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New Connection—Book 4
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UNIT 8
Unusual
Mediums of Art
Starting Off:
Using unexpected items to make art is becoming a popular trend among modern artists. Maurice Bennett, an artist from New Zealand, creates fabulous artwork out of pieces of toast! Scottish artist David Mach is another example; his works are made from coat hangers. What is the most unusual piece of artwork you have seen? Did you like it? Why or why not? What is your general opinion of art made from unusual items? Do you think it has as much value as traditional paintings or sculptures? Explain your reasoning.
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Task I
Listen to the audio. Circle the correct choices in the show descriptions.
GETTING READY
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GETTING READY
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GETTING READY
Karen: Hey, Joel. What are you reading?
Joel: It’s the TV schedule for tonight. On that new arts channel, they’re running an art documentary1 marathon.
Karen: That doesn’t sound too great to me.
Joel: Really? I think art is fascinating. The first show of the night is about styles that originated2 during the Renaissance3.
Karen: Hmm, well I do like oil paintings. They’re so beautiful and intricate4. I wish I was skilled enough to work with that medium.
Joel: Did you know that stretched canvas wasn’t popular until that period? Before that, people painted on panels of wood.
Karen: That is interesting. What’s on after that one?
Joel: It’s a movie about the artists in the field of abstract art. It covers Impressionism5 in the late 19th century and Expressionism6 in the early 20th century.
Karen: How are those styles different?
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GETTING READY
Joel: Impressionists preferred painting natural scenery in outdoor settings7. They focused on colors and their overall perception8 of the landscape, rather than precise details. Expressionists, on the other hand, were concerned with showing their innermost9 feelings to the world. Often the subjects of these pieces have no resemblance10 to things seen in the real world. Sometimes they’re just shapes!
Karen: Those styles are certainly not my cup of tea11. I prefer art that looks like what it is representing.
Joel: Well, you’ll like the final documentary of the night then. It’s about the modern styles of pop art12 and photorealism13.
Karen: Oh, I know pop art! Those pieces look like advertisements or comics.
Joel: You’re right. And in photorealism, artists attempt to make their pieces so lifelike14 that they look like photos.
Karen: I would be really impressed if I saw a painting that looked that real! I think I’m going to watch the marathon tonight, too! Thanks for letting me know about it.
Joel: No problem!
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Task II
Listen to the audio and decide which type of art the following students would enjoy learning how to create.
GETTING READY



Impressionism
Pop art
Renaissance
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WORD POWER
No.1
Hi, I’m Melody. You’ll hardly ever catch me indoors because I love being outside. I get really inspired by the natural beauty of the world, so I enjoy art that represents that. 

No.2
Hello, I’m Damon. I’m not a huge fan of art, but I do love reading comics. If I could learn how to draw or paint in that style, I would probably become a bigger fan of art in general.

No.3
Lucas here. I’ve always been intrigued with older, more classic painting styles. Oil paintings are a particular favorite of mine. Painters of those are so skilled that I can’t help but be in awe15 of them!
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WORD POWER
A. Listen Up
Listen to the audio. Note the location of each piece of artwork on the floor plan.
self-portrait
landscape
sculpture
ceramic
collage
sketch
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WORD POWER
Jeremy: Donna, thanks for helping me set up the gallery1. I’m so excited about this show in honor of2 Vincent van Gogh.
Donna: It’s no problem. I’m a big fan of van Gogh, too. Hmm, I’m pretty sure I know what this ceramic3 ear represents!
Jeremy: Yeah. It looks like the artist took a literal4 approach. Let’s put that near the front entrance. It should put visitors in a good mood.
Donna: Sure. How about all these photographs?
Jeremy: Oh, they’re part of a collage5 of pictures of important places in van Gogh’s life.
Donna: Cool! I think that piece should go in the center here, where it’ll get a lot of attention.
Jeremy: Good idea. Then on the opposite wall we can put this sculpture6 of sunflowers.
Donna: Actually, I think it should go to the left of the doors to the courtyard7. People will be able to see this representation of flowers and then go outside and look at real ones.
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WORD POWER
Jeremy: I like that. It makes a connection between art and life. Next, I have a print of a van Gogh self-portrait8. I’d like to post it by the front to get people in the mood for the rest of the show.
Donna: OK. So, when people come into the gallery, they’ll see the picture on the left and the ear on the right.
Jeremy: Perfect. Then they’ll move forward and see the photos next to the ceramic piece.
Donna: Uh-huh. And then how about following that with this sketch9 of a nighttime sky?
Jeremy: OK. The last piece is this watercolor10 landscape11.
Donna: That’s beautiful! It’s Paris, right?
Jeremy: Yeah, you have a good eye! It looks like the last spot available is in the middle here.
Donna: You’re right. We’re all done!
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1. Colors such as blue and green are considered ______________, while ones like red and orange are ______________.

