Soul Art

Post 71 - Rachel is at it again... Generous heart, that lady!... Follow the Prima link below and win the Growth kit, for yourself!

2011-08-28T08:42:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Drop on over by Monday, and post... That's all you have to do... You could be the lucky winner of the beautiful "Growth" kit, from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out...

Just follow this link... Good luck!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 70 - It sure is nice to hear the good stuff... Eat your heart out OPRAH!

2011-08-20T12:36:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Read and enjoy... Wow... I guess I really do a job that matters, and wow... I might just be SUPER, in the end!... Read and share... Thanks!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 69 - Check out the "Growth" challenge at Club CK!

2011-08-20T11:30:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Follow link and play along... The "long" challenge is still "on" until this Monday... So, zip on over to Club CK, and get your scrap on!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 68 - New pages - Lovin' the August "Growth" kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out...

2011-08-13T20:48:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

"Rising Above" - 12" x 12"

"Rising Above" - 12" x 12" - Detail of sanded chipboard lettering,

doodled frame, painted wooden dragonfly

"Gaining Appreciation" - 12" x 12"

"Gaining Appreciation" - 12" x 12" - Detail of mist stained ribbon,

mist dyed flower, mist stamped border, and inked cardstock sticker

  The pages I created with this kit, based on the theme of "Growth", were all titled and focused on synonyms for the word "growth", such as "gain", "become", and "develop". I also worked very hard to emphasize the flexible qualities of the kit, including color focus.
The pages above are the only two monochromatically blue pages. The blue details, such as the texture "waves" on the "Rising Above" page and the stained ribbon, dyed flower, and stamped dot border on the "Gaining Appreciation" page, were all created with the blue mist included in the kit (which I LOVED working with).
  The journaling and photo focus for these two pages revolved around my lack of trust issues, with people, and my increasing respect for my beloved Aunt Mary Kay. I worked very hard with this kit to include more than one photo (which is my usual style), and to journal more authentically.
  Check out my blog later this week for another page created from the August "Growth" kit from SFTIO...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 67 - Win the FABULOUS August SFTIO "Growth" kit... Simply visit the wonderful Ali Edwards, on her blog... But, do it NOW!

2011-08-07T13:24:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Follow the LINK, for your chance to WIN IT!... Good Luck!

PS... I will be sharing my creations here SOON... (My new computer is being set up AWS... Yippee!!)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 66 - Three more pages I created with the incredible INDEPENDENCE kit from SFTIO...

2011-07-26T18:34:00.038-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Baby Steps - 12" x 12"

Baby Steps - Detail of page layering and depth

Baby Steps - Detail of hidden journaling (side one)

Baby Steps - Detail of hidden journaling (side two)

The theme of "independence", in this case, brought to mind my relationship with my daughter, and so I focused on the small ways she has displayed independence and how I need to just be OK with it, through my journaling.

The strongest design choice I made to emphasize my focus included, choosing a photo of my daughter wearing the wrong shoe on the wrong foot (to concretely show her trying to do things for herself). The various papers and details I further added to this page were used to show the variety of uses for the kit components, and how they can be used to create visual depth, interest, and fun... to any page, with any theme!

From the Start - 12" x 12"

From the Start - Detail of page layering and depth

The theme of "independence", in this case, brought to mind how I see myself, and so I focused on the ways I had displayed independence as a small child, through my journaling.

The strongest design choice I made to emphasize my focus included, choosing a photo of myself looking "independent" (to help the viewer get to know me, in respect to this month's theme). The various papers and details I further added to this page were used to show the variety of uses for the kit components, and how they can be used to create visual depth, interest, and fun... to any page, with any theme!

Stop - 12" x 12"

Stop - Detail of page layering and depth

The theme of "independence", in this case, brought to mind how I feel in regards to a recent interaction with my father, in respect to my freedom. So, I wrote fairly candidly about this recent interaction, in an almost "poetic" fashion (as observed by my husband).

The strongest design choice I made to emphasize my focus included, choosing a photo of my hand, in an open palm position (to show the open, bare emotions expressed). I further used the kit contents to repeatedly encircle the title, (expressing my base reaction to the threat of loosing my freedom, through the strong title). Also, I decided to use black gesso to take out the background, so I had a "clean" surface to write out all of my journaling, (emphasizing my desire to have a clean slate, with my father). Plus, I decided to do some random doodling on the patterned paper, just because I could and I wanted to, (which is the antithesis of the result of loosing one's freedom).

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 65 - Follow the link below, for a chance to win an Independence kit from SFTIO...

2011-07-14T15:30:00.003-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Get there quick, and leave a comment, by tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.... Good luck!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 64 - Scrapbooking from the Inside Out on the Creating Keepsakes blog, and my Exclusive Content offering...

2011-07-07T18:59:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...
Follow this LINK, and you could win an "Independence" kit, from Rachel and SFTIO!!! Woo-hoo!!! Check it out...
Also... I was the first Scrapbooking from the Inside Out Design Team member to offer Exclusive Content on the site... I created three Scrap Graphs for the July kit, "Independence", and for the third graph, I created a sixth, and new page...

I Admire - 12" x 12"

I Admire - Detail of typography and hand-stitching

I Admire - Detail of hand-cut and punched embellishment, with Stickles

The above page was based on the following SCRAP GRAPH...

The other two SCRAP GRAPHS are included in the following THREAD at SFTIO... Just follow the LINK, and check them out!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 63 - It's Blog Hop Day!... Welcome to SFTIO's 3rd Birthday Blog Hop... 7 a.m. (today) - 5 p.m. (Thursday)PST...

2011-07-05T03:49:00.004-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...
First thing's first... Make sure you are arriving here at my blog from Shaina's, and that you started at the beginning with Melissa's blog... If you are, great! (If not make sure you backtrack, and start at the beginning, so you don't miss anybody's blog, and don't miss out on the prizes... the winners will have their choice of the last three Scrapbooking from the Inside Out's beautiful kits - Independence, Optimism or Friendship, including the subscriber bonuses.)
For my stop on the Hop, I'd like to share another one of the pages I created with this month's kit, Independence, and what my processes were for creating it.

You Have Always - 12" x 12"

You Have Always - Detail of machine stitching

You Have Always - Detail of hand-cut embellishment

The theme of "independence" very easily brings to mind my relationship with my husband, and so I focused on the ways he has always encouraged and supported my need to be free, through my journaling.

The design processes I used to strengthen my focus included, using layers of torn and stacked pattern paper (to emphasize the variety of ways I am encouraged), adding machine stitching around the page perimeter and around my husband's head (to draw attention to who I was journaling about), adding a hand-cut figure (to symbolize freedom), using soft fibers and a flower (to indicate sensitivity), and adding wax pastel color throughout the whole page (to tie elements and colors together).

Thanks for visiting my blog today!... Remember, to be eligible for a prize, please leave a comment on this post below, before "hopping" on over to Diana's blog...

Have fun today, and come back for a visit sometime!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 62 - Lots to share... SFTIO's new kit, SFTIO's birthday Blog Hop scheduled, and my first REVEAL...

2011-07-02T13:25:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Scrapbooking from the Inside Out's beautiful new kit "Independence" (July 2011) is up, and for sale... I thoroughly enjoyed creating artwork with it, and I know you will too!
Plus, you will want to check out my blog on July 5th, because, in order to celebrate Scrapbooking from the Inside Out's 3rd birthday, they will be throwing a Blog Hop... I will explain more in a couple of days... So, remember to check back on the 5th!
And... Last, for today, but not by any means least... Here is one of the five pages I just created, with the first kit I designed with ("Independence" - July 2011) from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out,... Each time I reveal a page, I will be explaining my processes... thoughts, techniques, etc...

