Treasures Beneath my Tree | Alexandra Cerna | TEDxUArizona | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Through the act of creation, the speaker finds profound presence, appreciation, and awe, and encourages others to discover their own treasures in the world.

Key Insights

• 🥰 Creativity and wonder experienced in childhood can shape one's lifelong passion for art.
• 😨 The act of creation helps the speaker seek and capture the beauty in the world, even in moments of emptiness or fear.
• 🖐️ Cultural influences and parental support play a significant role in fostering creativity and uniqueness.
• 🛟 Photography and filmmaking serve as a means to connect with others, transcend differences, and evoke deep emotions.

Transcript

[Applause] when I was a little girl the world was magic filled with wonder w n h w happy [Applause] birthday he a World of Magic filled with wonder everything I touched led me somewhere every new exploration opened my eyes to the world around me even more I remember being so open to the possibility of magic interconnectedness and worlds Beyond imag... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the act of creation bring the speaker a sense of presence, appreciation, and awe?

Creating photos and films allows the speaker to be fully present in the moment, appreciating the vibrancy and warmth they capture. It helps them seek the beauty in the world and experience profound awe.

Q: How did the speaker's upbringing contribute to their development as an artist?

The speaker was raised in a loving household that cherished creativity and uniqueness. Their Mexican-Irish background exposed them to diverse art forms, such as miachi music and Frida Kahlo's work, which deeply influenced their artistic soul.

Q: What are some significant moments the speaker has captured in their photography?

The speaker has captured moments such as a mahawan dancer preparing to take flight, a tender father-son moment by the ocean, and a mother and her newborn in a peaceful setting. These moments represent connections that transcend differences and evoke profound emotions.

Q: How does the speaker believe others can find their own treasures and profound connections?

The speaker encourages individuals to explore their own creativity and find the moments that bring them a sense of awe and connection. Each person has their own box of treasures beneath their tree, waiting to be discovered and cherished.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker reminisces about their childhood filled with wonder and creativity, emphasizing the importance of nurturing one's uniqueness and fostering connections with others.

• Photography and filmmaking serve as a means for the speaker to seek and capture the beauty in the world, even in moments of emptiness or fear.

• The speaker attributes their artistic influences to their diverse cultural background and the support of their parents, particularly their mother's belief in enchantment and exposure to female artists like Frida Kahlo.