I can't believe it, but my time to show the world what I'm capable of has arrived at last. I have a portfolio interview tomorrow at OCAD (Ontario College of Art and Design); the process of getting here seemed so long, but it's actually here now. OCAD's the school I'd imagined myself in ever since I had heard about it. Many would say it's for the "artsy-fartsy" individuals, and I must admit that some of the people that attend the school certainly have an interesting taste in style. However, the work that is produced there and the absolutely amazing people that come out of there after their schooling is incredible. I love art. It is my passion. Many would argue that there is no way that anything could come of it; I can't make a career out of art. And I must admit that it's not going to be easy to begin working in a field such as this one, but why should I not even try? That wasn't the way I was brought up, and that isn't the way I want to live.
I am constantly asked why I hadn't chosen a more 'academically promising' subject, like math or science, to follow as my future. I have a reputation for being smart, which is a little misleading. I don't believe I am more intelligent than anyone else; I'm just simply curious about the world around me. I love to observe and I love to learn. When I create art, I discover. The assumption that revolves around art is usually that it's only for the people who have the ability to draw. I say that's bullshit. Anyone, with the proper training, practice, and enthusiasm, can draw well, but it's the meaning behind an artwork that is more important. On my first day of art class in high school, my art teacher made an interesting statement that changed my perception of art to this day. She said that "without meaning, art is just a pretty picture". I had always assumed that having the ability to draw was the basis of being an artist. Just having that technique was enough to be one. Boy, was I wrong.
As I went on in art and with each passing year, I discovered and I grew and I truly became more understanding of what it means to create art. And it is nothing that I can explain in words. The feeling that comes with dipping that spattered paintbrush into a crisp jar of paint; the emotion that courses through your fingers as you sculpt and mold clumps of nothing into something; it's all indescribable. I am one of the lucky few that gets to experience this, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is for this reason that I want to pursue art as a career, even if no one understands it.
So, tomorrow I walk into the intimidating new environment confidently, hoping and praying to God that I don't mess this up. It's my one shot at becoming something no one really believes I am capable of; it's the one chance I get at bringing to life the passion that everyone is blind to. It's finally here and I'm going to face it, head-on.
I am constantly asked why I hadn't chosen a more 'academically promising' subject, like math or science, to follow as my future. I have a reputation for being smart, which is a little misleading. I don't believe I am more intelligent than anyone else; I'm just simply curious about the world around me. I love to observe and I love to learn. When I create art, I discover. The assumption that revolves around art is usually that it's only for the people who have the ability to draw. I say that's bullshit. Anyone, with the proper training, practice, and enthusiasm, can draw well, but it's the meaning behind an artwork that is more important. On my first day of art class in high school, my art teacher made an interesting statement that changed my perception of art to this day. She said that "without meaning, art is just a pretty picture". I had always assumed that having the ability to draw was the basis of being an artist. Just having that technique was enough to be one. Boy, was I wrong.
As I went on in art and with each passing year, I discovered and I grew and I truly became more understanding of what it means to create art. And it is nothing that I can explain in words. The feeling that comes with dipping that spattered paintbrush into a crisp jar of paint; the emotion that courses through your fingers as you sculpt and mold clumps of nothing into something; it's all indescribable. I am one of the lucky few that gets to experience this, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is for this reason that I want to pursue art as a career, even if no one understands it.
So, tomorrow I walk into the intimidating new environment confidently, hoping and praying to God that I don't mess this up. It's my one shot at becoming something no one really believes I am capable of; it's the one chance I get at bringing to life the passion that everyone is blind to. It's finally here and I'm going to face it, head-on.
February 28, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Goodluck Anna!
You will do fine.
& you know what, Art is better than science and math by far. So i wish the best for you in the future :)
February 28, 2010 at 1:45 PM
Thanks Marie! :)