An artistic experience for me is when a person actively participates and exposes himself to the world of art. It can be exemplified as a person who studies the artwork's elements and principles, or the artist making his masterpiece. What is important is that both of them relish their experiences. They should have also share their knowledge in the arts for the world to better appreciate. Art is like a voice that should be heard and understood. An artist makes an aesthetic object for us to marvel on and give an explanation of.
Way back in high school, we have a subject in second year Art Education wherein we analyzed paintings and other art forms. Ounr teacher used a slide projector and explained to us important information about an art such as its creator, the period or time it was made, and its interpretations. Honestly, I was fascinated by how significant every detail in an artwork was. But because we have more important subjects to study other than art, I didn't give much effort and time to learn from it.
I consider this acquired knowledge in my high school Art Education my first artistic experience. Since then, every time I see a painting or sculpture, I can't help but analyze it and make my own opinions and interpretations. I was not gifted with any talents in painting or drawing but I have a passion for the arts. I like staring at beautiful objects and examine even their smallest features. I have high admiration for artists and a bit of curiosity on their personal lives, especially the inspirations behind their creations.
Before, I thought that art can only be found in museums and operas in which only the rich and privileged have access. But my perception changed when I was introduced to my high school's own play productions and art exhibits. During my third year in high school, I was given a minor role in our play Ramayana wherein I gave my best in the portrayal of my character. Our class painted backdrops for every scene of the play and we also made our own props. I consider this amateur theatrical production an artistic experience because I was able to express art by way of my acting and through our original set designs. Aside from school plays, our class also held exhibits of our original art pieces. We applied the techniques we learned from our art and drafting classes in those pieces.
My awareness and knowledge of the arts widened when I reached college. I decided to explore the world and learn from it. With my new found freedom, I was able to travel in different parts of the Philippines and recognize other cultures. Let me start with the streets of Vigan. In this city, I was able to wander through and appreciate the beauty of the old Philippines. Vigan's well preserved houses and churches are great examples of the fusion between the Philippines' building design and the colonial European architecture. With my trusty camera, I acted like a professional photographer taking pictures of the antique houses and their grandiose interiors. I also rode a kalesa and went to an Ilokano pottery maker. But unfortunately, I was not able to witness actual pottery making but only the products. Going down south to Laguna, I was fascinated with the small town of Liliw. This 4th class municipality is popular because of its export quality shoe products. I fell in love with the town's native shoes and slippers because of their artistic designs, not to mention the various styles to choose from too. The town of Liliw maybe small but their culture is rich. Another city that is rich in culture is Cebu. The locals used natural materials such as Capiz and wood in making various accessories and furniture. Their guitars are also of export quality as well as their food products.
My awareness and knowledge of the arts widened when I reached college. I decided to explore the world and learn from it. With my new found freedom, I was able to travel in different parts of the Philippines and recognize other cultures. Let me start with the streets of Vigan. In this city, I was able to wander through and appreciate the beauty of the old Philippines. Vigan's well preserved houses and churches are great examples of the fusion between the Philippines' building design and the colonial European architecture. With my trusty camera, I acted like a professional photographer taking pictures of the antique houses and their grandiose interiors. I also rode a kalesa and went to an Ilokano pottery maker. But unfortunately, I was not able to witness actual pottery making but only the products. Going down south to Laguna, I was fascinated with the small town of Liliw. This 4th class municipality is popular because of its export quality shoe products. I fell in love with the town's native shoes and slippers because of their artistic designs, not to mention the various styles to choose from too. The town of Liliw maybe small but their culture is rich. Another city that is rich in culture is Cebu. The locals used natural materials such as Capiz and wood in making various accessories and furniture. Their guitars are also of export quality as well as their food products.