I Am Torn - 12" x 12"

I Am Torn - Detail of journaling

I Am Torn - Detail of corner embellishments

The focus and mission at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out is to encourage the exploration, excavating, and discovery of one's own personal experience and viewpoint on life, and express and share those "findings", through scrapbooking. It is more about scrapbooking one's self, instead of the typical scrapbooking about everyone else in one's life... Make sense?
  And, believe you me, even though I have done some of this "about me" writing, this was harder than I thought! But, the rewards are far more great... I am looking forward to more-and-more clarity, as I work with more of the kits, and challenges at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.
  OK... About the page above... Because the theme/focus for July is "Independence", we (myself and the other Design Team members) were given the assignment to write about ourselves, in respect to this theme, and create pages to support our personal discoveries with the gorgeous items offered in SFTIO's monthly kit. (This, in turn, we hope, will encourage others to do the same!)
  "I Am Torn" is a page about my struggle with letting my youngest daughter, Josie, grow up, and experience "independence", and how that conflict between keeping her safe, and letting her gain strength and confidence is an ongoing "battle" for me... and, will probably always remain so.
  The photo was taken by my eldest daughter, Lucia, on the day of my second eldest daughter, Nina's, college graduation party. I loved the photo so much, that I knew I wanted to use it for something. When we found out that the July focus was on "Independence", I went about shuffling pictures around, until I knew what I wanted to write about.
  When the design process started, I knew I wanted to get away from square-edged photos, a bit at least, so I silhouetted the photo. Then, I started thinking about the title, which I had already determined during the journaling process... "I Am TORN"... And, since I hate to measure, because it brings out my perfectionist side, and "torn" paper was a strong reflection of this page's purpose, I went about creating a visual "tear", to emphasize my journaling and feelings.
  And, once I had the page basically "built", my personal design assistant (Josie) let me know it needed something else... I added the torn strips, and finally got the "thumbs up" from the kiddo!
  I will be revealing all of the pages I created, over the next couple of weeks, with another one on the 5th, for the Blog Hop... See you then, or before... I have lots of photos to share from our Orlando too! (Josie and I had a great time!!!)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 61 - Another Sketchy Thursday page to share...

2011-06-08T15:45:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

I flipped the original sketch upside-down (Sketchy Thursday), and created a graduation gift for my daughter, in the process... Two birds with one stone! TFL... Happy Wednesday!
And, very excited to be... going on our Orlando vacation soon, playing with two gorgeous kits from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, and just being me... No teaching, except for my own kid... I will miss my students, but not right now... Right now, I just want to be plain ole' me!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 60 - Check out the CK Editor's Blog today, and you could be the lucky winner of SFTIO's June kit giveaway!

2011-06-06T06:53:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...
Head on over to the Creating Keepsakes' Editor's Blog today, (Monday, June 6) because not only will the Design Team be featured, but Rachel Kaufman, owner of Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, will be giving away an... OPTIMISM kit! (See picture below)

Hurry on over today, or you could miss this incredible chance at a GORGEOUS June kit, from SFTIO!... See you there!
Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 59 - Lots and lots and lots of altered books...Oh My!... Student work I promised to share a loooooooooooong time ago...

2011-06-05T14:02:00.008-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...
The following plethora of artistic work consists of the ALTERED BOOK pages and covers, created by my Paper & Fiber Arts high school students, which were completed this school year.
There were so many good things going on, that you'll have to forgive me... I have to share them all with you... ENJOY, and please tell me what you think!
Brief explanation of assignment... The students were required to incorporate: one spread, with the 3-PHOTO-ALTERING TECHNIQUES they learned how to do, one spread, with the PHOTO-COPIED HAND images we created, one spread, with the PAPER-DOLL TREATMENT we learned about in a Claudine Helmuth book, and to create a WRAP-AROUND INTEGRATED COVER design, to tie the whole altered board book together. The focus of the book was the Zodiac signs, and the traits that the students' felt they possessed, based on the research they did on their sun sign (birth sign/zodiac sign).
Splendid results... if I do say so myself!!... True creativity requires being allowed to make messes, find answers for oneself, and being given just a tad of support, when it is absolutely necessary...

3-photo-altering techniques (examples)

Photo-copied hands (examples)

Paper-doll treatment (examples)

Wrap-around integrated cover (examples)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 58 - A new page, and I am crossing one item off MY "bucket list"...

2011-06-03T17:17:00.006-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Page I created for a Sketchy Thursday challenge... I used all older supplies, and a photo from eight years ago... It is so hard to accept that the kiddo is nine!

And, I have NOW completed one Sudoku puzzle, so I never have to do another one! Ha!... I am satisfied, and I can scratch "Complete one Sudoku puzzle" off my "bucket list"... Here is the proof...

It only took me TWO HOURS of my life!... I don't get the fascination with these things... I can think of soooooooooooo many other things I'd rather spend two hours doing... LOL!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 57 - Photos of Friday's 6th Annual Chalk Drawing Contest, which I run... And, some nice shots of my kiddo's murals, in progress...

2011-05-24T19:20:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

First place winner

Theme winner - Friday the 13th

The following photos are shots I took of the murals my Advanced Art students are working on finishing up right now, on the walls outside the art room... Our new building needed some "character"! They are doing a great job, and each year I intend to let a few more students add their personal touches... The goal is to fill the walls in the art hallway with student murals!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 56 - A new page, and some... SCOOP!!

2011-05-23T17:18:00.004-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

This page gave me quite the "pain"... The title went through a seriously awkward "don't know if I like that" stage. But, with persistence, and a little "away" time... I pulled it through, with flying colors!

One of the fun aspects to this creation came from my desire to challenge myself not to grab a flower, as an embellishment "fall back". I wanted to answer this one differently, and because I am thinking about materials and supplies I own and love, but haven't used lately, I went for the Miracle Compressed Sponge... And, once I knew what the title was going to be, I knew that "heavenly" clouds were the PERFECT choice for embellishment... So happy with the result!!

OK... The scoop is... I am "back in the scrappin' saddle again"!!

After having been in semi-retirement from design team work, since I had to finish my Master's (which ya'll know I did), I threw my hat back in the ring for a FAB "gig" at a very cool site... Scrapbooking from the Inside Out (owned by a sweet lady named Rachel)... And...

I was blessed (along with 3 other new ladies) to be selected to make art for her for the next 6 months.... YEAH!!!... The link to the site is in the left sidebar, so come on over and check things out. Don't worry if you forget, because I will keep you up-to-date HERE too!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 55 - First page for Sketchy Thursdays... Had a lot of fun!... Page theme inspired by Scrapbooking from the Inside Out...

2011-05-22T11:03:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 54 - Spring break, Easter egg fun and a couple of slideshows added to my blog....

2011-04-25T17:32:00.004-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Sorry for being away for a while... Things have been "interesting" lately, to say the least.

I have been on Spring Break for the past several days, (four, of which, I spent in New York meeting my new nephew, and Saturday I actually got to go on a "real date", with my husband), then there was Easter... Of course, before that, the teaching experience had it's "intrigues"... My White Knight has come through for me, so I will just "keep the faith", be grateful, and do what I do through the end of this very long, very strange, very complicated, very engaging and quite fruitful school year...

The fun part of my Spring Break started in New York, with my sister, Alexia, brother-in-law, Sean, and new nephew, Desmond... Four-months old, and saaaaaaweet as can be!

Was I right? Or, was I RIGHT??... Smart, sweet, easy-going, and he loves his Aunt Pammy, of course!

I also went to an incredible French bistro in Hell's Kitchen, with Alexia and Desmond, while I was visiting... Yummy pastries, coffee, and FAB eggs!... Plus, we saw this mural, which I had to photograph for my students... If you knew what we just went through, with the design of the student handbook, you would know why my kids will find this mural humorous, not to mention very cool!

Let's see... For Easter, Josie and I decorated some extra fun eggs... Monster eggs, to be precise... And, they turned out AWESOME! Plus, we had a lot of fun doing them together...

And, finally... Since Summer is coming, and I want to boost my scrapping habits again, I have decided to enter another competition... It is for a site that I find worthy, because they advocate writing/journaling about personal aspects and "big ideas", not just the typical "potty training and birthday stories"... So, I have added two SLIDESHOWS to the left side-bar, which feature my artwork and scrapbooking.

Eventually, I will be adding other SLIDESHOWS... Details of techniques, page design work, student work, school assignments, etc... Please feel free to peruse what I have added... I appreciate your .02, as always...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 53 - Go to the mattresses... I am blessed with many supportive people...

2011-04-01T11:08:00.004-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Go to the mattresses... I have to admit it (sorry all of you Godfather fans out there), but the first time I heard this phrase was while watching the movie You've Got Mail. Tom Hanks' character advises Meg Ryan's character, through anonymous instant messaging to, "Go to the mattresses", in order to save her business. (If you are interested in the possible origins of this phrase, as I was, check out this LINK.)

I have someone, in particular, right now who is my White Night. This person is "going to the mattresses" for me, and for my job. I am blessed and grateful for this person, and honored that all of my hard work has not gone unnoticed. (Please keep your fingers crossed with me... Go White Knight! My students deserve a hero, and so do I! Let's show our kids that we really are all about kids!)

