Why?

Friday, October 28, 2011

The hardest question for me to answer as an artist has been “Why?”  The list of these questions seems to be never ending for me.  Attempting to answer them for projects has been the most frustrating part of my process, until I thought a little more about it.  I was told by one of my professors, that “Why?” can hardly be answered, but you can tell when the artist at least attempted… it shows through their work.

Over the last few years I’ve discovered my own process to making art (which will be evolving constantly), and that discovery has been a process as well.  With projects, I usually have to have the final piece imagined in my head before I begin.  This way of creating was difficult because I would have concepts that I would develop, then abandon them because I didn’t like the final mental outcome.  At the other extreme I would see the final artwork of others which would enlighten my vision, and then I would try to reverse engineer a project just so I could use a similar process.  I’ve now realized that any approach to a project is great, considering it causes me to create at arrive at an attempt at “Why?”

Eventually I realized that I have tons of journals loaded with my thoughts (the why’s of my life).  Within my thought journal, I’ve got the answer to my “Why?” questions all over the place!  These are the issues that are on my mind.  These are the issues that are concerning me about me, my family, my life, my society, my environments, and my communities.  I eventually realized that I can take these thoughts, and develop any project.

So, let me tell you why.

I had returned to school after taking a break for a few years.  I didn’t conform to the social standard upon returning to school, which is for vocational training, and came back only to learn… seriously.  I believe, as I’m approaching the end of this phase of my life that I’ve stayed true to that original intent.  Because of this open minded approach to education, I’ve benefitted so greatly as it was never a burden to learn, but a thrill!

I’ve spent my time at school specializing in photography, but it’s become more than that for me.  It became a discovery of life through art.  At first all I wanted to do was photograph cars and races, and luckily I had an open mind to other ways to create and other subjects to learn.  I flew through phase after phase of styles.  It wasn’t until I did my Road Home project and my first Now I Can project that I found that I have the ability to use my vision to make a difference.  To have a voice.  I need to inspire and uplift, and art is my critical tool to make that a reality.  It all allows me to discover, see, and dream, then share.

I’m on the edge of finishing my undergraduate degree, my BFA in photography at Utah Valley University.  I’ve always had a love for teaching, plus I’ve found the education environment can be friendly to individual potential.  I recognize that my perception isn’t the only good way to see for everyone, but I would love to share it with anyone seeking expression, or inspiration.  I want to continue in the art institution, helping our generation of artists know they can use their talents for good.

So, that is why I went back to school, and why I am studying art, and why I want to go on and teach.  It’s a beautiful thing to uncover… this “Why?” question… the real reasons.  Why do you do what you do?

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