Cornify

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Manifesto

What may, from the outside, seem to be a simple piece of art or structure, nature or even human being in essence has so many multifaceted layers with which there are so many ways to read or look at it, giving that object a fourth dimension. A dimension beyond our reality. As if the world around us, whether natural or man-made has a soul which is built up everyday.

This while seemingly beyond belief is present in our everyday lives whether we choose to see it or not.

While you may put something or someone in a situation, or a place, in which they are confined; a child to a room, a picture to a frame, it essentially means very little to the layers of the child or picture. Take it out of the area and you have a whole new person, a whole new way of looking at that picture.

Living with our selves everyday and interacting with people such as ourselves on a constant basis, and now with the ever growing abundance of new media and ways to communicate, our layers have become more obvious and easier to see around, under and in-between. Our layers are seen as more people are stepping out of the box and becoming individuals. However, it is the world that surrounds us, that we have not only made, but from which we have come from ourselves with which we have more of a problem recognizing the layers of. To abide by the boundaries of everyday life is natural, easy, safe. Yet, in the instant we start to deviate from that understood boundary is when a layer of ourselves emerges as well.

Transcendentalism deals with the power of nature and our surrounding world, and our own bodies, minds and spirits. These aspects; body, mind and spirit, take us away from the norm which we fall into daily and bring us outside of a place, and into a separate space.

Whether these boundaries are broken physically, mentally, visually or emotionally etc. I believe it is a necessity for one to not only experience but understand their experience to truly grasp the space with which they now fulfill. For our installation, we have made it possible for the minds and bodies of the viewers to begin to push the limits on their ever-secure and safe boundaries. In a society where the media has the power to control the minds, thoughts, actions, and over-all beliefs of a people, the boundary door to this nirvana-esque world is only but a hair open for us to peak out of. It is those who break open the door purposefully or not who can really appreciate the layers of life itself.

By bringing the outdoors inside where there are meticulously made pieces of art in a clean, quiet environment, people will begin to see a different side to those paintings and such hanging on the wall. The juxtaposition of the "nature" which is precariously placed so that it deviates from the way a museum operates, allows the viewers to not turn off the thought or visual or smell, taste, any sense of what goes on outside or inside as well, in a sense marrying the two together.

A child's innocent slightly less influenced view of beauty and art are the words that connect with the natural art. This in multiple forms, brings a sense of that layer of a human which technically stays with them forever, while some may hide it better than others, and allows it to begin to blossom through the door which was believed to have been more or less closed within themselves and their surrounding world.

To break these ever-increasing barriers on the mind, body, spirit, a society, an adult, a child, allows for a new space to be realized and a old place appreciated. To take the world we live in or the people we have around us for granted at any time not only binds one's layers but it makes it that much harder for one to realize the beauty beyond the beauty.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

"Following" or is it, "Creeping?"

Writing writing writing....waiting waiting waiting...im a creeper...I feel so weird just waiting here...like I feel mad weird...like a legit creeper...its bad. But yeah im waiting for michael to get out...I know his name...ha now im sitting waiting for someone I saw to leave. I wrote things they said. Im such a creeper. Going in the mall next. Then home for batteries. My digital camera is dead. So sad. Im rambling for a reason...I have to wait...for someone. Did michael leave?
Just parked at the mall. Its 11:59. There's a starbucks inside. I'm still nervous, but getting the hang of this...I guess.

Fail. I was just at this mall a week ago, and now the starbucks is closed for renovation. And I can't figure out why all these kids are here with parents...spring break for them??

Now home for batteries...just a pit stop. I feel like people are noticing the camera. Haha, "then he tells me how many calories im eating and im like you're fat!". Girl, employee most likely, standing outside on the phone.

Home now, my mom wasn't expecting me so she was a little startled...talk about creeper ha. Time for batteries and bathroom break...I did drink some coffee...you know, to blend in as best as I can.

