OLYMPIANS BY JOHNNY SUN

THIS PIECE I DID WAS BASED ON THE SCHOOL MASCOT, SAN DIEGO "OLYMPIANS" I FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE A GOOD ARTWORK TO BE PAINTED ON IN THAT PART OF THE SCHOOL. IT LOOKS GREAT AND IT SHOWS THAT SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE IS A TOUGH SCHOOL OF OLYMPIANS.


JOHNNY SUN

Multicultural Mural Installation Proposal -Johnnie Rivas

The project I am proposing is a multicultural mural installation on the side of a building. As a college student of minority background, I believe that diversity goes beyond the physical presence of diverse people at an institution of higher learning. It is easy for a student to blend in and fall into the background at an institution causing some students to feel unwelcome and/or out of place. By displaying such a mural, it not only supports diversity but it upholds the commitment by the institution to have a diverse and supportive campus. UCSD is a good example of this as they have installed a permanent multicultural mural along the side of one of its lecture halls. The UCSD mural comes from artist Mario Torero who worked with students to conceptualize the piece. It is the first time in the history of the school that a permanent outdoor work of art reflects the history of a minority community. The mural present in my piece comes from the installation at Cal State Dominguez Hills as part of their 50th anniversary. It was installed last year in mid August and was a collaborative effort by artist Eliseo Silva and students.  I believe all campuses could benefit from multicultural art pieces. They represent history that many are unaware of and could benefit the overall climate of a campus. - Johnnie Rivas

Design Center- Naoko Ogura

BEFORE

AFTER

CLOSE UP

I chose to do a Public Art in Mesa Design Center. The place was completed in the middle of Fall semester in 2010 and I have found out that a lot of people doesn’t seems to know the place is located. So I wanted to create something that we can say that the Design Center is at where you see “that public art,” like a landmark because what we have right now is less inspiring for the design/creative students.
My inspiration was from the art of Robert Irwin's Two Running Violet V Forms. I looked at other public arts but my eye kept going back to his work. When I first saw that, I thought it was a glass. But as I read his ideas, I even like it more. He wanted to use the quality of lights and variety of lights of nature. Since the location I chose was more close to the residents, I thought that I could not really do a big art. However, I wanted to use the idea of the variety of lights that goes through the glass tower that I created. So my idea would be to create a centerpiece using a glass at the courtyard of the Design Center. I want to create an art using the glasses and built them up in different levels just like each student we all have different level, goals and perspectives. The glasses reflect or see through the light or students themselves and by looking at them I hope they can interpret their thoughts and ideas to their work. I think I should win this competition because I have a lot of thoughts to this place and when we moved from the old building to this new site, we the Interior and Architectural students were really fascinated. However I think right now the campus seems to be apart from each other. Also the programs that are offered from Design Center are the one of the best programs in San Diego. I would like to make this place that is as good as the program. -Naoko Ogura

Cultural Art Statement by: Corita Cazares

 

    My proposal for the Public Art Piece is illustrated from a Chicano/a perspective.  The image that would be imposed onto the side of a building was created myself in an attempt to bring cultural awareness to all ethnicities. As a person who grew up with multiple ethnicities I have found it difficult in some instances to be socially active with individuals who view the “minority” race as an inferiority. In the image depicts a person with two ethnicities weighting the difference between what’s important- what you can’t see on the inside, or a persons’ outer character. I feel that I should be given the privilege of winning this competition because not only have I personally undergone elements of racial terrorism and the effects of being criticized for something you can’t visually see, but I’m certainly positive that others can relate to my misfortune. In an attempt to spread the word that racism manifests itself in several forms, it would illustrate a sense of hope that one day- maybe we can live our lives without having to be judged by our biological predispositions.  The image also represents that through hardship people can be resilient and focus on the things that are most important instead of enduring unnecessary troubles. This art piece would definitely make campus a better place because not only will it touch the hearts of the Chicano/a community, but it will also inspire other ethnic groups to engage in the arts to support a positive cause.
 

