Lifes a Beach: Katelyn Schissel
Life’s a beach, enjoy the waves
The Artist Statement:
The photo shows many different ideas. Playing in the ocean
waves is like going through life. There are ups and downs and just as the waves
crash, there is more coming. People can never catch a break in life, but it is
all about positivity and how you handle the situation. You could smile and
laugh, or you could let it get to you. My huge smile in the picture is a
concept showing that I am optimistic and look on the bright side of things in
life, which truly represents me. In the photo, the horizon also stands out. The
horizon represents where life meets your dreams and if you work hard and chase
your dreams, you will achieve them. The sky is the limit.
Reflection:
Many people are quick to
judge others. They only believe that their own opinion is what is right, and
they don’t let any other ideas in. The biases people have typically come from
generations passed down or experiences they have been through to shape them
into what they believe. People do not let go of biases easily, they hang on to
them typically for life. I think that this is a positive thing that people have
such strong biases that they stand for, but it would be helpful if more people
became willing to listen to other biases and see two sides on the issues rather
than only believing in their own.
Verna Myers, a professional on the topic of bias had many good points throughout her podcast called “How do we overcome bias?” She stated that “We as people need to walk towards discomfort.”(Myers). Verna Myers is saying that in order to see others views and biases, people need to be willing and ready to walk towards fear, and ideas that may be different from what they believe. Something that may be fearful to one person may be completely normal to another. Verna Myers proved a great point in her podcast when stating what she believes is the definition of bias, “biases are stories we make up about people before we know who they are.” (Myers). She is getting the point across that usually there is no research put into bias, it just comes out of natural feelings. She believes that we need to get rid of those kinds of biases unless there is research and thoughts put into it.
One of the major things I have
learned so far in class is that everyone has different perspectives. No two
people have the same personality and every single person is different and has
different beliefs compared to others. In class, the personality tests I took
really proved to me that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. The
test was extremely accurate and told me some things about myself that I
wouldn’t have realized without taking it. The privilege test also proved a lot of
important information to me. People go through many different struggles in
their lives that may naturally cause their biases. The good and the bad things
that everyone goes through causes them to think and believe a certain way. In
order to make this a positive thing, I believe that people need to be more
accepting of people’s different biases and perspectives on topics.
Your flash fiction was short, but it gave off a big message. I like how you said, "There are ups and downs and just as the waves crash, there is more coming," in your artist statement. Often times people don't focus on the positives and let the "waves" take over. I agree with your they say I say, especially the first sentence. People really are quick to judge others. If people were more open to what others have to say/ how they live then I think that there would be less bias and judgement.
ReplyDeleteI liked how upbeat and positive the whole mood of it was. It made it seem like I had nothing to worry about. Like the song from Bobby McFerrin, "Don't worry, be happy." Showing people that being open to changes isn't as bad as you think it is can really change their thinking.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how positive the message was that you were giving off to always stay positive and look on the bright side of every situation. The flash fiction piece was very good and gives off a very strong message.
ReplyDeleteI really like how the flash fiction is a variation of a very common saying. "Life’s a beach, enjoy the waves" is very similar to when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. However, your version connects very nicely to the portrait because your portrait is at a beach. I love the optimistic attitude. My absolute favorite line in this piece was in your artist's statement. "People can never catch a break in life, but it is all about positivity and how you handle the situation." I can totally relate because I always try to be positive but sometimes things don't work out as planned. You sent a great message and I strive to be more optimistic.
ReplyDeleteIt shows to side in the picture even though the message is positive the artistic statement says it can be interpreted in different way. It cool that you have a happy picture but the story makes you think about it differently.
ReplyDelete