Poetry Bracket

The final four that I chose on the website were New York, Incision, The Heat of Autumn and Poem Beginning with a Line.

My final two are The Heat of Autumn and Poem Beginning with a Line.  I liked The Heat of Autumn because it gave a good description on what autumn is like and how it is different from all of the other seasons.  I also liked Poem Beginning with a Line because it began with a line, and then explanded into much larger things.

I chose The Heat of Autumn as my winner because I liked all of the descriptions and it really expressed the great smell, sounds, and feeling of autumn.

3-Minute Fiction

http://www.npr.org/2011/02/17/133845005/teeth

This short story caught my attention because it was focusing on a relationship between a little girl and her aunt who comes to stay with her.  In the story, the aunt moves into the little girl's bedroom and constantly repeats, "Be true to your teeth."At first the little girl isn't very excited that she has to share her room with her old aunt, and she has to get used to being around her morning routines.  However, something that sticks with her is what she always tells her, "Be true to your teeth."  She didn't pay much attention to her aunt, but one day, her dad came outside where the girl was sitting and told her that she had passed away in her sleep.  She didn't cry, but immediately remembered what her aunt had always told her.

I liked this story because it tells me that with the relationships in my life, I should remember certain things that my mom or sister or other relative tells me that will make me remember them forever.  I have had grandparents pass away in the past, and there are still things that make me remind them of them, and lessons that I have learned that I know will stay with me in my future.  

Kehinde Wiley

I really liked the paintings of Kehinde Wiley because I think they each tell a very strong story or message, but at the same time, they catch your eye because he uses bright colors to make his messages even stronger.  I think that this painting in particular is a more serious tone but also has a sense of positive light.  It brings out the culture of African Americans, mostly men, and depicts the way they life their lives.  I think he shows a unique style in which European portraiture meets modern hip-hop culture. The poses and objects in each of his paintings are based on well-known images of powerful figures drawn from earlier centuries.  I think that Kehinde Wiley is an extremely inspirational artist and truly values his work.   

Who is Banksy?

1. I think that each of Banksy's pieces express something powerful, but in many different ways.  Some of the pieces are more subtle than the others, but they still do convey something important going on in the world and different world issues.  Others are more powerful, using black and white instead of color, but in general, all of his art pieces express a truthful message.

2. I definitely would consider graffiti as art because art can really be anything you want it to be.  It's still an express of emotion and a way to express yourself too.  I think that some writers and artists use pen names or go by alternative names because they may be afraid of what others have to say about their way and don't want to get negative feedback.

3. I think that it is important to put your work out in public because if you want to be successful and be known for what you love to do, than it's a way to do that.  However, keeping your work private is also a good thing if you feel uncomfortable with sharing your ideas and hearing what people have to say about your work.  

Dance

I chose this picture because I am a dancer and dance is something that is a big part of my life.  I have been dancing since kindergarden and have spend the past 4 years on the Hopkins Royelles Dance Team.  Dance team has taught me so much about myself, and the friendships I've made with the girls on the team are amazing.  My favorite type of dance is jazz, which is why I picked a picture of someone leaping.  I thought that this silhouette was unique and captured something I love to do.  I have a big passion for dance and it is something I really hope to continue in my future.