   The ideologies behind creating such an art piece was from reading and doing some research from the “Art of the 21 Century” website along with studying the Stuart Collection that is most popularly seen at UC San Diego. Art of the 21 Century is a non-profit organization that utilizes art over different mediums to illustrate positive educational values amongst its viewers. In an attempt to create something that I felt would be visually and mentally stimulating towards my peers I turned to some of the artists featured in the 21 Century site.  I was very intrigued by Mark Dion’s statement when he said, “The job of the artist… is to go against the grain of dominant culture, to challenge perception and convention.” These words were very inspiring for me because I wanted to portray an art piece that could do exactly that. When I have the opportunity to visit other campuses around San Diego, like UCSD, I take a great interest in all the artwork that is prevalent around every corner. I thoroughly enjoy the “Trees” collection that is mentioned in the Stuart Collection because I have gone to visit the trees before the its one of the art pieces within UCSD that I find myself going back to visit when I get the chance to. I want to be able to use the tools that I have been taught in the most positive ways in order to make others come back to visit my art as well.       -Corita Cazares

What's in a message? Toni W.

Mesa College Art Building

First proposed message

Placement of first message on Mesa College Art Building

 What's in a message?

The public art project I am proposing would involve infusing inspirational quotes and supporting artwork around the San Diego Mesa Community College campus. This project has two very specific objectives.

One is to create subliminal messages to the students and teachers that will inspire them to learn and apply their knowledge in ways that will benefit not just themselves, but the community, country and even the world - the greater good.

Two is the drab appearance of the campus will be brightened and enhanced with meaningful designs with splashes color.  The overall effect will be uplifting and encouraging rather than a feeling of oppression and depression.

Invest in Yourself and You Always Win

by Joe Lannen

boring concrete wall

Wall of knowledge

Closeup of Personal Growth chart

I'd like to paint word objects of strong positive influence that will motivate people to enrich their lives and reach their full potential. These words represent an idea or action of benefit and personal growth, and can be done in place of watching TV, for example, which usually functions to induce laziness, stress, and waste of time. This artwork will be displayed on the side of an otherwise bland concrete wall on campus with plenty of foot traffic passing it. I brainstormed a collection of strong words that enhance the human mind and spirit, then narrowed the list down to the top few. I would like this word collage to be the base, and then invite talented artists to add images, thus creating a more visually integrated mural.

           At the very least this wall graphic will get students thinking more about the different topics and hopefully act on them… especially meditation, which is extremely valuable in keeping a clear head for the active mind. The significance of these words is that each entity is extremely valuable to a person’s being, yet many people neglect to open their mind to such simple endeavors. I think it's important to never get complacent with personal growth.

Sea Life - Roxie Poser

I chose one of the building photos given to us rather than take my own photo.  Having never been to the Mesa College campus, I don't know the type of classes held in this building so couldn't incorporate art to go with building use.  Having seen pictures of the campus, the buildings look so cold and uninviting.  I moved to San Diego from Montana where there are no oceans, so I am mesmerized by the ocean and everything in it.  I snorkel whenever I can as well as go to aquariums to view underwater life.  I recently returned from Hawaii where I saw a sea turtle while snorkeling.  When I found a picture of a sea turtle on the internet, I knew I had to use it.  In aquariums, I can stand for hours watching the jellyfish float through the water.   After  finding an appropriate picture of a jellyfish on the internet, I used it as well.  I liked Barbara Kruger’s art in the Stuart Collection where she took a huge, blank wall and proceeded to put many images of clocks on the wall.  She commented she wanted to “create a space of visual pleasure, comfort and relevancy”.  All of a sudden a blank, boring wall became interesting and most likely a conversation piece.   Following the inspiration of Ms. Kruger, I tried to use artwork to liven up a building with the idea it would create a more pleasant atmosphere.  Everyone gets stressed out taking classes and some need to juggle work, homework, childcare, and more.  Adding art work to the cold facade of the buildings may make the students college experience more pleasant and comfortable.

-Roxie Poser