juxtapose its sculptures to that of Ouranos, the contrasting styles become apparent. In the Classical art period art was become more progressive, people where becoming more lifelike, however one thing stayed the same, the depiction of the Greek god. The depictions of gods in that time period where always idealistic. They had over exaggerated muscles, and symmetrical faces. In this time this was the acceptable way to depict a god.(Kleiner)

This is the exact opposite style used in Ouranos. First of all the God isn’t depicted as a whole, he just shown as a boot, or foot.(New York Times) This is very interesting because when we look at a foot, it isn’t necessarily the model of perfection. Feet can be worn and displeasing, and at times have calices and odor. This isn’t the first thought that comes to mind when we think of a god. This style is a clear argument of imperfection. We see this new style of a god, no longer is the god depicted as this perfect being. He is now flawed, and more realistic than the old sculptures of gods and goddesses.

William Tucker decided to make this piece out of bronze, and give a rough texture. (New York Times) One could almost say that the sculpture looks like it is melting. This is once again different than the Greek’s sculptures. They would use marble, and make sure that each face was very smooth and symmetrical. This rough and uneven texture would not have been used, or even acceptable in that time period.(Kleiner) William Tucker wants us to notice this imperfection right off the bat. The texture of this object is one of the more noticeable elements of the sculpture itself. He wants you to embrace this concept of imperfection, and accept it as a reality. The material made to make this sculpture is another key element aiding in this argument of imperfection. When we think of perfection, we think of gold or a very valuable substance. In our culture, bronze is always third best. If we look at the Olympics the first place winner is always awarded with the gold medal, third always gets the bronze medal. The first place person would be the one who is considered perfect, because their achievement cannot get any better, on the other had the third place would almost be a little bit of a disappointment, because they are not perfect, they still have a ways to go before that is achieved. I think that the sculptor did this to show us that it is ok to not be the best. That you can be imperfect and it is acceptable. He makes the argument that it is more realistic that you will not be the best, but it is still acceptable to be one of the greatest.

This overall concept of imperfection, more specifically how it is more real than perfection and acceptable, brings up a great deal of pathos and emotion in the audience when viewing Ouranos. The most prevalent emotion would have to be that of comfort. Especially considering the day and age we currently live in. As I had mentioned before we only have to take one look at a magazine rack to instantly feel insecure, and negative about ourselves. This idea that we can be imperfect and we can be ourselves is very comforting in this media driven world. The media wants us to think that we have to dress a certain way, and act a certain way to be happy. Since the 1980’s males have been depicted as rawer, and more chiseled. There have even been studies done that showed when a teen-age girl views a commercial with a model in it, they become angry, and dissatisfied with their current weight, and body image.(Media's Effect on Girls) When we take a look at William Tucker’s sculpture we see what is usually the height of perfection, a god, depicted as imperfect and more real. This is comforting that we can think of someone who is generally so highly regarded to be flawed. It makes us take another look at our own flaws and imperfections. If something so powerful and great can have imperfections, maybe it is ok for us as humans to be imperfect too. The argument takes away some of the almost overwhelming standards, and lets you think of them in a different perspective. The sculptor is exalting imperfection, and throwing this idealistic mentality out the window.

I think it is clear how important the argument for Ouranos truly is. We have some pretty tough expectations when it comes to being perfect in this world, and at times those can be very overwhelming. It is estimated that 8 million Americans have eating disorders.(South Carolina) This is a terrifying statistic. We need more influences like that of Ouranos when we look in the mirror. We need this reminder that we can see ourselves in a positive light. I think if more people would accept that imperfection is a reality we could cut down a lot of eating disorders, and people who are generally unhappy about themselves. I think that the argument that William Tucker is trying to get across is one that needs to be heard by everyone. People need to take this argument and apply it in their everyday lives, so that they can try and live without that media influence. In conclusion, I think that Ouranos is a model example of how imperfection is a reality, and that it is acceptable to be imperfect, and one should embrace it in their everyday lives.

Works Cited:

Kleinder, S., Fred. Gardener's Art through the Ages. United States: Wadsworth Cengae learning

"Media's Effect On Girls: Body Image and Gender Identity." National Institute on Media+The Family. . 2009. 14 December. 2009 <http://www.mediafamily.org/facts/facts_mediaeffect.shtml>

"Ouranos" 1 Dec. 2009<http://library.thinkquest.org/17709/people/ouranos.htm>

Brenson, Michael. "ART WILLIAM TUCKER AND HIS GREEK TITANS." 1987. The New York Times. <http://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/02/arts/art-william-tucker-and-his-greek-titans.html>

"Eating Disorder Statistics." South Carolina Department of Mental Health.< http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/anorexia/statistics.htm>

wp3:rough draft 1

The art object I was assigned was titled Ouranos, and it was made by William Tucker. This is an extremely interesting sculpture, and has a very important argument that it is trying to make. I think this becomes blatantly obvious when is looked through a rhetorical lens. When you take into consideration the rhetorical terms of logos, context, and pathos, the main argument of this art object becomes apparent. That argument is that concept of imperfection is more real, and should be more accepted, then perfection.

