Introduction

1. Your name: Alexandria (but errybody calls me Alex!)

2. Your hometown: Morrisville, pa

3. Your major(s) and minor(s): Psychology and Studio Art

4. Class of: 2017

5. Why are you taking this class?  What do you hope to get out of it?
For that G requirement...  I want to learn some background behind the themes and images of Japan that we are exposed to so often, especially since I have not previously taken any Japanese classes

6. What aspects of Japanese culture are of interest to you?
I'm really big into the people, I've met so many amazing people there and they're some of my favorites. I also am one of those traditional-fetishists. I love shrines, temples, etc. 

7. What, if any, direct experience of Japan or its culture have you had? 
I teach a Japanese martial art to Campus, and because of that I've been able to take 2 trips to Japan in the past few years.

8. Add any other comments you might wish to make, including descriptions of image-making activities you may have been involved with (such as drawing, painting, making sculpture, drawing manga, taking photographs beyond casual pictures, etc.).  
As a studio major I've pretty much been around the image-making spectrum. I've been making art for about 15-16 years now, and it's my favorite way to pass time. 

This is an image of Japan that appeals to me because it's really my favorite part of Japan. The Kamakura Daibutsu is a 13 meter tall bronze statue (the 2nd largest Buddha in Japan!) Located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. I had the opportunity to see this is person, as well as go inside of the statue. It's so interesting because America has no history, comparatively. Having a culture that extends back thousands of years is, for lack of a better word, super cool. This image also is very appealing because it looks like Japan. The super blue sky, the green heavy-top trees, and the building around the Daibutsu are all indicative of how Japanese it is.

These doors painted by Kanō Sanraku (狩野 山楽) has always been one of my favorite pieces. It' simultaneously wispy and solid, but also has a great deal of shadow and detail work.. I'm a big fan of trees in art, and the lack of background brings the focus to the trees. I have never seen decorative doors like these installed, but I'm sure they were for wealthy customers.

This is just an example of my drawing. I've been doing art for many years at this point, and have been an art major since my freshman year. I took on the art major just for fun, so I'm not planning on making a career out of it. Drawing and doodling is a part of me mainly because it's a tool to combat anxiety and ADHD. If I'm in class doodling, I can assure you I'm paying complete attention, it just doesn't look like it. I draw constantly in and out of my art classes, and am currently working towards the student exhibition in March.