Last summer when I studied at an art program in L.A., my printmaking teacher was very strict about what we were allowed to create in his class. Everything had to have a meaning or convey a message or social problem. I had wanted to make a block print of a design I had created. After I had started the process, he wouldn't let me finish it because "decorative things are not art" and we were not to waste our time on such things.
A student then challenged this thinking with the response, "What about art for the sake of art?"
This was not an acceptable reasoning. Everything had to have meaning. I disagreed and quickly realized that this teacher was not one that I would share my innermost inspirations with.
Getting to my point, today I had my first class session of intermediate black and white film photography! I took the beginning class at the same community college when I was a junior in high school, so it is really nice that I can kind of dive into more advanced classes as a freshman, especially since my class has all types of advanced levels in one room.
I believe I mentioned in the 11 things about me for the Liebster award that I took AP studio art my last year of high school. And that I didn't like it. There were several reasons, but the most important one is that it made me have a kind of jaded perspective of my work. It made me feel as though I was doing my work for "them" and not for me; for a grade on a national test and not for the love of it.
Since then, I really haven't picked up my camera or any art supplies for the sake of creating art. I take photos for this blog (believe me I do have tons of ideas that I haven't executed for this, but it's just not the same as for art!) and I make "crafts", but I have not made art.
The closest I have come is experimenting with some block printing last week. But you know what, even just messing around with some true fine art materials kind of put a spark in me. It felt nice. And not forced.
That's what today's class felt like. It was a community of photographers, of people (from 18-60) who want to be there to create, learn from others, and just share this love. It was like a breath of fresh air. I have been creatively falling and hopefully this class will be just what I need to find my footing again. Hopefully I will again be able to make art for the sake of making art.
P.S. I have loved all the encouragement and advice I have been getting on starting college! Thanks for the love, friends.
Hopefully later this week (when I get my bearings a little more) we can move on to more interesting stuff. I know you guys love the iPhone pics, but come on, you know I can do better than that!
XOXO
P.S. I have loved all the encouragement and advice I have been getting on starting college! Thanks for the love, friends.
Hopefully later this week (when I get my bearings a little more) we can move on to more interesting stuff. I know you guys love the iPhone pics, but come on, you know I can do better than that!
XOXO