PS... Just realized, I have another couple of people doing everything they can for me, and I thank them too! (Here's to keeping positive, and to others doing the right thing for my students too!)

In addition, I would be horribly remiss in not extending my undying gratitude to those of you who have been here for me, and who have helped me accomplish so much... I could not have finished my Culminating Project paper without the editorial expertise of my husband and my friend Ann... I would have been a dead duck!

And, I could not have even imagined getting through any of this without all of you... I am blessed!

Have an incredible weekend...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 52 - A reminder to have faith, some art and, some great news!

2011-03-27T17:25:00.003-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Faith is courage; it is creative while despair is always destructive.

- - David S. Muzzey

The following photos depict the altered book I traded with two other Art 42 (art trade site) participants...

Inside of book - without background preparation

Cover - Decorated

Pages - Background started

The following six photos depict the designs I created in the other two participant's altered books that they sent to me...

The great news... See for yourself!

Yes!!! I have my graduate degree!!!... I have a Master's in Arts degree in Art Education...

Thank you for your support...

Keep your eyes peeled... I am continuing the sharing and inspiration... This is only THE BEGINNING...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 51 - So much work to share... Student work, and some thoughts...

2011-03-14T18:35:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

I realized while printing out screen captured pages of my blog, for my Culminating Project paper, that I have a huge file of student work that I keep planning on sharing, and for some reason, mostly being too busy to breathe, I just haven't shared. So...

Here it comes!... First, some fairly straight forward drawings, in which the students were asked to draw an object I provided, from three different perspectives. The contour and values were observed from the vantage point they chose, for each view, and then the students had to decide how to compose the object views, deciding and "inventing" the effect that each object would have on the others, as if they really had three of the same thing. They were required to think about the effect each view had on the others, as if it existed in either real space, or imagined.

Aaron

Brittany

Janae

Joe

Terrance

Next... I have a few scans and photos that show examples of the project that my Art I and Art II students are doing. Very high level problem-solving! The first three scans are of the actual projects I did IN COLLEGE! Yes, the design project I gave my 14 - 18-year-olds was one I was assigned in college. The twist came later, when I decided to teach the lesson myself at Norwood HS, several years ago. The twist is... I added a three-dimensional step/project to the design unit. That step/project is the one my kids are all on right now, and they do not all have to use one material.

So, I have groups of students using ceramic clay, using paper mache, and using painted fabric. All of the students are creating relief wall pieces... They are simply using the materials and tools, and the help of their group, to build their creation from clay, paper and cardboard, or fabric... Yes, there is a lot of mess in my room right now, but they are having a "grand old time"!!... I told my superintendent recently that the surest sign of a room full of engaged art students, is that it is... messy!! Not neat... I think she agreed!

Anyhow... Here are the examples of Project 1, Project 2, and a scan of the page from my binder that shows all three projects together. (I will share my students three-somes when they are finished!)

Project 1 - Realistic Observational Still-Life - Contour line/Marker

Project 2 - Abstracted Vignette- Acrylic paint - Abstract shapes are pulled from the above step, and twisted, duplicated, re-sized, and colorized

Example of all three projects - Three sets of three (clay, fabric, clay)

Art I student working on Project 2

Art II student working on Project 2

The last two photos show two of my hardest working students creating their abstracted vignettes. This painting stage only happens after... three different vignette designs are sketched out, and discussed, and after three different color system combinations are considered, in colored pencil, and discussed. My kids put just as much effort, if not more, into the process, as they do the product... And, they get credit for all of that problem-solving too! That's my secret... That's how I get them to stretch, and think outside of the box, and consider more than one or two solutions... I make them! They know I expect nothing less!... And, they do it!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 50 - Wise words from John Keating...

2011-03-09T23:07:00.003-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

I always thought the idea of education
was to learn to think for yourself.

---RobinWilliams, as John Keating
("The Dead Poet Society", 1989)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 49 - A pat on the back always helps...

2011-03-06T08:31:00.001-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 48 - Earthworms and a hero project...

2011-03-05T15:54:00.005-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

OK... Strange topic pair, I know.

But, actually I am simply referring to the coming of Spring, and a project my kids completed a little while ago, and how I need to "look" at the world... especially now.

Earthworms, first...

According to Gail Wood, "The Farmers' Almanac names the Full Moon of March as Full Worm Moon, drawing from the Native American tribes of the Northeastern United States... As a totem, Earthworm tells us that no matter how small our efforts may seem, we are reshaping the world, creating new mixtures for growth and revitalization. They teach us to persevere and work hard and that we will accomplish our desires, move mountains, and create change."

I needed to "hear" this, really. Right now, things are tough, in ways I am sure you all understand, and in other ways for which you are unaware. Trust me... I needed to be reminded of the value of perseverance, and that my efforts are not in vain.

My tribute to the mighty little earthworm is this stamp I carved from an eraser...

I needed to make something. Lately, all I do is write. So, I enjoyed the few minutes it took to carve this little cutie out.

Then, I thought, maybe I could consider making a little series of monthly ATCs, just to commemorate the changing of the months, and have a bit of fun creating a series of twelve artist trading cards (ATCs, see glossary). So, I started the first, with the intention of adding words, color, and embellishments, once I decided how the series would tie together. (See below)... Next month... April!

Hero project, second...

The photo above and the one below are of envelope designs, completed for a project my Paper & Fiber Arts students did not to long ago. The first one (above) was my example, and the second one (below) was by a talented young lady, who went to another school recently, because her family moved. (I miss her. She is an original... She loves purple, and so do I!)

The project involved the students considering and researching persons whom they considered worthy of the title "Hero". They had to choose people who were well known enough to be considered by most people to be "iconic", yet not too recent in history.

The students had to discuss and defend three choices with me, including at least one quote a piece for each "iconic hero", which "spoke" to the student on some level. Then, they had to find good clear photos online, that could be copied and used for the central image, which would be created with a lacquer thinner transfer (chemical transfer made with a carbon copy, and lacquer thinner, in this case).

They then transferred their images to large business envelopes, gessoed in the backgrounds, added their typography (quote), and embellished their piece to meet their "vision".

We had an envelope for MLK, Joe Nuxall, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jordan, ACDC (a young man who recently lost his father chose his father's favorite band), Judy Garland, Aaron Copeland, Larry King, Jimmy Hendrix, Billie Holiday, Harriet Tubman, and more!

I thought, that since I feel like I could really use a hero, or two, right now... I would share this project with you all... Hope you enjoy the idea behind the project!...

Tell me... Who is your hero? And, why?... I want to know...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 47 - Love this sign!... What does it communicate to you?

2011-02-28T18:49:00.003-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Guess it is VERY important to watch our every step... Or, is it?... Thoughts?

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 46 - Sharing a future art assignment... And, I am finally moving on to the Literature Review...

2011-02-26T14:37:00.003-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

First, after moving files around for some photo altering I did for my Paper and Fiber Arts students' altered book assignment (Yes, I will share... I plan to finish mine over the Saturday crop I am attending with my friend Lisa on the 12th. So, I can show you mine at least. The student work will follow.), I realized I had work I did in the Fall that I traded on line, that i had not posted, mainly because I was drowning in school and college work at the time.

A quick explanation... I decided that since I consider "real artists" to be those who risk, and if I, one, wanted to perceive myself more often as a "real artist", and two, expected my students to face risk in their artwork, I had to start risking more. So, over the Summer, I started to exchange artwork on line with the ladies on a site called Art 42. Some of the work I received was incredible, and some not so much. Let's leave it at that...

But, anyhow, this particular exchange was done with a group that really created wonderful pieces, and I loved every one I got in the mail. The pictures above and below are of my "List of 100 things that make me happy", which I turned into instant books, and housed in little coin envelopes. I am hoping to employ this idea in my classes, either this year or next. This past Fall, when we created Artist Trading Cards and exchanged them amongst the two classes of Paper and Fiber Arts students, they all had a ball doing the trades, and I believe really loved having the art of their friends. So, I can see this project going over very well too!

Second, I am finally feeling a tiny bit better about what a Literature Review actually consists of, and how to organize it. I guess I should have tried the faithful Internet from day one. Because, if I had I might not have procrastinated so much. My problem is I am a visual thinker. I can collect all sorts of information, but I don't know how to organize it. Heck, that's probably why I create incredible art lessons and I know why I do them, yet I am relatively horrible at putting it all down on paper.

