Self-Expression Through (Art)Work

Architectural Blue Prints. Source: Pixabay 

     

        I believe in self-expression. I believe in making a positive impact through creative thinking and art to influence the lives of others. Many people think of sculptures or paintings when talking about art. The truth is, art is much more than that and exists outside of museums. Architects, engineers, and all sorts of workers are all artists in their fields. Anyone who picks up a pencil can be an artist. The goal isn’t to sell expensive pieces but to create something that reflects you and impacts others. 

        The purpose of art is to present creativity and inspiration that reflects human experiences or the artist’s values. Art should spread positivity that improves both the artist’s and the viewer’s moods. This gives a sense of community via connections to the work. Through self-expression, one can create a work that has the ability to help or inspire others.

        As a kid, I loved to draw. Art was one of my favorite subjects for as long as I could take the class up until high school. I enjoyed it so much because I was good at it. Art acted as an outlet for me to express myself and my interests. The more I grew, the more the art I created and was interested in changed. Coloring on paper with crayons and markers transitioned to painting on canvases. Eventually, as I got older, construction was my focus. This art form of building would shape the direction of my life and how I connected with people. 

        I became fascinated with the way things worked and how the pieces created the whole. Just like looking at the makeup of a picture, I started to see how the individual components of structures produced something entirely new when put together. I began with small construction projects with my father. This included anything around the house or to help friends and family. The projects grew as we built tables to help our local greenhouse. They held potted plants and caught water underneath to be reused. I was able to connect with my dad and others through these helpful projects while creating the type of art I enjoyed. Just like in the past, as I transitioned into high school the art I produced changed once more. The goal was still constructive creation but expressed in a new form. 

        I attended a technical school to learn a trade. I decided to major in electrical which is closely related to construction after exploring the course as a freshman. Creating circuits and wiring different devices became my art projects. The neat, organized navigation of cables that connected boxes up on a wall was my new style. I was also more exposed to how the building process went on real sites. I made friends and connections with others in my major and soon began a co-op job to perform the same tasks in the field. I was able to express my work ethic and ideas through electrical work and continue to help my family with anything around the house that needed fixing. 

        Ultimately, I came to Wentworth for the Construction Management program. This is just another step in learning a new form of art in the construction field. As my interests keep changing over time, the same core belief stays true; I want to express myself through my work and help make a positive impact on the community and others around me.