Let Art be Art

Let art be art:

An independent study

Mr. Timothy L. Kerofsky, MA

Through my research on the arts; study of the classics to the modern arts, I have found that we are becoming too uptight in America. In the 14^th, 15^th, and 16^th centuries; the arts of Europe blossomed. The arts of classism, neo-classism, sculpture, nudes including nudes of children, and portrait painting were popular in that era.
The creative mind of Leonardo Di Vinci in which he used science and art to create inventions long before his time is intriguing.

Leonardo Divinchi self portrait sketch

Close up of the Mona Lisa

The Precambrian Man

The works of Michelangelo most notably the statue of David and the paintings of cherubs in the Sistine Chapel and the works of Raphael; his neo-classism biblical paintings were created within this era.

Statue of David

In the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th centuries; the morbid arts of Goya, the expressionist arts, the Bouguereau arts of pubescent girls, architectural art, and the birth of photography; in which Julia Margret Cameron took nudes of children portraying them as cherubs.

A morbid art by Francesco Goya

Saturno devorando a su hijo by Goya

The Cherub by Julia Margret Cameron

The arts of Manet, Renoir, Monet, Degas and Pissarro created the impressionist period in the late 19^th century. Not to mention the works of Vincent Van Gogh; most notably
Starry Night, Irises, and Sunflowers.

Starry Starry Night

Irises

Sunflowers

These are great works, but I have to mention one of my favorite art pieces painted by
 Pierre Auguste Renoir entitled the “Girl in White”.
Renoir was born on February 25^th, 1841 and died on December 3^rd, 1919.
He was noted for his great portrait works of children. 

Girl in White

The 20^th century brought the great work of Norman Rockwell who had a way of portraying people. He was known for his great works for the Saturday Evening Post.

Fair Catch Norman Rockwell

The 20^th century, of course, was the time of Picasso.
The five main periods of Picasso:
Blue Period (1901-1904), Rose Period (1904-1906),
African-Influenced Period (1907-1909), Cubism (1909-1912),
and Surrealism (1912-1930′s).

Bottle, Guitar, Glass, and Pipe (Cubism period)

My favorite artists were born during this time, notably Jock Sturgis who was born in 1947 in New York City; He attended school at Marlboro College earning a BS in Psychology and then attended art school at the San Francisco Art Institute which he earned his MFA. He is one of the controversial artist who photographs nudes of pubescent, preteen, and teen girls. Though I do not totally agree with his subject matter, I respect him as an artist. The fact that he uses an old box camera, natural lighting, and does not use a photo editing program and gets un-blurred beautiful photos is amazing.
He still takes these photos today on the beaches of France. 

Girl with crossed arms Jock Sturgis

Another favorite artist is a Polish artist name Jaroslaw Kukowski. He is a surreal painter and painter of mermaids. He was born on April 11^th, 1972 in Tczew, Poland.

Mermaid and Gull Jaroslaw Kukowski

In the decade of the 20^th century the controversial arts and films emerged. In 1978 a controversial film was released called, “Pretty Baby”. It displayed 12 year old Brooke Shields as a young prostitute in a French Quarter Louisiana brothel. There was nothing edited in this film; showing complete nudity of a minor child. 

Scene from Pretty Baby, I took the photo from my TV, and edited out her private parts.

Films like it was the 1976 film “Taxi Driver” starring Robert De Niro as the taxi driver and Jody Foster who played a child prostitute; the film entitled, “Lolita” based on Vladimir Nabokov's novel was released in 1997 – starring Dominique Swain portraying young Lolita, a preteen who has an attraction to an adult male. These two films, however, only had brief nudity of the backs of the children, and not the full nudity displayed in “Pretty Baby.” The final film I will mention is the extremely controversial Sundance film, “Hounddog”. What made this film so controversial was the rape scene of a child. This film was released in 2007 and starred 12 year old Dakota Fanning in the role of Lewellen, who was going through struggles as a young country daughter of a drunken and sick father in the early 1950’s. She loves to sing the song, Hound Dog by Elvis Presley. She desired to see Elvis in person and was taken advantage of by an older boy who said he had a ticket for her. Her friend, who was a younger boy, lured her to the barn on a rainy night and tricked her in to taking off her clothes in which she was raped by the older boy. She never did get the ticket for the Elvis concert. After the rape she met this black man whom was a snake charmer and he helped her find herself, overcome what was done to her and grow. 

