Fireside Chat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK-uYww2ZHI&feature=youtu.be

One of the things this assignment has taught me is the power of vulnerability. When an artist is being vulnerable, and exposing themselves to the outside world, it makes their work that much more powerful and unique. I felt very vulnerable during this presentation. I decided to do something deep and personal to me. I looked at my list of influential artists and stories and saw there was a pattern that I could share. Each of my influential stories had a duality about them. A constant war of good vs evil. This was present in my favorite tragedy story of Anakin Skywalker. In my favorite character of all time, Zuko. Finally, in my favorite story of redemption, Alma the younger. I was wary of the ideas that were forming, for I know far out blended projects can be made poorly. I also decided that this was my artistic flair. I love blending ideas and concepts, especially if they come from different worlds. Thus, my project began. I added my favorite part of the Star Wars story, which is Vader’s tragedy spelled out in that beautiful remix of Samuel Kim’s “Imperial March”. I animated a story about Alma the Younger and based it all on a quote from Zuko’s uncle. This led to a beautiful composition that expresses many emotions but focuses on “hope”. Each of these characters and stories offer me personally, hope.

I think my most dangerous and exposing expression here is my support for the Book of Mormon and Jesus Christ. This is due to the culture built here in Utah where being an active, believing member of the church is expected, and therefore the wrong thing to do. This felt like a weird stand against that culture. I believe in Christ. And I won’t be ashamed of that anymore. Being vulnerable led me to choose to be courageous. I have never felt more at home in my creativity than when I consider the spiritual implications of my works. The final segment of our class discussed the spirituality of art. It was one of my favorite topics. 

In conclusion, I am so grateful for art. I’m grateful for the lessons I learned watching my classmates’ works. I am grateful for the opportunity to sit down, think, and create for my Savior.

One final and small note that I think is important: I specifically picked crimson as the color for the font because of the Savior’s blood that was spilt which allows us to have hope for our individual futures.