Fine arts come in many different forms, each helping individuals express a piece of themselves. The arts have the capability to reveal things found deep within the soul that is often difficult to convey with mere words. Those who participate in the arts understand that some human emotions and ideas can only be felt and communicated by artistic means. Whether it be through theatre, art, choir, orchestra, band, dance, or any other artistic outlet, each unique fine art enables creativity, effort, enjoyment and collaboration. Fine arts can also teach students ideals that other subjects neglect to instill, such as the power of perspective, the beauty of different interpretations, and the blessing of diversity. The arts are a crucial part of society and impact how individuals form their identity. The true value of fine arts should never be overlooked or taken for granted.
The arts allow a vast range of creativity, permitting each person to express themself in a way that is unique to them, instead of placing a finite limit on any particular individual. Imagination is exercised when someone is given complete freedom in what they choose to convey. A selection of a particular piece of music can be intentional, showing how the player actually feels in any given point in life. An art piece can take many routes on what themes are expressed, representing what the artist has learned in their stage of life. Songs can be changed to fit an individual’s personal style, depicting their original personality. Theatre is able to express huge ideas through stories, which most people find the easiest to learn from. Dance allows the human body to move in the ways in which the innermost soul feels. No form of art focuses on methodology or even suggests one particular right way, there is an infinite amount of possibilities in how one can choose to convey their character or share their ideas. This skill of creative expression can be useful in our diverse world: some circumstances don’t need one fixed answer and instead call for an accurate conveying of our emotions and perspectives so that others can understand certain viewpoints better. This expression enables us as humans to relate to one another and focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Solutions are found when people are able to empathize with others. In order to take steps toward a brighter future for everyone, it’s important to learn how to express ourselves while also understanding how others express themselves.
With any form of art, there is a level of practice involved in which an individual finds satisfaction in becoming better at expressing themselves. Effort and hardwork is put forth in order to achieve a particular result in any area of the arts. This continuous practice enables individuals to understand the value of hard work and reinforces the idea that with practice a skill can be improved upon. One learns to do their best, not necessarily for a certain reward or grade, but to do their best because something matters personally to them. Hours of commitment to bettering oneself eventually leads to a profound satisfaction that’s rarely found anywhere else. It is the ambition and great passions of the heart that cause the individual to make a greater commitment to becoming their best version of themselves.
There is also much enjoyment found in the arts, such a contentment that is sometimes not as easy to find in more stricter, bounded subjects. With the arts, there can be newfound freedom in not having to measure up to standards in the same way of other subjects. There may be grades in fine arts classes, but with art, there is also subjectiveness, and arguably no “wrong” way to express oneself. With subjectiveness comes a peace that is not found in the midst of trying to maintain a certain GPA or having to recall exact detailed information. With other core subjects, one may feel the intense stress of needing a 95 on every assignment and a 100 on every test, but these standards are not so important when it’s just an individual and their art. The grade scale is not intimidating to self-expression and the arts allow someone to validate their own existence, feelings, and experiences.
The collaboration of individuals allows for great growth and also provides a sense of belonging. Arts unite those that are involved and allow all who enjoy a fine art to enjoy it collectively. Collaborating with others in the process of producing something beautiful and awe-inspiring can be profoundly fulfilling. Feeling as though you are taking part in something bigger than yourself at any level can be rejuvenating for the soul, but especially so when self-expression is involved and the person is more vulnerable and honest. One does not have the need to put on a facade when at their most true time and in their most authentic state they are accepted wholeheartedly by a group who shares a common passion, and this can help relinquish self-esteem. To be accepted reminds us of our value and to be accepted for who we truly are is a rarity and something that should be cherished. Collaboration helps to build listening, teamwork, and empathy skills among individuals. With a diverse mix of people, there are often multiple interpretations and different perspectives from each individual as well. With many differing perspectives, one learns that it is okay to not think the same way as another and empathizes with others, becoming aware of the power of perspective. The presence of so many ideas show the beauty of different interpretations and give the blessing of learning from diversity.
The arts can also be a way for an individual to form their identity. Not only do individuals gain a sense of belonging with a solid group that shares a common interest with them, but they enable their art to show a piece of who they are and they allow it to become a part of their joy. If you were to ask someone participating in fine arts the question of who they are, they will most likely include that they are an artist, musician, dancer, actor, or singer because their art is a part of them.
Fine arts are sometimes seen as less important than other core classes, but they can teach valuable lessons that are very practical for our lives as a whole. When participating in fine arts, one may learn a wide range of skills that aren’t emphasized in other subjects, and those skills can be useful for our daily lives in a much larger context. What each person takes from their time in fine arts may vary, but without a doubt, fine arts will enable anyone who takes part in them to have an enhanced version of life.
In this article series, I will be interviewing various Robin’s Nest tutors to get their insight into the value found in their respective fine arts. The articles will contain information about their fine art participation, how it has impacted their lives, and what they have learned from their time studying fine arts. By shining a light on the great impacts of fine arts, Robin’s Nest hopes to educate the public about the diverse creative outlets of fine arts and their worth, giving fine arts the recognition they deserve.
This article was written by Savannah Trevino. Savannah is currently a junior at Lubbock High School. Aside from Robin’s nest, she also enjoys participating in UIL Ready Writing, NHS, and Model UN.
This article was edited by Helen Xie. Helen is currently a sophomore at Lubbock High School and is involved in many extracurriculars in addition to volunteer work, including Model UN and Robotics.
Robin's Nest Tutoring 