Animal intelligence Thesis

Gracyn Finn:

While starfish lack a brain and blood, their complex nervous system and deliberate features are the root of their intelligence, allowing them to live in the ocean. Using the eyes at the ends of their arms they can detect light and navigate their surroundings. As well as hundreds of feet so they can move around and hunt for food. They can also regrow their arms after being cut off. These unique abilities suggest that intelligence in animals can exist beyond brain-centric models, challenging conventional definitions of cognition.

ArtXpose

Gracyn Finn

Holmes Hall- October 9, 2024, 5:00PM

Maggie Cardelús

I went to an artist’s talk by Maggie Cardelús where she talked about the work she does like needlepoint, leatherwork, and paper folding in varying scales. Early on in her presentation, she spoke about how the titles of her photos are always changing and how she has no end goal for art, and that she continues to change and develop her art. My favorite pieces that she showed us were the pieces that were made of paper that were cut and reformed, and you could barely even tell what the original photo was of. I loved the picture of her son looking at the birds and then she cut out little bird outlines, it was so simple but such a great meaning behind it. I enjoyed when she was talking about when she collected the needlepoint work and how each one had its own unique characteristics. I love how all of her art is so different with its processes, it would be so amazing to go to one of her shows because of how diverse her pieces are.

Published
Categorized as artsXpose

Sakem Museum

Gracyn Finn

Title of event: Sakem Museum, Third floor of ELC

Date and time: 11:45, September 27th, 2024

Type of Event: Art museum

1.) Provide a brief detail-oriented technical description or summary of the event you attended.

For this Artxpose, I walked around through the Sakem Museum here at Bucknell and got to enjoy all of the art made by different students here. There were a ton of framed pieces of art and all had unique qualities that individualized each one. 

2.) Use the section below to write a well-structured paragraph focusing on your personal criticalinsight / response to the event. How did you interpret or react to what was presented to you?

While walking through the Sakem Art Museum I enjoyed taking my time and walking through the room at my own pace getting to think about the art I was looking at. I noticed how they weren’t titled which was interesting for the pieces that were more unclear, because I was able to have my own interpretation of the art. I also noticed how all of the different pieces of art were very different and varied in their composition. Some were photos, some were watercolors, paint, acrylic, and pencil, and some I was unsure what the artist used which I found interesting. While walking through, and seeing the various pieces, made me wonder how they decided to group the pieces and how they are displayed. From an outside perspective, it looks almost random, but I wonder if there was a certain thought process and purpose behind how the pieces were grouped together. I also wonder how often they replace this art, and how they decide what will be displayed. Some art pieces look like they vary in the culture behind them. One piece that stood out to me was one with a man surrounded by Chinese characters and symbols. Some pieces are very modern looking with clean shapes and colors while others are messy scribbles.

3.) What information, ideas, images, etc. most impressed you and why?

I am most impressed by how each piece of art is so different and how you can clearly tell that almost every piece was made by a different artist. There was two pieces that were next to each other and looked like they used the same material and similar qualities but the image was the same. I think it is interesting that I interpret the two pieces as being made by the same person. 

4.) Overall, how would you rate this event (10 being the most worthwhile)?

7

5.) Justify your rating in the question above:

I did enjoy this Museum and I liked taking my time walking through because it was empty while I was there. I am looking forward to attending an event so that I can hear what the speaker has to say and learn new things about art that I don’t know.

Published
Categorized as artsXpose

Project 2

Public speaking used to be my biggest fear. I would do everything in my power to avoid it. I knew I would have to overcome this fear but I didn’t know how or where to start. Three years ago I was given the opportunity to be one of the captains of my field hockey team during a big tournament. The only catch was on the last night of the tournament we have a big team dinner where the captains give speeches to each person on the team. While writing the speeches with my co-captain, it started to feel more and more real, and all I could think about was presenting them. As we were sitting through dinner I was so zoned-out and distracted and couldn’t believe that I was about to speak in front of this many people. Dinner was over and it was time for us to give the speeches. My legs were shaking, as was the paper I was reading off of. I was scared to look up so I kept my eyes glued to the paper, to make sure I didn’t lose my place. I couldn’t wait for it to be over, I felt my eyes were getting blurry. But soon enough it was over and I felt the biggest wave of relief. After this, I was captain for the next 4 tournaments and every time it was easier and I would get much less nervous. To this day I am still grateful for that opportunity and how it impacted me. During my time in high school, I started to take on more leadership roles and started to enjoy getting involved. I even got the opportunity to read the opening prayer at my high school graduation, which is something the younger version of me would have never thought I would do. I realized now how important it was for me to push myself that first time because it forced me outside my comfort zone, helped me become a better leader, and made me more confident.

Key Words:

  • Growth
  • Nervous 
  • Confidence
  • Terrified
  • Leader 
  • Anxious 
  • Quiet
  • Frozen
  • Relief
  • Uncomfortable
  • Brave
Published
Categorized as PROJECT 2