| Grindylow
Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Boston
Posts: 14,485
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Everleigh Evans
Ravenclaw Fifth Year
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Luca Benetti
Hufflepuff Graduated
  x12  x7
|  elephant-astic•wanderlust•stay in the ninedaaays the original Taco Belle•look at the flowers✿
Art was subjective, and graffiti was a great example of this. While some people thought it was nothing more than an eyesore on a public space, others were able to appreciate the skill and boldness of a piece. Neva was usually the latter, especially if the graffiti in question had a purpose. It was why she wanted to focus the kids in this direction. Art was great in that it could inspire and why not have them imagine ways in which they could inspire using this medium of art? Merlin knew at a school as chaotic as this one could be, a little inspiration and positivity could go a long way. SPOILER!!: Individual Replies Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19  Replies poured in and Claudine made her notes as she listened. Some she had known already, having read about the topic some years ago. It fascinated her and the Claudine she had been back then would have found defacing public property with art quite thrilling. The Claudine she was now, however, did not. It just seemed wrong to deface property that wasn’t hers. The thought of defacing the Blaze mansion walls briefly crossed her mind. The word ‘killers’ would work nicely on said walls.
Anyway.
Claudine’s hand went up almost immediately for the next question. “When there’s an issue that needs urgent attention. An example would be to bring attention to animals being neglected or mistreated which in turn would make the relevant authorities to look into the matter.” "Animal rights is certainly a worthy cause to call attention to," Neva agreed. "I think a piece calling for action in this area would be hard to ignore, especially in a public setting. If the authorities didn't immediately step in, I imagine people would keep referring back to the piece and asking why. It'd keep them talking." Quote:
Originally Posted by astrocat Ash shrugged. She thought it would be good if the mansion had graffiti on it. Father deserved it, probably. Plus, she thought graffiti was pretty cool.
"Graffiti is good for when you want to remember something important, but the law doesn't want to. So if they want to erase whatever is happening in your neighborhood, they'll have to get rid of the graffiti too." Peralta might not see that as a strictly positive thing, considering it was mostly illegal, and neither did Ash to be honest. You could easily spray paint hurtful things wherever you went. But it could be good too... there were worse crimes than spray painting 'have a nice day' or 'treat muggleborns better' on a random piece of sidewalk in Diagon Alley.
"Can it still count as a positive impact if it's not allowed?" "There are times when the rules are not necessarily in the best interest of the people that are meant to be following them." Neva couldn't help but think back to the war, to the priniples those people were trying to teach the kids... "So I'd say that if the graffiti were calling attention to an injustice or a moment in time worth being remembered so that change could happen, that would be a positive thing, yes." Quote:
Originally Posted by Cassirin Phoebe's mouth made a perfect little 'o' at the professor's words. Graffiti was art for everyone? That's what it was about? That was very cool, and sort of inspiring. Assuming that someone didn't get arrested in the meantime.
"I think you can memorialize a person or event in a very public way using graffiti. Maybe a community, so the art brings people closer together, or maybe someone who isn't with us anymore." "Memoralizing a person or event in this way can be really powerful, yes." She nodded in agreement. "It allows for people to see and remember every time they pass the art on the street and it can certainly be a way to create links to other people who're dealing with that same loss, or aftermath of an event, that has been depicted." Quote:
Originally Posted by ArianaBlack This lesson was already one of her favorites. Even though it just started, Kinsay could already tell. That's how much she liked it so far. Especially the direction they were going in. Professor P really knew what she was doing. That's why she was a favorite.
"Maybe some graffiti artists like to make stuff that their community can be really proud of - so other people can come see what makes their community so special. Street art can bring whole cities to life." That was a positive thing, right?
And once again, no questions, your honor! She was trying sooooooo hard to restrain herself.
"It certainly can," Neva said with a smile. "Bright colors, depictions of places or people seen in the community, and representation of the culture of a place can inspire pride and happiness." Miss James was right on. Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady of Light Valentina took notes as the professor spoke, finding this lesson pretty interesting. The fact that there were a lot of good sides to graffiti was something that she was learning now. She thought for a moment or two, raising her hand, deciding to answer this time around.
