Glass Blower

Metaphoric Self Portrait

While practicing glassblowing and gathering experiences in the practice of teaching, I am able to draw many parallels between these two disciplines. In glassblowing, you begin with a molten wad of glass. It could become anything, and your imagination soars with possibilities. This is similar to the way teachers set high expectations for their students. They do their best to guide them to achieving these goals, but there may be unforeseen bumps along the way.

As the flexible, malleable medium is continuously heated and formed with tools, the control that the artist has over the results is limited. Colors could blow out at different rates or your assistant might bump your piece on the glory hole door. For a teacher, these factors may be under-funding or the difficult home lives or poor attendance of students. A glassblower and a teacher must react spontaneously, drawing on their experience and skill to solve problems in the moment. They learn from their successes and failures, always looking to improve the next time. Knowing that these challenges exist, they still attempt to reach their highest aspirations and overcome the many obstacles. The reward is a well formed glass vessel or a more informed student.

Brainstorming

Kidspiration Brainstorming

Brainstorming Notes:

molten glass=formable & malleable
tools=personal power, resources
color=interest, a personal connection & freedom of expression
transparency=truth, honesty & clarity
heat=time restraints, energy
breath=personality & the human touch
pipe=communication
furnace=the environment that makes it all possible
remaking a form=a second chance, learn from your mistakes
cooperation=community learning & sharing
shattering=obstacles & failures

Sketches

Kid Pix Sketch

Other Sketches