Many of my students are English language learners and can be reserved, but often come in each day ready to take on their next artistic adventure. They are always excited about art making and actively engage in planning and producing their final work. Art has become another form of communication for them to express ideas that they can’t easily express using words alone.
They are imagination artists and love experimenting with new techniques and materials.
Many of them already have strong drawing skills and welcome the idea of applying their talents to various mediums. They draw inspiration from contemporary concepts and trust that they have a safe space to voice their thoughts.
Identity has become an important theme in my classroom. Over the past few years I have had the privilege to explore this concept with my students. Together we have been building their confidence by identifying their personal struggles and strengths. expressing what it means to accept themselves and others and what it means to be a community.
My Project
The art making process is a creative journey of self discovery filled with unexpected twists, turns and occasional pit stops. Along the way you learn about new people with the same passion to create, experience cultures that open your eyes to the beauty of diversity, and skills that challenge your abilities to become a greater artist.
When I introduced my expressive self-portrait unit to my students, I could tell by thier conversations that they were excited yet nervous to attempt this journey.
They spent several weeks planning their ideas by researching artists and images, taking photos, making sketches, and experimenting with color mixing. Unfortunately, they were not able to complete it or take any materials home due to Covid-19. I would like to extend their journey outside of the classroom, but a vast majority of my students lack the necessary supplies to complete this at home. The watercolor packs will allow my students to continue to explore painting techniques and to create a final piece.
They would continue the concept of “self ” but approach it in a different way. Instead of limiting their investigation to only portraiture, they will look outward to find personal treasures, such as priceless heirlooms, a place of refuge, or a special person that has helped define who they are today.
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