Does the experiences and surroundings of much of our life affect the very things that we are drawn to, or is it simply a state of being that is in constant flux? Much of Christine Garvey’s lecture centered around what drives her inspiration for her artwork throughout the years from the very beginning to the present. Her experiences with not only other artists, but also with various mediums and styles of artwork. Her experience with the La Specola Museum of wax figures of the human anatomy in various aspects of life, death, and disease can also be seen throughout her art career. The somewhat grisly and macabre aspects of life human or otherwise has always had a predictable effect towards people. They will either shy away from the disturbing and uncomfortable or be drawn towards it. The experiences humans are visited upon during there years of growth will always have an impact on their later life and how they themselves perceive their world. I myself find inspiration in the somewhat darker aspects of life, and much of my artwork mirrors this comfort I find in the shadows. Every person is different in their likes, dislikes, and the characteristics of life that they find bring them comfort in their own lives. The likes of one person will always inevitably differ even if only slightly from those they are surrounded by. This difference in opinion is also what divides people as many people who do not agree with the majority will sometimes unfortunately be shunned and rejected. Luckily where there is one person being rejected by one group there is another whom also may have the same view and opinions towards where they draw their inspiration. So it is with this alienation the humans previously rejected adapt and create their own community to suit their needs as humans for interaction and sense of belonging. The event of people feeling isolated and rejected by groups of others can in of itself be detrimental and sometimes can also be deadly in its power and effect on those feeling this emotional turmoil. While not always apparent in an obvious way the outliers are not alone, and if they look hard enough they will inevitably find something to gain inspiration from to grow as a person and or an artist. Garvey’s artwork tends towards the attention grabbing and somewhat grotesque as this is her way of using the inspiration she gained from her time spent studying, observing, and living in Florence in and out of La Specola Museum. Each person has their own inspiration for their daily lives it not just something reserved for artists alone, but for the masses. Inspiration can also be found in every aspect of life, and therefore can be used for everything that occurs is an average humans’ day to day life. The aspects that divide people can also be the very things that bring humans together as inspiration is not a defining feature, but is shared by all. Olivia Armstrong
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“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist I do believe in wanting something so much that opportunities start to show themselves, but it’s not just the universe that’s helping us achieve what we want it’s what we decide to do with the opportunities presenting themselves. Our choices determine the paths we take and sometimes some options seem better than others at the time. Christine’s lecture was about her identifying as an artist but wanting validation, and then realizing she was never going to get it. Not because people didn’t believe in her, but because she had to believe in what she was doing first. She also made great points on career’s and job opportunities one of which really resonated with me. Christine said we should take any job experience as a learning opportunity. She used a student declining a management position as an example. The student declined a promotion at her job for a management position because she wanted to focus on teaching. Management as she pointed out is a form of teaching it may not be in a class room environment but definitely would have had the teaching aspect her student was looking for. I feel like in a way I have doubted many of my career choices including the one I’m in and I go back and forth because it’s nothing related to the field I am studying yet if it wasn’t for the job I have now I probably wouldn’t be able to afford going to school. Christine opened up about herself and her life as an artist which I am thankful for because she admitted that she herself wasn’t always producing like she wanted, and the fact that she still persisted forward is admirable. I feel like I am in a different situation than most of my classmates because I am older, I have a 40-hour work week and take 3 classes a semester I want to work with something that gives me meaning and art is that for me. She made it a point to say to wait on graduate school after getting done with undergrad program and I almost didn’t expect that. In most of the classes I am taking this semester most of my professors have encouraged us to look in to getting our masters once we graduate. I do think Christine made a valid point though until you get to experience what you want to do in a work setting you can’t really know what you are getting yourself in to. Throughout her lecture she brought up ideas I have never thought of myself and some that I have been eager in to looking in to like the teaching abroad programs. But most of all she’s shown me with hard work, balance and persistence anyone can get to where they want to be. Also, she made me feel less bad about getting help from my parents. So here is to all the artist and emerging artist do what makes you happy and just spread the art! Jessica Solis |
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