Genre--Identity artist statement

Our social identity consists of who we are as human beings in relation to others. It is shaped by our practices and experiences, friends and family, and other life factors such as education, religion and media. Culture has a great influence on our identity since people that live in different societies have differing experiences. Some cultural practices in Asia may be viewed inappropriate here in United States, and many of the immigrants may continue to practice them because that’s how they have been taught and what they believe. Social identity can provide people with a sense of self-esteem and influence their behavior and how they socialize with others.  Those who are on the higher-end of the socio-economic hierarchy may chose to socialize with the same class rather than those who are on the poverty level. Our social identity also influences how other people treat us. A cardiologist is more likely to receive much more respect than somebody working in a fast food restaurant. In addition, those that have a medical illness may be stigmatized due to their condition. Social identity continues to develop throughout one’s life and is influenced by many factors. For instance, adolescents go through a period of time when they experiment new things and try to fit in the group which they tend to associate themselves most with.  

It was difficult coming up with an idea of how to draw an image of identity since it portrays many aspects. I chose to draw a human in a shape of a cocoon with a nail on the bottom representing that he is nailed to a set of beliefs due to the influence of the society. The layering of the cocoon represented the layers of life and those things that influence a person, such as media, education, friends, and religion. One of the hands reveals how the person is pushing off the ground with all his might and with another hand he is unraveling the life layers that he is trapped in. On top of the image I chose to draw a box escaping through the window which represents that the person wants to maintain his individuality and be open minded and not just trapped within the society’s influences. 

Genre--Identity sketches and final drawing

Body language sketches

Wire face photos and sketches

Tape figure photo

Body Segment--Forearm experience

Fracturing both of my wrists was one of the worse experiences that I had in my life. While playing on the basketball court, I jumped up in the air and ended up falling down on both of my hands. It was terrific pain and I wasn’t able to move neither of my wrists.  When I visited my physician and had him inspect them, he put splints on both of my wrists which extended from my hand to nearly my elbow. It was very uncomfortable wearing both of the splints simultaneously. I remember I was in middle school back then and it was extremely difficult going to classes and trying to pick up books and holding a writing utensil in my hand. It was really disappointing when I had to withdraw from sports and other activities. After wearing both of them for some period of time, I was able to remove one of the splints since my wrist had healed. It felt so much better having one hand available to be able to grasp things. I was still unable to join sport or do a whole lot with one hand restrained, but at least I was able to get things done much quicker than before. Once my other wrist healed, I felt like a brand new person. It took a few weeks until my forearm had strengthened to how it was prior to injury, since muscles atrophy quickly when they are not used. I was able to get back to playing sports and perform my other daily activities as usual. I’ve also worked-out my forearms a lot when I was still in high school using different techniques. Forearm workout was not one of my favorite exercises, but I wanted to balance out my muscle groups.      

Another experience that I had with my forearm was when I was admitted to the hospital with appendicitis. All the blood draws and intravenous fluids were given in the forearm vein. Some medications burnt while being administered. It was uncomfortable having all the intravenous lines for over 12 hours in the forearms as it restricts the ability to move your arm. Sometimes the alarm would go off when the arm is bent for a few seconds.     
I remember the many times I had fallen and scratched up my forearms while trying to learn how to ride a two wheel bicycle. Also, when I was about 6 years old I remember how I fell on my elbow and had broken it. I wore a cast that extended from my hand all the way to my shoulder for a few months. It was another one of those experiences that made it very difficult to get around and do things.

Body Language