WP3: Pre-Writing Assignment 4

My assigned sculpture, "Monet's Table (from the Lilypad Series)," can definitely be though of as both an intensification of the natural environment in which it is found and an intensification of an art object. These assertions are supported partly by the fact that it is a sculpture--a three dimensional object--that the audience can observe from a near limitless multitude of viewpoints. From these points of view, the audience can clearly see each way the environment impacts this table, and, in a similar manner, how the table effects the environment. In many cases, it is the environment itself that helps to reveal this piece of art as an intensification of an art object. "Monet's Table(from the Lilypad Series)," is more than just a table or a piece of art; it is an integral part of the environment--it is the environment.

Sculptures are, generally speaking, an intensified form art. Sketches and paintings, for example are both two-dimensional; no matter the angle at which the audience views a pencil sketch or painting, it will always look relatively the same. Sculptures, however add another dimension, allowing the audience to freely move around the piece of art, thus changing the perspective and presenting opportunities for entirely different interpretations of the art object. In the case of "Monet's Table (from the Lilypad Series)," this characteristic of three-dimensional art holds true; the table can be viewed from every side, from underneath (if you really have that much determination), and on a bridge from above. Sculptures also extend the depths of some aspects not available to paintings and pencil sketches: Material. While paintings and pencil sketches can be created on a few different materials, the sketches themselves will always be drawn in pencil and paintings (with just a bit more flexibility) will always be created in paint. Sculptures, on the other hand, can be made in basically any material imaginable, such as wood, various metals, or Play Dough! This affects such aspects as texture, temperature, weight, and color.

Both the environment and "Monet's Table (from the Lilypad Series)" impact each other in important ways. The area around this piece of art has a plethora (I really wanted to use that word) of picnic tables, creating visual unity. Michael Todd's sculpture breaks this unity with a table that contrasts in shape, size, and material, highlighting its most important aspects. The environment is continuously reflected upon "Monet's Table (from the Lilypad Series)" mostly because of its strategic position under a bridge. Because of this placement, the balance between sunlight and shadow constantly shifts in an epic battle played out across the surface of the table. Clearly, another dimensions is present: Time. The outdoor setting of this art object allows time to constantly alter its appearance, temperature, and--in the long run--structural integrity. These aspects reflect the effects of the environment to the audience. In this case, "Monet's Table (from the Lilypad Series)" as an intensification of an art object is highlighted by its intensification of the environment.