Jenna Land
Arts Scholar
Artifacts in Gallery Format
Semester 2
My time in art scholars has been an eye-opening experience, reintroducing me to concepts that I have had buried in the back of my head for years. I never really imagined what art fest would be like, but I can confidently say that when we were first introduced to it during the introduction class, I never would have imagined that I’d be viewing it from my home, on a website while simultaneously switching back and forth between tabs so that I could communicate my thoughts on a few of the pieces to my professors via. Google forms. Aside from contributing the weekly entertainment of my two therapy dogs to the workshop classes, I feel that I was able to finally feel comfortable vocalizing my thoughts to my peers in a small and supportive environment- one smaller than the environment we were always in during first semester classes.
I was never one to talk openly about my background participating in local theatre and dance companies, because even though it played such a huge role in my life, I don’t have very fond experiences- partially due to my insecurities regarding my acting/singing/dancing potential, and partially due to a verbally abusive director that I worked under for many years. While I believe that theatre was a major cause of stress for me and dance possibly could have lead to my future eating disorder, I tend to forget the joys that they both had brought to my life. I focus on how my time on the stage ended, rather than how it began. However, being in such a supportive environment filled with many people who share a joy for theatre, it is that much easier to remember how it all started for me. Even if I was never amazing at theatre and dance myself, I would not be the person I am today without the two. I would not have the amazing friends that kept me on the stage from age eight to fifteen. I wouldn't know an amazing community of people who have suffered losses and blessings together. I wouldn’t have spent years as a child waiting on the floor in the lobby of the Musical Theatre Center for my brother to finish rehearsal while eating chipotle and talking to the people who made me the outgoing person I am today. I wouldn’t have been able to sit in the audience of the Ford’s Theater, the Kennedy Center, and the Shakespeare Theater and proudly watch my brother perform, embracing every mo”ment until he transitioned to film. All of these positive memories that stemmed from the arts are ones that I would not be thinking about today had I not been reminded of them in every way just by living in Bel Air Hall.
In addition to those theater memories, the collaging workshop has also brought back the “avid collager girl” in me. And the funny part is, that I thought I was signing up for “Empowerment Through College,” only to be baffled (and thrilled) when I walked into the room with the table covered in magazines and scissors. Currently, while the collaging workshop is over, I have brought back out my bin with craft materials that I had used for “altered bookmaking” last summer, and my basket filled with donated magazines from neighbors just wanting to declutter.
While my past experiences in theater have turned me away from the thought of ever seeing another musical, the enlightenment of the Art Scholars program has only reinforced my support in watching others express themselves in the ways that they please. While annoying at times, I really did enjoy listening to peers in my dorm hallway express themselves through several musical outlets. After watching the Arts Fest video of my old theatre friend doing a tap dance, (the one genre of dance I actually still enjoy), it reminded me of the iconic tap number “step in time” performed by another old friend, where he actually was hooked up and able to tap dance upside down on the theater ceiling (very high up). After “surrounding” myself who appreciate the times like these, I am able to now see something that may remind me of my theater background, and think positively rather than what would usually be dismissive.
While it is difficult to engage with peers right now when it comes to art, I very much enjoyed collaging at a table with others so I know that it is something I would like to do in the future. I text daily with a 12-year-old girl who is going through a hard time, and I try to suggest different coping skills that she may benefit from. Since I started collaging again, she has been doing it right along with me, and though we cannot be together physically she still sends me pictures of what she does. We’ve even talked about collaging together in person once we are able.
The aspect of the Arts program that benefitted me most, was one that I sadly only took advantage of during our last weeks on campus. Being able to come down to the art lounge is really a benefit that no other dorm can experience, and I was lucky to be able to work in it while I did. At any hour of the day (or night) I would be able to come down to work on schoolwork, eat, watch Netflix, or do a random art project- knowing that somebody would be there for me to talk to. I have made so many friends through living in such a small and friendly dorm, whether they were made from hanging out in the lounge while my popcorn was heating up or even just strolling around the different floors with my roommate while we were bored. Being back on campus right now seems surreal- like some sort of fantasy. I still can’t believe we even get to go back to what once was a perfect reality- just to move out and collect our belongings. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that living in Bel Air is an experience like no other and a rare one that I wish I could relive. I will forever be thankful for the privileges that were provided by the Arts Program and all of you who worked to make those privileges possible. If this whole situation has taught me anything, it is to take advantage of what I have while I have it, and that one does not truly know what it’s like to miss something until it’s gone.
