Something that really makes me upset is how schools sometimes tend to put down students for creative thoughts. This particular subject brings us back to my time during gradeschool at O.L.P.H. While attending school there, i found myself being continuosly shot down by my art teacher, Ms. Kadolf. If you talk to anyone that came out of OLPH, i can almost guarentee you that they have had the same experience with her.
At OLPH, i found myself trying to break free many times from the normalities of assignments. There was never any independent pieces of work, we had no freedom to experiment, and the worst part is i always got shot down. Many times i would get pretty upset, try to argue, and then eventually get sent down the office for a slap on the wrist.
I was reminded of this while Mr. Burman gave his TED presentation. As he talked about schools starting to disrupt the 'flow' of students by not allowing them to be expressive, i was constantly thinking about how much of a terrible time i had at OLPH.
What is interesting about looking at this now, is that i dont feel supressed by the teachers here at GBS as i feel towards OLPH. There has been very few times where i was repremanded in any class, even including math. This is probably the main reason why i enjoy my time at GBS more than most students. By having classes such as Humanities, woodshop, CAD, and ceramics, there were endless opportunities to be creative, and that is why i love it.
So yes, I do believe that there are some schools that crush the opportunity to be creative, but at the same time there are institutions that let creativity prosper. As i ride on into the future and go to college, i feel that i will be presented with more ways to be creative, and i will continue to prosper as i have at south.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Blogging Around: Justin and Matt
Review of Justin's Captured Thought: School.
"Justin I feel almost exactly like the way you feel, except for the fact that I actually like going to school every day. When you talk about the attitude that you go into certain classes with, I can really understand what you're feeling. Personally I think that senior year was the only year worth coming to school because it opened up our eyes for us to see what we really liked and enjoyed, so we have a better idea of what is going to fit our lifestly in the future. "
Review of Matt's Captured Thought: Dreaming.
"Matt I could not agree more with you on this topic. I have been having the most ridiculous dreams and when I'm in the dreams I really have no idea why I'm experiencing what is is happening. The funny thing is when I wake up, for whatever reason it is, the dream all of a sudden hits me like a sack of bricks and it all ties itself together. I think it is really cool how the brain has that incredible power to take emotions and experiences and combine them into a wild and intense dream that feels so real, and even more real that there are things happening that you can actually relate to."
"Justin I feel almost exactly like the way you feel, except for the fact that I actually like going to school every day. When you talk about the attitude that you go into certain classes with, I can really understand what you're feeling. Personally I think that senior year was the only year worth coming to school because it opened up our eyes for us to see what we really liked and enjoyed, so we have a better idea of what is going to fit our lifestly in the future. "
Review of Matt's Captured Thought: Dreaming.
"Matt I could not agree more with you on this topic. I have been having the most ridiculous dreams and when I'm in the dreams I really have no idea why I'm experiencing what is is happening. The funny thing is when I wake up, for whatever reason it is, the dream all of a sudden hits me like a sack of bricks and it all ties itself together. I think it is really cool how the brain has that incredible power to take emotions and experiences and combine them into a wild and intense dream that feels so real, and even more real that there are things happening that you can actually relate to."
Monday, March 1, 2010
Captured Thought: Business of Life
As I researched colleges this winter, I had a strong sense of what I felt I wanted to do in life. Growing up with a father who is a very successful business man has shown me that being a salesman can lead to having a prosperous life. So as I filled out countless applications for colleges, a majority of them have been for a major in business. However, Humanities has really changed my mind about what I want to do in life.
The first time my mind was tweaked was the Mindbook assignment: Architecture of Philosophy. With a great grandfather who was a famous sculptor in Lithuania, and a grandfather who is a well known architect, I guess it is fair to say that I have an artistic mind set. When I was told to create a house that reflects who I am I felt like it was my time to show what I could do. Ever since that assignment, I felt that I needed to do something in life that allowed me to do things that I wanted to do.
The second time, and probably the most captivating event that influenced my mind even further was the Frank Gehry inspired group project. Being in charge of design and having the floor plans for myself to work with made me super happy and it gave me a for-shadowing of what could happen if I major in architecture.
All in all, this whole thought process has really been making me have second or third thoughts about what I'm going to do with my life. For now, I've changed my majors in all schools I've applied to because I really don't think I'd be happy doing anything else other than architecture.
It seems like my mind is captured not only just thoughts.
The first time my mind was tweaked was the Mindbook assignment: Architecture of Philosophy. With a great grandfather who was a famous sculptor in Lithuania, and a grandfather who is a well known architect, I guess it is fair to say that I have an artistic mind set. When I was told to create a house that reflects who I am I felt like it was my time to show what I could do. Ever since that assignment, I felt that I needed to do something in life that allowed me to do things that I wanted to do.
The second time, and probably the most captivating event that influenced my mind even further was the Frank Gehry inspired group project. Being in charge of design and having the floor plans for myself to work with made me super happy and it gave me a for-shadowing of what could happen if I major in architecture.
