Profiles in Humanity

In introducing my sponsor, I would like to first mention the literacy I have

chosen. The type of literacy I am focusing upon for this project is creative
expression. I define this literacy as the capability to think in a novel way and be able
to transform that/those idea(s) into tangible works. This can be applied more
practically to creativity outside art, and in our daily lives. My literacy sponsor is the
ROWE Arts Gallery, because this is the place that brings artwork, artist and students
together, fostering the literacy. I believe that by learning from the ROWE artists, and
artists in general we are able to learn a great deal from their approach to issues and
courageous attitude. I argue that if we embrace these characteristics and become
inspired by and apply it to our personal and professional lives we will be mastering
the literacy and be able to make advances in technology, social justice, business
etc. In learning from the artists at ROWE I believe we will be able to apply creative
expression in our own lives. I wish to learn about and master this new literacy,
because although I apply it directly to art, this literacy is very practical outside of
the realm of artwork. I believe that being able to express ourselves creatively
whether in our personal lives or professional lives is important. In our personal lives
one must be creative in their approach to people, and know how to
develop/maintain relationships with others, the reward is a happy, healthy, social
life characterized by friends and family. In the professional world is it is fundamental
to be creative, whatever the chosen career path. It is the creative individuals that
are held in high regard in their workforce, and it is often times those individuals that
progress the industry and in turn the human race (ex. of revolutionary thinkers:
Founding Fathers, Elizabeth Holmes, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk). In the realm of art,
creative expression fascinates me, because it transcends the possibilities of other

forms of expression like language and writing for example. With language we are
constricted to words and the rules for how words have to be ordered together, but
in art, the blank canvas invites limitless possibilities of brush strokes and colors. In
my personal understanding this is why art is so unique and so very expensive,
because gives us glimpse about the inner thoughts of the creator, and if it is a
brilliant and interesting man like Modigiliani for ex. people will all the more pay
hundreds of millions of dollars to have his work, so that it gives us a glimpse into
this man. Expressing ourselves creatively is one of most important skills we can
learn as human beings. I believe that learning this new literacy, in its practical
(outside of art) form, would change my current life. I think this is the case, because
as I am a student I am gaining knowledge each moment, when I graduate however I
will have to apply what Ive learned in the business world (my chose career path),
by thinking creatively I will be successfully able to make connections between what
Ive learned and my current situation in order to make brilliant decisions in the
industries. Learning and mastering this literacy is fundamental in this contemporary
world of ongoing change in technology, business, medicine etc. Our creative
expression is fundamental to the progression of the human race to new and better
ideas in the future. This change is driven by those who successfully practice this
literacy and promote others to do the same. I think that development of this literacy
is essential in college, and because of this I think that me discovering this literacy in
my current life path is excellent. This literacy is so significant to me as a student
because it not only helps us in the future, but because this is the time that a person
engages in introspection, or discovering what is ones purpose in life, and
understanding what you want to do is important in then pursuing that goal with
unwavering ambition, being a facilitator of growth and change in the workforce by

practicing creative expression. To apply this to me, I believe in my current life path
self discovery, that is finding what I truly want to do in life, will be preliminary to
then be able to do everything in my power to pursue that goal and express myself
more confidently around my new defined purpose. I am very fortunate to have
discovered this literacy so early in life, as well as have access to the sponsor
(ROWE). I believe that I am far from a master of this literacy, I believe this literacy
cannot be mastered but merely studied and perfected, I believe that I will guide
others to this place of expression, while a student at this school. To speak about my
preconceived notions of the place, before starting the entry project back in
September I never paid much attention to ROWE Gallery. I believed it to be small
student art gallery of little significance. Where I was wrong is that when I started
studying the place I found out that the student art was brilliant, but most of the art
where local artists in the Charlotte community. The art from all the artists was
phenomenal and I am glad I chose to study this place. My preconceived notions
about my literacy where very much similar. I blew it off thinking that I didnt need to
know anything about how to draw, because it did not help me in life in any way.
What I did not know is that through observing art, and talking to the artists I would
develop a literacy I can apply to everyday life. In teaching others about this literacy
They will probably tell me things like: How will art help me in my life, I am a
Engingeering major? Or I am not interested in student art!. To these things I will say
that I had doubts also, it does not matter what major someone comes from or what
perceptions are of the place, but once you view each exhibition you grasp the
passion and drive of the artist that drive will in turn fuel you and inspire you to
creative expression in your life. I believe that by finding the answer to these
questions, as well as guiding people to attend the art shows I would be successfully

sharing this literacy with others with the hopes that I might put them on the path to
mastery, the same path that I am just beginning.