Anyhow, I discovered a wonderful site reference on the net which is giving me a much clearer idea of how to organize all the stuff I have to organize. I was always crappy at research papers, and the Literature Review is like the research paper part of my project/paper... if that makes any sense.

I will definitely be sharing this site with others, because it really helped demystify the specifics, now that I am where I am in the process. HERE it is, if you are in a geeky mood, or simply want the 411 on what I am doing today and tomorrow...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 45 - Temple Grandin is a hero of mine... And, how I am working to be a "good teacher"...

2011-02-24T14:35:00.001-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

"I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a good teacher."

--Temple Grandin (Professor, writer, speaker, hero)

What do I do to be a good teacher?

When I create lessons and projects and challenges for my students, I work very hard to make sure I find them interesting, appealing, and exciting myself. If I would be bored, they will be bored... And, what fun is that? What learning can occur?... None.

This doesn't mean that one devises lessons that are "fluff", because we are afraid of resistance from our students. Everyone resists change and challenges that have open-ended answers. We all want to be "right". None of us wants to fail. We flee from failure.

But, we all must face it, or we are frozen in time. We cannot move forward, grow, and change... and learn.

So, I create problems for my students that require them to experiment with possible answers, brainstorm, and throw a bunch of stuff at "the wall", in the hopes that something "sticks"... something works. And, it does sometimes, and doesn't at others. But, that is the value of process, versus product.

Art educators are not supposed to be product conveyour belt managers. It is not a race to see how much "stuff" our students can produce, that makes the "best educator". It cannot be, or we miss the point. And, worst of all, our students miss the experience of moving through problems. It is the journey that matters most. Not the destination.

And, when I set about proposing ideas to my students, I always make them work with some type of "map". These "maps" are something labeled in my gradebook as Creative Planning. This label covers everything from intial sketches, to plans for making things, to writing exercises, self-evaluation tools, etc... And, believe you me, they get credit for this process! They cannot move forward without having jumped through the "hoops" of the planning process. Can they change their minds, as artists, as they are making a work of art? Absolutely! But, one must first plan a direction to take, before setting off on "the trip", otherwise one could end up in Oklahoma, instead of New York city. (And, although Oklahoma has it's perks, it does not have the Statue of Liberty, and if that is what you are aiming for, you will be disappointed.)

It is always about PLAN B, not PLAN A... This is a life lesson. It is one of the greatest gifts I give my students. To navigate the world, one must know that it is essential most of the time to have a "map". But, it is even more essential to know when to alter the route on the map, when road blocks occur, so that one can still get to one's destination.

And, those "alterations" or detours are the difference between life and living. Living is the space between. The inbetween spaces. That is where our real life occurs. That is where the real answers come to us, and where our most precious memories are formed...

The detours are the "zone"... that illusive place of our greatest accomplishments. That is where the light bulbs are blinding, and what I aim for with the projects and challenges I set for my kids... Sometimes it doesn't happen... But, sometimes it does!

More and more over the years I have spent teaching, I have been the lucky witness of it. Is that due to time and the volume of experience?

Or, am I simply becoming the "good teacher", of which Temple Grandin speaks?... I sure hope so...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 44 - How I arrived at my "claim"/theory... And, a mathematical representation for the issues of this-and/or-that, otherwise known, as "My DaVinci code"

2011-02-23T14:44:00.015-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

So, I stated my "claim" in the previous post, and that "claim" is the theory that I am responsible for supporting in the Literature Review (part of my paper).

So, how did I arrive finally at that "claim"? (This is the thought process "stuff" that becomes a part of my Blog Purpose and Artist Statement eventually.)

1). I started by whittling down my focus, this past Fall, which started out too broad back in the Spring of last year, to... My identification issues as an art educator,... which you already know. (Just go with me on this. I am explaining stuff to you all, so I can confidently put it into words for my paper. Although, my horoscope says something to the effect of I enjoy the experience of being uncertain... Fabulous! Just what I wanted to "hear".)

2). Next, I created a question to answer about my focus, that could inform and help me develop a clearer "claim"... Still with me?... The question I came up with was, quite simply or not,... How can I effectively discover the ways in which my identification issues effect my pedagogy, and the way I feel about my identity as an artist and teacher, as it is manifested when I make art, make crafts, take risks or not, live my life, play or not, etc...?

3). Finally, after realizing I struggled with sub-focus issues, that effected my focus issue (Artist and/or teacher), and was probably effecting my pedagogy as well, I went about brainstorming, to "ferret out" those sub-focuses.

Interestingly enough, when I did this, I discovered that many of the sub-focus issues I deal with all the time, are ones that other art educators deal with, my students deal with, artists deal with, and, really, everybody deals with sometimes. In addition, I realized that identifying my sub-focuses helped my pedagogy, in the way that I planned lessons, and my personal art making as well. For example, I struggle with risk-taking. Nobody likes to fail. I don't. My students don't. But, risk is necessary for change and growth. So, I began to take risks with my own art making (I will explain in later posts), and I began to create lessons that were even more open-ended for my students (I will share some of these in later posts too.).

OK... Here's the DaVinci code part... Math for my friend Lisa, and my sister Lisa! (What is it about that name? I wonder what percentage of math geniuses are named Lisa? Sorry, digressing...)

Anyhow, because my sub-focuses seemed to be polar opposite pairs, but I still identified with each "pole", and all the "stuff" in between, I was left with a dilemma. I am a visual creature. You all know that already. So, I was really craving a visual way to represent my sub-focus pairs, for my paper, future artwork, and possibly another tattoo (Yes, I am always considering more of them... Digressing again...). I tried arrows, but too boring. And, than it occurred to me... mathematical symbols. I love crossing over into other disciplines all the time, so why not take advantage of one discipline that has art built into it... math. (Yes, kids... Art and math ARE linked! "Too infinity, and beyond," as Buzz says... Get the joke?... I know. I'm lame. I admit it with my students all the time, and they try very hard to make me "cooler". It is just not going to happen.)

So, I searched the almighty web, and found an answer on a site called "Good Problems"...

[a, b] = The value between "a" and "b", including the endpoints.

This definition fit my needs perfectly! And, here is my focus (first), with the sub-focus list below that...

[do, teach]
[artist, crafter]
[personal, professional]
[play, restrain]
[living, life]
[risk, safety]
[breakthrough, block]

4). Thus, my "claim" evolved, to be clear enough to fuel my project's direction, and the GOAL I set for myself... To create this blog, which (remember my question above), is here to help me discover, through reflecting and sharing with all of you, how my identification issues of artist and/or teacher "inform my pedagogy and personal change".

It's a bit of a maze-like path, but I am here, and I really love the idea of sharing my adventures as both an art educator and artist with all of you... now for my project, and into the future.

One result for now is that I finally don't feel uncomfortable telling strangers what I do for a living. I used to just say, "I teach high school art". Now, I add, "... and, I am an artist, as well".

It's progress! Step-by-step... Word-by-word... Student-by-student... Artwork-by-artwork...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 43 - Claim - In my paper I am claiming that...

2011-02-22T20:35:00.001-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

Viewing identification issues through an evolving lens of inquiry informs pedagogy and personal change.

This is the theory that fuels my paper and is the driving force behind the reflection components of this blog. (This claim, by the way, was whittled down from three different claims, originally. And, cobbled together skillfully by myself, my friend Ann, and my husband... Talk about collaboration!)

I have identity issues. But, then again... Who doesn't?

Personal ones aside... I am focusing here, through this blog, if you had not surmised as much, and in my paper, on those identity issues that are directly connected to my teaching (pedagogy) and art making struggles. That is to say, "Do versus Teach".

You know... it's like that terribly old and mortifying saying, "Those that can't DO, teach"... I always get a sick feeling in my stomach, and a scrunched up expression on my face when I even think about that statement.

How many other art educators out there suffer, like I do, needlessly? Why do we have to make a choice?... Be an artist OR be a teacher...

I don't want to choose, shouldn't have to choose, and furthermore, claim that, as many others have claimed, that my art making enriches my teaching, and my teaching enriches my art making. I have witnessed this happening in my own life. So, for me, I know it is true. And, I am not alone... (This theoretical "proof" is the stuff that goes in my Literature Review... No, I am not procrastinating! Just skating around, getting closer and closer... But, I better get "on it", or I might skate myself right into a frozen pond! Ha!... Is that a crack in the ice?)

