What Is Art ?
I believe that art is something that is created with imagination and skill and that expresses important ideas or feelings of the artist. I also believe that no matter how long you have been working or the work itself, anyone can be an artist as long as the are trying to convey their feelings, thoughts, emotions, or ideas in a visual, auditory, or tactile way. Art is also about going where no one else has gone before. It is about exploring new ideas and creating something original. Think about it! Almost every art movement has been started by a person or a group of people who have discovered new ways to express themselves and the world around them. Whether it's from the ancient Greeks and Romans trying to show their nation’s great strength and power, to the Medieval and Renaissance artists trying to show the great glory and power of God, to the Dadaists trying to break the current rules of art, and to the Abstract Expressionists who try to represent art in its actual form (lines, color, shape, etc.), all art has some sort of purpose and meaning. That means, as viewers of art, we have to open to the techniques and ideas of others, no matter how crazy or strange to us it may be. Art is all around us. Whether it's from music, advertisements, architecture, food, or literature, in our culture we are completely immersed in different types of art. A world without art would be a much different and depressing place. No one would be able to display their ideas, thoughts, and emotions to others. This is why we must appreciate art and embrace any new styles and artists who arise.
What Have I Learned in Humanities ?
While attending Mr. Davis’ Humanities class, I learned all about art, its history, and how it has changed over the years. Before, I only knew about the big names of art such as Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, and Raphael, but now I know about all sorts of influential artists and the art movements that they are part of along with what characterizes each artistic movement. I have also discovered the importance of critiquing artwork and how beneficial it can be to the final product. With the insight of others, I was able to see mistakes or ideas that I otherwise would not have been able to find or figure out. Finally, I was able to learn about my own artistic abilities and what kind of art I enjoy doing. I was able to see my own artistic strengths and weaknesses and what I can overall improve upon. This class has allowed me to figure out the path I want to take for my artistic career at Brophy and what art classes I would be interested in taking in the future.