University - The Arts

I went into University just after I finished getting my diploma.  It wasn’t so much a thing that I wanted for myself, but it was the common thing to do with high grades and scholarships. 

So, why not?

Such a mentality is what usually gets me into trouble.  I spent two years on campus studying the Arts before I realized that my opportunity to get a job would be quite low – especially compared to the cost of tuition and books.  I took an English Major with an Art History Minor.  To enhance my artistic skills, I figure I take some Art and Design as well.

That was very foolish.

My perceptions were ill received in the academic world.  Perhaps I wasn’t as worldly as my instructors or peers.  I was taught that art is expression.  As far as expressions go, people have a myriad of different opinions which makes art a topic for debate.  Ideally, my notion was that a debate allows people to broaden understandings and explore differing perspectives.  My mentality on this matter didn’t mesh well with the others.

I spent most of the time on the outskirts of discussions to avoid causing ripples in their minds.  When my work was reviewed, it was often to try to get me to leave the class.  So, my experience with being educated on how to create art was unfulfilling and disappointing. 

I somehow passed, but I didn’t draw for 2 years thereafter.

There are a few misconceptions I’ve sorted through since my time there.  Contrary to the academic rules, there’s no right or wrong way to produce art.  There is no right or wrong way to express ones self.  There is, however, a way to offend and a way not to offend people with art, but there is no way to have everyone like the same piece of art in the same way. 

It’s more about who’s the weak link, and how do we destroy them.

It wasn’t an inquisition, but it was a harrowing. 

My whole concept of educated people and the quality of education was skewed.

Now I read an article in the paper almost weekly about budget cuts to the arts programs.  Somehow, I still find it disconcerting.

 

Sincerely,

 

Angel and the Stickmen