So now its 1:25pm, im sitting in the Piscataway starbucks. As I sit and uh creep, I am also studying my media and culture book.

Chapter 14, page 488, "for newsworthiness, prominence and human interest play a role as well. Reader and viewer surveys indicate that most people identify more closely with an individual than an abstract issue. Therefore, the news media tend to report stories on powerful or influential people. Because these individuals often play a role in shaping the rules and values of a community, journalists have traditionally been responsible for keeping a watchful eye on them."

So here we have even the media, which really is the epitome of voyeurs, making it their job to watch people because WE as consumers want to know what's going on in OTHER peoples lives, because our own lives are simply not interesting enough ha... and how they are living them.

Right now there's not too much going on, im trying to listen to old man guy black glasses' convo.

Guy sat across from me. Perfect. He has an egg sandwich and a coffee. And an iphone. Business pants, shirt and tie. An accent too. Trying for a picture.

Noticing now, younger group..two girls one with a purple shirt and one in black and white...two guys similar age and what looks like a younger brother. Purple shirt is named Priya. Noticing that they are much louder and with much less inhibition than everyone else.

Its hard to focus in on one conversation at a time. Supposedly when you look at the speaker when they are farther away or in a crowded room you can hear them better but I don't want to get caught. Its quiet now at 2:09. The giant flow of thirsty people has succeeded.

Trying to get a shot of indian man at the station stirring coffee and on the cell phone at the same time. Seems more of a variety of people come to this one. Younger college age people and business people and more laid back people. Man stirring coffee smiles at me. 2:31. I smile back.

20 minutes left on my lil secret camera. Its quieted down so im debating whether to go upload my stuff now and head to the next one? I think I will. 2:36.

Americans are fattys. Best employee quote yet, "I don't think I've made this many whip creams in a row!". Haha
Most heard quote, "OH MY GOD!" - We have such a broad and eloquent language don't you think?

2:39 now. Going to upload my video and pictures to see what I have so far. Progress-good.

So now its 3:44. Im uploading the video I have on my "hidden camera". Im planning my next step which is to get to the last two starbucks and to class at 6:10 as well. As I do this I am realizing that while I am following people, you are as well following me. Its all a big circle. Really. The circle of life.

I also want to mention while im waiting that as I drove back to my apartment I had a desire to follow people in my car, see where they go. I can definitely see unemployeed people doing this when they are bored because its utterly fascinating and strangely addictive.

3:53. Done uploading. Guess I will hit up the george street starbucks until my class starts. Than head over to the drive thru one in 18 south after class.

Okay its 5:12. Im at starbucks in new brunswick. As usual it is quite busy full of college students as well as homeless people and business people.

I feel bad. The two women next to me experienced the same thoughts when we thought some scruffy guy was taking alcohol into the bathroom. It turned out to be the key for the bathroom was attached to the bottle. The black woman said, "that's what I get for being nosey!" as I record her and write down their conversation. Apprapo? Yeah...(sigh).

5:26. Im really still not used to this honestly. I mean, I hear people talk and gossip naturally and unintentionally when they are near me as does everyone else, but to do it on purpose I feel like im a big fake, a liar. I don't like that feeling, because I don't like "tricking" people. Im not sitting here minding my own business, im purposely sitting here trying to figure you out and accomplishing this task. Ethics...that's in my book too.

5:34. Another complaint. Seems as if starbucks is slacking. This isn't the first complaint. It seems though that the more "health conscious" people (she's tall and skinny) are more apt to complain about their drink. Maybe I should complain more and I'll look skinnier? Nope.
Old man with glasses and hat, walking in at 5:37 stood at the window a second and looked gloomily inside. He's in now standing at the door. Just standing. They are making the girl another drink, actor boy walked by and didn't see me. Old man is going to the bathroom. It seems this is the public bathroom area for the poor. Actor boy is gone.

