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| "Respect," by Xavier Fernandes. |
Artist's Statement
I learned that the buffalo gives every part of his being to sustain the human way of living, not because he is of less value, but because he respects the balance and needs of others. As a child I was told to respect my elders. Based on memory, I was never rude to adults. At times I would be nice to adults even though they were not nice to me.
Respect means that you accept somebody for who they are, even when they're different from you or you don't agree with them. Respect in your relationships builds feelings of trust, safety, and wellbeing. Respect doesn't always come naturally – it is something you learn. Did some elders not learn to respect, yet they demand respect?
Respect promotes cooperation and makes it easier for us to achieve our common goals. To show respect is to be open and honest and to behave with integrity. We talk to each other, not about each other. Being respectful means caring enough to think about how you impact others. Lack of respect can be shown in many ways such as interrupting others while they are speaking, using derogatory language, ignoring others’ feelings or opinions, and being rude or dismissive. Lack of respect breaks down our connection and focuses on ourselves. Showing respect helps you communicate better and resolve conflicts peacefully.
I was able to make a wooden plate, bowl, and cup place setting for someone that I hold in high regard. Making this set while respecting nature, the tree, and the piece of wood, helped in creating the three unique pieces. I used salvaged wood which means the wood was already cut down and would have been discarded. Using this discarded wood, I was able to make the most of it by bringing out the natural characteristics of the piece in this design. I had to respect the direction the wood was showing me.
Respect can be applied for everything and everyone. If this is done, then we will be using many positive actions, feelings and a way of life that creates unity, in a world where we are labeled, divided, segregated, and disregarded.
I learned that the buffalo gives every part of his being to sustain the human way of living, not because he is of less value, but because he respects the balance and needs of others. As a child I was told to respect my elders. Based on memory, I was never rude to adults. At times I would be nice to adults even though they were not nice to me.
Respect means that you accept somebody for who they are, even when they're different from you or you don't agree with them. Respect in your relationships builds feelings of trust, safety, and wellbeing. Respect doesn't always come naturally – it is something you learn. Did some elders not learn to respect, yet they demand respect?
Respect promotes cooperation and makes it easier for us to achieve our common goals. To show respect is to be open and honest and to behave with integrity. We talk to each other, not about each other. Being respectful means caring enough to think about how you impact others. Lack of respect can be shown in many ways such as interrupting others while they are speaking, using derogatory language, ignoring others’ feelings or opinions, and being rude or dismissive. Lack of respect breaks down our connection and focuses on ourselves. Showing respect helps you communicate better and resolve conflicts peacefully.
I was able to make a wooden plate, bowl, and cup place setting for someone that I hold in high regard. Making this set while respecting nature, the tree, and the piece of wood, helped in creating the three unique pieces. I used salvaged wood which means the wood was already cut down and would have been discarded. Using this discarded wood, I was able to make the most of it by bringing out the natural characteristics of the piece in this design. I had to respect the direction the wood was showing me.
Respect can be applied for everything and everyone. If this is done, then we will be using many positive actions, feelings and a way of life that creates unity, in a world where we are labeled, divided, segregated, and disregarded.