2. If you want a darker ______________ of a color, just add black to it. Likewise, you can add white to lighten it. If you lighten a color enough, you’ll create a ______________.

3. Red, yellow, and blue are ______________ colors. These can be mixed together to create the ______________ colors, orange, purple, and green.

4. When two colors look good together, they ______________ each other. They ______________ if they don’t.
WORD POWER
B. Word Focus: Color Words
Fill in the blanks with the words from the box.

cool
warm
shade
pastel
primary
secondary
complement
clash
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WORD POWER
C. Speak Out Loud
Imagine that you have been given the task of commissioning a piece of art for your city. Work with a partner to come up with a plan and then present it to the class.
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CONVERSATION ZONE
（對話影片檔）
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From Accident to Art
CONVERSATION ZONE
Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the choices given. Listen to check your answers.
Dylan collides1 with his classmate Ashley on his way to their art classroom.
canvas
substitute
Ashley: Ouch, Dylan! Why are you in such a hurry?
Dylan: Sorry. I spilled coffee on the ①_________ for my art assignment2, so I need a new one right way. Otherwise, I won’t be able to finish my self-portrait.
Ashley: Why don’t you just paint with coffee instead?
Dylan: What do you mean?
Ashley: Many modern artists are experimenting with coffee as a medium for their work, like Hong Yi. She made her mark with a painting of Jay Chou she did using nothing but coffee and a mug.
Dylan: Isn’t she pretty avant-garde3 though? I know that she used a basketball as a ② ___________ 4 for a paintbrush in one of her works.
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Ashley: That’s true, but even ③_____________ 5 artists have been lured into6 creating art with coffee. Sunshine Plata is a good example. As a recreational7 painter, she began using it merely8 because it was cheap. But this ④ ___________ 9 in supplies is what enabled her to paint professionally full-time.
Dylan: I guess the quality of her work didn’t go downhill as a result then.
Ashley: Just the opposite. Now you have to fork out10 at least $400 to own one of her exquisite11 pieces. And she also conducts workshops for students and ⑤ ___________ 12 artists.
Dylan: It’s so bizarre13 that she is able to make a living by painting with a ⑥ ___________ 14.
Ashley: I think it’s fantastic. After all, modern art is all about pushing the boundaries. If you took my advice, I’m sure your project would be a real feather in your cap.
Dylan: Well, it would certainly make an interesting addition to my
⑦ ___________ 15. I’m going to try it!
CONVERSATION ZONE
conventional
swap
aspiring
beverage
portfolio
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CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
A. Word Groups
Select the choice that has a different meaning from the word in bold.
1. avant-garde
a. radical
b. progressive
c. eccentric
d. orthodox

2. substitute
a. subordinate
b. replacement
c. alternative
d. exchange
3. exquisite
a. splendid
b. precise
c. superb
d. divine