Well, anyhow... I thank you all for listening today, and for the kind and insightful comments from yesterday!

And, for your kindness, I leave you first with this quote, that Ann texted me the other day, because she knew I needed to stop pussy footin' around, and get writing...

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face."

- - - Eleanor Roosevelt

And, second, I leave you with a photo of my favorite pussycat... I wish I was Cosmo RIGHT NOW! (I am so not kidding... Yesterday, I really did look into that gorgeous, plump, self-satisfied, furry face and wish for a brief few seconds that I were he... Ahhhhhh!!!! To be paw-loose and fancy-free...)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 42 - Here's "the scoop", as my professor friend always says!... And, some yammering...

2011-02-21T11:50:00.004-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

This blog will continue to exist as my reflective "tool", for a very long time.

My Culminating Project, which is the typed paper that verbally and visually explains the theoretical reason for my blog and what I have learned, will exist as others have typically existed... in a drawer, and on loan to other universities.

[I am currently working on the Artist's Statement and Literature Review (theoretical stuff), to be turned in to my advisor by tonight. Then, I will complete the Goals and Activities section this weekend. Then, I will complete the Evidence and Reflection part during the next week and weekend. All of the paper must be finished, edited, corrected, printed, bound (X2), and turned in by the week of March 14 - 18. (I need to go outside to find as many four-leafed clovers as I can right now... LOL!)]

The "drawer thing" still bothers me though, because I have always felt that the accessibility of cyber space via my blog would allow me to share with more people. But, in the end, what I want to share, I can always include here. The whole theoretical basis doesn't have to be here, and it would probably bore most of you to death. Let's just say, it's not my favorite part to write either, and leave it at that. (Yes... procrastination IS my best friend right now.)

Over the next month, I will be finishing up my paper, and adding more to my blog. Here is where the fun stuff will be!... Photos of my students and their work, my work, my thoughts, your thoughts, etc... The good stuff!

Strange, but I just came to the realization last night that I had been reflecting publicly (via scanning and posting my pages in online galleries), at least primarily about my personal life, for a long time. Scrapbooking has been my constant artsy companion and outlet since I got married, and the source of part of my identity issues focus to my paper... (Artist vs Crafter... How can I be both?... Which is REAL art?... Etc...)

I started my reflection process with Creative Memories (completing my wedding album was my goal) and "crops" with my friend Lisa, whom I've known since we were both seven. (Yes, somebody can stand me for that long!) I progressed to "crops" at Archiver's, with my professor friend Ann, and the desire to be published as a goal. Published means my pages would be in scrapbooking magazines, several of which are defunct now... Yes, that was a "big deal"... Or, so I thought for a long while. It was validation... And, when you have always seen yourself as an artist, and are teaching art, you begin to question your authenticity, when you are making scrapbooking pages in your "free" time (no matter how creative) instead of "real art", or whatever constitutes that...

And, as I said already, I was a teacher during all this. And, I have to admit, not as good of a teacher as I wanted to be, or am now... by far. My friend Ann insisted, on a regular basis, that to teach high school students well, you had to "like" them... Yes, I can hear the groans. Who genuinely "likes" high school aged humans??... Anyone out there??... Insert cricket sound HERE...

Well, the key to my dilemma of "liking" my students, was the key to me becoming better at what I did for a living, and that living was far more important than being published in any scrapbooking magazine.

You have to like THEM, high schoolers that is. Yet, you do not have to like everything, or for that matter most things, they DO. And, after finally accepting, grudgingly, what my wise friend had to offer, I have received the best gift possible...

I love my job! I am better at it, and I finally know that I am good... My kids validate me. Not by saying how great I am or anything that "icky", but by doing better and caring more, and going farther with what has been set before them.

I challenge them. I expect a lot. I demand a lot. I want them to be problem solvers and "question posers", as Eisner suggests... And, sometimes they love me, and sometimes they hate me. But, they know I expect them to be the best they can possibly be. And, that is why I have the best job on the freakin' planet!

I get to watch the light bulbs light up!... Yes, sometimes it's barely enough light to "read by"!... But, sometimes, just sometimes, it is blinding. My kids really do surprise me. I really do learn as much from them, as I am hoping I am sharing with them... I love it when I catch them in "the zone". I long for that place...

So anyhow, at present, and since I have had experience with publicly displaying/sharing my reflections on life (Don't worry Lisa, I will still always scrapbook, no matter what!), I will continue to use and get better at using this blog as a reflection "tool" for my art and my teaching. The goal is to see the patterns, celebrate the successes, and bravely face and turn around the failures...

And, I hope you all will be here with me to share your thoughts, on whatever you wish to share your thoughts on, for a good long time to come...

You matter to me... Thank you for being here!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 41 - The schedule is coming... I swear it!

2011-02-07T20:02:00.003-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experience...

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.
--- Douglas Adams

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 40 - The thesis is officially... ON!!!... Welcome to the cyber version of my final thesis for my Master's degree in Art Education!

2011-02-02T21:08:00.002-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

So, why start on Ground Hog's Day?

Well, I feel like I have been "underground" over the past few weeks (new building and lots of adjustments), and it was just TIME to pop my head out, and get this "show on the road"!

And, I am giving myself almost six weeks, even though Phil has predicted an early Spring...

Six weeks to do what?... Six weeks to put my thesis up on this blog, that's "what"!

I will be posting a schedule FRIDAY, so you all will know what is going up on this blog and when to pester me. Plus, I will be sending an e-mailed invitation to several followers, advisers, and brilliant supportive friends, family, and colleagues this weekend so they can "poke holes" in my theories, assertions, and ideas.

And, with a lot of help from you all, I will be able to "publish" my thesis for all to investigate and access now and always, instead of my writing living in "the drawer" in the DAAP library for few to peruse. (My fellow graduate students already understand how I feel about that. Insert grimace "here"... And, a smile!)

Well... Here it goes!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 39 - OH, the NEGLECT I HAVE SHOWN YOU ALL LATELY - I hang my head in shame...

2010-11-07T12:18:00.000-05:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

I have been READING, READING, WRITING, WRITING, RESEARCHING, READING, WRITING... teaching... READING, WRITING, WRITING, WRITING, RESEARCHING... etc...

Well, you get the idea... I want so badly to share the pictures I have of the artwork I had been doing (had is the operative word, because there is no time for it now... insert 'groan' here).

Plus, my kids have been up to some FABULOUS STUFF!!! (crocheting for a cause, for which the Enquirer and the Community Press came to our room this past Friday, AND making tremendous strides in their drawing, PLUS writing home Good News letters showing me what they learned and sharing what they learned with their parents)

And, I have semi-changed and re-focused my focus for my Culminating Project, thanks to the goddess I have as a professor (Ms. Vicki takes a bow here)...

I also found a way to mathematically symbolize the way I feel "in between" in so many areas of my life... Peaked your mathematical curiosity, huh?... The "in betweens" REALLY ARE WHERE WE LIVE!

Plus, I am going to actually use my... 'GASP' in artsy horror... scrapbooking talents to create a lasting mode of presentation for my Culminating Project!... How dare I, right?!

Well... check back tomorrow... I am working on setting up my blog to post each day, if I can get the stuff up today... Cross your cyber-fingers for me!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 38 - ANOTHER "DAY OF THE DEAD" ITEM - A postcard to trade and a question to ponder...

2010-09-28T23:12:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Day of the Dead postcard - Art 42 trade item (fabric from Alpha Stamps, Prima paper flowers, Golden Heavy Gel Medium, Golden Gloss Medium, hand-made stamp, Hero Arts small flower stamp.

Quote/question from an article I recently read for Art Ed Seminar...

Read it. Think on it. Respond please. (This art chick is curious about YOUR .02... OK?)

What should the relationship be between art education in schools and society at large?

---Dipti Desai and Graeme Chalmers (Art Education, September 2007)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 37 - DRAWING CONCLUSIONS & ZENTANGLES - I don't really want to stick to a theme per day, I need to make time for art (no matter what my work and college class load is), and three zentangles to send...

2010-09-26T15:24:00.003-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

First... I am not feeling the "theme thang". It just isn't making me blog more. In fact, I sometimes don't blog my thoughts and experiences in a day, because it doesn't "fit" with the daily theme I set up from the start. SO.... I am going to go back to "no theme" again, and see how that "flies"!

