DMA UNITS I-II REFLECTION
I. ACTIVELY RECALL (WHAT I HAVE LEARNED)
1) Content Summary
The content pages on the website have assisted me in terms of better
understanding the goals of the class as well as better grasping the weekly
topics of discussion. I have learned to use them as tools for gathering outside
information as well as another way to hear the concepts being described through
my teacher’s opinion compared to the opinions of the other scholars from
outside resources we watch or read. Mainly, in the first two units of study,
the content summaries have revolved around the topics of the essence of
new-media, working effectively and practically online, gathering information
online, online communication, web-presence (unintentional and intentional), self-reflection
in regards to working online, creating a workable space online, composition
(new-media and everyday composing), and working with and learning the basics of
complex systems and new-media sources for creative purposes.
2) Exemplars Studied
Throughout the course of study, there were several specific individuals
we learned about who have served as the founding fathers or revolutionaries in
new media, technology, and particularly as artists that have pushed or are
pushing boundaries in their fields by way of new media composition and the
social media. Particularly in the second unit of study, we learned about the
artists/visionaries/new-media composers known as JR, the Sacrificial Poets,
Katerina Cizek, and Aaron Koblin. By examining their work, goals, and
methodologies, I learned about new and unconventional forms or art, in which
new media has practically become its own art area. Additionally, I discovered
how new media composers can reach out to vast numbers of audiences, even more
so than traditional methods of displaying or performing art works might. The
exemplars really gave visible evidence for me to see the outcomes of the
concepts we would discuss.
3) My Image-Compositions
The image-compositions I was asked to make in these foundational units of
study were a split image, a double exposure image, an image using text, and
another image that used both double exposure and text. Through the process of working
on the images, I was able to develop and apply some practical new media skills,
thus starting to meet the goals of Unit I and II (working effectively online
and understanding what new-media is). More specifically, I was able to learn
some basic skills in a new program I had never used before, and more
importantly, I was able to edit pictures, which is a valuable tool to have in
this generation.
4) My Website & Blog
During the course of the units of study, I had the task of setting up my
own pre-professional-type website and blog, specifically for sharing my
coursework for this class. By actively following the specific instructions, I
had to learn how to follow detailed guidelines as well as to think
aesthetically and carefully about the design and content that I wanted to
create and share.
5)
My
Facebook Contributions (Posts & Comments)
In addition to participating in distinct assignments, I was asked to
watch or read several resources and then share my opinions on the subject
matter as well as to interact with my peers through Facebook posts and
comments. Through the acts of listening and deciphering the material and then
reflecting, it made me gain new perspectives and think more critically about
topics I normally would not have thought or learned about. Moreover, posting
and commenting forced me to work on my communication skills as I had to take
time and effort in knowing how to express my thoughts to others in a
non-verbal, but rather written manner.
II. BRIEF SUMMARIES OF THE “ACTIVELY RECALL” CONTENT
1)
Content
Summary
Each week the content summaries would discuss specific topics associated
with the goal of the class, the goal being to understand “What do
young/emerging artists need to know about digital/new-media?” (as stated on the
course website). Particularly in Unit I, the content summaries addressed “How
to work effectively online” and in Unit II, examining “What new-media is” (also
stated on the course website). See “Content Summary” under “ACTIVELY RECALL
(WHAT I LEARNED)” for the specific topics addressed in the content summaries.
2)
Exemplars
Studied
The use of learning about different important figures involved in the
new-media world, particularly, artists who work with new-media technologies, is
another key element to the course. By either watching videos,
exploring/interacting with new websites, and/or reading new material, I was
able better grasp the concepts by learning through a new medium, and the
individuals we studied served as evidence to reinforce the concepts discussed.
3)
My
Image-Compositions
The next step was to create a separate image in a particular size, called
a transparency image. Here, I had to overlap the same two images that I used in
the diptych picture.Next, I had to take the diptych image and add text to it, sharing my thoughts on composing, or the intent behind that image.
4)
My
Website & Blog
The purpose behind the website and blog was to create a
professional-looking space where I could establish a strong intentional
web-presence as well as to upload my coursework for DMA, other courses, and any
of my artistic work if I so choose to.
5)
My
Facebook Contributions (Posts & Comments)
Finally, the goal of the Facebook comments and posts is to have me
reflect on the material we are covering as well as to gain new perspectives.
III. STAND
OUT LESSONS
1)
Content
Summary
I really enjoyed learning about artists I had never heard of, who are
using new media for a purpose, to spread a message, and/or to assist people and
to create awareness and community. Additionally, I like the fact that they are
current as well as individuals that make me question what it means to be an
artist, what art is, and what art can do.
