Topics: kathleensumpton

Does everyone have a voice? What has changed over the last few hundred, or even thousands of years? How has voice moved from largely belonging to one person in a crowd of thirty orally, passed on through memory, to being more textual, communal, and from the young to the old?

This topic is meant to explore the path of "voice" from the past to the present and perhaps with speculations on the future, in terms of thoughts, opinions, etc. being heard – whether it be through writing, singing, or any other verbal form.

In "the beginning", art was something that was it's own category apart from other things, containing mostly painting and sculpture, as talents such as singing and drama was left for "entertainers" – a much less prestigious occupation.

Nowadays, our definition of art is more subjective, and has opened the doors to everything from video games to a selfie of our dinner last night.

When is art no longer a representation of our lives? When does it turn into a reality?

When it comes to writing, whether it be in a category as specific as film, TV, or games – we are all in the same boat. Whatever it is we say must be new. Or rather, must be heard in a new way.

What are the challenges of coming up with a new idea? What is the difference between copying and reinventing?

This topic can be explored in various ways, from various angles, but most likely under the category of writing. If you find a specific theme geared only towards another area of the Artifice, by all means, go for it!

This topic could explore major artists who worked in film when the transition from black and white to film occurred, such as Disney and Hitchcock.

As someone who does not own a Television set and doesn't watch many shows, I have a hard time thinking of content for this category.

However, I think that someone who has a lot of background information in this area might be better at discussing this topic I've had in the back of my mind.

What do we mean when we "watch" TV? Does TV rather, watch us? Not like the novel 1984, but rather with the idea in mind we sometimes leave it on all the time – or feel constantly drawn to turning it on – when other things are around to do.

When I was growing up, I had a TV in my bedroom and left it on all day unless I was sleeping. Even when I was gone for the day at school I had it turned on, only with the mute button.

What is it about the Television that is so intriguing we feel we must watch it? And how do we "watch" TV now? This topic could explore the modern version of netflix, laptops, or anything to do with the connotation of "watch" when it comes to TV.

I have learned that there are differences between writing in print and writing for the screen, and that the way we read isn't the same. Is this true, and to what extent? Is this something that will eventually disappear as time goes on, and generations become more and more naturalized to technology?

Another important thing to discuss for this topic would be the value of each method. Is digital more valuable simply because of the technology movement? Or will print always have its own place?

As someone who still writes down all of their notes and to do lists on paper, keeping a paper calendar organizer instead of using a digital one on my phone, I see print as holding a place for quite some time to come.

Afterall, I see the increase in technology eventually translating over to fewer and fewer jobs available to humans, and print is falling to the wayside the same way we are. Saving print might mean saving ourselves.

What do you think? Take this topic in any direction you want.

When the economy starts to fall, citizens begin holding onto their money more and spending wisely. There are certain things we can't do without in life, such as food and shelter, and these are the things we often save our money for when times are tough. One of the first things to get cut from our expenses is the arts and entertainment, something this website celebrates in full.

Do you think that the arts suffer more when the economy falls? Do you think the economy is near collapsing entirely, therefore putting the arts in severe danger? If the arts are the way we celebrate and enjoy life, are they truly unnecessary compared to all else when times are tough? How can they be the meaning behind and representation of life if we are so quick to do away with them?

Nowadays, it is getting harder and harder to receive grant funding for your organization as a non-profit, but there are still many benefits one has over a for-profit business.

In the modern world, whether you are starting your own business or going to work for someone else, I believe you're still risking the same thing: you could be out of a job tomorrow.

What do you think?

There is something to be said about the relationship between space and place. Often, where we are located geographically and the site in which we operate in contribute greatly to the cultural goods we produce. In the arts, this is commonly seen where low-cost, renovated heritage sites have been turned into galleries, studios, cafes and apartments. But is there really a relationship between space and place and do they truly influence culture?

An artist friend of mine said to me the other day that when she is working, who she is and always has been comes out in her work – and see has witnessed this in other artists too. In particular, she sees elements of her parents personalities she inherited showing in her work. Is art something that is innate, or is it brought upon by the environment?

This same friend of mine went on to say that every great artist needs a strong network of community support. Reinforcing the important of place, an artist is a person who arises out of their own space, supported and influenced by the place in which they live and work, and is, I believe, an ever-changing person along with the cultural spaces in which they inhabit.

What do you think? Are space and place important for an artist, or is it all innate?