Second... OVERWHELMED... That is my state of mind at present.

I am taking one class in the art education department this quarter, and it doesn't involve one stitch of art-making required. (Of course, the art ed class is relevant, and I am very intrigued by the teacher's energy, but all the reading and writing and analysis... Not sure how I am going to do it all, and do it well.) And, I am taking one education class that I can't judge yet. I am crossing my fingers for something that is relevant to me. Both require reading, facilitating, and writing responses to others ideas (articles, and other class member responses)... I don't read that fast and I don't write that fast... BIG PROBLEM!!!

Not enough time, and too much work TO DO...

Add simply doing my job well, being the department chair, and applying for continuing contract and moving into a new building in to the mix (plus other things I can't talk about), and it's a mixture that does not leave time for art making... My life blood. My renewal. My redemption...

Fearing my sanity is at risk. (OK, not really. But, at least there is an "end in sight". By January, all will be semi-settled and done, except for my culminating project, which will be done when my evaluations at school are done.)

Why is everything so complicated these days? Answer me that...

Third... I have been working on more trades, and more experimenting for projects for school. The three zentangles above are for another Art 42 trade. And, I have photos of a challenge I set for myself regarding a journal project at Art 42, which I will put up soon.

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 36 - MOTIVATION MONDAY - Motivated to find my "printmaking muse", a quote to consider, and lots of scarves to keep me focused...

2010-09-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

I went to Tiger Lily Press yesterday for a model drawing and monoprint session. It was informal, relaxed and enjoyable, despite my apprehension. Yes, like my students, I have "fear of failure" and "fear of the unpredictable and uncontrollable". I haven't been in a printmaking studio or to a life drawing class/session in a couple of years, so I almost didn't go. (Especially when I got a speeding ticket within the first minute and a half of leaving the house. Grumble, grumble, grumble.)... And, if it hadn't been for my husband insisting I "be good to myself" and go ahead and go to Tiger Lily Press, I would have sat at home feeling sorry for myself, and kicking myself for filling the traffic cop's "Catholic church zone ticket quota".

But, I went, and I conquered my fear by just rolling ink out on a plexiglas plate and "drawing" in the ink with a loaned paintbrush. I worked the monoprint until the model was finished with her second pose. (And, although I wish I could have captured the gesture of her hand better, I am pretty dang pleased with myself... Thanks dear, for making me go! And, thanks to the nice and welcoming people at TLP!)

A scan of the original print is below, with some Photoshop and hand-altering fun too!

Scan of monoprint, printed on watercolor paper

Photoshop manipulated scan on watercolor paper - Colorized, with a patchwork filter added.

Scan on watercolor paper - Hand-colored with watercolor crayons, re-scanned into computer.

Re-scan of water colored scan on watercolor paper - Photoshop manipulated with a stained glass filter.

Quote to consider...

Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.

--- Stella Adler

And, last but not least, here is a photo (above) of some of the scarves I have completed within the last two weeks. (I created four more between last weekend and this weekend)... AHHHHHHHH!!!... I am totally possessed, OR totally focused. One or the other.

Hey... If I can "unhook" doing this "crocheting thang", it is all worth it! (I need all the help I can get... LOL!)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 35 - SKETCHY SUNDAY - Seeing the improvement in my drawing students...

2010-09-12T13:39:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

It's amazing how much better my drawing students are getting, even if they complain a lot about doing the workshop assignments from Betty Edwards' DVD and book...

I am astonished at their progress, and will show you some of their drawings later on in the week. (Their drawings are at school, so I have to bring them home to scan.)

The projects are very challenging, but my students keep going... I already know that my instincts to improve my skills as a drawing teacher, and to give them a better drawing foundation is paying off BIG TIME!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 34 - SMALL WONDERS SATURDAY - Appreciating the small things - Dottee Dolls...

2010-09-11T17:32:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Crocheting like crazy lately. It seems to be one sure fire way of "unhooking" my brain and emotions and feelings and relentless obsessing.

So, when I realized I had to "Keep moving forward" with an exchange for Art 42 (Dottee Dolls), I decided to crochet the body of the little doll, since yarn was near by and my hook was on my nightstand.

The above little darlin' is the end result, which I sent to the lady who ran the swap... I have two more crocheted, and all I have to do is make the "tails", stamp and paint the faces, add hair, and paint a heart for each one. Josie is insisting one is hers, and I think I will send the other to my niece. She is a freshman in college this year, and I think she could use all the care packages we can send her. (Good student and smart gal... Just hard to leave home, I think.)

Later dears...
Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 33 - MOTIVATION MONDAY - Motivated to make a macabre paperdoll...

2010-08-30T20:54:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

"La Rosa" - Skull stamp by Paula Best, Tarot card stamp by Carmen's Veranda, hand-made word stamps, fabric paper, tiny puzzle pieces, black Stickles, printed adhesive fabric, Golden Fluid Acrylics, gesso.

Art 42 trade, but I had to make myself one too, of course... ENJOY!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 32 - SMALL WONDERS SATURDAY - Small art to share...

2010-08-28T19:08:00.003-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

"Hooked on the puzzle of life and death" (15/15) - Hand-colored fabric swatch, "Hooked" hand-cut stamp, "Skull" (Carmen's Veranda) purchased stamp, "No Dogs Allowed" (Coffee Break Designs) purchased stamp, hand-stitched, miniature puzzle piece, sequin flower, black gesso, Golden Fluid Acrylics, microbeads, and two coats of Distress Crackle Paint by Tim Holtz.

Hello?... Is this thing on?

Wow, do I feel alone in my blogging experience here... No comments to respond to, no nothing. But, as Walt said, "Keeping moving forward!"

With all of the school pressures and such, I have been away from the blogging thing, plus I haven't made much to share lately anyhow. However, I have a very cool sample of the series of "twinchies" (2" x 2" little artworks) I made to exchange on Art 42 to show you above...

This is the one I made for myself. It's my new policy to make one of everything I send away to keep, because, alas, I feel that I mostly do not receive the same quality of items back that I send out. If I have one for myself, I won't feel so bad sending my "babies" away, right?

Enjoy, whomever is out there!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 31 - MOTIVATION MONDAY - "Unhooking" is an interesting concept... It's about personal leverage, not surrendering your power, and ATTITUDE...

2010-08-16T14:12:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Follow the link, print, and read the article (or if you are a green person, skip the paper waste)... Unhooking article

Thinking on this article, it occurred to me that this concept can not only be used to "unhook" from co-workers and bosses, but also spouses, children, family members, my students, friends, etc...

First, what I found most interesting was the evaluation process, meaning discovering if one is indeed "hooked", and the idea that you can be physically hooked (physical responses to the stress), emotionally hooked (loss of emotional control as a response to the stress), and/or mentally hooked (spacing out, obsessive thinking and talking about the stressful situation/person)... The article says you can be this, or this, or this...

Personally, I feel all three things when somebody has got me hooked! Feel (physical) like a wriggling fish on a real hook, being pulled along by my guts... Then (emotional), I fall apart sometimes (it's a family trait to wear our heart's on our sleeves). I'm the crier... I hate that!... Then, (mental) I obsess about solving the issue, talking it up and down, until that horse is good and dead. (Sorry to my friends and family who have to listen to me not shutting up... "Shut up shuttin' up!", as in the Bugs Bunny cartoon from years back offered us. Now, I know what they meant! LOL!!)

The second most important part of this "hook" concept is using the steps to "unhook" yourself, but most importantly, finding those things that one must do that work for one personally. All the steps to "unhook" are very very useful, but one way of say physically unhooking may work for another, where as another may work better for someone else.

The steps are...

1). UNHOOK PHYSICALLY - This is healthy ways to calm the body down and release negative energy, like meditative breathing, going for a walk, yoga, punch a pillow, run, etc... (I am still of the mind that a kick boxing class would make ME a happy camper. Although, I love yoga, and strangely enough, my sweet hubby suggested we do yoga TOGETHER just yesterday!)

2). UNHOOK MENTALLY - This is internally, "...talking yourself down off a ledge. It involves looking at your difficult situation from a fresh perspective." Objectively inventory the situation by asking and answering honestly the following five questions: What's happening here?, What are the facts of the situation?, What's their part?, What's my part?, What are my options? (And, I agree with the author, admitting what MY PART is is the hardest thing, but knowing this can change everything. If I understand my motives and reason for my reaction or feeling, I can govern those motives and feelings so I have and keep control over myself.)

