FIRST POST

1) Introduction

In Digital Media for the Artist, also known as Contemporary Composing, we have been exploring what exactly "Composing" means, and how as artists we approach the creative process of composing. We have been pushing the boundaries of the term and challenging ourselves to think about how we create art and communicate ideas.

2) Starting Points

Here's where I began: "Composing" implied "composition" which pointed to some kind of essay. It implied a logical and organized representation of ideas. I came at composing, writing specifically, knowing there was a logical order. Research, outline, draft, final product. 

3) What I Learned 

My definition of composing has expanded greatly since beginning this course. Now, I think about composing as "making" not just writing. To communicate ideas, I could use all variety of media including music, dance, performance art, visual art, poetry, and more. Furthermore, maybe the composing process is more recursive than I originally thought. After all, when I'm composing something, as a student or an actor or both, I pull from a variety of inspirations and media. My definition of composing is broadening and likewise I am as an artist.

4) Things I Would Like to Learn About

I'm really interested in exploring how I can be inspired by somebody else's composing to compose something myself. For example, as an actor, I observe other actors' work to learn how to make more meaningful or poignant art myself. Or even I'll listen to music or read something to help aid my creative process as I try to compose something. I am also interested to learn more about this question: Does the thesis or the content come first? Do I need to have a clear point before I begin composing or can I discover the thesis as I compose?

5) Conclusion

All in all, this class is pushing me as an artist to think about how and why I compose and what I personally have to say. I think I'm coming to further understand my identity as a composer and how I compose.