Windows into Elementary Art

I thought the art show was really really awesome for elementary art. To see the feelings of pride emerge in front of parents and teachers among the students was excellent. I know some of my students were so so so excited about coming that it was as if they were coming to the academy awards (I know one of my students even missed a church meeting to come). Then for them to see the other students and people with cameras there… they glowed in their moments or recognition (great). Just listening to some of the students explain to their parents (or guardians) how they did their piece of art and why they named it as such was really neat – the parents I spoke to were so very impressed with the idea of an elementary art show. The cake and the flowers topped it off for sure (mostly because Megan, Amber, and Andrew were serving ;-)) Thanks. I contributed to this artshow by way of the following: carrying down/setting up chairs before hand, leading stary visitors (with Sherry) to and from the art show from other parts of the university, leading families back through the university on their way out, greeting and entertaining my students and their families (making them feel important!), handing out pamphlets, showed my students around immediate university area, hhelped clean up afterwards (returning stuff upstairs and stacking chairs). Lovely show classmates - Thanks.

Bird Scenes

This was an activity I did during the practicum using yarn, feathers, pastels, construction paper, birdseed, etc., which they really enjoyed. I was stuck with the dilemma of not knowing whether to display a variety of locals bird in the classroom or on PowerPoint (to give the kids ideas), or ask them to just come up with the designs themselves. I did one example myself (at left with orange beaks) to show them how one might look, and then I let them do whatever they wanted - I think that was a good choice. I decided that fluorescent pink beaks and orange feathers wouldn’t “floor me” after all. The bird seed got a bit messy though, but it was manageable!

Visualization

I had a good time with art on my practicum. There is often a tendency for students to treat art like a “party time,” but for the most part it was fine. I find art is one of those subjects that really helps to build an inclusive classroom setting. I did a visualization activity on Halloween, where students segmented their papers into four and drew at set intervals throughout a star story. It was warming to see the intense level of concentration and detail that went into these drawings; Importantly, it was one of the few lessons that didn’t require modifications to adjust for the lower learning levels. I think students get sick of writing, and forced to produce written work on and on in LA, and I think visualization provides an “outlet” to a different form of expression through art. Not all of what recall and remember is going to come out in a “word friendly” form, so I really love exercises that use/illustrate a different form of thinking. It is interesting to see the same stories expressed in 27 different ways. What I noticed at my inner city practicum placement was that art was something many children enjoyed because it was one of the few subjects that many felt they were good at, or didn’t require constant teacher nags to succeed. Art is something many of these students did quietly under their desk, or when they were suppose to be silent reading.

"Whose not Artistic?"

I always find the expression “im not artistic” quite interesting. I worked with a teacher on my practicum that claimed she was one of these “im not an artistic person” people - yet taught music, dance, and belonged to something similar to the “barber shop girls.” What do these people think art is – drawing and painting alone? I really do think every person is artistic in some way, its just that some forms are more readily visible than others, or that we are more used to calling “art” by paintings, drawings, etc. My entire family is a bunch of avid gardeners/landscapers… mixing and matching colors and layers of plant life… to seem pleasing to the eye – its hard work- but its rewarding and it never really seems like work . When I think of the discussion and thought process that goes into serious gardening I would consider it another form of art. I think everything from gardening to fashion, to Jenn’s greeting cards, to Amber’s decorative cakes, to Dan’s photographs, to Zakkiya’s outfits, to Trina’s music, to Dena's Vancouver Island pics, to Jodi’s rural scenes (to name a few) and on and on…. are forms of art we identify with – so really, the “im not artistic” claim never really applies to anyone. There is always going to be some “neat” little way we organize something or do something that is a creative expression of who we are.

Art Gallery

All I have to say about the B.C. Binnings exhibit was that I thought it was very relaxing and different , and if any activity can get that kind of a response out of me then I believe is worthwhile (for me and children). It’s a great thing for children to be able to express feeling through art from music. My dad is a very good accordion/piano player, he’s one of these people that plays from ear these Scandinavian dance songs and what not……. and just sitting in the living room or somewhere in the house when he is playing is semi hypnotizing …. so soothing.

Digging Around

I have a New Zealand bone carving my mother gave me when I was little curled up in a fiddlehead, and she has a limestone of similar. Then when I think and ponder other things given to me from New Zealand family its really neat to make those connections ….. a book mark made of Rimu Timber that has the spirals of the fiddlehead ingrained in it; my key chain has a mini fiddlehead on it, and Polynesian shirt I have back at my parents. They are taking over my life.
Perhaps the fiddlehead also symbolizes the emergence or re-emergence of the many creative spirits in our class … not to sound sappy or anything. Perhaps it would be appropriate to say “Go Fiddleheads!” … Make me and the ferns proud.

Fiddlehead or "Koru" - Rich Symbology

It is interesting some of the “fiddlehead comments” I have received on and off wall – it is a pity there aren’t more around Prince George. I think there are in a few more shady, south facing, damp locations, but even still, the fiddle heads will be small given our northern location. Actually, fiddleheads are no joke. Not only are they absolutely stunning and beautiful to me, there is a lot of meaning behind what they symbolize. Chirtie pointed out the Fibonacci sequence, and I will mention their symbolism in New Zealand art – which I am more familiar with. Fiddleheads are the fern fronds all bundled up before they open (unfolding). Deep in the native forests of New Zealand it is like literally “fiddlehead heaven” (which is probably close to mine…lol). The fiddlehead is a central figure in Maori art (also known as “koru”) symbolizing new life, purity, peace, and the strength of relationships - powerful. The symbols are also on the back of Air New Zealand (two fiddleheads unfolding in a stylized position); tattoos; carvings; and what many believe to be a secondary flag of New Zealand, the “koru flag" (featured right), etc. etc. Fiddlehead curves have inspired so much more than I feel the need to embarrass myself and inform you all about!