You may have missed her April 11 performance on the reality show “Britain’s Got Talent.” But with repeated coverage on U.S. news stations and more than 47 million hits on YouTube, it’s evident few people remain in the dark about Susan Boyle.
This new TV star and Internet sensation sprang up overnight, but what’s so special about the 47-year-old Scot who said she wants to be as great as songstress Elaine Paige?
Of course, Boyle has talent. Her velvety rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables” awed the show’s judges, brought the audience to its feet and prompted tearful cheers from people around the globe.
But was it because it was the best vocal performance they’d ever heard? Perhaps. More likely though, it was because no one in the audience of cynics expected such a frumpy middle-aged woman to emit such a beautiful sound.
In today’s world, where the external image matters much more than anything else, Boyle proves talent and merit also can be also found among those whose looks don’t fit society’s standard of beauty.
Boyle’s story should serve as a lesson for everyone to judge less on physical appearance and more according to talent and personality.
In the world of art and design, that is easier to do, because our work usually speaks for itself. And colleges — art schools, in particular — often offer other “Susans” a new chance to shine.
The open-mindedness found in many institutions of higher learning gives those students the opportunity, often for the first time, to just be themselves, without fear of judgment.
Over the next few weeks, we will examine together, with the help of SCAD student, faculty and staff, how possible it is “be ourselves” and not conform to predetermined standards.
Meanwhile, don’t forget to show that “you’ve got talent” by sending 10 images of your best artworks to lcoelh20@student.scad.edu. You work could be featured in our Student Spotlight section. And do not be afraid. We’re no Simon Cowell … really.
