Fireside Chat Artist Statement

          
            This week's Fireside project was one that helped us build unity and relationship through media. This development was done through several aspects relating to this specific experience. Up front, this was an opportunity to gather outside of a typical class setting, on a Friday which allowed for a different mindset to be present. We also were able to bring food and friends to come enjoy the experience with us as well. Therefore, instead of slowing trudging to school, we came awake, energized and excited to share something we had worked on. The Fireside chat would not have had the same energy if it was simply an in-class presentation. Also unique to this assignment, was the surprise effect of it all. Who knew Ammon could play the saxophone, or that Helen could dance like the Cougarettes on steroids? This assignment reminded me of Dan in Real Life when the family gathers for a “talent show.” They are all close, and their relationships with each other allowed them to have experiences of opening up, with out embarrassment, much like our night was. The applauding and appreciation components allowed for a warm atmosphere in which everyone was happy to share something personal to them, and that ultimately built a closer bond between us as classmates. Overall, the actual setting of the Fireside gave us the chance to grow closer through media.

          The creation of my own Fireside presentation was unique in its own way. I spent a lot of time trying to organize my thoughts, and find some important aspect of my life that I felt was worth sharing with others. This process forced my to think deeply about who I am, and what makes me, me. In other words, I began analyzing my personal life from an outsider's perspective. I knew fairly soon that whatever I would eventually choose to talk about would have to somehow relate to my family situation, since this seemed to be a component in my life that often distinguishes me from most others. Once I chose a specific aspect that had meaning to me, I then had to continuing developing my presentation with that outsider's perspective, trying to articulate what I learned from this aspect of my life that others might not know, or understand the in the same way. This process all in itself was a good experience in learning more about myself, what I believe, and how to share that with others.