I watched this film for one of my woman’s studies classes at Western Illinois University. I learned a lot about overcoming turmoil and adversity in this film. 

Dakota Fanning in her most controversial role

The rape scene of Hounddog

Now we are in the 21^st century where art has become a controversy; and congress is trying to pass laws to ban and control arts. The government in 2003 tried to pass a law banning the so-called art of anime lolicon. I do not agree with what lolicon actually is; it is drawn child like images, in the tradition of the Japanese. They mostly have big eyes, some have tails, and some have animal ears. The women that pose for these images are over the age of 18. The pure innocent lolicon drawings (like the one below) I feel are OK, but the hentai type lolicon is too morbid and perverse.

But, if one bans this one has to ban the modern arts; the "photo-nudes" by Jock Sturgis,

Bill Henson, David Hamilton, and Sally Mann. This law does not make it clear what classifies art and what does not. There is a fine line between the modern art of today and porn. It is a judgment call, an objective view which is different for each person. Art today is scrutinized; one could not do a nude painting today without another saying that it is porn. Unlike it was in the arts of old. No the government cannot ban one type of art and not the other, no matter how morbid nor the subject matter. If they do they would have to ban all arts; paintings, drawings, music, dance. This is not logical. I agree on the controls of child modeling, the long hours they have to work and such; but banning art, no!

Just let art be art and let people express themselves. Is not this what art really is?

Give a Hug!

Thought:

If one can not hug and spread love and joy at church;
where can one hug and spread love and joy at?

In this sad cruel world where there are:
child molestations,
children being trafficked,
teen girls being stalked at school,
children in one parent families,
more and more latchkey kids,
and not to mention all the war and violence
it is no wonder why there is so much sorrow in the world.

Is not this good reason to give more hugs?
We all need a hug once and awhile.

I am a hugger and have always been;
it is how I spread love and joy.

But now we are going from one extreme to the next;
from allowing hugs to not allowing hugs.
Keeping space.

When someone comes up and hugs you,
am I supposed to push them off,
or do I put my one arm around them and hug them back?
(I walk with my cane and only hug with one arm anyway)

I feel that we should allow hugs,
but maybe with just one arm instead of two.
This is a happy medium and still spreads love and joy. 

So just "Give a Hug"! 

49th Birthday thoughts:

As I reflect back in the last 49 years of my life I realize that I have accomplished a lot.

I have made many mistakes, some bad decisions, and errors that I learned from.

I have made some good decisions as well that led to success.             

I have traveled the world; visited 56 countries and 114 or so ports of call with the Navy.

All and all I feel that my life was good.

I struggled a lot, always had to strive, but have succeeded.

I have been picked on, stepped on, brought down, but in the end came out strong.

I have a Saint Michael’s Medal that I believe has protected me from harm.

I have been wearing it for over 20 years. 

I have been to combat zones in Lebanon, Philippines, the Gulf, Iraq and Kuwait.

I have been to humanitarian operations in Africa.

The medal protected me from all of it;

ironically the day the medal came off is the day I was hurt.

It was the day I fell down the ladder well and was injured.

Stenosis to the spine, tendinitis in the right shoulder, damage to the right knee,

Tingling nerves down the right arm and in my fingers…

I found the medal part and put it back on with a key ring.

I know it will protect me from any more harm.

Now I just pray to my god Jehovah through his son Jesus for healing.

I pray that I make it to 50 and (I jokingly said to my mom it is the day I die).

But I want to live to at least 70. There is more I want to do.