Semester 3
When I entered the Art Scholars program, I was very close-minded when it came to the types of art I thought I’d be doing. However, I have had several different experiences this semester that has opened me up to types of art and expression that I never imagined I’d be interested in, engaging in thought and interpretation when it comes to art exhibitions. I never thought I would be interested in something that reminded me so much of a museum- I have found them boring in the past and had never thought I’d be able to enjoy them. Visiting the current exhibit in Stamp’s art gallery has led me to realize the biases I’ve had when it comes to attending and observing art exhibits. I’ve ultimately realized that just because I don’t enjoy one exhibit does not mean I wont enjoy any of them. I’ve learned that these displays arent just about walking around and glancing at artwork- they are about connecting with the meaning behind the piece in a way that is unique to the interpreter.
This open-mindedness has enhanced the significance behind my work when it comes to the creative process. When working on my capstone project, I originally had my mind set on one specific idea. As I kept working on it, I realized the importance of having multiple “back-up plans” behind an idea. Even though my original plan did not end up working out, I used my other ideas as a way to further my creative process and make sure my project was still crafted to it’s fullest potential.
When providing feedback and revision to the ideas of ourselves and others, I have learned that it is especially important to consider the impact that the idea will have on the intended audience. It is also important to consider the realisticness of the idea in order to make sure it is actually doable in the way it was intended.
I recently viewed a picture of a painted mural in Union Square that was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The artist who painted the mural (among many others who have done the same) was able to send a powerful message in regards to the movement, in a way that would not go unnoticed. My time in the Art Scholars program has enabled me not only to see this mural as a statemeny to the public, but also as a means of expression of the artist and all those who are represented by the mural. The specific work I have done on my Capstone project has strengthened my ability to see and create art from a more in-depth standpoint. This new perspective allows me to form a deeper connection with the painting and it’s meaning, as well as providing me with the ability to see the painting more in-depth than before.
I am currently taking PSYC289D, which is a class about the psychology of happiness. Part of our weekly activities for the class included reflecting apon an activity that we engaged in that attempted to enhance our happiness. The activity I choose to work on every week was engaging in mindfulness practices. I would usually practice mindfulness by doing yoga at least once a day. This activity has helped me to be able to connect with my inner self and emotions in a way that I believe has helped (and will continue to help) me in crafting my Capstone project, because it allowed me to deepen the meaning I am able to put into my work.
My learning was improved by listening to my peers and their creative processes as they continues to craft and build apon their projects. While their ideas may not be similar to mine, I have been able to apply different aspects of their projects to the way I ultimately will perform my own. While interacting with my peers has provided me with inspiration for things like realistic ways to virtually work with others, there are also areas I would like to build apon. As this semester has been entirely virtual and lacked intimacy, incorporating a sense of meaning into my work has been exceptionally difficult. I hope to become more inspired by my peers as I see how their projects play out.
A time that I especially enjoyed actively contributing to the art scholars program was when I had the opportunity to learn how to drum with The Drum Lady. Though I found it more difficult than expected to hold a rhythm with my hands, I found that with practice it got easier. I loved that the whole class was able to be so connected (virtually) through a form of art that was new to most of us. While I enjoyed this field trip, I am eager for the day that we are back together in person and hope that we will be before our time in art scholars has ended.
The other week in art scholars we explored the art of pixel drawing. Thids activity was particularly chllenging for me because I don’t typically enjoy drawing with “constraints”. I also tend to draw with more detail than the pixel drawings allowed for, so I had trouble coming up with a way to design my drawing. While I ended up completing the activity and pushed myself in order to do so, I do not see myself creating this type of art again in the future. The opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone was able to teach me that it can’t hurt to try something new. If anything, the exercise revealed to me what my true artistic interests are in a way that only encourages me to continue creating art in that type of way.