3). UNHOOK VERBALLY - This is finding, "... the words (or sometimes the silence) to protect yourself..." and get out of the "trap", with your job, life, and sanity in tact, and healthy. Remember to focus on the ultimate goal, not the little stuff, (fight the fight worth fighting, not every fight), and take the high road when you communicate... KWIM?... Use "I" instead of "you", don't judge or accuse... "Just the facts Mam."

4). UNHOOK with a BUSINESS TOOL - This is using any standard procedure with written documentation available, like contracts, job descriptions, memos, e-mails, reviews, company policies, expectations and goals, etc... Yes, this sounds like this is workplace applicable only, but this idea can be reworked for a relationship (budgetary agreements, on paper, to keep all parties accountable), or say, my students. (Behavioral contracts are a good thing with some students, because it makes the "lines in the sand" very clear, which sometimes they really need to succeed. And, that is what we all want. We want success for everyone concerned!)

The third important part of this article is the "Putting It All Together - Your Personal Unhooking Assessment". This is a short worksheet to help you "practice unhooking". GREAT IDEA!

And, finally, the section at the very end of the article is a fabulous addition. It is called "Unhooking At a Glance". The quick fix tools for immediate help... Yes!

OK... Well, I am ready to "verbally unhook" about this subject, and let it sit in my unconscious for the rest of the day. Hope I motivated you to unhook something or someone in your life...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 30 - SKETCHY SUNDAY - Planning something for my students that will be very helpful, but will cause them great anxiety...

2010-08-15T21:57:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

And, this DVD is the biggest clue to what they NEED, but won't be happy about. Alas, all of my students need and want to be better at drawing, and so I'm going to try a little experiment.

I am going to use this DVD with the very wise words and teachings (which I already use) to "prime the creative pump", as it were, in all of my classes this year. Drawing lessons to start the year, for everybody! (Not planning on grading based on how good they draw, just on their attitude, effort, and personal growth, creatively. Then, we move on in each subject from there. Should take a couple of weeks, that's all.)

All of them value drawing and drafting talent, but many of them have not gotten to the point where they have much faith in their own draftsmanship. That faith in their creative problem-solving and abilities is what I want them to gain, not a great drawing ability necessarily. Some will be able to draw very well, but others just need to know they CAN DRAW BETTER than they thought, thus giving them a little bit more of a self-esteem boost. This boost will in turn help them be better at whatever creative pursuit they follow, or as a matter of fact, life-pursuit, where problem-solving is involved.

Crossing my fingers! OK, Betty Edwards, do your magic...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 29 - SMALL WONDERS SATURDAY - Something about "Keep Moving Forward" and something about celebrating the simple and small things...

2010-08-15T18:32:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Day late... Yep... But, I didn't feel like blogging yesterday. Feel like I am talking to myself lately, and I already knew what I was thinking, so... Why repeat myself? (That's a joke! LOL!?)

But, I decided, blog anyway... Peeps are busy, as I am too... Still hope to hear you all's two cents here and there. Please?!

OK... In keeping with the themes connected to this day's inspirational song/movie (Meet the Robinson's), I have selected a quote that exemplifies the theme of "Keep moving forward".

This is a quote from Daniel Radcliffe (Out magazine interview this month), in which he is paraphrasing Churchill... LOVE THIS QUOTE!! Totally speaks to me, on many levels. (Some who know me well, know how to read between the lines here.)

There was a great quote I heard the other day from Churchill: “When you’re going through hell, just keep going.” I just love it. Why stop?

I adore DR's two cents too!

And, secondly... I have chosen to show you a photo I took the other day that exemplifies the theme of celebrating and giving thanks for the small things. ENJOY!

Taking pride and finding sheer joy in the miracles of the garden (my hubby is the gardener), is truly a small wonder worth celebrating! Don't you agree?

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 28 - FHOTO FRIDAY - Another reflective surface photo, more foolin' around with Photoshop, making the most of my diet, and more on Cosmo...

2010-08-13T09:37:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Me in the Outside Window Surface - (Equalize/Crop) Took this shot the week the kiddo took her photo class at the YMCA, mostly to show her an option for taking a self-portrait photo... Then, I realized, it's another reflective surface option, like the ones I took in June! (Still like this assignment for students.)

My Hand - (Desaturated version) Took this shot the other day, because I wanted to manipulate it in Photoshop and use it in a couple of mixed-media pieces I have in mind.

Altered version 1 - Desaturated version with cutout filter added

Altered version 2 - Desaturated version, cutout filter added, and colorized

Altered version 3 - Desaturated version, sumi-e filter added, colorized

Altered version 4 - Dark outline filter, photocopy, colorize

Altered version 5 - Dark outline filter, fresco filter, stamp filter, colorized

Diet Celebration - (Posterized version) Decided to make the most of being on Weight Watchers! I might not be able to eat everything I want anymore, but I can certainly make what I am eating look yummy... So, I thought, why not document some of the things I am doing that are good for me, and share them with you! (NOTE TO SELF: Do a whole series of good for me shots, as a way to document my survival methods over this school year, and share with others here and in a journal format.)

Cosmo in Repose - (Contrast adjusted and Equalize) Yes, he's fat... Josie gave him the middle name of Garfield, and it fits our beloved chicken nugget stealing, snack addicted, sun bathing, photogenic feline! (By the way, he came from the SPCA, weighing in at a hefty 25 pounds when we got him at Christmas time.)

Cuddle Buddies - (Desaturate and contrast adjusted) Love to photograph this cat, and love to photograph the kiddo... So, what could be better than to photograph them together!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 27 - THREEFOLD THURSDAY - Three 4x4 little artworks and three sets of three inchie artworks...

2010-08-12T09:00:00.009-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Art 42 is a site for exchanging created artworks such as ATCs, art postcards, altered books, and other types of paper crafts and mixed media items.

In essence, you make some items, send them off, and you get items from others. I have been stung before. You know, you spend an inordinate amount of time on your part, and get stuff back in the mail that makes you wish you had never participated at all.

But, I wanted to give it another go. Still waiting for some ATCs to arrive on my doorstep. I shared mine a few postings ago. And, just yesterday, I mailed off a couple more projects--three 4x4s (4" x 4" artworks) heart themed artworks and nine inchies (1" x 1" artworks). Got a few more projects to work on, which I will share here as I get them finished.

In the mean time, here are the three 4x4s and the three sets of three inchies... Enjoy!

Nature Painting - Process: tie-dyed tissue paper attached to watercolor paper with mat medium, painted with Golden Fluid Acrylics, wiped back before dry, hot glue heart, marker details, felt heart stapled to background, flowers added under and over stitched Memory Game tile, copied magnetic word typography attached, and Diamond Glaze added over words and around artwork edges.

Passion Symbol - Process: same as above

Poetry Icon - Process: same as above

What I Know About... series (Art, Trees, Love, Stitching, Eyes, Luck, Time, Magic, Coffee) - Process: All are one-of-a-kind individual miniature scratchboard artworks, with copied magnetic word typography added, marker color added over that, and sealed with MicroGlaze.

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 26 - WHATEVER WEDNESDAY - Crocheted scarf, after 30 years of not picking up a crochet hook...

2010-08-11T13:11:00.003-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Bizarre how fear, stress and moodiness can effect a person. Never know what your survival instincts will reach out and grab a hold of to attempt some healing.

Even though my big sister is a crochet-goddess, I have not picked up a hook in approximately 30 years!

Well, hadn't would be a more appropriate word. Last week, I bought a hook, grabbed some cheap yarn and just started crocheting. Don't know why really. Just started single crocheting, badly I might add. Then, I pulled it all out and started crocheting row-after-row of double crochets, until the small skein I was using ran out. Then, I added another random color to the end, and continued. Had no idea what I was making. I just knew I wanted to continue. It felt good. No pressure. It wasn't school related. It wasn't relationship or human related. It was not relevant art related. Just knots. That's it.

Once, I showed my rows of "whatever" to my husband, and he asked me what I was making, it hit me... a scarf for my Chicago-master's program-bound eldest daughter, Lucia.

Yep. That's what it was and is. I finished this bizzare colorful extra-long and wide crocheted strip of mindless knotted meandering in 3 DAYS!