I plan on moving to New Mexico in 2016.

I plan on finishing my auto-biography by then.

I plan on making Soke and teaching karate again one day.

Only god knows what my future holds.

The highlifes of my past 49 years are:

*Becoming the Captain Crossing Guard in 1977 when I was 12

*Getting First Place in Archery in 1978 when I was 13

*Winning the Pine Wood Derby in the Cub Scouts in 1979 when I was 14

*Winning the Arrow of Light in the Boy Scouts in 1981 when I was 16

*Joining the Navy in 1984 at age 19

*Graduating from High School in 1985 at the age of 20

*My first West Pac deployment on the USS New Jersey BB-62 when I was 21

*My first Love experience when I was in Inchon Korea in 1986 at the age of 21

*Making Boatswainsmate 3^rd class in 1989 when I was 24

*Making Boatswainsmate 2^nd class 1990 when I was 25

*Getting married to my wife Jill in 1991 at the Stanwood Apple Orchard when I was 26

*Creating my own Martial Arts Style Tiger Ryu Karate

and registering it with the World Self Defense Federation in 1992 at age 27

*Coming home from Med Cruise seeing my son Timmy for the first time when I was 28

*Earning Black Belt in Karate in 1994 when I was 29

*Earning Culinary Arts Degree and Cook Second Class in 1995 at age 30

*Actually seeing the birth of my second soon Ken in 1998 when I was 33

*Earning AAS degree at the Community College of Rhode Island in 2000 at age 35

*Earning Security Certificate (many security trainings) 2002 at age 37

*Earning Master at Arms First Class in 2004 at age 39

*Going to Sea Cadet Officer Training in 2006 at age 41

*Retiring from the Navy in 2007 at age 42

*Opening own in-house dojo in 2008 at age of 43

*Promoting Jana to Junior Black Belt in Tiger Ryu Karate in 2011 when I was 46

*Retiring from Karate in 2012 at age 47

*Earning BA Arts Degree from Western Illinois University 2012 at age 47

*Earning Naval Sea Cadet Lieutenant in 2013 at age 48

*Earning Masters in Arts Degree from Regina University

Navy College Program 2013 at age 48

Now I am 49. What will I accomplish this year?

Reflections; military service and those who care.

As I reflect tonight, I realize that there are some good people out there.
Even though I fall into the trap of sin, and am not always good.
I strive to always do right.
I find my calling in my writings, art, and in watching my shows on my DVR.
I like to watch Days of Our Lives.
This can be strange, me being a man.

I reflect on my service in the Navy,
starting out on the Battleship New Jersey BB-62,
from being a lowly Seaman, to becoming a Boatswains mate 3rd class,
to working on deck and as a Lower Powder Door Operator during General Quarters,
to becoming a Boatswains mate 2nd class and a boat coxswain,
to steering the ships helm, and navigating.

To working on a boarding team on the USS Underwood FFG-36,
and saving children from being trafficked.
This still haunts my dreams. 

To crossing to cook and working in the pantry on the
USS Richmond K, Turner CG-20,
to working as a Damage Control Petty Officer, and later a 3M coordinator. 

To working as the Stateroom Supervisor on the USS Stennis CVN-74,
and later as a Divisional Career Counselor and Training Petty Officer.

To working as the Blue Team Security Watch Supervisor in Newport Rhode Island,
and later on the Auxiliary Security Force, and then on 40mm howitzer gun crew.
Then as the Security Self Defense Instructor teaching Jujitsu,
and lastly as the 680 Building Petty Officer.

To working as the Speed-line Supervisor in the Galley on the
USS Belleauwood LHA3,
to becoming a Master At Arms First Class,
and working as a Cell Block Supervisor in the Brig, 
and on the security detail in Iraq.
To teaching a karate class in the ships gym,
and later became the Ships Self Defense Instructor. 

To getting injured by a cabinet, on a ladder-well,
causing damage to my neck, shoulder, spine, and right knee.
Causing tingling and pain.

