Sophia Essay Rough Rough Draft

I was brought up in an environment full of art. I hadn’t realized this until my art teacher assigned an art project where we had to find and list different art styles that are in our lives. I used to take shodo classes (Japanese calligraphy), and I hadn’t realized its artistic value. I also realized that my grandfather’s house, which I go to every summer when I visit Japan, is full of art pieces, such as hannya masks and ancient scrolls. I went to Japan the summer after the assignment; I realized I was surrounded by art. Not just pictures, but scrolls and masks that depict the events of the artist’s time period, and lifestyle. My little, but important epiphany led to my life’s calling. I knew then I was yearning to make a future of myself in studying art, and learning about its history.

I was always in love with Japan’s uniqueness of art and its history. I always preferred Eastern art over western art because eastern artists have used many different mediums in order to express themselves. But I don’t just want to enjoy art and history, I want to know answers.

I am fully aware I can take art history classes in America. However, I want to take classes in Japan because I love Japan and I have pride in my heritage. I also love Japanese art. But I need to learn in English, because I cannot read or write Japanese beyond 6th grade level. I heard Sophia University’s FLA is the oldest, most advanced English speaking liberal arts department in Japan. I also feel Sophia can help me study and analyze, as well as enjoy art styles and pieces from different eras. I want to go to Sophia because I want to learn how to look through the art and analyze its history.