All in all, this whole thought process has really been making me have second or third thoughts about what I'm going to do with my life. For now, I've changed my majors in all schools I've applied to because I really don't think I'd be happy doing anything else other than architecture.
It seems like my mind is captured not only just thoughts.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Metacognition: Gehry Design Project
When I first found out that we were going to be designing a building inspired by Frank Gehry, I was super excited. I had so many ideas, and so many cool things that I thought I would be able to do. I even made Gehry inspired house, which I was very excited at the possibility it could be built.
However I found out that we were not going to be allowed to come up with our own building or use for it. Needless to say I was pretty upset about that. So the building our group came upon was a big community center and courthouse. Immediately I came up with some ideas that I thought would be cool, but most of these ideas would probably never happen because of our time restrictions.
With these restrictions I found my mind being worked into ways that allowed for the same level of creativity, but on a lesser scale. This worked out to be very beneficial becuase our group came up with great ideas that werent too extravagant, but they made our building look very cool.
What I really like about my groups thoughts, not necessarily my own thoughts, is that when one person gives an idea, we not only agree with the thoughts, but we positively construct upon these ideas to make them even better.
I enjoy working in groups and making projects like these, and I really hope that we can keep making projects like this to challenge our minds, and make us work better together.
However I found out that we were not going to be allowed to come up with our own building or use for it. Needless to say I was pretty upset about that. So the building our group came upon was a big community center and courthouse. Immediately I came up with some ideas that I thought would be cool, but most of these ideas would probably never happen because of our time restrictions.
With these restrictions I found my mind being worked into ways that allowed for the same level of creativity, but on a lesser scale. This worked out to be very beneficial becuase our group came up with great ideas that werent too extravagant, but they made our building look very cool.
What I really like about my groups thoughts, not necessarily my own thoughts, is that when one person gives an idea, we not only agree with the thoughts, but we positively construct upon these ideas to make them even better.
I enjoy working in groups and making projects like these, and I really hope that we can keep making projects like this to challenge our minds, and make us work better together.
Monday, February 15, 2010
An Inconveniant Truth: Modern Day Art
Modern art, when looked upon by the older generations, has seemed to loose its' true meaning in the art world. I think that people from older generations feel like such modern artists and sculptors have gotten away from what true art means.
These kinds of people really aggravate me. What is so wrong about modern day art and sculpture that people feel the need to complain about it? Really COME ON!!! The last time I checked, art in any form is supposed to be the way that people can express themselves in whichever form they choose to express. Andy Rooney, a 'opinionist' for 60 Minutes, made his case very clear when he openly denounced modern sculpture in business districts, or places that are open to the public.
This is a perfect example for what really gets me angry. I believe the reason that Rooney is so aggravated with modern art is because he is from an older generation. His 'idea' of art is where the subjects are profound, the ideas are clear and easily understandable. To be honest, I think that he is a complete idiot. Art is a way of expressing the emotions, feelings and the personality of artists. Art is NOT a way to appease the appetite of the close-minded people in the world, who fail to stir up thoughts and emotions about the art that makes them dumbfounded. Art is a way of expressing everything. When people create something that makes the viewing audience confused, instead of criticizing and ridiculing the artist and saying he is wrong or lousy or cheap or narrow minded, try taking the hint that the artist is expressing the emotions his mind and his heart feels. I did it, and I had a revelation. Why don't you???
The truth is that the older generations are failing to realize that the world is modernizing in art and sculpture. Yes, I know that people from the older generations are having trouble adapting to the modern aspects of art. Instead of criticizing and destroying the hopes and emotions of artists who put their true emotions into their work, hear them out, and you will get a sense of what the artist is feeling. I did it. So can you.
These kinds of people really aggravate me. What is so wrong about modern day art and sculpture that people feel the need to complain about it? Really COME ON!!! The last time I checked, art in any form is supposed to be the way that people can express themselves in whichever form they choose to express. Andy Rooney, a 'opinionist' for 60 Minutes, made his case very clear when he openly denounced modern sculpture in business districts, or places that are open to the public.
This is a perfect example for what really gets me angry. I believe the reason that Rooney is so aggravated with modern art is because he is from an older generation. His 'idea' of art is where the subjects are profound, the ideas are clear and easily understandable. To be honest, I think that he is a complete idiot. Art is a way of expressing the emotions, feelings and the personality of artists. Art is NOT a way to appease the appetite of the close-minded people in the world, who fail to stir up thoughts and emotions about the art that makes them dumbfounded. Art is a way of expressing everything. When people create something that makes the viewing audience confused, instead of criticizing and ridiculing the artist and saying he is wrong or lousy or cheap or narrow minded, try taking the hint that the artist is expressing the emotions his mind and his heart feels. I did it, and I had a revelation. Why don't you???
The truth is that the older generations are failing to realize that the world is modernizing in art and sculpture. Yes, I know that people from the older generations are having trouble adapting to the modern aspects of art. Instead of criticizing and destroying the hopes and emotions of artists who put their true emotions into their work, hear them out, and you will get a sense of what the artist is feeling. I did it. So can you.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Connection: The Media
For the past week, we have been talking about the effects of the media on the economy and it's consumers. I really like what we have been talking and reading about because this problem is most connected with teens and young adults.