4. collide
a. collapse
b. smash
c. slam
d. crash
5. aspiring
a. would-be
b. hopeful
c. striving
d. accomplished
(d)





(a)
(b)





(a)
(d)
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1. Students that hope to attend an elite school like Harvard must be prepared to ___________ a large sum of money for their tuition. (give money)

2. The facilities aren’t open for ______________ bowling on Wednesday evenings. (just for enjoyment)

3. Everyone interested in applying for the design job had to submit a ______________ of professional work they had been involved in. (a set of pieces of work an artist has done)

4. Wanda was ____________ trying the restaurant’s special by the delicious description of it given to her by the waiter. (tempted to do something)

5. Although the commercial claimed that it was a refreshing ______________, it didn’t satisfy Cliff’s thirst. (something one can drink)
CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
B. Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with words or phrases from the conversation. Use the hints to help you.
fork out
recreational
portfolio
lured into
beverage
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CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
C. Multiple Choice
Circle the answers.
1. Why is Dylan in need of a new canvas for his assignment?
a. He isn’t pleased with his first attempt at a portrait.
b. He left his other one behind at a coffee shop.
c. He wants to swap the one he has with a larger one.
d. He wants to get one that isn’t stained.

2. Why does Dylan think that Hong Yi is an unusual artist?
a. She once painted a portrait of Jay Chou.
b. She has used bizarre things to paint with.
c. She was the first artist to use coffee as paint.
d. She only paints pictures of famous people.
(d)





(b)
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CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
3. Besides painting, what does Sunshine Plata do that is art related?
a. She holds events where she teaches art techniques to others.
b. She spends time experimenting with new materials to paint with.
c. She sells her paintings at famous art galleries around the world.
d. She teaches young children how to mix their own paint.

4. What does Dylan decide to do about his art assignment?
a. He decides to start over with a new canvas.
b. He decides to take Ashley’s advice.
c. He decides to use more conventional supplies.
d. He decides to give up on the project because it’s too hard.
(a)









(b)
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1. The famous director’s new film is ____________________. It broke all of the international box-office records.

2. I never expected Tyler to do well at his new job, but his career has really ____________________ since he started there.
Fill in the appropriate expressions.
EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
A. Talking About Feelings
one for the books
taken off
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EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
B. Moving Forward or Back
Complete the dialogues with the expressions above. Do not use any expression twice.
1. A: Ever since the CEO retired, that company has ______________.
B: If they don’t bring in somebody new who can _____________________, they’ll go out of business.

2. A: Without Mr. Fields, this school would have _________________. He deserves a raise.
B: Yeah, he’s the best. In fact, I think the school should ____________________ and make him the principal!
hit the skids
go above and beyond
gone to the dogs
go one better
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Rewrite the parts in bold to include the phrases above.
EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
C. Making Money
1. At the moment, cleaning office buildings is my main source of income, but I hope to write professionally someday.
→ At the moment, cleaning office buildings is my bread and butter, but I hope to write professionally someday.