"Maybe.. about people who have made a lot of positive contributions to that neighborhood? It could inspire others to do the same." "I like this idea. A spotlight on people who do good in a community. I think recognizing the kind acts of others can inspire more acts of kindness and the world could certainly use more of that. Good." Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefan Hand up. "It's a good way to attract attention, for sure, so it could mean...uh, tourism, for example. If people flock to the area, business can happen. And where there's business, there is profit. And when there is profit, livelihood happens for the community." shrug. "Profits and revenues sound good to me, professor." Noah has been thinking of doing his own business after Hogwarts, much like what the rest of his family do for a living. But first, pro Quidditch has to happen. He's got plenty of time to learn the ropes, but for starters, he thought his answer was solid. Hmm. "It sounds good to me too, Mr. Mordaunt." Professor P nodded, impressed by his way of thinking. "Art attracts people, especially if it's big and bright and has a message. If people come to see the art, they might stay to experience what else a place has to offer, and that's a great opportunity for a neighborhood to grow." Quote:
Originally Posted by MadAlice "People will use graffiti to celebrate a culture, where the people in their neighborhood come from. Especially if they feel that culture isn't recognized by the larger society," Violet added. "This is very true, yes." Neva nodded. "Seeing a depiction of your flag, or a staple food, or a face that is from your culture can make you feel seen and make you feel connected in a way you might not always feel. Good." Quote:
Originally Posted by Chelliephone Positive reasons for graffitti? Evan agreed with all the answers being thrown out there, but he could also think of an even simpler one that he wasn't sure he'd yet to hear mentioned. Raising his hand, he waited for his turn, before offering anything in response. "Sometimes adding something bright and cheery can just make people in the neighborhood happy. Giving them something to enjoy looking at in the mornings, when they pass by that abandoned shop or that long open wall space. Because of the enjoyment of looking at it alone, there are some places that host 'street art' festivals where they actually just... allow people to create art for the enjoyment of the rest of the city. Even make demonstrations out of watching people use their craft."
Yes, it could attract tourists like Noah had pointed out. But Evan thought that in some scenarios, it could also just genuinely be about the people already living there. "The simple joy of being able to see art each day is an amazing thing," Neva agreed wholeheartedly. "Great point." Quote:
Originally Posted by PhoenixRising Huh... interesting ... so were they going to get to graffiti something on the castle walls? But wasn't graffiti like a form of vandalism? Though now that Apollo thought about it, maybe it was legal vandalism? As long as people didn't draw or write anything offensive, was there much harm in it? He listened to his peers a moment, trying to sort his thoughts on the positive contributions that graffiti could mean for a community, blinking at Noah's comment about profits. It was technically accurate but that was quite the link he made!!
Eyes fixing on the vines a moment, he considered the question some more before raising his hand. "Perhaps uh , graffiti could also be used to cover up or distract from the negative aesthetics in the community. Maybe even turning it into an opportunity to take pictures against a fun mural or something. They say a picture is worth a thousand words ... so a fun drawing could be a way to transform a blank canvas into something.. remarkable."
He wasn't sure if that made a whole lot of sense, but hopefully Professor Peralta would get what he was trying to say?? "A mural could definitely serve to brighten up a space that was previously thought of as rundown or abandoned, bringing some light and life to a space." Neva smiled. "Good thinking." Quote:
Originally Posted by griffin Being given permission to create seemed to contradict the definition of it as something that was usually done without permission. But could it make a positive impact? ”Graffiti can be used for neighborhood beautification and allowing local artists to make an impact on their community by creating a work of art that everyone can enjoy.” Was it really graffiti if it was allowed though? Perhaps some might call officially permitted graffiti simply a mural or something else that described it? Or maybe it was just the exception to the rule that graffiti was usually done without permission? "Exactly. While graffiti can have a bad rep because it is seen as a way of defacing property, it can also be a way to enhance the beauty of a property. It's important to remember that it has that ability, too." "Thank you to those who shared. My intention here was to remind you that not all graffiti is bad. Graffiti can bring beauty, pride, a sense of power, a connection to past people or events, or a call to action. It can be used for good and I hope that this is how it will be used in the next part of our lesson." Because yes, they'd be doing a little graffiti of their own today.
"The Graffiti Charm is a spell that creates a spray of paint from your wand. The paint comes out quickly, just like when using a can of spray paint. It also dries quickly, which is a benfit. Another benefit of using the spell is that there is no unpleasant smell of paint that is so often associated with spray paints." Neva had the pleasure of witnessing muggle artists working on a mural and the spray paint smell had been enough to make her walk away. She returned later to see the finish piece, of course.
"To perform the spell, you simply say Pingaerosol followed by the color of paint you wish to create. Pin-gaer-o-sol. So, for example, you might say Pingaerosol Blue. After saying the incantation, you flick the wrist of your wand hand and the paint will start to spray. You want to give a little space between your wand and the canvas you're working on to prevent the paint from dripping and give you more control. You also want to focus, as your intention will control the force of the spray. To end the spell or switch colors, you say finite and then start again when you're ready." Easy enough, yes? "It is possible to be more specific with the shades of your colors, but it takes practice and the ability to picture that exact shade clearly in your mind before casting the spell. It's okay if you don't master that today, but it is something to think about if you're interested in using this spell to create art in the future."
"The paint produced by this spell will remain unless certain cleaning spells are used to remove it, so the artwork you're about to create as you practice will be something you can keep." She moved behind her desk, producing a ridiculously large box of canvases. As she continued to talk, she levitated them to the desks of the students so that each had one. "I would like you to prop your canvas up somewhere in the classroom-please be careful around the vines-and practice this spell. Get a feel for it. Switch colors. Try from different distances. You don't have to produce a picture or word just yet if you don't want." That would come later. "If you have any questions, please raise your hand and ask, but otherwise, you can get started." OOC: It's practice time! Please have your charrie grab a canvas and practice the spell! Once comfortable, they're welcome to try out different colors! If anyone has a question for Neva, please put 'Professor' in the title of your post! You'll have about 48 hours before class moves on!
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