First Blog | Kass Ferm

I'm Kass Ferm, and I’m excited to be part of this class! I recently transferred here from Simmons University, a historically women’s college in Boston. I’m an honours student studying biological sciences entirely online, and I chose this program to keep my passion for travel alive while pursuing my studies. At the moment, I’m living in Osaka, Japan, where I’m working as a personal cook for a lovely Japanese family. It's been a fantastic experience! I’ve been fortunate to visit over 40 countries, mainly in the last few years, which has fueled my love for new cultures and landscapes. Before my time here, I spent a summer on a Thai vegan permaculture farm through a platform called Workaway, which really deepened my appreciation for sustainable living and local cultures. I also recently returned from a study abroad program in London, exploring various fields, including law, psychology, and dance courses.

I enjoy cooking, exploring new places, and soaking up diverse experiences when not studying or travelling. Also, if you're curious about that aspect of my life, I'm a newly baptised Christian!

I selected the photograph below as a piece of art that I find appealing because it brings back memories of my childhood and spent refining my dance skills in ballet, modern, and contemporary classes at the Ailey School. I fondly remember the thrill of watching the Ailey company perform in grand theatres during their special events. During high school, I was fortunate to witness their 60th-anniversary performance of Revelations, a famous Alvin Ailey-choreographed dance. The live music and singing made the experience incredibly moving, and being in the audience to celebrate one of the world's best dance companies was truly special. Attending a black dance school while growing up exposed me to diverse aesthetics and arts, where every voice and body, regardless of gender, race, or class, could create meaningful art that resonates with the public.






I have a deep appreciation for art, although I don't have a talent for painting, sculpting, or drawing. I particularly enjoy photography and have recently taken up film photography. I bought a used film camera while I was living in London. I like the surprise element of film photography, knowing the outcome once the photos are developed. Even if the pictures turn out blurry or the lighting is off, I enjoy creating an exciting image that tells a story.

I came across a photography museum in Stockholm, Sweden, and found an exhibit of self-portraits by a woman who had undergone breast surgery. Her work resonated with me.

While I don't own much art because of my frequent travel, I enjoy using Pinterest to create visually aesthetic mood boards. Art extends beyond the visual and can be found in dance, film, and other forms. As a dancer, I love expressing emotions and messages through movement. The body is a beautiful vessel for storytelling without the need for words.

Art as a Platform for Justice - This is a link to an article about Harry Belafonte, posted by the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It describes his life as an artist, actor, and musician, navigating life as a black man in the United States and using activism to fuel change - even teaming up with Martin Luther King Jr to battle segregation and racism. Art can fuel social change, and we should never forget the power of beauty and aesthetics to move hearts and minds to live in a safer and more loving world.