Thurs. Jan 17

"Most if not all images have a meaning that is preferred by their producers." This is an interesting concept to reflect on. Of course there is something in particular that they would like for us to grasp from their design or image; how often do we really give it the "correct" meaning though? There is a definite parallelism between images we see and things we say. Our intent is not always correctly relayed. At least in spoken communication, though, we can use things liks inflection and facial expressions.

The few pages in which "taste" was discussed was also thought-provoking. I would not necessarily say that someone with "good taste" had preferences similar to that of the dominant culture. In fact, I would say the opposite. As a girl I am, of course, thinking in terms of fashion. But fashion is an image, so I am going to continue with it. I would say that someone with good taste is something who does not dress like everyone else but instead stands out. Much of it would have to do with choosing things that go with your body type, but there is still a degree of choice after those decisions have been made.

I enjoyed reading about the evolution of the Doc Marten boot. Who knew that they had such a culturally rich background? I wore them in high school with no idea of any previous connotation assocaited with the shoe. Would I have still work them having known then what I know now? Definitely, but it still would have been nice to know then.

In the painting "Olympia," I think it is interesting why the people did not like the painting. Was it because it was a prositute? No. Was it because she was nude? No. It was because she is looking back at the painter. Bizarre!! "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is quite possibly my favorite of all the paintings that we have looked at. I love how she is looking back, and I also love how her mouth is open.