I feel like an obvious creep. That's never good. I decided not to go to class today. I'll ask for the notes. This is too intense. Ha.

Its cold but I want to sit outside and observe. Its 5:53

Its freezing. Good footage though so its worth it. For now.
"Oo starbucks, oh wait we're gonna pass the dunkin donutd". Haha. "Anyways I gotta go, you gotta go, I don't even wanna try calling your cell phone". Haha, people are awesome. Homeless people sitting out here. I don't know how they do it. Its 5:58 and I feel like I am about to get hypothermia. Not cool. It seems as if they travel together. Homeless went in and talked to homeless man 1 and left with homeless man 2. Now im too cold. Time to move on.

Damn. Traffic. 6:08.

6:31. I'm at the drive-thru starbucks. I'm going to go in.

This one is tough. People are close and its not noisy busy like the new brunswick one. New man in the corner on his hp laptop. I see 9 laptops to be exact. 7 people with large rimmed glasses. By now, the last place I have to commend starbucks. There is definitely a general "customer" and atmosphere. Perfect place for business meetings, to doing business work, school work or hanging out with a loved one. All you need is a shoulder slung bag, big rimmed glasses and a clean look and you're set. Haha well, I am exaggerating, starbucks does allow scruffy homeless people to come in and pee...

This is my second coffee today. As if my nerves weren't already on edge from the idea of being a creeper. I do admit I feel more comfortable creeping on people if that makes sense. It is definitely hard tho because I would definitely be angry and I guess slightly offended if someone was creeping on me. Too bad its not nice out, because I feel we'd get an even bigger variety of people. I think people are suspicious here, or it could just be my guilt, which has been messing with my head all day. I am going to leave here soon. I can only take so much "following" or as I like to call it "creeping" in one day. From 10 in the morning to now, 7 in the evening I've explored the world and people, culture and general feel of the starbucks experience.

This guy to my left keeps crumpling paper. Id love to know his failed ideas. And his ideas in general. I can't even steal the paper when he leaves because its one of those small hole coffee cup trash cans.

Asian man with the hp computer from the corner went to talk to two different baristas. Why is no one ever satisfied? Perfection is overrated.

I gave the guy my extra chair, he seems nice. Even in the busy new brunswick starbucks between the music, warm lighting, sound of coffee and welcoming chairs and benches, starbucks gives an overall feeling of comfort and calm. Its nice to watch the busy cars fly by through the big glass windows while we are safe inside. It becomes a sort of break from reality for people.

Its very stagnant in this one...maybe because since its later people have more time to sit and do work rather than run in grab some coffee and go...although this is a drive-thru starbucks as well ha. This one seems a meeting place more than others...again maybe because its later. Everyone just seems more calm. Its very nice. 7:08.

8:00. Time to edit.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Why in Progress?

So you may be wondering why my map post is titled, "In Progress". Well if you really think about it, our lives are continually in progress and this is because we are constantly changing and constantly moving. I would love to be able to add all the pictures and all the videos that I have, or my mom has of all the memories that were made.

And yet, it would be a never-ending flow of information and images, and memories. I have so many important memories, and have met so many important people who have impacted my life, that I would not want to leave anyone out, or make anyone more important than the last.

I may put pictures up; upload them on Flickr for the world to see, or I may not. I still have so much ahead of me. There is so much I want to do, want to see.

Oh and, for your entertainment, check out the "cornify" button on the top of my blog. Really, you'll enjoy it. If you're feeling bored/sad/mad/or any negative feeling, this is guaranteed to brighten your day. Thanks to my video teacher, Matt.

In Progress...


