The Culture of Art

 1.  Functions of Early Art: 

a. The cave artists were trying to illustrate their life in a particular region by communicating in their art form during their times. In the eyes of the artist, the art displayed in the Lascaux Caves gives the viewer a deep representation of the animals and people they saw and experienced in their lives. Instead of using formal writing, they could communicate their beliefs and daily struggles through illustrations to those who stayed in the caves and to possibly other groups who would pass through. For example, animals were captured with movement, as if the artists were depicting their functions and behaviors. 

b. Firstly, it could be the fact that more animals were present compared to humans in the area where the artist was living. Secondly, the artist might have felt that there was no need to draw detailed illustrations of humans because the viewers already knew what they looked like. Instead, they wanted to illustrate detailed images of potential threats (animals) or survival tactics. Lastly, animals were their basis of survival whether that was hunting for meat to eat, using their fur for warmth, or protecting themselves from threats (wolves). All of those ideas can be illustrated to help those in the caves or others who passed by their way of living. 

c. The paintings show the shape and movement of many different animals, indicating which animals were being hunted or focused on at the time. Their art shows their interactions with animals that were or were not accepted by their culture. It can also give insight into their diet and the tools they acquired. The paintings show the medium available in the early cave dwellers' lives giving insight into materials they had at the time. It also reminds us of the importance of art in their culture. Lastly, the most obvious point is that the paintings illustrate the hunter-and-gatherer process that the cave dwellers and Paleolithic people led. Though their times in the caves were not constant, they could tell their story for many generations to come. 

d. The caves must have been very dangerous and steep inside making it difficult to get into without an injury of some sort. The caves were probably extremely dark making it hard to see; not only would they have to carry a form of light but all their art utensils (paint, tools, etc.) as well. The art materials themselves might have been hard to obtain, creating another challenge. Once there was a spot to paint, the next difficulty would be painting on an uneven surface like a rock, making it hard for the artist to take control the way they wanted to. Instead, they have to work around their canvas. If the artist wanted to draw a true depiction of an animal they would have had to previously observe that animal in person without being harmed. I can imagine the fear they might’ve felt, especially when observing dangerous animals. 

e1. The art serves as a form of self-expression. Art allowed the cave dwellers to express themselves through pictures. Those who enjoyed this form of expression could create their art leisurely. They would be able to spend their time creating something that they love and/or are proud of. 

e2. It serves as a form of history that shows life in early cave times. It can also be used as a form of education during that time to aid future and current hunters and gatherers about the ways of their lives. It is still a current part of history that educates generations thousands of years later.

e3. The art could serve as a source of communication by telling a story to another individual or group. It could serve as a caution against threats to inform other people about the animals that mean harm. 

2.  Commonalities in Function: 

Both the Lascaux Cave drawings and modern art tell a story through the illustrations. For example, there is a religious story about The Last Supper. One picture captures the last meal Jesus shared with his apostles where he explains that one person among them will betray him. Those unfamiliar with the story would view the painting solely as one man sitting between confused men at a dinner table. Meanwhile, someone who knows the story understands the emotional depth behind their faces and the symbolism of the bread and wine placed on the table; the same concept can be said with the Lascaux cave drawing. To cave dwellers, these pictures are not only images, they tell a story that holds important/ specific cultural values to them. However, to someone unfamiliar with the stories of the cave dwellers, they can be perceived as just paintings of animals put into a cave. Lascaux and modern art serve the function of preserving history; consequently, they allow future generations to see what culture was like for the artists and what the influence was for them to create it (whether that illustrates themes of faith, sacrifice, or livelihood).

 3.  Introduce Us to Your Favorite Art:

One of my favorite classes I’ve taken in college is Art History and within that course my favorite topic was pottery.

a. Pottery serves not only aesthetic purposes but also utilitarian purposes as well. Functional bowls, plates, and pots can be used for daily activities like cooking, eating, and storing items. Potters communicate their artistic expressions, personal stories, and cultural narratives through their work. The forms, textures, decorations, and glazes they use can help them convey ideas and emotions. The first image of the flower vase shows the potter's artistic creativity and each color and design used allows them to show self-expression. Pottery can also help to express cultural heritage or historic events. The second image shows a hydria, an ancient Greek vessel used to carry water. During this time, sirens were popular in Greek Mythology and this vessel can help depict that by illustrating two sirens surrounded by vines and leaves. Not only was the artist able to use this vessel to help store water, drink, or even gift but the viewer can obtain knowledge about this time in history through the piece.

b. In terms of language, there is a lot of specific terminology such as “throwing” which describes the clay being placed on the wheel, and “firing” which describes the process of hardening the clay. Specific tools (sponges, kilns, wheels, etc.) and materials (clay, glazes, etc.) are required. The behaviors would include the common or cultural techniques for preparing/molding clay and firing the kilns. The fun thing about pottery is that through every culture or generation, you can see the advancement and redirection of pottery. For example, the link I’ve provided below is a short video that shows the history and differences in pottery through many periods. The timeless craft has been practiced in ancient Egypt, China, Greeks, and Romans and continues to live on. It is fascinating to see how many cultures use pottery for different things and make their art their own. 

c. Pottery preserves cultural heritage, fosters creativity, and provides economic opportunities for creators. It contributes to local economies through tourism, local markets, and small businesses. Pottery also serves a therapeutic purpose to help promote a state of relaxation, mental well-being, and freedom of creative expression. One piece of art will have many subjective interpretations from person to person. Therefore, it's hard to think of any negative effects the actual pottery pieces have themselves. Most “negativity” stems from how people perceive the pieces rather than the actual piece itself. However, the process of pottery may have some detrimental effects. There may be a few environmental challenges due to kiln firing (emissions/ energy consumption) and potential health risks associated with someone who handles clay and glazes constantly.