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.