Ouranos was an ancient Greek god, and in this particular adaptation of the god he is depicted as a boot planted in the ground. It is also believed that the sculpture is also a torso, or an acrobat. The interesting aspect to all of the perceptions is the message of imperfection that the sculpture itself emits. The sculpture is abstract and is deformed which is very interesting considering it is of a Greek god. In most history, and throughout Greek sculpture, the concept of a god idolized. This means that the god was supposed to look perfect. They would sculpt them to have perfectly symmetrical faces, and features that no real human would ever have. The fact that William Tucker decides not to do this enforces his argument of imperfection.

The texture of this object is different from most of the art objects I have viewed in my time. When you look up close the object looks like it is melting, or as if it was a sculpture made out of rock. This is interesting when you compare it back to some of the Greek’s adaptations of gods. The Greek god’s where most of the time made to look very smooth. The melting and rough texture of Ouranos would have most likely been looked down upon by the general public in Greek times. This is an excellent way that William tucker gets his argument across. He takes the concepts that were used so long ago, and throws them out the window. He does the exact opposite of what a Greek artist would have done. He wants you to look at the imperfection. He takes something has highly regarded as a god, and makes imperfect just like you and me.

The location of this sculpture fits perfectly with the argument about imperfection and perfection. First of all the sculpture is on a little bit of a hill. It is almost elevated higher up than any of the other sculptures that surround it. I believe this is because the sculpture wanted you view imperfection in a different light. It wants to exemplify it and make it ok. This also works with the atmosphere of a college setting. We have all this media attention, and pressure to make us think that we should look a certain way, or that you need to be perfect. This concept of a Greek god being imperfect makes you think the exact opposite. It lets you know that it is ok to be imperfect, and be your own person.

It is very interesting that the author would choose bronze material to make this sculpture. Bronze isn’t necessarily the flashiest of materials. It is kind of dull and isn’t exactly the material that screams look at me I am a god. This is used to help further the argument of imperfection being ok. The idea that you can use this material that isn’t flashy helps this argument that imperfection is more acceptable than perfection. The author puts in this material that he knows isn’t necessarily impressive, and it is ok and it is accepted by the art world.

These examples of imperfection bring up a lot of pathos and emotion. The first emotion I feel when I look and think of this concept of imperfection is comfort. It makes feel ok and good about me. I have like so many others succumbed to the media at times and get down on myself. This concept that it is ok to be imperfect and have my own flaws reminded me that what the media shows is near impossible. I also get comfort in the concept that a god can be human. That even someone who has extreme power can make mistakes, and that in fact they are not perfect. This can be related into our everyday lives, so that we can remind ourselves that even our superiors can have their own flaws and imperfections.

Another kind of pathos that comes up when one looks at this structure is excitement. It is exciting to thin k that someone who could hold so much power, and be so highly regarded, to have so many flaws about it. Many have described this statue to be elegant and flowing. It might not look that way to everyone but for the consensus to be that way adds excitement for us and our everyday lives. Excitement also comes up when you think about imperfection itself. In the fact that you can be yourself, and accept who you are.

In the end I think that the argument is clear for the statue Ouranos. This argument that being imperfect is ok is very important in our everyday lives. We can use this argument to improve the way we think of ourselves. We don’t have to listen to the media and they way they try and push perfectionism on us all. We can look at ourselves in the mirror and be happy for who we are as people. I think it is clear that this sculpture gets across a very important message that is relevant to everyone.

Statement of Purpose

My art object, Ouranos, is a very interesting art object. It brings up a lot of interesting thoughts when looked through a rhetorical lens. There are many different ways one can approach this comic and analyze the true meaning of this comic. I think that the argument that is trying to be made here is that it is ok to be imperfect; in fact imperfection is normal and better than perfection.

I think the main thing to solidify this argument would have to be the context of where this object is located, and the audience that is here to look at the art related object. The location of this object is in a perfect place for the creator to get his argument across. The college setting is a great place to talk about imperfection. The audience will be able to relate, because we as people are imperfect. I think that this object being outside and right by a path also helps the argument. You will get college students, and people walking into campus, walking on this path every day. You are definitely maximizing the expose of the art object.

The object also looks like it is on a hill, so it is brought up higher, almost on a pedestal to once again maximize the expose. I think there are a lot of positive and negative things that can come from my word project. I think one the more difficult things to be able to get across is how I see the object. Since the object is very abstract and very deformed, it is hard to get across your argument and the way you view the object to your audience. I think if I supply enough photographs, and solid examples through research, I would be able to help cement my argument, and help get it across to my audience.

