First Song

Learning to Play the Guitar

Growing up I was always an independent learner. I preferred learning a new skill on my own over being taught because it allowed me to keep my mistakes to myself and in that way I only presented the refined version of myself to others.

I dedicated this project to "my first song," meaning the first time I played a song on the guitar. After a lifelong habit of learning skills, studying, etc. on my own I opened up to the idea of having one of my housemates teach me to play the guitar. After living with him during the Fall semester, I finally got the courage and agreed to have him teach me to play the guitar.

I learned to be vulnerable. I revealed the imperfections of my guitar playing which at times were frustrating and embarrassing. At the end this experience opened up a new world of expression and creativity. Most importantly it gave me a great friend.

For this piece I drew bare bodies to symbolize the vulnerability I felt when my fingers could not move as I hoped they would, and when it seemed impossible to sing and play simultaneously. The color and swirls represent the creative flow inherent with music. The black box represents the unknowing future of this friendship.