Mearcstapa (Mearc-wha?!): An Artist on Empathy

Description:

A Mearcstapa, which when translated literally means "marsh-stepper," is one who walks borders or lives on the fringes of culture. In our society, these are the artists, the designers, the creators among us, who help us interpret experiences and emotions with a heightened level of empathy. But can this level of empathy be learned? Can it be fine-tuned?

Through this presentation, you will learn to look beyond your own safe, clear boundaries to see things from another’s point of view. You'll discover how, through the creative process of art - and the consumption and interpretation of this art across all mediums - empathy can be strengthened by recognizing the ways in which art demonstrates bridging the divide between people, cultures, communities, and schools of thought.