Week 7 Responses

To Karen:

I wonder how many students give up on art simply because the classroom/studio environment just isn't comfortabl
\e or conducive to their best work?

I really like your last question. I would like to add to it.

How many students give up on art because their home environment isn't conducive to their best work?

We are lucky because we have at least one "safe" spot. I know some students of mine take what they learn in class and work with the ideas at home and bring it back to show off. Conversely, I also have had a few students who just don't try. Or if they do try, throw away their work as soon as it is time to take it home. Last year, I talked to a classroom teacher about one such fifth grade boy. He had done such good work, but then chucked it into the trash bin on the last day. The grade level teacher said that the parents would throw away the work at home. She observed the same behavior from him in her class.
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To Adair:

Hey Adair -

I love your Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sculptures! I am just tying up a literature unit about the book with a group of kids. How did you make your sculptures?

One place to start looking to help you with the resistant boys is literature about the 'creativity slump in adolescent boys.'

Also, have you tried validating their thoughts about art? They might just be looking for a cultural power struggle. For example, when the one eighth grader says something like "That guy has too much time on his hands," you could just calmly repeat his statement, then calmly ask him what he sees to make him say that. The student may get a few laughs from his peers, but over time, if you give him the same impartial answer and a chance to explain himself, it may neutralize him.

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To Sheryl-

I totally identify with your statement!

" For many years I have joked that I prefer the acquisition of art making supplies to the actual process of making art. That being said, I would like to say that time inhibits my creative development, in all actuality, I think it’s more a matter of discipline. I have no problem being creative, and dream-up, at least in my mind, wonderful ideas. Seeing the ideas become reality requires focus and commitment. "

What do your kitchen cabinets look like? Half of my cabinets are filled with art supplies! In my bedroom I have two big bookshelves overflowing with books and kits. I affectionately call it my "When I break my leg" collection. When do you work best, day or night? I am an early morning or late night person, but late night work affects me the next day. I can work to 3 or 4 am without caffeine if I am in the zone.

By looking at your blog posts and work, you seem to be self-actualized in your work as an artist. I have let myself go over the past 5 years, and enroll in online classes to give myself the external motivation to get stuff done.

What is one of your ideas that you haven't followed through on yet? Mine is a high end collection of house robes. I kid you not, I even have a very cheeky photography campaign to accompany my robes.

If you want to start a middle aged art renegade movement.....