Semester Reflections

Semester 3

Art helps to reshape an understanding of learned history, biases, and beliefs by offering new perspectives that may not be common in mainstream media and by evoking emotional responses for groups other than one’s own group. I learned this throughout Arts Scholars throughout the exploring several different art forms that all stemmed from varying backgrounds as well. For example, when we had the West African Drummers attend a Colloquium one day, this offered new insight to how others utilize music as therapy and communication. Even if one isn’t spiritual, seeing the way art impacts and heals others who have a passion for it enables people to develop a greater appreciation for it. You learn the different ways people are impacted and influenced by art forms, and which in turn inspires you to explore which art forms have the greatest influence on yourself.

Throughout Arts Scholars we also implemented different theoretical models and practical strategies to initiate the creative process. I utilized visualization tools like mind maps and mood boards (creative inspiration board for Capstone) and found this to be the most useful when I was brainstorming ideas, because it was helpful seeing my thoughts in a tangible form. We also engaged in collaborative strategies (brainstorming with others) and constraint-based activities (Stop motion movie in one class period) which all helped in the stimulation of new ideas and being comfortable when your ideas don’t result in the way you initially had them.

I also got more comfortable with receiving feedback and incorporating the feedback in my revised ideas. I think that feedback is important in every step of the creative process and it is important to take is as constructive criticism rather than just critique. It’s also important to garner feedback from multiple perspectives instead of just one so you can get a variety of insight. 

One thing that stood out to me in the news recently was the Government Shutdown. During the government shutdown, federally funded museums, parks, and monuments were closed across the country. This captured my attention because this shutdown restricted access to several public art pieces and art scholars emphasizes the importance for art in society, especially as a way to encourage learning and dialogue.

I am taking ARCH226 this semester as a supporting course for Art Scholars. This course is all about the history of world architecture. During our last colloquium class in Arts Scholars, I learned someone was doing a Capstone project about how to make architecture more inclusive. In this course, I was exposed to various examples of architecture being historically exclusive to those of higher power or those in restricted certain groups (religion or genders). This connection particularly stood out to me because I was fascinated she was willing to tackle the issue today, when I thought it was more of a historical issue.

In class, interacting with fellow Art Scholars helped me develop my ideas as they were able to provide me constructive feedback. Especially for my workshop, I was able to take their advice to revise my planning with ideas I hadn’t thought of before. Listening to their Capstone Proposal ideas also offered insight to challenges in the world that I wasn’t necessarily aware of yet but helped broaden my perspective. Interacting with the older TA’s has also been very helpful and they have been very supportive when developing my workshop.

I contributed to the Art’s Scholars program by attending the Jake Shimabukuro field trip and actively engaging in colloquium discussions and projects. I further contributed to the scholar’s community by being a Lakeland STARS tutor, which is only available for scholars’ students. By participating in these activities that the scholar’s community offers, I’ve learned to work with many kinds of people and immerse myself in different perspectives and cultures. An opportunity I wish I could leverage more includes participating more in class because I feel like at time I could have offered more of my perspectives/insights to our class. 

When deciding on a workshop, I initially thought the purpose was to teach students about different artistic methods. However, I found it challenging we had to use the workshop as a way to address a societal issue as well. Initially, I didn’t think that this would be the most effective way to address a societal issue. I found it tricky developing a lesson plan that taught students artistic strategies but also taught them lessons as well. However, as the more I researched issues to address and different mediums as well, I have learned how art can be extremely effective in raising awareness to world issues and also enact change to those who are exposed to it. The value of exploring something that challenges your own perspective encourages problem solving and critical thinking. I approach things actively considering other viewpoints that may conflict with my own and try to understand their side. I’ve learned that issues aren’t always simply ‘right’ or ‘wrong,’ but often exist in a more complex, nuanced space.

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