View Larger Map

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Wayfinding-Maps

Wayfinding:

1. How do we really know what the earliest "humans" or "homo sapiens" did when it came to their feeding habits? Did they migrate back to their camp? Did they have that nomad like quality? 
2. Think of how easy we have it today with maps, and easy landmarks to get us home. Every street with a name; now with GPS and satellites...does this in a sense, this abundance of "given" knowlege make us less primal? Primal in a sense that we as a human race seem to be given so much that if we were stranded, we would not be able to survive...true?
3. Maps in a sense are lies. The world, in every sense continues to change. So thus a map is only temporary? 
4. What about people or animals with a "sense of direction"? Does this "sense" actually exist? Can a person who is lost find their way through and internal connection or feeling with the world?
5. Is there anything you can not map? Such as infinity? 

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Computer Heterotopia


DSCI1080
Originally uploaded by daniditaranto
Within a computer you can find a heterotopia...many actually since there is the internet. It is not a Utopia, because even when things may seem real or perfect, they rarely are.

More Mail


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Originally uploaded by daniditaranto
Mail is truly intriguing...once again..it's in its purgatory state.

mail lockers/mail room-heterotopia


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Originally uploaded by daniditaranto
Such an in-between place...almost like a nirvana, but so not at the same time. Reminds me of purgatory.

Within the pages of a newspaper-heterotopia


DSCI1095
Originally uploaded by daniditaranto
There are rules to making this paper...and then you read it, and you finish and you throw it out....when you read it though you enter into it...following the rules of reading...and newspapers.

isolated bench area-heterotopia


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Originally uploaded by daniditaranto
Isolated, confined, odd...yet don't step on the grass or the landscaping. Rules. Yet you may enter to sit on the bench.

Parking Lot Heterotopia


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Originally uploaded by daniditaranto
Enter, Exit, lines are rules...when you enter you follow them..and follow to exit as well....

Flickr

This is a test post from flickr, a fancy photo sharing thing.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

FOUCAULT:

Foucault talks about hetertopias as if they are so limited and as if there are only so many ways to look at them, but can’t a hetertopia technically be anything? Depending on how a person relates to that object or place?

At the very end this quote really impacted me, especially because I believe the last words are so much more meaningful, as if that is what the author was trying to say the whole time; “The ship is the heterotopia par excellence. In civilizations without boats, dreams dry up, espionage takes the place of adventure, and the police take the place of pirates” . So does Foucault agree with heterotopias completely or not? He seems to go back and forth in a way, naming pros as well as an equal amount of cons.

“Getting in” to a heterotopia, he states is, “either the entry is compulsory, as in the case of entering a barracks or a prison, or else the individual has to submit to rites and purifications” and then continues on to state that there’s “simpler” ways to get in as well. Does that not include all ways to get in then? What makes a heterotopia’s enterance really unique then?

Regarding the previous question, wouldn’t any form of entrance or doorway be a hetertopia?

Lastly, it seems clear to me that Utopia’s in any form or looked at in any way, are impossible. Doesn’t that make the heterotopias the norm?

 



Yi-Fu Tuan 

Holding a spoon, that spoon is now an extension of your body. This is what came to mind when I read Yi-Fu Tuan’s paper on space and place. Even though there is a spatial ability that supposedly is developed by babies and such when learning simple activities, does that mean that instinct is completely ruled out?

I feel like there is so much more than just “place” and “space” that putting them under those two topics is so broad and general. Tuan’s idea of space gives me the impression of just the physical your body experiences. Could that mean that there is no metaphorical space?

Tuan talked about place being a geographical idea. Can one not be in a certain “place” in their own mind?

Tuan touches upon the idea of the nature versus nurture issue, but I feel he avoids the question of which has the greatest influence on more or less the space and place of human beings, nature? Nurture? Or both together?

Considering space looked at in the way Tuan sees it more or less, would space be considered  that Karma or an Aura can be seen in “space”?

 

 

 

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

This is a good time...



I feel like right now, at 8:35 in the morning, even though I have tons of things to work on before class....that right now is the perfect time to post something. 


I try and put away lots of time to post on Blogger only because I seem to get off on so many tangents and ideas, and start to run with them, so it takes me a while to get back to that main point that I start with...

