Introduction – Ode to my Mother
What’s Home?
Go for a Walk
1 Sketch, 1 Affirmation
Curio Journey
Treasure/Archive
Find New Spot
Written Reflection:
When I first signed up for this course, I honestly had no idea what to expect. As a graduating senior, I did notice that this class was for freshman and so I thought it would be nice to take me back and get a reminder of my first year at Parsons. Through all of our journeys and reflections, I realized that art is essentially what we make of it. There are no guidelines, no templates; Nothing but our ability to express ourselves as human beings. What helped me not only with my art process but also life in general was the instructions to stop, breathe, and just be. During the pandemic, I finished up my last semester of school and am working part-time. I left myself with no time to relax and pushed myself to the point where I wanted to give up. Rather than adding on to the stresses of daily life, Across Places allowed me to take a step back and remember why I applied to Parsons in the first place. I wanted to hone into my ability to get in tune with myself and let my creativity flow. So, when I read the instructions for each assignment, I was pleasantly surprised but also wary. It was like I had forgotten how to just be in my surroundings.
As I joined late to the class, I started the course after I moved back to New York from Georgia. In the beginning, I was very wary of going out due to the pandemic so I found myself having to find creative ways to complete assignments through the lens of my small 1 bed apartment. However, in doing so, it was quite enjoyable to fantasize my home into a whimsical getaway. Once the restrictions started to loosen up, I started implementing daily walks outside and the Spring-time weather in New York is just beautiful.
After this course, I will be officially graduated! As I just accepted a full-time job offer, I will be diving straight into my career. However, if I take anything away from this course, it is to be less harsh on myself and to remember that I am also a human being. I need to go outside and be in touch with nature and just relax. I am excited for the tasks and projects that come my way but I also am excited to find a healthy balance between work and appreciating myself and my health.
