I took two classes in college for purely blow-off purposes. I took Geology to fulfill a science requirement and I took Art History because I figured it would be an easy ‘A.’ As it turned out, I learned more in those two classes than I learned in any others I enrolled in throughout my entire four years, including in my major and minor. So, I am glad the president apologized for dissing art history majors. As he himself admits, he also learned a great deal from taking a art history class in high school.
Also, too, I never looked at the world quite the same way after learning about geology. And God didn’t strike me down for studying plate tectonics!
For what it’s worth, the unemployability of Art History majors was a running joke on Car Talk for years. “Not that it makes it right,” as Tommy would say . . .
I’m a philosophy major, so I can’t talk.
Reply to Lucidamente, guffaw, guffaw…is that clear? Obama proves himself an ass more often than not.
A handwritten note from Obama on White House stationary would be a pretty cool thing to have.
Art history is really just a history class with an eye toward art movements. It is more than just about the art.
Well, I’m biased.
I remember. But I still like American Gothic.
Ah, that’s commie/nazi art, according to my grandpops.
During my painting masters degree program, as part of the Art History requirement, I wrote a rather long and somewhat boring paper about how the politics of Europe 1900-1945 moved the avant garde world from Munich, Paris and Russia to NYC. Quite interesting to see how real world events had such a direct impact to how the world of art developed in the 20th century.
BTW with a painting degree in hand I went off to run a US Army EOD unit, …. smart enuf to do ROTC while in graduate school.
As a lifelong artist, my experience has been that unless I went into graphic art, (it used to be called commercial art) I had to be a starving artist who worked alone and hoped for exposure in galleries.
I had a string of various art-related jobs, but not a full time position anywhere as an artist. I was doing freelance work in addition to other part time work, and could never have paid the bills with my artwork.
So I understand the basis of the President’s comments. I think there are quite a few areas of study that lack career promise. Until recently, I had given up hope of ever making enough money to matter, but my work in a new direction has given me a niche where I can be recognized for my work, do commissions, and also teach. That seems to be where my artistic talents lie.
There’s something for everyone. The key is being able to find it and do well. And the arts and music are important, period.
During my life I’ve swung back and forth between advising young people to study what they love and to study what makes the most money. I think I’ve settled on studying what you love.
In the case of a young artist today, I’d say study Art, but learn about finance and work the stock market for all you can.
Will this link work?
Thanks for the comments. I have been making hooked wool art rugs for about ten years now. I’ve gotten the feeling of success and pride in doing this form of fiber art and have enjoyed making my way up the ladder. It’s a niche, but it’s my niche. 🙂
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d27/Rughooker/7ddadc71-74eb-4005-879d-276f9dad5793.jpg