To going to Great Lakes for rehab,
and working with the Sea Cadet Core,
becoming a Lieutenant.

To retiring from the Navy in 2007 after 23 years of Naval service.
To tutoring and mentoring children, and inspiring others.
To those that are good to me.
Those restaurants and theaters that give me a military discount,
and those who help fellow veterans,
those who do good well and even pay for the person behind them in line.
I give a shout out to one who wants to help me get the benefits I earned.

To those that care for others, and have a big heart.
As I care for others, and have a big heart.
I salute you. God be with you.

My New Year Letter!

Dearest friends and family;

As this year has ended I reflect on what was accomplished and what I can do to better my next year. I cannot believe it is 2014. I wonder where time went.

My son Tim is nearly done at Black Hawk College. He still plans on going to the University of Illinois for his BS in Electrical Engineering degree. He is now working on the floor at Toys are Us.

My son Ken is doing better in school. He looks forward to joining the soccer team or the football team next year. He has not been struggling as much this year. As him and I work out at the YMCA I hope to build up more confidence in him self.

My wife Jill is enrolled at Black Hawk College working on a Medical Coding degree. She goes fulltime. On her spare time she does many activities with the church. She works with the cookie walk, Pricilla circle, bible camp, and plans for the Liturgists.

Me; will, for the most part, this year has been good. I finished my Masters in Arts with a minor in Sociology degree from Regina University.

I stay active swimming at the YMCA and with my art and writing.

My art was on display for two months at the Artery in Rock Island.

I finished typing my Battleship journal, but have a ways to go on my auto-biography. I volunteer cleaning toys once a month at the Bethany Home.

God has blessed me with a promotion in the Sea Cadet Core to Lieutenant,

which I only worked as a Training Officer for two weeks. I have found a joy in teaching teens about the Navy and in mentoring others. I received a Quilt of Valor along with my uncle Gary this year. I was also honorary promoted to Kyoshi – 6^th degree black belt in Shurinju Ryu Karate Do this year. I do not teach karate anymore, though.

The only downfall is that I still have to deal with constant pain and tingling through my shoulder and fingers. I go to the VA in Iowa City frequently for pain shots and physical therapy.

I pray that 2014 be as blessed as my 2013 and that my pain is relieved.

I pray for all my friends and family out there to have blessed year ahead.

Have a great 2014 my friends and family!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mr. Timothy L. Kerofsky, M.A. and family

One day I will be Blessed!

One day I will be blessed;
lord I pray and will be faithful.
Jesus I am waiting for you.

Lord through the hands of time
I will find my blessings.
My dreams will come true.
This I have faith in.

My dreams of:
my own art studio and dojo for children,
and traveling to Columbia to visit my sponsored child.


Through my pain and suffering,
I get temped through the serpent,
but always return to the lord
and ask him to forgive me.

Lord through my faith;
bless me with a daughter.
This is what my heart truly desires.

Lord, thank you for listening.
Amen.

Pay it Forward

Thought of the moment:

If each person would do one good deed to another,
we would have a much better world.
Like the movie, "Pay it forward."
It happened in the drive through,
where others were paying for the meal before theirs.
This is a start.
A lady at the Y held the door open for me today,
that was nice.
And a gentleman carried some drinks I bought at Hardees for me today; 

I get Mello Yellow there sometimes.
There are some nice people,
but we need more.
I have two deeds to pay forward,
I hope it rubs off onto others.

 

As I reflect on this more,

I have done many good deeds through my volunteering throughout the years:

from teaching a free Karate class, 

to mentoring and tutoring children, 

through reading to the Kindergarten class, 

through volunteering at the Literacy Connection,

and through washing toys at the Bethany Home.  

But, I will never stop paying it forward to those who have done a good deed to me. 

So if someone does a good deed for you, 

do a good deed for someone else, 

maybe we will have less selfishness, violence, and turmoil in this world, 

and we will get along better.