It takes a village...

Who says we don't have drama in art class?

The Scene:  Last five minutes of printmaking class, clean-up in full swing
Incident report:  Boy runs into girl with ink palette
Result:  Wardrobe crisis
Response:
                   One teacher to retrieve handy stain stick
                   One friend of student to help vigorously rub wet cloth to treated stain
                   One apologetic student to watch stain removal process
                   One friend of apologetic student for moral support
                      ...and a cast of extras (the rest of class) to cheer on efforts

 It takes a village.

Encore.

Advanced Art: Connecting literature and art

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Drawing

The "take away" from Advanced Art class this semester involves learning to say something using visual language.  Inspired by the idea of linking literature and art, Emerson's quote gives plenty of room for students to explore their artistic voice.  After a brainstorming session, and submission of a formal proposal outlining  materials and processes, my kids have finally come to the half-way point.

Video

Tape Casting

Clay Mask

Painting

Mostly loved

this makes me smile








this...not so much

Tim Gunn and the art of teaching




The inimitable Tim Gunn

Mrs. B

 

Say what you will about drama queens, prima donnas, and Heidi Klum, I really like Tim Gunn of Project Runway.   The man knows design, and just as importantly, how to critique the fashion works set before him.  I love the way he exudes personal warmth while illuminating potentially disastrous design decisions to contestants.  Anyone can affirm good work or, conversely, rip it apart.   It takes a superb teacher to ask just the right questions prompting a person to find the solution themselves.   I need to get better at asking more questions, not giving answers.   In the words of Mark van Doren, “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery."  I need to channel Tim's teaching style more, and maybe I can improve my fashion sense as well.      

Diagnosis: Senioritis - Prognosis: Unknown

The Taming of Horses - St. Petersburg, Anichkov Bridge

I’m under no illusions when it comes to the makeup of my student body in an elective art class.  In fact, I’ve identified three kinds of visual art students.   I can work with all three types, but some are easier to motivate than others.

1.        Type 1: These kids love art and can’t get enough.  (Wish I had more of these).

2.       Type 2: These kids  view  art as the means to fulfilling a fine arts requirement; and

3.       Type 3:  These kids need to fill a time slot in their schedule, and I’m the least offensive of several less palatable choices.

 Last month, Type 3 student, “James,” decided after completing Art I, that his foray into  visual arts  had reached an end.  He told me he was bailing at the semester’s conclusion.   True to his word, on the last day of class he cleaned out his cubby, took his portfolio and exited my room for the last time.  I felt sorry to see him go. Although not especially motivated or artistic, I thought he might gain more confidence in his abilities if he just stuck it out.  Frankly, he was looking for a class in which to mark time until graduation, something really low maintenance and less taxing – possibly a study hall.     So, to my surprise, on day three of the new grading period, “James” walked into class and asked if it was too late to take Art II.    Mildly amused, I queried him as to why he wanted to enroll, when we both knew he wasn’t interested in art.  He sheepishly replied that he didn’t want to take Business Communications.   “So, I’m the lesser of two evils?” I inquired, driving the point home.  “Yep,” he grinned back at me. .. Well, at least you have to respect his honesty.

 My father in law says:  “I’d rather tame a wild horse, than breathe life into a dead one”.  I hope I’m up for the challenge, but it remains to be seen whether the patient can be cured.