One of the items that caught my eye was the 'adbuster' flag that Mr. Glass hung in the classroom. This specific flag had the same characteristics of the American flag; however, instead of stars, we saw corporate symbols. Up until maybe the 8th grade did not really know what the stars on the American flag stood for (yes I know that is pretty pathetic). For the people that don't know what the stars mean, they stand for the fifty states of the United States. What really bothers me is that I would have probably known maybe 75% of the symbols on that adbuster flag at the same time I did not know the meaning of the stars.
This is where I felt that I was just a drone to the corporations. After we viewed this flag I did a serious background check on myself as to all of the stuff I have bought, seen, or used. If I were to crunch the numbers based on my usage of items, purely on the basis of having seen other people use these products, that number would be at 90% at the least.
Today, I feel like I am a big walking advertisement for multiple countries such as Nike, by the shoes I wear, Lacoste, from the shirt I wore, Abercrombie, from the jeans I wore. WOW. If people were to take acount of every name brand worn or used every day, everyone's percentage would be at 100%.
Looking into the future, I cannot imagine myself using non-corporation sold products such as my Acer computer that im typing this on, or the pads I will be using for lacrosse tonight. The whole world is run by big business, and the ideas of wearing a name brand.
How can I stand out if I'm standing among a crowd of advertisements?
One of the items that caught my eye was the 'adbuster' flag that Mr. Glass hung in the classroom. This specific flag had the same characteristics of the American flag; however, instead of stars, we saw corporate symbols. Up until maybe the 8th grade did not really know what the stars on the American flag stood for (yes I know that is pretty pathetic). For the people that don't know what the stars mean, they stand for the fifty states of the United States. What really bothers me is that I would have probably known maybe 75% of the symbols on that adbuster flag at the same time I did not know the meaning of the stars.
This is where I felt that I was just a drone to the corporations. After we viewed this flag I did a serious background check on myself as to all of the stuff I have bought, seen, or used. If I were to crunch the numbers based on my usage of items, purely on the basis of having seen other people use these products, that number would be at 90% at the least.
Today, I feel like I am a big walking advertisement for multiple countries such as Nike, by the shoes I wear, Lacoste, from the shirt I wore, Abercrombie, from the jeans I wore. WOW. If people were to take acount of every name brand worn or used every day, everyone's percentage would be at 100%.
Looking into the future, I cannot imagine myself using non-corporation sold products such as my Acer computer that im typing this on, or the pads I will be using for lacrosse tonight. The whole world is run by big business, and the ideas of wearing a name brand.
How can I stand out if I'm standing among a crowd of advertisements?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Metacognition: Semester One
Humanities is a place where you need to come prepared to learn. To be honest, at first I really did not care for Humanities that much. Sorry but its very true. At first I thought that the material we were studying was relatively boring.
After a while the subjects changed, and so did my opinions. The material began to be more interesting, I started participating more in class, and the most significant change: I started enjoying class!
Me being able to enjoy class and be energetic really was the turning point of my experience in Humanities. My whole perspective of Humanities changed while we read Sophie's World, which is probably one of my most favorite books I have read. Sophie's World opened my eyes up to new dimensions through the text, and what other people had to say as well.
Understanding the other students in Humanities is also a big necessity because the people make the population. I know many of the people in Humanities and I have known them since freshman year. In the time that I have had to learn about them, I can relate what they talk about in class to myself and other life experiences. A few students are very quiet in class and participate rarely; however, I know some of them on a personal level which allows me to get a better understanding of what is going on in their head. So in a way everyone in class is talking out loud.
My change of opinion from what I thought class was like in the beginning of the year to my opinion now has made an huge improvement, and I am glad it has. Humanities is a way for me to try to express fully my creativity, my passion, but most importantly: my mind. I am very excited for quarters three and four, but at the same time, I feel slightly nervous.
What will we learn? What will we do... And how will we do it?
After a while the subjects changed, and so did my opinions. The material began to be more interesting, I started participating more in class, and the most significant change: I started enjoying class!
Me being able to enjoy class and be energetic really was the turning point of my experience in Humanities. My whole perspective of Humanities changed while we read Sophie's World, which is probably one of my most favorite books I have read. Sophie's World opened my eyes up to new dimensions through the text, and what other people had to say as well.
Understanding the other students in Humanities is also a big necessity because the people make the population. I know many of the people in Humanities and I have known them since freshman year. In the time that I have had to learn about them, I can relate what they talk about in class to myself and other life experiences. A few students are very quiet in class and participate rarely; however, I know some of them on a personal level which allows me to get a better understanding of what is going on in their head. So in a way everyone in class is talking out loud.
My change of opinion from what I thought class was like in the beginning of the year to my opinion now has made an huge improvement, and I am glad it has. Humanities is a way for me to try to express fully my creativity, my passion, but most importantly: my mind. I am very excited for quarters three and four, but at the same time, I feel slightly nervous.
What will we learn? What will we do... And how will we do it?
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