Beni, S. (n.d.). Black Lives Matter Murals Around the World, From Kenya to Ireland. Condé Nast Traveler. Retrieved December 13, 2020, from https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/black-lives-matter-murals-around-the-world-from-kenya-to-ireland
Semester 4
Before I was in Art Scholars, I would not typically take the time to enjoy an art piece and reflect upon it. Through our regular pentathlon assignments, semester reflections, and consistent work on my capstone project, I've become better able to understand who I am as a student. I do not think that solely one of these aspects of the program would have benefited me nearly as much as they do collectively. Through the pentathlon assignments I have been able to broaden my spectrum of artistic knowledge and familiarity, and reflecting upon different events I’ve seen has strengthened my ability to learn and find meaning within situations. This learned skill was useful when It came to constructing my capstone project- I was able to put personal experience and meaning into this work, just as several artists did who I reflected on for pentathlon assignments. While I did not have these combined skills for all of my semester reflections over the past two years, being able to look back and see how my creative processes have evolved has helped me to not only become a better artist, but a better student as well.
As mentioned earlier, something I have been consistently working on throughout my two years in the program has been creating a real and effective sense of meaning behind any of the work I create. During my freshman year, I found that many of the assignments I completed we’re done in a “careless” manner- as if I was doing the assignment just for it to be done. Not to say my work didn’t hold any sense of meaning, but the meaning I learned to integrate contained a different sort of depth. By the time it came to brainstorming ideas for my capstone project, my ideas were more personal and constructed in a way that set a strong foundation for the challenges I had ahead of me. Even at the end of my project, my plan was not a solid one. Something that remained consistent, however, was my intention with the project at hand. Through the creation of my crocheted stuffed animals, I wanted to re-create a sense of warmth and comfort that I was able to feel in a similar situation. Whether my project had been executed “as planned” or not, my intentions remained constant, which allowed me to keep a driven mindset for most of my creative process.
Another skill that was beneficial when doing my capstone project was that of listening to my peers perspectives. Before joining the scholars program, I did not see much purpose in listening to others on topics that I felt I knew enough in. Additionally, a lot of the creative techniques that I enjoy are not commonly done outside of a program like this one, and therefore I simply did not have many people to offer me advice. During my time in art scholars I was able to interact, give, and receive criticism and feedback on the different works I was able to create. I especially appreciated activities like these, because being able to effectively communicate with others is a skill that will benefit me throughout my whole life, and not just within this program. Communicating effectively is a skill that will help me in my future career, my schoolwork, or just every day interactions. This scale also was needed for my capstone project, especially when it came to sending brief check-ins to those who I was working with.
Something that I have been interested in for a few years now is watercolor painting, and drawing in general. While I've always liked a “minimalistic look”, art scholars were able to help me brought in the Waze that I can create while drawing. During my sophomore year, i was introduced to “one-lined drawings”. While I really liked the appearance of this type of art, it was a concept that challenged me because I felt like it did not allow room for error. While I was nervous to try this type of art, I knew that it would be something to challenge me and take me out of my comfort zone. Fortunately, I ended up really enjoying this type of drawing and do it quite often.
On the other hand, I have expanded my horizons and try new things, and have had them not work out the way I had hoped. There were points where I attempted to explore a type of creative expression that did not end up being for me. Even then, I received guidance that helps me understand more as to why I did not like this type of art, which only helped motivate me to keep looking for new skills to learn. The constructive mindset that was radiated through the program encouraged me to be more open to artistic forms that I never thought I would try, such as the type of drawing I mentioned earlier, or Vogue dancing that I learned from our workshop.
When I think back to in-person colloquium, I remember that we would split into our peer groups every week to collaborate on and discuss a different type of creative expression. It was so meaningful and eye-opening to be able to see the art of my peers, while hearing and seeing them speak openly about their creative process behind it. I am lucky that I was able to experience this interaction in person, because it was so much more genuine to hear people's artistic decisions and inspiration in a more intimate setting. This setting also allowed for an easier communication process when it came to giving our own points of view on the topic we were discussing as a group. While this aspect of class was taken away from us when the pandemic hit, being able to learn these essential communication skills in a comfortable setting was something that I know I’ve benefited from and will carry with me every single day as I communicate with those around me.
I will not always have the same opinions, views, or perspectives as others, and having the experience of being able to openly discuss these views is essential success when it comes to continuing to have these conversations. Not only will it allow me and the people surrounding me to better understand each other, but it allows me to create the most effective solutions by being able to hear everybody around me.