Contemporary Art in Samoa: The Role of Personal Expression

Contemporary art is a means of creating and recreating the self, a means of self reflection and defining ones identity. Conceptual art that expresses personal ideas and emotions plays a small role in the arts of Samoa, however it does exist in the minds and galleries of a few individuals. The intention of this study is to examine the role that personal expression plays in Samoan society and the artwork created here. The attitudes and approaches to contemporary art was explored, in addition to the underlying causes of those perceptions. The foundation of this paper evolved out of statements from several artists and art educators in Samoa during personal interviews. Observations from two children’s art classes in addition to consulting secondary resources complemented the information derived from the interviews. Several obstacles were found to explain why the majority of the Samoan community does not feel comfortable with personal expression and why contemporary art is relatively limited. The identity of many Samoan people is founded in their role within their family rather than their individual personality, which is a primary factor contributing to the trends found in the way Samoans perceive and approach contemporary art. The exposure to new artistic styles through books, television, and periodicals is another factor which explains the current understanding of contemporary art in Samoa. The education system has begun to incorporate art classes into some of the schools, but most of them still lack diverse teaching methods and the resources to expose students to a variety of art forms. The need to generate a consistent salary to support one’s family is yet another reason for the current status of contemporary art in Samoa. There are several outstanding individuals with a more global outlook on art, such as artist and educator Momoe Von Reiche, who explains her understanding that “Art is encompassing, it comes from within, it is the appreciation of things around you” (Momoe Von Reiche. Interview. April 12, 2006). Individuals such as Momoe have been fortunate enough to have been exposed to a variety of cultural influences and been encouraged to explore their personal identity, moving contemporary art in Samoa forward through creating and teaching their perspectives to others

Older Veteran Digital Disparities: Examining the Potential for Solutions Within Social Networks

BACKGROUND: Older adults typically have less access to the Internet than other age groups, and older Veterans may use the Internet even less due to economic and geographic reasons. OBJECTIVE: To explore solutions to this problem, our study examined older Veterans\u27 reported ability to access technology through their close social ties. METHODS: Data were collected via mail survey from a sample of Veterans aged 65 years and older (N=266). RESULTS: Nearly half (44.0%, 117/266) of the sample reported having no Internet access. Yet, among those without current access, older Veterans reported having a median of 5 (IQR 7) close social ties with home Internet access. These older Veterans also reported that they would feel comfortable asking a median of 2 (IQR 4) social ties for help to access the Internet, and that a median of 2 (IQR 4) social ties would directly access the Internet for the older Veteran to help with health management. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that even older Veterans without current Internet access have at least two social ties with home Internet who could be called upon for technology support. Thus, older Veterans may be willing to call upon these surrogate seekers for technology assistance and support in health management. This has implications for the digital divide, technology design, and health care policy

Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms : planning for the future

textThe report explores three development alternatives that support and strengthen Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms as a sustainable nonprofit organization and valued member of the community. Each strategy promotes success through improved stability, increased revenue streams and enhanced volunteer support without depleting current resources or funding. Designed as a potential employment plans for Pioneer Farms, benefits and constraints associated with each course of action are compared and contrasted.Community and Regional Plannin

Experiments in College Physics

xx;ill.;397hal.;28c

Experiments In College Physics

xiii,337 hal,;ill,;30 c

Maximus the Greek

Short Biography of Maksim Grek, greek theologian who lived in Russia. With Bibliograph