I’ve really enjoyed the independent study process so far. It gives me the freedom to construct my day in a way that makes me feel most comfortable, which in turn benefits my mental state when it comes to learning and taking in dense material. I’ve found that motivation is definitely a problem for me, especially during covid times where there’s really not much else to do. Even so, I’ve managed to give myself certain assignments, like reading, journaling, shooting, listening to podcasts, etc. that inspire me and motivate me to do the work. I’ve learned that I’m a passionate notetaker, which is largely due to my failing memory. Note Taking helps me keep track of everything I’m learning so that I can easily go back to my material and pick up where I left off. It also offers me a wonderful platform to take important notes on inspiration and such that are more like little reminders to myself than notes. This project has also taught me a lot about myself as an artist, though I still feel uncomfortable calling myself that. In my Plato readings the idea of the divine maker doesn’t leave much room for the common mortal to be able to create anything beautiful or meaningful. Though this isn’t the main idea of Plato’s works, nor is it something he believes, I’ve found it rather interesting and somewhat haunting. The idea of true beauty in philosophy is one that involves extensive knowledge and perception, which I feel I do not yet possess. Nevertheless, I find myself compelled to create art and capture those things that I find beautiful and inspiring. I find value in my own personal expression, which is a topic I will come across later in this book. For now, while I continue exploring the rough definitions of what the artist is, I will use the idea of self expression to validate and apply value to my art, all while attempting to keep the morality and truth of my work in check. (easier said than done). I’ve learned that I do not know much about the current influence on artists or how artists today view their work. I plan in integrating a few resources into my curriculum to gain a better perspective on the modern day artists – preferably photographers but, again, I do not want to limit myself.