Happy 2012! Nothing like starting the year with some inspiration.

As artist we often get so caught up in the creation of the product, that we forget the reason the product exist.

A few weeks back I walked my students through a lesson that was inspired by JR’s TED Talk “One wish to change the world.”  After watching their faces light up as they saw JR’s images grace the tops of trains and come to life on stonewalls in India, I challenged by students to answer that one question for themselves. “Can art change the world?”

Their answers were both educated, and honest.

If I teach them nothing more than the power of their voice, and open their eyes to ways they can walk in that power to help bring change, then it will be a successful year.

Here’s to a year that proves the impossible, possible!

Yes

Charles, 7th grade: Art can change the world. It brings people together as one. One picture can unite the country and stop all this hatred. Art shows love and peace.

Dahlia, 8th grade: Art can change the world because you can express your feelings in art using realistic items in your drawings. If someone does graffiti then they can change the world. If the town is destroyed then art could bring out the world. Art can make people forget what their town looks like. But it can never change someone’s feelings about where they come from. So yes, I think art can change the world.

Krysta, 8th grade: I think that it can change the world because it expresses people’s opinions, thoughts and theory. It makes people wonder and stimulates people’s imagination in ways that could never be done if it weren’t for art. It also affects the artist point of view. It lets them relax and just let emotions flow onto paper. It spreads their feelings around for all to see from their point of view.

Daesha, 8th grade: I believe that art can change the world. We have so many different types of cultures and people who create art that is so unusual and catchy to the eyes of mankind. Art can change the world. Art describes so many things. It expresses people’s lives through things that go on. People use art in the way they live, everyday. Art is telling life stories.

De’Janique, 7th grade: Art can change the world because it can send a positive message to others, and effect them. People could take to the message and actually change their lives.

Hailey, 8th grade: Yes, because many artist and musicians can change the personalities of people. Bob Marley motivates me everyday. He inspired me to just lay back and let life do its roll. Just like music would change me, art expresses people. Leonardo Da Vinci inspires people. Without his art, those people wouldn’t be the same. There for the world has been changed, person by person. Also, think about patterns on t-shirts., and company logos. those are art. Imagine life without cool designs. How would everything be.

Brandon, 7th grade: Art can change the world by letting you express your feelings to people. Art lets you tell your life, but it also is a skill. When you do art, it is mostly what you feel or have been through in your lifetime. Art is what is inside everybody, even if you say it’s not. It’s life.

Jalen, 8th grade: I think that depending on how much effort, passion and preparation, anyone can change the world. Just think about Michael Jackson. He was a great singer and entertainer and his music was international and he will always be remembered. For example, the artist Dali. His paintings were extraordinary, and magnificent, and his art gave a new perspective to the world. He has changed art forever. Depending on the decisions, determination and effort, you, or anyone can change the world.  All you have to do is stand up and be bold and strong and push forward in what you believe.

NO

William, 8th grade: No, because art cannot stop wars or the production of nuclear weapons. Even if someone takes the nicest picture or the coolest painting, dictators will still stay the same. Some people never change, not even for art.

Chelsey, 8th grade: Can art change the world?, no, art cannot change the whole world. Not everyone has the same point of view. Not everyone will take the time to look at art. Some people in the world don’t care for other people or even themselves. I think art can change some parts of the world, but not the whole world.

Deondrick, 8th grade: No because what would make you think that art can stop war or rebellions or even marches. It’s like saying you want to fight someone then you look at a painting and decide I don’t want to fight you no more, because I looked at art. Now I can see if you can relate to what’s happening in the picture, maybe that can change peoples mood and brighten their day.

Peyton, 8th grade: I do not believe art can change the world. It is simply the expression of someone’s feelings and the attitude that the person who painted, drew, photographed or sculpted it feel. Art is simply something for people to think about that can give you a different angle on simple things.  Art shows a persons opinion or inner feelings about conflict.