What did you know about art criticism when you started the class? How comfortable were you with evaluating your work or the work of others?
When I started Art 1, I honestly did not know what to expect. Especially relating to art criticism. I am very critical of myself, so evaluating my own artwork was a piece of cake. I always knew right away what I liked and did not like about my artwork. But evaluating others is a whole different story. It can be really hard to give your honest opinion about someone else's work, especially when you know they gave it their best effort. When we did art critique activities, I always left nice, positive comments about the person's work. I wanted everyone to be proud of what they did and pleased that others liked it as well. If I did not know what to say about someone's work, I just wouldn't leave any comment.
When I started Art 1, I honestly did not know what to expect. Especially relating to art criticism. I am very critical of myself, so evaluating my own artwork was a piece of cake. I always knew right away what I liked and did not like about my artwork. But evaluating others is a whole different story. It can be really hard to give your honest opinion about someone else's work, especially when you know they gave it their best effort. When we did art critique activities, I always left nice, positive comments about the person's work. I wanted everyone to be proud of what they did and pleased that others liked it as well. If I did not know what to say about someone's work, I just wouldn't leave any comment.
How has your understanding of art criticism changed during Art 1? How has the way you used art criticism when you make or view art changed during the class?
Throughout this class, I learned that all feedback is useful. I appreciate when people give me their honest opinion about my work. I especially appreciated when my art teacher (Mrs. Purtee) would comment on my work and give me suggestions on how I could improve or use different tools, while still letting me incorporate my own original ideas. Since taking this class, whenever I see a work of art, I do not immediately criticize it. I try and decipher the meaning behind it. It is so easy to be critical of others' work, but now I know how much time and effort art really takes. I am able to now appreciate and justly criticize works of art that I would not normally like or understand.
What are some of the many important or useful things you learned in Art 1?
I am a perfectionist. If I make something I want it to look perfect in my eyes and not have a single flaw. This, however, is extremely unrealistic. In life, things do not always go as you plan, and you have to adjust and change. I learned how to be more flexible and let go of the little flaws in my art that would normally drive me crazy. Another life skill I learned in this class was how to stand up for what I believe in. When I created my "Artists Take a Stand" project supporting my pro-life beliefs, I was extremely nervous for others to see it because I knew many people would not agree. I was terrified, but I let others see it anyway. I learned to not let fear be my biggest motivator, because that is no way to go through life. If you believe in something, do not be afraid to admit to it. Everyone has their own opinions and beliefs, and it's ok!
What are some of the many important or useful things you learned in Art 1?
I am a perfectionist. If I make something I want it to look perfect in my eyes and not have a single flaw. This, however, is extremely unrealistic. In life, things do not always go as you plan, and you have to adjust and change. I learned how to be more flexible and let go of the little flaws in my art that would normally drive me crazy. Another life skill I learned in this class was how to stand up for what I believe in. When I created my "Artists Take a Stand" project supporting my pro-life beliefs, I was extremely nervous for others to see it because I knew many people would not agree. I was terrified, but I let others see it anyway. I learned to not let fear be my biggest motivator, because that is no way to go through life. If you believe in something, do not be afraid to admit to it. Everyone has their own opinions and beliefs, and it's ok!
What would you add or change to make it a better learning experience?
I really enjoyed Art 1. I learned many new art skills and life skills throughout this class. The only thing I would add to this class is more group projects. I really didn't get to know my table very well (especially since I moved around, which is all on me). I would have liked to make art with them as a table and creatively collaborate with them more. I enjoy hearing other people's ideas and what they come up with. Although I would have liked more group projects, I also really enjoyed the time we got to spend alone listening to music and working by ourselves. This class definitely made me think creatively and come up with new ideas that I did not know I had in me. Overall, I loved Art 1 and am so glad I took a class that pushed me out of my comfort zone and really made me ponder new concepts and ideas.