Student interpretation of strong linework on the cover of their Creativity Journals
I was thrilled to enjoy visits from all classes in grades one through six this week. It is a joy to see and know all of our fine students and a joy to be responsible for furthering their exploration and education through the arts.
The first lesson of they year will provide a foundation for our work throughout the year. Using literature, a fine early work by Picasso, and a healthy dose of discussion we ventured into the realm of art as a hugely creative and hugely technical arena that is personal and therefore special. We become vulnerable when our pen hits the page or the brush hits the canvas. As part of this understanding students worked on establishing expectations for proper responses to their own art and the art of classmates. The charming little book, "Beautiful Oops!" was our vehicle for the younger grades while an inspiring TED video presentation by child-author Adora Svitak helped ground our older students in the idea that children have a creative power that is rare in adulthood which can and must be harnessed and nurtured.
We followed up the inspirational work of understanding our role as artists with the creation of our Creativity Journals. These little journals will hold our sketches, plans, reflections, and imagery as we plan and work through arts projects together. Students were challenged to use only lines created along straight edges to make something amazing. We saw the power of line in an early work of Picasso and went to work. Though classes only had ten minutes or so to adorn their journals some quality work was done.
I look forward to next week when I begin to bring content area curriculum into play through the arts with more purpose.
Please send in any extra t.p and p.t. tubes you might have lurking around. I need lots!
Take care and create!
Best,
Andrew Smith