I have two stories. 
Story one:

I was in Shop Rite, doing my usual watermelon run, cause needless to say it is the absolute number one most wonderful food anyone could ask for. So I am in the process of buying Shop Rite out of all it's deliciousness, when I decide I will be courageous and go for some carbs, such as bread. I walk by the plethora of breads off all colors, shapes and sizes, until something catches the corner of my eye..."LITE". Yes, I now have an excuse to consider getting a bread-like substance (obviously I have a weight gaining issue...) which subsequently is pretty amazing, because I actually really like the whole darn bread family too, besides watermelon.
mm mm goodness----->

As I ponder the calorie intake of the light style whole grain Thomas's English muffins, an Indian lady walks up on my right and asks me what I think of the muffins. I give her my honest opinion, unfortunately sounding like a commercial as I promote the deliciousness which are the "nooks and crannies" (and yes...I did say that). She takes my recommendation and I turn to leave expressing how nice it was to meet her and help her out in her bread muffin dilemma...when she stops me and asks me for my name. 

Now quick side note about myself: I love all people, I think everyone in the entire world does have some good in them and I think it the biggest fault of the world and shame on humankind that people have to be suspicious when others are nice...or think that it's full out flirting. Honestly, I just respect you, would be more than happy to help you out, and most of all have no problem spending time talking to you and making you laugh, or at the least, smile. 

So, I tell her my name...she continues on asking where I work and what I am studying. We have this conversation then just as I am about to walk away (and yes we are STILL in front of the muffins) she asks for my number.
   
To think it's all because of those up there! ha

Side note number due. (That's Italian for 2):
People yell at me all the time because I give my number to anyone and everyone to ask...creeper or not. I just think people are not naive; of course I have a cell phone, I am a working college student who lives away from home. Those are three necessities right there that require communication via cellular device. And honestly...that way you at least know their number, and see that it's them calling, so if you really must you can ignore it. 

Needless to say, I gave her my number. 

As we parted, I walked away, muffins in hand, told her good luck choosing the right muffin for herself, I was ashamed that I had to think if this was odd that she just asked for my number or not. She did not say why, she simply asked. I didn't want to be rude, and I have absolutely no problem with it, but I can't for the life of me figure out what this older (older than me I mean...probably around upper 30s?) woman is going to do with my number?

I don't think I will ever know, but I will keep you up to date if she calls me sometime. 

Now I will divulge at a later time into the ethics of phone numbers and I don't know if you want me to get started on the lack of pure friendliness in the world. Honestly people, it's the choice few who do turn out to be creepers or molesters, or God forbid rapists/killers that make people, especially women, act like a man just grabbed her when he asks for her number or says hello to her. My friendliness has gotten me in odd situations, however this is because, I believe anyway, people are not used to getting a smile in the store, or someone helping them if they drop something etc. etc. 

Which honestly is very very sad. Like I sad, I will divulge at a later time...because I can go on forever.

Real quick story two, relates to story one. 

New girls at work last semester. I had been working there a year already. I know that place like the back of my hand at this point. We are a family there. I, again, love all people and accept anyone and everyone with open hands. Just found out new girls thought I was putting up a front? :( What!? 

This conversation started when I mentioned to another employee that I don't think new girls like me (refraining from name use for obvious reasons...). I often don't think girls like me...it's weird, actually girls and family members. Most of my friends are guys, animals (haha jk) and myself...and parents, they usually like me too. But girls...I always felt that they just didn't get me, or didn't like me! Maybe this has something to do with growing up with my brother who is 4 years older, and playing things like TNT (we're in the same generation people you have to know this!), Star Trek, Legos, and a multitude of other more "boyish" games. Yet now, I am 20, and I am a relatively girly girl, but can still kick a guys butt in video games. So yes, I am a little different. 