I think probably the most positive outcome I could get from this project is a lasting impact on my audience. In the world we live in today we are all hyped up to be this perfect mold of a person. We are almost brainwashed through the media to look a certain way. Perfection is a word that is thrown out all the time. If I can get the argument across to my audience maybe I can change the way they view themselves and enrich their lives. I think that I could let my audience know that it’s ok to be imperfect. I could let them know that their imperfections are normal, and you shouldn’t strive for these perfections that are absolutely impossible.

As you can see this art object has a very solid argument that it is trying to get across to its viewers. I think that it is an important message that we should live by day to day. If I can keep heading in this direction and take into consideration my audience, and I can help them relate to the message, then I could get a solid grade, and help someone learn an important message. If I can get my audience to think that they are ok the way they are then I have done my job.

Wp3: pre writting 5

After researching information on the art object, Ouranos, by William Tucker, I learned a lot of new information that I hadn’t known in the first place. I learned about the meaning of the word Ouranos. I learned that it was actually named after an ancient Greek God. I learned about its background, and its significance. Apparently Ouranos was the first ruler of the universe.

I also learned that the object is in fact supposed to be a boot. So in the end this would confirm my first idea that it supposed to be a boot. The new information about the legend of Ouranos has made me think about the sculpture in a different way. If Ouranos was supposed to be a god, and supposed to be the ruler of the Universe, I would imagine time to be very big and very powerful. I think this could be represented in the large scale of the boot. I think that this boot could be a representation of Ouranos’ foot.

I think that since Ouranos would be big because he is a god, the boot could be just a small representation of his whole power, and mass. I also learned that he is supposed to be the son, and husband of the god of the earth. So this makes me some sense to why it would be located outside. The god’s ties to the earth make it a perfect choice for the sculpture to be placed outside, amongst the earth.

The sculpture’s ties with a god of the universe explain its placement on campus. Since this god was extremely significant, it makes sense that it is in a place that everyone can see. It is by a path, so it is apparent that the people who run the museum wanted people to see it. It also makes sense now why the sculpture is almost put on a pedestal. This is once again because of the ties to the god of the universe.

I also learned that the William Tucker also made 2 other sculptures to go with Ouranos. In fact, two other statues that where made with this statue where also made out of bronze. I really don’t know what to think of this. It really takes away from my first idea of the baby shoes. I don’t think that he wanted make that comparison about memories, and preserving those memories. After this research, I have some new ideas to why this could be on campus. One of those would have to be that the sky is the limit. I think this because if this statue is representative of the god of the universe, I think its significance on campus would be that you can do anything you set your mind to. That there is no limit to your potential, and maybe someday you can be a very important and significant figure in the world.

Works cited:

"Ouranos" 1 Dec. 2009<http://library.thinkquest.org/17709/people/ouranos.htm>

Brenson, Michael. "ART WILLIAM TUCKER AND HIS GREEK TITANS." 1987. The New York Times. < http://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/02/arts/art-william-tucker-and-his-greek-titans.html>

wp3:pre writing 4

After listening to the song we listened to on Tuesday, I have been able to see my project in a whole different light. I never thought that things could be looked at in that kind of way. I had never heard music made that way, and I have never thought to look at art objects in the same type of way. After listening to the song, I started to think about how my object could be expanded, in what ways could my art project I was assigned be expanded upon. In other words how could I take my art object and rethink the way I look at it.

The first thing I thought about with my project is what it represents. To a lot of people it might look like some giant blob, but right off the bat I thought it looked like a giant boot. It had some characteristics to that of a boot, which made me think even more about how unique this object really is. When I did some expansion, and looked at it at other angles, it looked different in every angle. This was especially evident when I compared the two sides of the boot; one side looked more deformed than the other side.

This made me think of the possibility that it could in fact represent a rock. It has as certain textural quality to it which looks like a rock. Since it has that deformity to its structure, I look like it could be some sort of giant mountain that happened to be shrunk down to fit on campus. I also thought about why it would be located where it is. It is located towards the back side of the museum, and is right by a path. It is apparent that when the museum was looking for a place to put this object, they wanted people to see it.

Then I had to think of why one would want to look at this. It is necessarily aesthetically pleasing. I bet to most people it just looks like a giant rock, or piece of poop. Then I came up with a couple different ideas that could explain why this object is where it is. I first thought it could represent some sort of a journey. That it was there to represent the journey that we take when we are in college, and into life itself. This would help explain that it is right next to a path. It could also help explain its location being right out in the open for all to see. We can all relate to the sculpture, because we are all on some sort of journey. I also noticed that this object is on top of a hill. It is almost like it is on top of a pedestal. I think this is so that once again people will take a solid look at this object. It stands out from the flat ground and would have to have some sort of significance.