Today, during the first half the Art 220 Concept Development class, we had our homework up on the push-pin boards. When all our work was up, we took the time to look at our classmate's work and their interpretation on process mapping. In my previous blog, I had mentioned that we worked on making a process map in class on "How to get an 'A' in Art 220." This became our homework, to make a better version. When everyone had finished examining everyone's work, Jimmy pointed out one of the maps.To be specific, it was a pie chart of what percentages were needed to receive on certain tasks in order to get an A in the class. Jimmy then asked for the whole class to agree on a title for this particular pie chart. He had stepped out after that, and students began suggesting titles. This experience was similar to Comic assignment that we had previously done. I had reflected about this experience on my Thursday, 1/19 blog entry, but once more, there was student who seemed to dominate on trying to find a perfect title for the chart. There were several times that she lead and spoke out. We eventually, listed about three or four titles by the end and later choosing one.
What I did experience differently though from the previous Comic Panel exercise we did was that I honestly didn't realize how much fun I was having. I remembered laughing because someone had suggested a silly pun for a title which I really loved. I'm the type of person who enjoys many types of humor. But while in the process of this enjoyment, I hadn't even noticed that Jimmy had returned to observe us. And I remembered hearing someone say, "Eight people having fun." I'm not one hundred percent sure it was Jimmy who said this so I won't assume that it was. When our time ended, Jimmy then gave us a talk on what he had examined from us. He mentioned that only a few of us were having fun and there were several people not interacting, possibly because of students who had dominating personalities. I didn't disagree. While we had gone through titles, I had suggested one title to be silly and obvious as a joke. And I thought that what title would be best but a broad and obvious one. So I had put out the suggestion of the title "Pie Chart," that was immediately shot down but another classmate with a dominating personality. Her reply made me feel dejected some how.
The second half of class, Jimmy showed us a lecture that Sir Ken Robinson did to talk about his book, "The Element." The element is about why it is that so many adults have no idea what their true talents are and the importance of this. I found the video very inspiring so I really recommend anyone to watch this: Sir Ken Robinson, Hammer Lectures
The reason why I found this video inspiring is because always there's something inside me asking me if I'm making the right decision. But he mentions how people have had jobs where they truly didn't enjoy, despite the amount they get paid because it wasn't a matter of money. It was a matter of personal fulfillment. I also found the video an eye opener. A lot of us don't realize the problem we have in our systems like how we encourage more towards some sort of academics like an art career versus a doctor's career. Or that college degrees are like any sort of currency that would eventually devalue. Or how we sometimes take for granted our own capacity. There were a lot more eye opening subjects he had discussed but I feel like these three stood out the most to me because I find myself reflecting upon the previous steps I taken to getting where I am now.
College had always been encouraged from near the beginning of time of starting school. I was never really told to follow any other option. The system that was embedded in my mind were these steps: Kindergarten, elementary, junior high, high school, and then, of course, one had to go to college. I mean, I don't regret my choice in going to college but I truly thought about the other options out there that didn't need this college degree path. And there were paths that didn't require a college degree to get handsomely paid. Now that I'm near the end of my college experience, I see this more clearly. True, I am aiming for a degree. But what does a degree matter if one doesn't have the knowledge for the actual focus when getting out into that world?
I've often taken my capacity for granted. There would be several times where I'd feel as if I were drowning in a pool of misery when I reflect over my drawing abilities and the things that I lacked for it. I would then question the choices I've maid in deciding to follow this path of instability. And by Sir Ken Robinson's lecture, it was a simple realization that this capacity that I have is barely at it's minimal. Though small, I take for granted at times by how much I truly enjoy drawing. Today I went to Blicks to by some art supplies. When I came home, I was as giddy as a little girl, excited to use my new art materials. I was even so excited that I told one of my friends that I bought a mini sketchbook to carry around to draw! She judged me, but that didn't stop my gleefulness. Though, I feel that this eye opener may be considered not as significant maybe to some people. But it truly was significant to me. This is because sometimes I tend to trial off the path I've taken and forget by how much I truly love what I do and I need that reminder as to why I've chosen to take this path in the first place.
Adjectives:
Dejected - falling into low spirits
Combative - to argue
Diligent - hard working
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