2. I’ve been tutoring high school students in math in addition to my other job so that I can raise enough money to buy my mother a birthday present.
→ I’ve been tutoring high school students in math on the side so that I can raise enough money to buy my mother a birthday present.
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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
A. Listen for Details
Listen and write the speaker’s name (Jennifer or Roger) next to the matching statement.
1. __________ It would be quite an accomplishment to be chosen.
2. __________ The piece you sang at the performance was sensational.
3. __________ It’s unlikely that I’ll ever become a celebrity.
4. __________ We could both become professional singers.
5. __________ The show is sure to be remarkable if we are in it.
6. __________ I won’t become successful unless I do things immediately.
Roger
Jennifer
Jennifer
Roger
Jennifer
Roger
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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Jennifer: So, Roger, are you going to audition for our school’s musical this year?
Roger: I haven’t decided yet. If I got a part, it would certainly be a feather in my cap, but if I didn’t, I would be humiliated.
Jennifer: Oh, you shouldn’t be nervous! I heard you sing in last year’s choir recital, and you really hit a home run with your solo.
Roger: Thanks for the compliment, Jennifer.
Jennifer: I really mean it! I have a love for singing, too, but I know I’ll never make it big. You, on the other hand, actually have a chance of becoming famous someday.
Roger: No way! If my singing career could take off, so could yours!
Jennifer: That’s why we have to try out for the show. It’s the perfect way to introduce our talents to the world. And with us in it, I’m sure it’ll be one for the books.
Roger: I think you’re right! If I’m going to make my mark in the world of music, I need to start now. I will go with you and audition for a part after all.
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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
B. Complete the Evaluation
Fill in the blanks with expressions from the audio.
Scoring: A=Work Is Excellent, B=Work Is Acceptable, C=Work Must Be Improved
go one better
go to the dogs
go above and beyond
go downhill
push the boundaries
hit the skids
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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Carrie: John, are you ready to do the employee evaluations?
John: Sure thing, Carrie. Who’s first?
Carrie: Phillip. He’s a new hire that just started last month.
John: I’ve been impressed with his work so far. Every day, he seems to go one better than the day before. Give him a high score, but remind him that if his work goes to the dogs, he’ll be in trouble.
Carrie: All right. And how about Dan?
John: Hmm. Dan’s work has really gone downhill recently. He always used to go above and beyond, but until he starts doing that again, he deserves a low score.
Carrie: Finally, there’s Marie.
John: Do you think her work has hit the skids? I used to regard her highly, but now I hardly notice her among everyone else.
Carrie: Well, I wouldn’t say that she is a terrible employee, but she definitely doesn’t push the boundaries like she used to.
John: OK. Give her average marks, and tell her to work harder.
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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
C. Check the Correct Answers
Listen to the audio. Check the appropriate statements about each speaker.
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




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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Sally: Hey, Joe. I heard you were looking for a new job.
Joe: That’s right. I wasn’t able to make ends meet with my bank teller job, so I’m trying to find something better.
Sally: That’s terrible news. I used to earn a living by working in a bank, too, but I thought I was paid well. Things must have changed.
Joe: What job did you get after that?
Sally: Actually, I went back to college and just did part-time work on the side.
Joe: Well, I have to find a full-time job straightaway. If I can’t bring home the bacon, I can’t afford my apartment.
Sally: Perhaps you could work in sales. I’ve heard there are a lot of high paying jobs in that industry.
Joe: But salespeople often work on commission, which can’t be relied on. Maybe if I found something stable during the day, I could moonlight as a salesman in the evening for extra cash. Hey, are there any openings where you work?
Sally: Sorry. Freelancing is my bread and butter, so most of the time, I work by myself.
Joe: Oh well.
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GRAMMAR ESSENTIALS
Prepositions and Particles
Prepositions and particles are function words used to show relationships between other words and provide structure to sentences.
A. Following Verbs
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GRAMMAR ESSENTIALS
B. Combinations
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GRAMMAR ESSENTIALS
C. With Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases can follow particles, prepositions, and other prepositional phrases.

• Some artists, however, shy away from the traditional and are making their extraordinary pieces from things one wouldn’t expect. (particle + prepositional phrase)

• Margret’s book fell down to the ground when she tripped. (preposition + prepositional phrase)

• Many modern artists experiment with coffee in their works. (prepositional phrase + prepositional phrase)
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GRAMMAR WORKOUT
A. Identify the Phrasal Verbs
Check if the highlighted words are phrasal verbs.




