The purpose of art is to communicate ideas (spiritual, emotional, social, political, or cultural expressions) through the sense of beauty. For artists, it is the natural way to explore sensitivity and perception. But art is also a powerful tool in the process of learning. And one of the most important things for human development is to make sure that we never stop learning.
When we come into contact with a different culture, whether by traveling or learning a new language, we acquire the ability to grasp new concepts and use words and structures to communicate. Similarly, art allows us to give shape (through image, word, sound, or movement) to things that are often intangible.
When these two forms of learning meet, they enhance one another. At GRIIS, we are always searching for new ways to enrich the academic experience by improving our teaching strategies. We believe that through group activities, meaningful interaction with the place, and a creative environment, students discover the conditions for an unforgettable journey.
One of the experiences we offered this season was a sketchbook journal project in which students could express their perceptions of the city through collages, drawings, notes, and visual narratives. This initiative broke the traditional routine of language learning by inviting interpretation through art. We found that keeping a travel sketchbook is an extraordinary way to approach a new culture, and that drawing can be the perfect tool to develop a sensitivity toward place.
The results were remarkable. Within the group, we discovered that everyone can be an artist. Despite the fear that often comes with drawing or painting when you’re not used to it, everyone has the ability to express how they feel or what resonates with them. This summer, we found an empirical way to learn by creating a memoir with just a pencil and a piece of paper. We allowed ourselves to observe and recreate an image, a poem, or a quote that represented our personal experience of a place.
Once again, we proved that art is freedom. For some of us, it is a way to respond to the tasks that life gives us, a way to survive. We cannot deny that art is rooted in human nature, and it is our responsibility, as artists, to help others discover its power.
By Lola Cervantes
