• What are your personal thoughts, experiences, and reactions to identity?

Amanda: I think identity is an important topic for all artists or students to learn about and explore through their artwork. We learn about ourselves and others through the exploration of identity. We also begin to value differences between people once we learn about identity.
Scott:  The way in which someone defines his identity tells us what parts of himself he believes to be important.  Growing up Jewish, I was exposed to a group of people who defined themselves by their religion and associated cultural values.  While I believe identity is important, I believe individuals should define themselves by personal convictions, not necessarily the need to belong to a particular group.

• Connections to readings, in-class discussions, personal life, etc.

Amanda: In class, we often discuss how investigating personal meaning within artwork makes it more valid to the artist. Students will be more connected to their artwork if it has something to do with their personal lives. In art class, I found projects more interesting if I had the opportunity to express something personal to me. 
Scott: I can see myself applying the Postmodern Elements of Juxtaposition and Recontextualization to the big idea of Identity.  Tied up in the concept of identity is the notion of how someone “fits into” their society and culture.  I feel that juxtaposition and recontextualization can be used to create artwork that celebrates personal identity in a multifaceted contemporary society.