JERRY SALTZ, HOW TO BE AN ARTIST, VULTURE

"Lesson 4: Art Is Not About Understanding. Or Mastery. It is about doing and experience."

The reason I was drawn to this idea is because I felt/related to this on a personal level after my experience in the senior seminar last semester. I have always enjoyed and been more motivated to create artwork relating to topics that I am interested in or connected to. I started off making artwork that I liked about skiing and the beach, but it was not well received by professors or some of my peers. I kept trying different mediums and exploring different imagery, but it felt like I couldn't do anything that was well-received. I was very concerned about my grade and didn't think I'd ever be selected to continue in the seminar. Plain and simple, I could not understand what I was doing wrong or why my work felt like it was receiving harsher feedback than my peers. As the Saltz reading says, "Art Is Not About Understanding." I felt that midway through the first semester. So I tried again for my five obstructions assignment, and I finally got the best reaction from my peers and professors compared to prior critiques. Not only was it the best-received art piece I made to date, but it was also the most fun I had creating an artwork. My obstructions were daunting at first glance, specifically not being able to work smaller than 24 x 36". It seemed like it would take forever and be hard to think of a way to cover the whole canvas, but I challenged myself and started exploring using outside materials in my artwork. Fast forward to our final works, I took my love for country music, and I started creating work about musicians that were abstract and fun. It felt like I had mastered my style and finally figured out what I was going to do in the future, and I was on a great path. Then, in my final critique, my professors brought up a point about how I select the images for each individual and what they're doing in the reference photo. I had never thought of that, but now, for my 20 works this semester, I am learning and selecting reference photos from photographers that have a specific style. Some reference photos are from a photographer who shot for the Grand Ole Opry, and some are from a photographer who started paparazzi-style photography. This is allowing me to learn more, which further ties in with how art is about doing and experience. I have learned so much more since starting the senior seminar in the fall and its due to experience.

Steven johnson, ch 2: LIQUID NETWORKS, WHERE GOOD IDEAS COME FROM: THE NATURAL HISTORY OF INNOVATION

Event #1: CCD: Museum and Arts Administration Panel

March 19, 2024

For my first outside art event I attended the Center for Career Developent: Museum and Arts Administration Panel Zoom call. There were five Holy Cross alumni who presented and discussed their experiences after college and what they did during college. The panel consisted of  Lucy Rizzo ‘22: Administrator at Private Collection, Kat Bossi ‘10: Project Manager at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Mary Beth Soya ‘20: Masters student in Museum Studies at NYU and Academic Year Intern in Imaging & Rights at the Morgan Library, David Gyseck ‘96: Registrar at Ortuzar Projects, and Maddie Kliett ‘15: Artist Liaison at Ortuzar Projects.

Before hopping on this call, I was expecting everyone to have majored in studio art or art history, but I was really surprised that only some majored or minored in art, and some panelists didn’t study art at all. All of the panel members were from various graduating classes which was cool because hearing about David’s (‘96) experience versus Lucy’s (‘22) was very different because they are not only at different points in their careers but also work in different areas of art. One panel guest, Kat (‘10) who is now the project manager at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, had no clue what she wanted to do. Right after college she worked as a paralegal for Jesuit Volunteer Corps, which has nothing to do with art. However after realizing that she did want to work in the art world she started by dipping her toes in with smaller roles before landing in her current role.

The most notable piece of information that stuck with me was from  Maddie (‘15). She mentioned that there is no clear or linear path to a final career, so many times things that you thought you wanted to do end up not being what you anticipated. She really emphasized the importance of investing in your peers because they aren’t superior to you. So many times you meet people over the years and keeping relationships with them is so important because you don’t know when you’ll run into each other or need help in the future. Lucy ‘22 also emphasized the importance of relationships. Although she is an Administrator at Private Collection, she previously worked as an Administrator at Sotheby’s. She kept emailing and putting herself out there to get where she is and just taking initiative. She also recommended utilizing professors and talking to alums because they are always wanting to help.

Overall I really enjoyed gaining this knowledge and hearing from these panelists because even though I know what I want to do next year, I do not want to give up art completely. The idea of creating art and selling it seems like something that I really would love to do. 

Event #2: Spring Dance Concert 

April 30, 2024

Attending the Holy Cross Spring Dance Concert is always a journey into the unexpected, with its fascinating array of dance styles that I wouldn’t typically seek out. Recently, I had the privilege of experiencing the Department of Theatre and Dance's performance, which left an indelible mark on me. In this reflection, I will delve into the unique aspects that made this event a truly remarkable and captivating experience. From the moment the lights dimmed and the dancers took the stage, the whole concert hall came alive with vibrant colors, I was captivated by the dancers' skill. In each of the performances the choreography was intricate and complex, displaying a beautiful fusion of different dance styles. Although not everyone performing was a “dancer” beforehand they still moved with such precision and fluidity that it felt as if they were effortlessly performing across the stage. Their dedication to putting themselves out there and really “breaking a leg” was evident, and it was a pleasure to witness the whole show and see all of their hard work this semester pay off.

One of the striking aspects of the concert was the diversity of the performances. Each number showcased a unique theme, emotion, and concept, from hip-hop to ballet to modern, allowing for a diverse range of experiences throughout the evening. I was exposed to the vast realm of possibilities within the world of dance. As the concert progressed, I found myself becoming more intrigued by everyone, some people who I am really friendly with, I never knew they were so talented and could dance like they do. As an athlete, I tend to see these people performing up at the Luth whether it's on the field, court, or ice, but never did I expect to see them on a stage. It was amazing seeing them also crushing it with an activity they had only recently learned. Their ability to communicate without words was awe-inspiring. In some pieces, there was a sense of joy and celebration, while others evoked feelings of longing, pain, or resilience. It was a reminder of the universal language of dance and its ability to evoke powerful emotions in both performers and spectators.

Another aspect that added depth to the performance was the collaboration between the dancers, musicians, and visual artists. The live music added an extra layer of depth and intensity to the performances, while the choreography aligned with the beat so well. Additionally, incorporating visual elements such as set designs, lighting, and projections created a complete experience that enhanced the overall impact of the concert. Attending a dance concert also gave me a newfound appreciation for the discipline and dedication required to excel in this art form. The physicality of dance demands not only technical but also strength, agility, and endurance. Regardless of just starting to learn these routines this semester, it was evident that every single performer had practiced outside of class for countless hours to achieve the level of skill they displayed on stage. What stuck out to me most was how the hip-hop routine performers were able to hold themselves up in a “baby freeze position” and move their legs around in a circle while not wiping themselves out. Let alone also being able to do it on beat and not mess up or look uncoordinated.

Event #3: Gregorian Chant