Art as Social Work | Amy Morales Lara | TEDxCUNY

Summary

In this reflective transcript, a grad student in social work grapples with their purpose, drawing inspiration from Mr. Rogers to become a 'helper' using creative arts. They explore the intersection of social work and art, defining both and sharing their journey of combining music with social work practice. Through a project on the Bronx's art scene, they discover how art can challenge narratives and heal, advocating for empathy and curiosity as universal tools for understanding and growth.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The speaker is a grad student in social work, grappling with existential questions about their purpose and future.
• 🌟 They draw inspiration from Mr. Rogers, who emphasized the importance of looking for helpers in times of distress.
• 🎨 The speaker aspires to be a 'helper' in the creative arts, using their talents to aid in personal and community development.
• 👉 They define social work as a practice aimed at social change, empowerment, and equitable outcomes, while art is seen as a form of expression that tells a story.
• 🎶 Music has been a significant part of the speaker's life, serving as a medium for self-expression and overcoming personal challenges.
• 🎓 The speaker has a degree in both music industry and social work, reflecting their dual passions.
• 🔍 They explored the intersection of social work and art, finding that art can be a powerful tool in various social work settings, such as therapy, community organizing, and advocacy.
• 🌈 The speaker's project 'Renaissance Rhythm and resistance' highlights how art can heal and transform narratives, particularly in the Bronx.
• 🗝️ The project involved interviewing Bronx artists to understand how their art challenges societal norms and systemic struggles.
• 💡 Art is presented as a universal and accessible means for personal exploration, community building, and professional development.
• 🌱 The speaker concludes by encouraging the audience to embrace curiosity, empathy, and creativity as pathways to personal growth and helping others.

Q & A

What is the speaker's current educational pursuit?

The speaker is a grad student pursuing a degree in social work.

What are the essential questions the speaker has been asking themselves?

The speaker has been asking themselves 'who do I want to become' and 'what do I want to do with my life'.

Who is Mr. Rogers, and how does he inspire the speaker?

Mr. Rogers is a childhood icon known for his kind and friendly demeanor, who used creative means like puppets, TV broadcasting, and music to convey positive messages to children. The speaker aspires to be a helper in the same way Mr. Rogers was.

How does the speaker define 'helper' in the context of social work?

A helper, as defined by the speaker, is someone who partners with others in their personal development and growth, rather than simply rescuing them from their problems or presenting themselves as a solution.

What is the speaker's definition of art?

The speaker defines art as a creative expression or form that helps tell a story, which can include various forms such as poetry, dancing, or knitting.

What role has music played in the speaker's life?

Music has been an integral part of the speaker's life, helping them challenge negative self-narratives and connect with others through songwriting and performance.

What degree did the speaker graduate with, and how does it reflect their interests?

The speaker graduated with a degree in music industry and social work, reflecting their passion for both music and helping others.

What was the speaker's experience as a research coordinator at a clinic?

The speaker enjoyed learning about families and hearing their stories, which reinforced their people-centered nature and desire to pursue a career emphasizing that.

What did the speaker's professor mean when they said 'many social workers are also frustrated artists'?

The professor's statement suggested that social workers often have a creative side that may not be fully utilized in their professional roles, resonating with the speaker's own feelings of wanting to integrate the arts into social work.

How did the speaker explore the intersection of social work and art in their year-long project?

The speaker conducted a project in the Bronx, interviewing local artists to understand how art can challenge narratives and contribute to healing and transformation within the community.

What was the purpose of the speaker's magazine 'Renaissance Rhythm and resistance'?

The magazine aimed to explore how art can help understand and challenge the narratives of the Bronx, focusing on the area's strengths and its history of groundbreaking artistic developments.

How did the speaker's project impact their understanding of their career path?

The project allowed the speaker to see the practical intersection of their passions for social work and the arts, reinforcing their belief in the importance of empathy, compassion, and curiosity in their future career.

What advice does the speaker give to those who might be lost or unsure of their path?

The speaker encourages individuals to pursue their next steps creatively, to be curious about themselves and their community, and to consider how engaging with art and storytelling might provide new insights and a sense of purpose.