2)
Exemplars
Studied
I mainly drew the same lessons from the exemplars as I did the content
summaries, because both of them drew me in since there were people behind those
ideas. The exemplars have been my favorite part of the coursework thus far
because I realize that I listen and process information better when I can see
it or hear it than I do by reading it. Particularly, the Jeremy Rifkin video on
“The Empathic Civilization” grabbed my attention, because the step by step
sketching set to the narration gave me imagery to help me better process and
enjoy the information being presented to me. Ultimately, the exemplars have
been one of the most enlightening parts of the course for me in regards to me
gaining more self-awareness (of my learning style and opinions) and general
awareness and education about the world I live in.
3)
My
Image-Compositions
The work of creating image compositions is something that particularly
interests me. I do not consider myself a visual artist, but the process of
refining an image has taught me to be more considerate when composing. Furthermore,
by relying on a program like Pixlr, I have had to learn patience, to really rely
on my trial and error skills, to be willing to use outside resources for help,
and to communicate to my teacher or peers when I need assistance.
4)
My
Website & Blog
Establishing what I wanted to convey to the readers of my blog and
website, have required that I become more introspective as well as hopefully
more articulate in sharing my thoughts through word. Particularly, the homepage
self-description on the website and the list of things that concern me about
the current world, gave me confirmation in my own convictions as I began to
share them with me readers.
5)
My
Facebook Contributions (Posts & Comments)
The Facebook contributions have served the same purposes—for the most
part—that the website and blog have in regards to making me think and express
more carefully. The ability to read the posts of my peers and to engage in
discourse with them as given outside perspectives, thus causing me to examine,
explore, question, and debate new and interesting perspectives I would have
never developed on my own.
IV. HOW
THE STAND OUT LESSONS CONNECT TO MY ART AREA
1)
Content
Summary
Certainly, the lessons we learn in DMA address topics that directly affect
me as an individual and therefore as an artist. In fact, the outside individuals
we study serve as a way for me to develop the practice of gathering new
knowledge, an essential tool for any person, particularly for dancers,
choreographers, and any kind of performing artist, especially since they need
to research character.
2)
Exemplars
Studied
The exemplars are an inspiration
to me as an artist, because I tend to be old fashioned, but I know that all of
the arts are growing closer and closer to using new-media, and I as an artist
should accept and embrace that. Additionally, the new-media composers we study
inspire me to want to use my art to reach out to vast numbers of people, to
spread a message, and to hopefully create lasting and impressionable art that
is a product of my investment in others and in it.
3)
My
Image-Compositions
Since my image-compositions have hopefully enhanced my eye for
aesthetics, I know that will be a skill needed to create stronger choreography,
which I must be able to do if I want to succeed at UNCSA and in my field of
dance in general. The need for a critical eye is imperative as a
dancer/performer or just as an artist. Also, the patience I needed, sense of
trial and error, and ability to ask for assistance when using Pixlr, are all
traits that will serve me well as a dancer, since a dancer needs both a sense
of independence and interdependence.
4)
My
Website & Blog
When developing content on a website and when creating blog posts, the
abilities to clearly express myself as well as to discover and stand firm on my
convictions are all skills I need as an artist and dancer. As a performing
artist—especially as a dancer—my life and career involves constant
communication with those around me in order to be safe as well as to express
important messages both in rehearsals and on stage, therefore, the skills I am
practicing in my website and blog are helpful for myself as an artist.
5)
My
Facebook Contributions (Posts & Comments)
The same skillset applies in the Facebook contributions as they do in my
work on the website and blog, however, through the Facebook interactions, I can
work on my listening, processing, and responding skillset. As a dancer and
performer, I absolutely must be able to listen to teachers, choreographers, my
dancers, and my fellow dancers in order to either fulfill the wishes of my
authorities or to ensure that others can meet my demands while still being
safe. Basically, being able to interact with others—just like in the Facebook
conversations—is one of the most vital skills I could have in my art area.
V. THE
OVERALL STRENGHTS IN MY WORK THUS FAR
Ultimately, I think that I have succeeded in paying close attention to
detail, spending a fair amount of time, even on simple tasks. I have put worth
work that is thorough and mindful, I believe. Additionally, I think that I have
demonstrated my ability to grasp material and to ask for help when I do not
understand the task at hand.
VI. THE OVERALL STEPS NEEDED FOR ME TO ADVANCE MY WORK-PROCESS AND WORK-PRODUCTS
In
general, I know that if I were to allow myself more time to do the work, it is
more likely that I will put forth higher quality work. Therefore, I need to
procrastinate less and work in more advance. Additionally, I could work more on
the aesthetic qualities of my work-products. Overall, as I continue through
this course, I believe I will learn new ways to improve my skills and rise
above whatever challenges I struggle with currently.
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