A Place that has Played an Important Part in my Life

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is a location that has had a big impact on my appreciation of art. The museum, also referred to as the Met, can be seen from the curb on Fifth Avenue. It is very appealing thanks to his huge stairways, windows, tall columns, and water fountains. (Staniforth 67).

The museum’s collection of works from around the globe, dating from the Stone Age to the twentieth century, is even more impressive given the wide variety of artwork on display. I saw art differently while I was there than I had in the past. What mainly took my attention were the paintings as I learned that they signify various nature and that they contain a lot of information and not just vague.

My First Visit to the Museum

I had only read about the Metropolitan Museum of Art in magazines and online materials until early last year when we had a family trip to the New York City. Out of the places we visited, the Metropolitan Museum of Art had a great impact on my life. I had never understood the value of art until this day. The museum has several sections including the unit of modern art which contains paintings mostly from America. It also has collections made of Italian masterpieces and also Flemish and Dutch work. The Asian Art section has a collection from Japan, Korea, China, Southern Asia, and India, for example, the Mind scholar’s garden together with the rock garden and spring (Staniforth 133). Additionally, there are the Greek and Roman collections including the three statues of Graces among other sections.

The Power of Art

The paintings created a great change in my life, and I must admit that I have ventured into creating such art and even buying them just to satisfy the passion for nature. I vividly remember how Mr. Lance first sounded odd at the museum when he told my group that the artwork is not just for impression, but that it communicated the same information. Nevertheless, the interpretations of the works by the museum attendants made me see beyond the typical appearance of the artistic paintings (Staniforth 127). The works were varied from the social life, physical environment, and politics among others. For instance, a piece of painting with a wealthy household praying together was insightful into the necessity of prayer and worth emulating by everyone in the society regardless of their financial status.

My Journey as an Artist

Today, I have taken lessons on visual art specifically painting to help fulfill my longing to speak through art. I have done over 150 paintings most of which are made from the surrounding, some that show particular elements of culture and others that I did mainly to portray various feelings. The artwork has significantly improved my observation, thinking, and problem-solving capacity (Staniforth 144). Every time I sit in my house or anywhere creating art, it feels like a kind of meditation. I have to observe it keenly to be sure of my perception about the work and to ensure that I effectively communicate what I perceive. At times I find myself in problem-solving situations where I have to think critically so as to appropriately convey an idea that is hard to pass across.

The Value of Art in Everyday Life

I have also influenced those who are close to me from the perception that one has to visit an art gallery somewhere to appreciate the value of art. Notably, the artworks that are primarily available in the museums are mostly paintings and modern sculptures, and if one has time to visit one, it is okay. Nonetheless, we are surrounded by so much art that impacts our lives even without our knowledge (Staniforth 147). Art is not only to be seen, but it is also functional. For instance, in our homes, we have pictures on the walls, decorations on the towels, and different designs of teapot covers just to mention a few. Therefore, the only thing we need is to create some time to stop and see the various works of art in our surrounding and appreciate them as they are.

The Therapeutic Power of Art

It is slightly above one year since I started painting. However, I must accept the art is therapeutic (Staniforth 148). Artworks provide ways through which we can express ourselves and also with art you will never feel alone. Furthermore, in making art people can always follow their emotions, senses, and views.

A Changed Perspective

Overall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has significantly changed my opinion on art, especially the visual arts done in paintings. I loved whatever I saw in that place and even wonder how they have contributed to changing how I see any painted impression. I have today attended formal art classes and even produced various paintings of nature. Besides, I continue to influence those around me to have a different perspective of viewing artworks as they communicate a lot.

Work Cited

Staniforth, Sarah. Historical Perspectives on Preventive Conservation. Los Angeles: Getty Conservation Institute, 2013. Print.