This is where I feel the distinction between my two cultures grew. As a young student in the classroom I made sure to learn about the information the teacher placed in front of me even though I was never too concerned with social studies or english. I always seemed to be drawing on my notes instead of recording important information. I still do this today. When my mom allowed me to take part in art classes that focused on drawing, painting and sculpting I found a greater sense of connection with that part of myself through creativity.
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/08/liquid-jewels-fabian-oefner/
My two cultures were greatly separated after preschool during my years of elementary but they soon rejoined in middle school and high school because of the transition my mom made me go through by leaving public and joining a private institution.
http://bornstoryteller.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/private-schools.jpg
I found that when my time in the classroom was restricted to only being allowed to participate in typical book learning I was a much less enthusiastic student than when I was in the studio testing my hand at painting or drawing. The third culture grew from the new environment my mom placed me in where my schedule was not overpowered by math, science and english but balanced with arts.
By taking part in classes that satisfied my need to create I felt more capable of participating in the other classes throughout the day.
http://www.thestranger.com/binary/a151/feature-lead-magnum-500.jpg
The teachers at my new school understood the importance of a balanced curriculum and how art and science affected one another.
Sources:
http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
http://xavierleadershipcenter.com/articles/how-many-uses-for-a-shoe/
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/08/liquid-jewels-fabian-oefner/
http://bornstoryteller.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/private-schools.jpg
http://www.thestranger.com/binary/a151/feature-lead-magnum-500.jpg
Hi Javan,
ReplyDeleteI have similar experiences with you. When I was young, my mom also put me to after school programs in art and music. I felt the two cultures of math and science in school compared to the art in my other programs. However, I didn't really appreciate those programs until I was older. I feel that it is important to have a good balance between regular school learning from textbooks, etc. and extracurricular activities in art. I definitely agree with you on this point.
Hey Javan,
ReplyDeleteI thinks it's great that your mom helped balance out your studies and art by enrolling you in programs. I think it is important to have both art and science incorporated into individual's lives. I think that all schools should balance art and science and put emphasis on both of subjects. It is great that later at your new school the curriculum was built around incorporating both cultures into the developing students. Finally, as you said, originally your school was not providing support for both cultures and you took an outside studio class to key in on art. That is important because all people have the ability to enroll in these classes and broaden themselves. I think we need to make balancing the two cultures a priority as you have.