Anyways...they thought I was putting up a front because I was "too" nice. :( 

Once again, it's so sad to hear that people have been conditioned to this point; this point of no return pretty much! Just like your teachers told you when you were younger, it is the wrong-doing of one person that will affect the whole class. Example: Timmy won't even try to control his sugar high (this example unfortunately can range from K-12) and the teacher warns him...yet you all have homework now, because Timmy couldn't shut the heck up. 

Typical. Yet unfortunate. 

I have a test...don't know if you saw "Pay it Forward" but it's basically the same idea. When you're in the store, smile at someone if you make eye contact as you walk by. Say excuse me, Thank You, Your Welcome, etc. Nod/wave when crossing the street, or allowing a pedestrian to walk in front of you. Shake hands with everyone you meet. Listen to people's problems, don't rant about your own. Appreciate the people around us, and they will appreciate you.

One time a teacher told me a pretty influential story:

Man was depressed, decided he wanted to commit suicide. He felt alone, unwanted, neglected. He decided though that he would walk to the end of a pier...and if along the way one person, let me repeat ONE PERSON simply smiled at him, he would turn around and rethink his decision. 

This man did not turn around. 

Take this, let it sink in your head, play with it a little like a new toy, but don't forget it. Please. 

A girl from our own school killed herself this week. She felt neglected. At home and at school. This is unnecessary in the world today to be neglecting each other. 

Get off aim, go meet up with friends. Take your ipod out and talk to people on the bus. Remember; going that extra mile only takes up a minute or two of your time. You can spare it to make someone happy or laugh or smile. 

This is my philosophy. 



                


<3
- D

Friday, January 23, 2009

My purse is ME


I have mail...




Not exactly the kind of mail I'd like to have though...such as letters, which are lovely, but very rare. Cards are nice too, especially when there's an extra little note inside that the sender specifically wrote to you. I save those.

But this mail, ehh not so much. This is MAIL.

When's the last time someone took the time to write out a letter, words from the heart, with a pen and ink??? (pencil is fine too, although it fades...). I enjoy writing letters, and writing them in calligraphy nonetheless. It just seems so personal and you can really express how you feel when you are physically painting each letter carefully onto a piece of paper. The authenticity of a handwritten letter really gives so much more meaning to the words.



Truly.


It seems now the only thing that people are handwriting are numbers on checks and bills...and even that is dying out with online banking being so popular. Figures.


But really...think about it. How special does it make you feel when you receive a letter (I'll even take a post-it note at this point) and it's handwritten?? It seems to me that since it takes longer and you can't just backspace like I can here as I type this, that people have to put just a tad more pre-thinking before they actually write down their words.

Bills. That's what I have, bills and the same mass duplicated letters we all get trying to sell us the Discover card or show that Victoria's Secret is having yet another sale. Letters, bills, ads. MAIL.

The whole issue reminds me of America's situation in general as a matter of fact. Looking at America, I am worried yes with the downfall of our economy and government and the incredible amount of corruption that shapes our country. However, this downfall is necessary. People have gotten too far from values, and what really matters in the world. When you are on your death bed, or in a life and death situation, it is not your car, or your clothes, or your ipod/touch/phone that you'll be worried about...no, whether you like it or not, at that time in your life human nature touches ground and actual important things like family and human caring come into play and concern...to the point where one could watch their Dolce and Gabbana product burn in front of their eyes.

This relates to America in the sense that in any situation, from the country's power, to value systems-what comes up, must come down.

We are born, we live, we die. Buds come out, leaves blossom then must die and fall to the ground. A country gains power, rises near the top, becomes corrupt off the hook losing all sense of value, then falls. This fall...in every situation, makes people realize what is important in life-and as simple and little of a thing as writing a letter by hand, and sending someone a note, "just because" helps you stay grounded, and helps you hold on to the tiniest bit of values that may be left.

Truly.
Think about it.
It really is the small things you do to show you care that count.

Even if you write it on a post-it note.
;)