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GRAMMAR WORKOUT
B. Match
Match the sentence on the left with its meaning on the right.
c
f
b
d
a
e
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1. Dan had promised to pay Ethan ________ immediately, but it was several weeks before he did.
2. Lila hung ________ the phone after her conversation with her friend was over.
3. Joshua knew that he needed to stop thinking about his ex-girlfriend, but he was having a lot of trouble moving _________.
4. All of the employees were asked to chip ________ ten dollars so that flowers could be bought for the receptionist’s birthday.
5. The mother told her young children to stop fooling _________ in the store, but they didn’t listen.
6. Even after watering ________ the tea, it was much too strong for me to drink.
7. When you are ready to check ________, just take all the items you want to purchase to the cashier.
GRAMMAR WORKOUT
C. Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the particles in the box.
back
up
on
in
around
down
out
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a. Guy Laramee
b. Dalton Ghetti
c. Willard Wigan
READING─PRE-READING TASK
Scan the article and match the artist with the materials he uses.
(b)
P. 40
P. 38
P. 39
(c)
(a)
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READING
超乎尋常的藝術媒介

即使是一個門外漢也知道黏土、大理石和木頭等都是雕刻家典型的材料選擇。然而，有些藝術家，卻規避傳統而用意想不到的材料創造出他們驚人的作品。
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READING
加拿大藝術家蓋伊．拉雷米將舊書變成絢麗的景觀。他有些作品在單本小說中呈現，有些則是由裝訂在一起的多冊書籍所組成。拉雷米喜歡在作品中將焦點放在經年累月的文化侵蝕以及人類與周遭環境的互動。由於他想要傳達這類訊息，他偏好使用具文化意義的書籍來雕塑，像是百科全書和字典。他最近一件名為A Caverna的作品，特色就是將一個洞窟雕刻於書的中心。象徵的涵義就是人藉由深入挖掘一個主題而探索知識。
Back to PRE-READING TASK
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READING
另一項變成藝術的常見家用材料，是一般常用來創作藝術的東西。道爾頓．蓋提在童年時期就發展出對木作的熱情，最後他離開家鄉巴西去美國研讀建築學。他在閒暇的時候喜愛創作木製雕刻品，但渴望著能有挑戰。他想創作幾乎只能用肉眼勉強辨識出的微小雕刻品。蓋提開始將他在路上找到的鉛筆筆尖雕刻成令人驚豔的形狀，且不使用任何工具來放大他正在創作的材料。從鞋子的縮小版到貓王的半身像，蓋提嘗試許多不同的主題。通常他會花上好幾個月才能完成一件創作，但有時作品得花上好幾年才能完成呢！
Back to PRE-READING TASK
Back to PRE-READING TASK
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如果想找到甚至比蓋提的還要小的作品，維拉德．維岡的雕刻作品肯定不會讓你失望。這些令人無法置信只有0.005毫米高的作品，能夠放進針眼或放在大頭針頂端，使得這位英國藝術家贏得全球讚譽。他的微雕藝術以人物為特色，從彼得潘到歐巴馬家族成員，作品售價高達四萬美元。艾爾頓‧強和查爾斯王子等名人，只是他其中一些老主顧。透過顯微鏡來觀看維岡用沙粒、金屬線和其他材料來雕刻作品的手法實在是讓人嘖嘖稱奇。首先，他必須摒住呼吸以確保他的雙手絕對能維持不動，然後他放慢心跳速度以便能夠在心臟跳動之間的瞬間創作。
READING
Back to PRE-READING TASK
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READING
今日最創新的雕刻家都欣然接受一些不尋常的材料，並將它們變成非凡的藝術作品。從書本到只能從顯微鏡看到的微小沙粒，幾乎所有的東西都能用在現代雕刻藝術的領域中。
P. 39
P. 40
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1. The mall allows ______________ to park for free as long as they spend over a certain amount in the shops. (customers)
2. Cherie was told that the actions performed by the tribe leader were ______________ of events from the community’s past. (representative)
3. The company held an employment fair last month as a part of a(n) ______________ search for new trainees. (continuing)
4. In the horror ______________, no author has had as much success as Stephen King. (domain)
5. Celebrities flocked to the designer’s shop to purchase his ______________ one-of-a-kind gowns. (stunning)
6. During Sheila’s ______________ for a husband, she joined numerous dating agencies. (search)
READING─AFTER YOU READ
A. Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with words from the article. Use the hints to help you.
patrons
symbolic
ongoing
realm
gorgeous
quest
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READING─AFTER YOU READ
B. Understand from the Context
Choose the meaning of the word or phrase in bold.
1. Michelle’s parents converted her old bedroom into a home office after she had moved out.
a. conformed
b. translated
c. updated
d. transformed

