The importance of art in all its forms, according to the student community
By NATALIE SALTER—arts@theaggie.org
Between classes, work and social commitments, it may be difficult for students to find time to engage with the arts. After a long day of intellectual and physical rigor, it is understandably more appealing to take a nap or scroll through lighthearted content on social media than interact with a narratively complex novel or an ongoing artistic project. Downtime that demands no mental effort is a necessary part of a healthy schedule and can help prevent complete exhaustion or burnout.
But art, in its diverse span of forms, can also provide enrichment and pleasure for those who seek it out in their free time. Whether this means keeping up with a good television series, tearing through dense fantasy novels, devoting time and energy to creative projects or attending live events, the arts are an integral part of Davis’ student culture.
For some, even something so simple as listening to an old favorite album or doodling in the margins of a notebook can provide artistic fulfillment.
“I have always been, and am currently obsessed with, creating soundtracks to my life,” Juliana Vasquez, a third-year English major, said. “Music has always resonated with me on the deepest level possible.”
She went on to explain how drawing connections between the works of musical artists and her own life makes her listening feel special.
“I find it to be almost magical how you can discover a song that fits any and every period or moment of your life,” Vasquez said. “Whether that be playlists filled with crash-out songs dedicated to my situationships, party playlists that curate the vibe for every function or a collection of songs that encapsulate the essence of girlhood, there is always a song I can find comfort in.”
Riley Martin, a third-year English major, also remarked that hobbies such as reading or playing video games can be comforting, transporting them into a completely different world.
“Having time to myself in the comfort of my own home to read is great, but I also love that I get the opportunity to pull out a book wherever I go and fall into that state of immersion,” Martin said. “It makes it easier to be in new places, and I feel like I get a moment to myself even in crowded areas.”
However, art may also fit best into students’ lives when it has tangible results, such as the development of a new skill or the acquisition of a homemade item. Students like Martin have found that a practical application for their hobbies makes them feel like they are accomplishing something substantial outside of their studies.
“Crafting is on the other end of the spectrum, but is still greatly important to me.” Martin said. “I get to feel inspired during weeks of work, gathering ideas and planning what I think would be a great new project. And then, when I finally find the time, I get to bring all of those ideas together to create something new, whether it be a special gift from a friend, a new piece of decoration for my room or an accessory I can add to my wardrobe.”
April Nguyen, a third-year biological sciences major, expressed feeling a similar sense of value in her creative endeavors.
“I’m interested in art that can help me in some way, like sewing and pottery, because those are things that I can use everyday, and they feel more productive,” Nguyen said. “I don’t have a lot of time for hobbies anyways, so I like the idea of using them to help my everyday life.”
Whether it’s for emotional respite or creative satisfaction, Davis students are still finding time in their packed schedules to seek out the arts. Many of us turn to the arts for support without even realizing it, such as when we listen to a calming playlist or turn on a favorite comfort show after a rough day of classes.
These hobbies and passions are outlets for imagination and mediums through which personal experiences can be processed and understood. Even in its simplest forms — a beloved song, a hand-knit sweater, a well-worn journal — art continues to give students sustenance and meaning, even in the midst of endless papers and exams.
Written by: Natalie Salter—arts@theaggie.org
