Semester Reflections

Semester 4

Art scholars really provided us with so many opportunities to learn and grow. For example, triathlons were an amazing experience that not only allowed us to explore campus but really prepared us for our capstone. With constant feedback and practice in writing about the arts as well as the depth within art that can be seen, it constantly pushed us to think deeper about intention and the way that art is structured and curated. It also helped with changing our perception of art. Constantly we were told to look deeper, leading us to reflect much more on the intentional decisions put behind specific choices in how the art was curated, formed, etc. In addition, field trips and events such as the drum event aided with this development of perception because it exposed us to so many different art forms, leading us to wonder what truly is art. What can we define as art, and where does that definition end? So much of our learning was figuring this out and what we as well as what society defines as art. 

Arts scholars also places a high emphasis on how art is shown in so many different mediums and forms, as discussed before. I think a great impact of this was bringing more awareness to every student on how creativity can blossom in so many different genres. It personally helped me recognize my love for music again, leading me to start practicing the piano once more. Not only this, but it’s really shaped how I view life. Now, I look at the way nature is sculpted naturally to be so beautiful, how graffiti is placed so intricately on buildings, how buildings hold such beauty with the architecture. You can find art in just every aspect of life, which I think is something Art Scholars teaches us so well. 

Using this foundation, I was able to draw so much of what I learned into my capstone project. I learned so much about taking my time and really figuring out what I’m passionate about and how I can convey a message through this passion, which I used for my capstone. I also tried to think very intentionally about every aspect. How would my medium impact my intention and how would the way I curate my project impact how my audience perceives my message? In addition, I thought about different mediums that could aid each other as sort of “companion plants” in which they help each other grow and boost my message. With this idea, I chose creative writing and painting. Using techniques such as “killing your darlings”, I was able to really let my creative juices flow while also efficiently managing what will be used in the final product and honing my message and intentions. 

Not only this, but Art Scholars always ensured that we were building a community with each other. I remember when we were told to create a 30 second stop motion video with a random group. Despite being only acquainted with these people and feeling uncertain about how it would go, we all came together to make a really beautiful product. With different backgrounds and strengths, we built upon each other, divided the work based on what we were most confident in, and we worked together so seamlessly to the point where I felt like I knew these people for longer than the hour we were working together. Arts Scholars always kept us open minded and told us to always build upon each other, rather than break each other down. 

I really do appreciate the beauty of Art Scholars. Without the Arts Scholars community, I wouldn’t have been able to make such amazing friends that I cherish to this day. I wouldn’t have reconnected with music as a passion, and I wouldn’t be as strong in my creative process. As I grow older and graduate, I expect to continue to use this creativity and passion to further my side projects, my ideas for professional settings, and to overall invigorate my experience in life. I really want to just make the most of life and live it to the fullest, seeing beauty wherever I go, just as Arts Scholars taught me. I hope to be flexible with my creations, with the obstacles I face, and with my future. Thank you so much Harold and Irene as well as our amazing TAs for such an unforgettable experience.