School is very different from when we were in elementary school. Back then, there were days that were dedicated to showcasing our imagination and creativity in the form of paintings, drawings and sculptures. These days most of our time is spent stressing over standardized tests and homework. If anyone studies art, it’s only to fulfill the art requirement in order to graduate. There is no steady flow of creativity present in the four years that we all spend in highschool. Although subjects like math, science and history are essential to making sense of the world around us, art seems to have been left behind, and many do not recognize its value.
Art has many uses. For example, when constructing a coil pot out of clay, visual learning, perseverance, and motor skills factor into the creation of making that specific pot. Making sure that the shape matches what you desire involves visual learning. In the process of making this pot, you are bound to make mistakes, and that is where perseverance factors in. It is important to not give up and to eventually complete the project. Adding intricate details and attaching the pieces of clay together requires coordination and fine motor skills.
In addition, art creates an accepting environment for everyone to express themselves how they see fit. It can come in the form of drawing, painting, photography, sculptures, music, dance, and more. This shows that people can do what they feel most interested in, which makes art a diverse and beautiful subject to be a part of. Art influences every part of our life: the music we listen to, the clothes we wear, even the design of our houses. It all depends on each individual person, and is the reason our lives are joyful.
Furthermore, art makes our community beautiful. It allows us to better understand our cultures and traditions from the past. For example, in India, people tend to use bright colors. These colors can be found anywhere, including clothing, food, and paintings. Other cultures may use different colors to represent their culture, which is what makes art so unique. It influences our latest trends and fashions, along with how we process events in the world.
In conclusion, it has been proven time and time again that art is essential to our world, and should be taken as a form of creativity at our school, rather than an art requirement. It gives us a list of skills that would not be achieved by doing other subjects. It also helps us stay connected with the world around us, whether that be through an art form, or something bigger like how we represent our culture.
This staff reporter graduated in 2020.
Shomili Madabhavi is a senior at Washington High School. She grew up in Fremont, California. This is her first year writing for the Hatchet, and has contributed to many articles in the A&E, News, and Sports section. Outside of school, she enjoys hanging out with friends, watching TV, and napping. In the future, Shomili plans to pursue computer science at a 4 year university.