I swear my head will fall off and roll across the floor if I see one more student write "It's creative" as a review of their artwork or that of a peer. It is challenging to have students identify WHY something is particularly effective in expression or concept. They know it when they see it, but can't always define or verbalize what they are seeing. I am having my Art Studio 8 students read and respond to this short article, with hopes that it creates a better framework for understanding the creative process and the effort required on the part of the creator. It does place the onus of critical thinking squarely on the artist, and dismisses the "I made it so it is good" mentality. Can't wait to catch up on his theories and see how they apply to what we do in art class. Can't wait to see what kids think and can take away from the article. I can wait for the groans they kids will make when I ask them to read and respond and actually have to read and write a bit, but that is part of the creative process, too...apprehension of growth, staying in the safety zone of good enough. We all have lived there!
Busy week with Quilted and Embellished Fabric Collage class starting Thursday. Lots to prepare. Also am setting up classes for Artists and Craftsman Supply, which will be fun and exciting! I love that store and am inspired every time I go there. Will be fun to teach there, too! Coming in October. Feeling a bit frustrated that I haven't fit in any art time in several days, and need to go there, too.
Thanks to the help of a considerate friend, the TCS has been established in my home -- the Toby Containment System. Over the weekend, two sturdy gates were hung in key doorways to limit Toby's access to parts of the house. Toby da Pug is an "anxious marker" type of dog, who practices his own version of productive creativity by leaving messes in his wake wherever he goes, no matter whether he has been outside or not. He is simply disgusting. He has peed on his sister pug's head when out for a walk. He peed on the hand held saw when it was on the ground for a short time during gate construction. He has pulled books off bottom bookshelves and peed on them. He tests my patience every day, and has become and expert at knocking down gates and barriers of every variety. No more, though, as there are now wooden, locking gates to keep him from travelling. He is contained, and so is his mess. Over the weekend I again washed and bleached my art room floors and am happy to say they are sill unmarked, making the room much more conducive to creative work. Now all I need is time!!
What will you make today?