“In our class activities, such as making handmade paper, I'm starting to see these materials not just as tools for creativity, but as manifestations of the living world. Each sheet of paper carries within it the fibers of plants, the flow of water, and the labor of hands. This awareness fosters a deeper sense of gratitude and stewardship, prompting me to consider the environmental impact of our actions and how we can better harmonize with the natural world. This course has changed the way I live my day to day life.”
“This course has been a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It has instilled in me a newfound sense of purpose and agency, compelling me to reassess my role as an artist and advocate for constructive change. Moving forward, I am committed to integrating the knowledge and challenges gleaned from this course into my academic pursuits and beyond. Whether through advocacy efforts, collaborative initiatives, or community engagement projects, my aspiration is to harness the transformative potential of art to effect positive change in the world. Not only did this course instill a sense of purpose in the artistic world for me, it also helped me fall back in love with life.”
“The shift in perspective this class made available has opened up a new ethos for me—one that emphasizes respect, reciprocity, and interconnectedness. By recognizing the animacy of the world around me, I'm compelled to approach it with a sense of reverence and responsibility.”
“One of the major takeaways from this course is the realization that art is not merely a solitary pursuit but a communal dialogue—a conversation between the artist, the materials, the audience, and the wider world. This ethos, woven throughout our readings and discussions, has fundamentally altered my approach to both thinking and making. No longer do I view art as a solitary act of creation but as a collaborative endeavor, enriched by diverse perspectives and experiences.”