2. The manager wasn’t sure if her employees would eagerly embrace the new policies or refuse to abide by them.
a. squeeze
b. adopt
c. resume
d. comprehend
(d)






(b)
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READING─AFTER YOU READ
3. So many people came in to purchase gifts that only a solitary box of chocolates was left after the store closed on Valentine’s Day.
a. lone
b. hidden
c. isolated
d. particular

4. The erosion of the traditional family is often blamed on the fact that people live too far away from their loved ones to build close bonds.
a. abbreviation
b. deterioration
c. consumption
d. agitation
(a)







(b)
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READING─AFTER YOU READ
C. True, False, or Unknown
Select if the statements are true (T), false (F), or unknown (U).






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WRITING SKILLS
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WRITING SKILLS
Task
Identify a similarity for each pair below.
1. A key is to a lock what a password is to a file.
→ Just as a key can open a lock and make a room available, a password can open a file and make information available.

2. A kitten is to a cat what a foal is to a horse.
→ A kitten is a juvenile cat, and similarly, a foal is a juvenile horse.

3. Sip is to guzzle what nibble is to devour.
→ When one sips, one is only drinking a little, but when guzzling, one is drinking a lot. Similarly, nibbling is eating a little, while devouring is eating a lot.

4. A vampire is to monsters what a sparrow is to birds.
→ A vampire is an example of a monster, just as a sparrow is an example of a bird.
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WRITING SKILLS─BEFORE YOU WRITE
In an analogy essay, one concept is used to explain another. Choose a simple “explainer” to pair with the concept that needs to be explained below.
classical works are widely appreciated
‧ learn what one likes by viewing pieces

‧ people who like jazz
‧ musicians who use unusual objects as instruments
‧ most people appreciate classical music
‧ learn what one likes by listening to the radio
Musical Taste
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WRITING SKILLS─WRITE IT UP
Use the information from the task above to create a 200-word analogy essay.
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WRITING SKILLS─WRITE IT UP
What is Artistic Taste?

Introduction:
It happens all the time. A person visits an art gallery to check out a supposed masterpiece, but he or she isn’t impressed by it. This happens because just as two people enjoy different music, they can also enjoy different types of art.

Body:
Classical works of art, like oil paintings or realistic sculptures, are almost universally respected. People’s feelings toward them are similar to how they feel about classical music. Even if it isn’t one’s favorite thing to listen to, most people don’t mind hearing it. Likewise, classical paintings may not be exciting for everyone, but they rarely cause negative reactions. This is likely because classical art is taught in school. The average person doesn’t have as much understanding of modern styles, which affects their perception of them. One’s knowledge of different art forms certainly affects his or her artistic taste.
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Abstract art is a good example of an art form that is confusing for people. Because these pieces don’t look like what they are portraying, many are quick to say that they are just bad. However, abstract art is a lot like jazz music. When a musician plays jazz, it’s all about following one’s feelings, not a set of guidelines. Some people are able to appreciate abstract art for what it is (a portrayal of feelings) rather than what it isn’t (an exact representation of something), which is why they enjoy it. Obviously, being able to recognize artists’ intentions plays a role in one’s artistic taste as well.

Conclusion:
Just as with musical taste, an individual’s artistic taste is unique, and it is affected by one’s dedication to know more about different genres and forms.
WRITING SKILLS─WRITE IT UP
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The End