Readings 1, 2, 3, and Spiral Workshop

Reading 1: What might a teaching artist add to teaching and learning in art?

• Artists who practice art while teaching completely influence the way that they teach and interact with the classroom. They have a deeper understanding of what is happening in art and how to help students connect with it. Art is a practice that continues to grow and develop - much like other subjects. To only teach knowledge that existed before teaching limits creativity on both sides of education. Embracing unexpected outcomes means that teachers are not solely dependent on the knowledge they gained from before their teaching careers. When teachers continue making art and doing research within teaching, they inspire students to tap into their capability to be curious, imaginative, creative, and communicative.

Reading 3: How does improvisation fit into this methodology of art?

• Art teachers have the challenge of connecting the classroom to the constant changes occurring in the art world. Improvisation is the key to having a process-led curriculum. The classroom can become a studio where students can inquire about art and ideas. Improvisation is ideal in helping students to learn how art should be approached. This reading had a really interesting idea of de-emphasizing the final product and emphasizing the actual art making process.

Spiral Workshop: 1. In the tracing project, how do they approach drawing?

• Drawing is handled as a reaction to a variety of prompts or concepts. The printed string was super interesting to me. It reminded me of some creative exercises I have done before - responding to different lines and shapes already printed on paper. I find this method of drawing fascinating because every individual can come up with a different drawing even though they all started the same. Sometimes it is also interesting when two different people occasionally create something similar. Another approach was a reaction to movement, such as the metronome method of drawing. This method allows students to observe the connection between movement and creating art. The outcome is not as necessarily important as is the way it was created. Urban art inventions was also very interesting and allowed students to engage with nature in a way that doesn't really damage their environment. It subtly imposes the idea of trace.

2. In the fluid project, how do they approach drawing?

• Through wet media, students gained access to portraying their subconscious. This method of drawing helps prevent the element of fear from interrupting the student's creative process. I really enjoyed the bleeding flowers project. Abstract expressionism is a super interesting way to help students understand that art making reflects our psychology as individuals and as a community. Flawed portraiture encourages students to comfortably work in an art practice that many are usually uncomfortable with. I loved the message in a bottle project as well. I feel that this project is a great opportunity to also introduce collaboration. 

First Day Slideshow

Creative Autobiographpy

1.     What is the first creative moment you remember?

In third or fourth grade I had the idea that I wanted to dress up like a turkey for Thanksgiving. Using construction paper, scissors, and Elmer’s glue, I made myself colorful tail feathers to wear over my clothes and a beak that strapped around my head. My mom loved it so much that she made me wear it front of everyone at our family Thanksgiving party and sing the Thanksgiving songs I learned from elementary school.

2.     What is one of the best ideas you have ever had?

Serving a mission was of my best ideas ever.

3.     What makes it so great in your mind?

It changed my character and perspective.

4.     How do you begin your day?

I strive to start it with studying the scriptures, but I’m not perfect. I get breakfast going for my husband and I while he works on preparing our lunches for the day. My make-up and hair usually come before food. I don’t like eating right when I wake up.

5.     What are your habits?

In large social gatherings, I tend to be the quiet one – unless I am speaking with someone one-on-one. I can speak in front of people when expected to, but I need to at least be mentally prepared with an idea of what to say. I adapt my behavior to the people I am around. I won’t touch anything with fresh onion in it.

6.     Which artists do you admire most?

I usually prefer the artists that may be considered more “traditional.”  I love works by Sargent, Henry Tanner, Edward Hopper, John Sloan, etc.

7.     Why are they your role models?

I love their mark making and the way they portray the figure. I feel like so much can be read in a figure painting. It tells a story and I want to master the figure the way they have.

8.     Does anyone in your life regularly inspire you?

My father inspires me. He was dealt a hard card in life, but he’s one of the funniest people I know. No one can tell a story like my dad can. He can light up a room in minutes. Despite my parents’ divorce, he’s always strived to be the best dad and spend time with my sister and I whenever he can. Growing up, he got us involved in soccer, was our assistant coach, and often surprised us by showing up to school and eating lunch with us.

9.     What is your idea of mastery?

Never quitting what you are passionate about. Being a master means that you have had many years of experience in something and pushed yourself to overcome your weaknesses.

10.  List 10 to 15 moments, people, and events that contributed to who you are now.

a.     My parents

b.     My sister

c.     My husband Jacob

d.     My in-laws

e.     My dog, Lacey

f.      Soccer

g.     Art

h.     Several art professors at BYU and the U of U.

i.      My friends in high school and college

j.      My mission

k.     Local church leaders