In the first several weeks of classes, I have learned some basic skills of using canvas and the electronic learning portfolio, and have also done group discussions and critiques. For homework, I have written talking notes and a letter to myself for my seminar class and a self portrait and a visual backpack for my studio class.
These two classes support each other a lot, and it is very helpful for me to do different projects under the same topic. The self portrait assignment in studio class asked us to include four aspects of ourselves: history, education, social activities, and spirit. It made it easier for me to write the letter to myself, because the four aspects were what I was going to talk about in the letter to myself. Also, the letter to myself really helped me to decide the three objects that I would bring to myself in the visual backpack project.
It can become really tricky when trying to explore myself. My definition of myself is based on my thoughts and my memories. In the assignments, I have tried to recall a lot of memories from different ages, and, just as what Joan Didion wrote in Why I Write, they are all “shimmering” around the edges. Some of my memories become so vague that they turn into feelings, warm and gentle ones. Therefore, when I recall my memories, I can always have the touching and comfortable feeling surrounding me. This feeling made my working progress fluent and smooth, and, as a result, made me enjoy the progress a lot.
