Week 2 , The Aesthetic Experience

Q: First read the Introductory chapter. Aesthetic refers to our appreciation, critical awareness, and understanding of beauty, purpose and taste in the arts, usually apart from any utilitarian value art may have, or any connection to reality. The aesthetic experience is a more intense manner of participating, knowing and communicating in and of itself, separate from other ways of knowing and communicating. It forms a significant part of our arts experience. In a paragraph, tell us about an aesthetic perception and response experience you have had in any area of the arts. (Remember to always respond to at least one other classmate.)

A: I must say, out of all my aesthetic experiences with the art forms, performance and music affect me more than I know. It takes my whole body, every part into it. Painting is nice to appreciate, but you can't jump into the picture (maybe you can feel that way when you are painting it). I realize that when someone performs, especially a musical piece that you know, you can join along! Whether we realize it or not, this happens every time we go to church (hopefully), and we get to appreciate that form of art every week! (At least I do!) Where would I be without it? I not only appreciate it, but I need it. I crave it!
One unique experience of this that I recall is when Nate Sally came to DBU to "perform." Even though his songs were new to me, I enjoyed very much his piano playing and watching his veins pop out of his neck when he sang becuase he was so passionate about it. It ended up turning into worship. Everyone joined in and was worshipping the same God together, I am sure that was the purpose, but to be a part of such a wonderous event such as worshipping God in the "body" was an aesthetic experience like no other form of art.

The Arts and the Creative Process Class

I am currently taking a class that I think I will really enjoy! It is called the Arts and the Creative Process. It is a hybrid, so we have online discussions. I intend to post great discussions from the arts. Feel free to join in or just Enjoy!

Discussion 1, Week 1:
Please introduce yourself to the class. Take time to share a little personal information about yourself.
1) Who are you, where are you from, where do you work, your family, what do you like to do in your spare time? What makes you unique?
My name is Audrey Cholla, grew up in Dallas, and am a junior here at DBU. I currently work in the Undergraduate Admissions department here on campus, and am always looking for new opportunities to serve. I am the oldest of three girls, and my mom is an elementary bilingual school teacher in Dallas. I like to meet new people, explore and travel. I like to make new things and figure things out (research what I am interested in). I like to sing and enjoy life!

2) What are your strongest memories from your involvement with the arts from your past experiences? How are the arts part of your life today?
One of my strongest memories in the arts comes from a time when my mother use to take me to the art museums, paint with me, and enroll me in art classes. Here I am, still doing that today! I specifically remember painting an oil on canvas with her of a girl on a sunny day. My mother had walked away, and something happened inside of me that painted the girls face purple! (-or green? I can't remember). It dissappointed my mother so much. I remember the awful feeling I felt of "ruining" something. Thanks to my mothers optimism, she turned it into a girl with an astronaut hat on! Now that's creativity! Those were good days, thanks mom!

3) Select one of the websites you visited in Session One. Share this with us. (Remember to always respond to at least one other classmate.)
I chose the "Mother of all Art History" website. One reason is becuase my mother is an Art History major from UT Austin, and I thought, maybe I should develope an appreciation for art history. I found myself on a different website watching a four minute "new art media" from Spain which was quite interesting. I am not sure I quite understand what type of video-ing is to come. And despite the long caption to explain his artist expression through the film, I still do not completely understand. It must be a personal thing, much like art is.