Reflection Post

Thinking back to the beginning of the quarter, I can’t believe that time flew by so quickly, its week 10 and this class is fast coming to an end. At the beginning of the quarter, I wasn’t too sure about the workload or what this course entailed. I was surprised to find out that we would be drawing as I had no artistic background and had enrolled in the Chicano department. Although I was a little skeptical, it turned out to be a fantastic experience. I genuinely appreciate that the professor took a beginner’s approach and guided us through each assignment rather than assuming that we were all at the same artistic level. I am surprised with my improvement from day one to week 10. I hope to continue drawing.

My favorite part of this course was learning about the different Chicana artists and being able to connect with their work. Throughout my four years at UCLA, I hardly found any classes that connected with my culture or reflected people who looked like me. I loved learning about Carmen Lomas Garza because I was immediately reminded of my childhood memories and family who I rarely get to visit. Seeing these pieces made me appreciate the moments, such as making tamales, which I used to take for granted and now serve as childhood memories.

These pieces, as well as the entire course, made me more aware of the different art that surrounds me or the art that I show be showing the children I mentor or even my younger family members. Although it’s unfortunate that I was not aware of these artists in the past, I am glad that I am now knowledgeable about their background and artwork. I also want to thank professor Alma Lopez for sharing her story and continuing to practice her work based on what she loves and not what she thinks society will like, thank you for teaching this course!