FIND YOUR YUK
In this time of likes and swipes and shares, it is extremely easy to dismiss what you don't like or agree with and not think about why.
Today, I invite you to take on the challenge of spending some time with a work of art that you really don't like at all—a real YUK for you. Examine your feelings to determine the "why." Your feelings may not change, but judging from my own experience with this reflective process, taking the time to examine them will yield a lot of new thoughts about the work of art, and yourself.
Begin by grabbing a stool, and finding a work of art you would put in the category of "Yuk."
Take a seat in front of it, and spend a full minute just looking at the work of art.
Write down at least three things you are noticing about it.
What are some details that emerged slowly for you? You can always add some sketches of those details in your journal.
What are you noticing about the different elements, such as what it is made of, any use of color, or patterns?
Take a look at the wall label. Does the time in which it was made provide a context of what might have been influencing the artist? Does the title reveal anything?
What do you believe the artist might have wanted to communicate with this work of art?
Think about your own reaction. What do you dislike about this work of art? Is it about something you see in it? the feelings it evokes for you? the message you believe is being communicated?
Reflect on your experience by writing this sentence in your journal and completing it: By spending time with this work of art, I learned . . .
