Final Blog Post - Confessions of a F#ck Boy

I am embarrassed and flat-out ashamed by the oppression of women, minorities, and indigenous communities throughout my country, but also including the entire Earth. The mere fact that history has and is still written primarily by oppressors of the elite class reminds me of my privilege as a male, free American, and survivor of the military. I must admit as someone driven by money and power, the reality remains that there are many voices throughout society that are suppressed, and this class made me realize this reality. 

From a pragmatic point-of-view, this class is a great introduction to history, theory, and art practice. When I was young, my voice coach told me that "practice makes permanence," and what this class has also taught me was that art is not about acknowledgement, it is about the practice put into the craft, and the appreciation that manifests as a result of continuing. As someone who identifies as a writer, the idea that practice is key to perfecting a craft is accurate, but instead of a paintbrush, I have a laptop, and often times a notepad and a pen. When I was able to attend class, I enjoyed the short lecture in the beginning, and the implementation of practice in the middle and the end. I also enjoyed the documentary footage shown in class; it was visceral, almost raw, like the movie District 9, a film written and directed by Neill Blomkamp, if you have not seen this, you must! 

My only regret is that I did not become emotionally attached to the material, which is unfortunate because I feel passionate about education. I struggle with the idea of traditional learning, and sometimes find myself always trying to question the system; maybe it has to do with my background. I have read about the different styles of learning in regards to how the Greeks and Romans enforced education, but in today's learning institutions I find myself distracted, nervous, and anxious to go on to the next thing. Bi-Polarilty. 

My favorite artists are Yreina Cervantes, Frida Kahlobecause, and Laura Alvarez because I had a chance to personally meet her. 

I leave this blog understanding and learning two major points from this class: (1) art cannot and should not be rushed and done in a state of anxiety, and (2) artists become more inclined to isolate themselves from society which leads to higher probability of depression and sometimes suicide. 

Thanks for sharing everyone. 

Respectfully,

Will. 

P.S. My favorite artists that were presented today in class (Monday, November 30th) were Santa Barazza with "In-Betweeners;" Camilla Rose Garcia - shout out to Selina Porteria-and "The Woman is a Doctor" by Margaret Garcia. 

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