Art Teacher as a Space
When looking at a work of art, for a moment you are able to experience another type of space: a new range of colors, different shapes, or an inspiring line of thought. These spaces become experiences that can ask us to question, provoke curiosity, and tell a story. As an art educator we become a sort of space ourselves. When students walk into the classroom they are being exposed to a wide range of not just visual images, but to thoughts, feelings, and different ways of seeing. Although we often attribute these individual experiences to the artists, artworks, readings, or other students: ultimately it is the teacher providing the experience as a whole. The teacher chooses where to take his or her students, what to expose them to, how to present material, and how to link it all together. A classroom is not just a physical space, but a metal space and an experience built by the teacher. A teacher can be like stunning room where students are drawn into and inspired to explore.
Brainstorming and Sketches:
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I was at first skeptical of "teacher as a space," however it is true that art teachers reveal new spaces and experiences to students as well as providing an environment for the students to work, learn and experience new ideas.
ReplyDeleteI like the architecture you used though I would have liked to have maybe seen more. The way the doorways lead us through to the circular exit makes me wish that the end point weren't a landscape but I also don't know what would make more sense.
I really like the excitement you've conveyed in your collage! My favorite layer is the middle panel in the "tunnel". Your portrayal of the tunnel really draws me in and invokes a sense of curiosity. Great job!
ReplyDeleteVery unique concept! Your portrait came together well although the figure on the right is floating a little bit. A shadow might help that. The depth between the front room and outside is working for sure.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your artist statement and viewing your self portrait I was able to see the connection between the different aspects a student may encounter in the art classroom and the different life experiences we encounter as we step through different doors. Each door or experience has the possibility of bringing something new to the table.
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, I wasn't able to tell that the portals were doorways. You could try and add a traditional style door opened at an angle, to help the viewer see that all the portals are indeed different doorways. This will also invite the viewer to look further down into the tunnel. These different doorways could then lead to famous artwork at the end of the tunnel. Instead of light, it is art at the end of the tunnel!
Your image really invites the viewer for a closer look, just as a teacher would invite students to explore in the classroom. I also really like how you included an image of some East Asian architecture and gardens. I wonder about including even more images about art in your space, depicting a truer representation of the extent of knowledge a teacher might share with students.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree the teacher does provide learning experiences for the students, I think, in turn, the students provide their own experiences and add to the experiences within the classroom. I think some of the most important learning experiences are student-initiated. I think the teacher and students should be co-builders of the classroom. Your portrait successfully represents your statement. It gives the viewer a sense of movement through different spaces. The colorful area, in the middle, flattens the space. I think the space would become even deeper if that area was built around one-point perspective.
ReplyDeleteI think your observations on the importance of the presentation of the entire classroom experience are brilliant and very forward thinking. Consider the range of well thought-out presentation that young people are exposed to today - in retail, in media, online, theme parks. If a teacher cannot create a stimulating, pleasing, comfortable environment for their students, then they surely risk losing the attention of their “customers”.
ReplyDeleteI was totally drawn into the "experience" you've created through sight and word. Your use of "teacher as a space" invited and guided the observer into an imaginary place for students to explore the endless possibilities of art and a world beyond their usual scope. Very inspirational --loved it!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your concept and find the collage very art teacher appropriate; love the variety in the pieces you chose. It lures the viewer in and does effectively put you into a surreal mental state, as art should, and as you would with students. I think the layout is unique and effective, but I especially like your theory on the subject.
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