Yep, something possessed me, and I am not sure who or what it was. Hestia, goddess of home and hearth, or Docter Phil maybe... Who knows? (I feel better, so it must of been both of them... LOL!)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 25 - TECHNIQUE TUESDAY - Puzzle fix--How to replace a missing puzzle piece...

2010-08-11T12:33:00.004-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Yep, it's Wednesday... Look for two posts today too!

OK... The technique I have to share is not necessarily an artsy-farsty one. It's more practical creative. Meaning, the abilities and tools needed are really basic, not artistic. You can do this!

This technique sprang out of necessity. I love puzzles, and so does my daughter. Puzzles are great right-brain practice, so we try to do them when we can. In this case, I had purchased one to put together, glue, and hang in my studio, and Josie was putting together an old favorite to glue and hang up in her room.

We get finished with our respective puzzles, and low-an-behold, as many parents discover to their dismay too, a piece of Josie's puzzle is lost. (Not a mystery why if you see her bedroom.) We look for the piece several times, to no avail.

Now, this puzzle is cool, of very high quality, and Josie loves the animal images, so what to do?... Yep, I decide to recreate the missing piece! And, that is what my technique is for TECHNIQUE TUESDAY... (Yes, I am still aware that it is Wednesday. Just go with me on this today!)

My puzzle - Built, glued, and ready to mount and/or frame for hanging.

Josie's puzzle - Built, and... GASP... missing one final piece...

Close-up of the missing piece - What to do... What to do?

Step 1 - Retrieve the lid to the puzzle, and carefully cut out the section that contains the missing piece/image section.

Step 2 - After measuring the puzzle itself and the box lid image, use a proportion scale (or good old mathematics) to figure out the percentage of difference between the lid image and the puzzle. (This will allow you to use your ink jet copier or laser copier to correctly enlarge the box lid section image to the size that you will need to fix the puzzle. Our puzzle, for instance, was exactly twice as large or 200% of the original box lid image.)

Step 3 - Carefully slide color-copied appropriately sized image behind puzzle, and move around gently so puzzle looks "complete", and missing piece camouflaged.

Step 4 - Use a sharp pencil to trace the puzzle shape onto the copied image paper, holding the puzzle down so it doesn't slip, and making sure to trace right up against the existing cardboard edges of the built puzzle, to produce a crisp and accurate shape/size.

Step 5 - Very carefully and accurately cut the pencil-traced paper puzzle piece out. Using a good acid-free glue-stick, attach the paper puzzle piece to a piece of chipboard from the puzzle box, or any other thin cardboard that is close to the same depth as the puzzle itself. Burnish the paper to the chipboard with wax paper, making 100% sure it is laminated completely together. (No lifted edges or bubbles at all!) Allow this to sit for about 30 minutes, to insure maximum adhesion.

Step 6 - Carefully and accurately cut through the chipboard, using the trimmed paper puzzle piece as a guide. I did this using both very sharp scissors and an X-acto knife, going back and forth as I saw fit, to get the most accurate and clean results. Next, use rolled up sandpaper and/or a small file to gently sand away any ruff chipboard. Then, lightly spray the top of the puzzle piece with a sealer, such as the one above, used for digital picture protection, and allow to dry.

Step 7 - And, finally, gently replace and press into place the puzzle piece you created to complete the puzzle! Use a good puzzle glue, such as the one above, and preserve your right-brain practice for all time... (Follow the directions for sealing the whole puzzle together, if that is your intent.) Once dry, the puzzle can be mounted on foam core board with a good spray adhesive (Super 77 is a fave!) and/or mounted and framed professionally to hang on your wall.

So... What are you waiting for?... Fear not! If that beloved puzzle is missing a piece (or two), just build, fix, and preserve (and share here, please)... You will be glad you did!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 24 - MOTIVATION MONDAY - Relaxation advice from Matisse, exemplified by our cat...

2010-08-09T12:30:00.003-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

"What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter - a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair (or laundry basket) which provides relaxation from physical (and mental) fatigue."

--Henri Matisse

Matisse and Cosmo have got the ticket... I want so much to be "there" too!

Relax today and, "Do something good for yourself," as my friend Ann always tells me...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 23 - SKETCHY SUNDAY - Altering hand-drawn sketches with Photoshop...

2010-08-09T10:39:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Day late, but at least you can look forward to two posts from me today! Right?...

OK... I have been thinking a lot about that question I mentioned a couple of posts back...

What do I know well?

So, I started considering memories that were my own, or at least existed in my head in a unique fashion. Then, while I was flipping through some images for my artwork, I came across a drawing I did while taking a Ceramics class in graduate school (the first round). It is a marker and charcoal pencil drawing of the breakfast room and window of my great-grandmother's home... Not observed. Completely recall.

Now... I liked the drawing well enough to use it as a reference once--for a, now broken, ceramic wall plaque. So, I thought, what could I do to get interested in it again, and use it for another project reference. Maybe a monoprint, or fabric transfer, or a painted and stitched piece, or an illustration, etc...

It hit me. Photograph the original, and play with it in Photoshop! Always looking for ways to play in Photoshop, not to mention makes a great lesson idea... These are my results!... (Let me know what you think.)

Original - Nana's Window

Desaturation - Black and white simplifies nicely, as always.

Desaturation and colorize - Gives monochromatic feel and idea of what the drawing would have been like in crayon or colored pastels.

Saturation and color replacement - Fun to fiddle with all the possibilities here... warm, cool, analogous, etc... Change the color system!

Pointillize - Example of an unexpected surprise effect... Never thought I'd get a delicate hand-drawn feel, as if it's conte crayon on watercolor paper. Never know what you'll get sometimes!

Equalize and saturate - This is one of my favorites! Looks like bright watercolors or colored inks and india ink. Love the boldness! Could be a print... Hmmmmm?

Pixelate and saturate - Got more of a real pointillist feel here. Very Seurat!

Solarize - For the daring! Really changes the mood of the image. Also gives the feeling of something in a dream, which is somewhat appropriate to my theme.

Distortion/Polar coordinates - VERY COOL! Looks like a mandala design and/or automatic drawing... Like this "twist" on my drawing very much!

Interesting and certainly thought provoking results and possibilities galore!... Give it a try. Play with those sketches... Have fun!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 22 - SMALL WONDERS SATURDAY - Pixie liberation...

2010-08-07T13:49:00.004-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

First thing... I changed the theme for Saturday, because I am not feeling the "Silly Saturday" thang AT ALL. And, right now, I want as few restraints on what I can talk about "creatively" as possible. So, I went with a theme title that is a "catch-all" like Wednesday. So, sue me.

Small Wonders Saturday is named after an all time favorite song from a fabulous favorite movie, "Meet the Robinsons". (Rent, borrow, buy. SEE THIS FILM.)

This film contains three tremendous central themes; one, appreciating the small things, two, celebrating and embracing our uniqueness, and three, NEVER EVER giving up, ("Keep moving forward!). We could use more of this in the world, and I share this movie with my students, because I love the life lessons. Universal.

OK anyhow... Small wonder for today is something pop-culturish AND centered around "celebrating and embracing our uniqueness".

It starts out with me getting my haircut last week. Went with a pixie for several reasons; one, because this school year promises to be an "interesting" one, so I need fast and easy hair, two, I look good in super-short hair, three, my father used to cut my hair in a pixie when I was little, and four, I am a strong-minded lady, and I don't need long hair to feel feminine. In fact, I love myself better in a short hair-do!

Picture taken by Josie Palmarini with my Blackberry.

Curious about all the hub-bub over short hair on women. Small thing. Small wonder.

Yesterday evening, I was checking out the site The Leaky Cauldron, because I love all things Harry Potter, and I just recently saw wonderful Leaky Cauldron blogger, speaker and author, Melissa Anelli, at the downtown library. Fabulous talk... which got me thinking I needed to check out the site.

Low and behold, I ran into a post that indicated Emma Watson had a Facebook page. Thought it would be cute to see if the link was real. It was.

Second part to the small wonder point here... Emma Watson is creating a stir over getting her haircut in a... Pixie style! Ha... It looks incredible on her! And, people are offering their two cents from all sides of the globe, as if any of our opinions matter to this young lady. Weird.

My point is... I am finally hip, LOL!... Emma Watson has a Pixie, but I did it first... Didn't really ever consider myself a trendsetter... (OK, you got me, I'm not. I took in pictures of Alyssa Milano and Winona Ryder when I had my stylist cut my hair, so this proves neither Emma Watson nor myself are trendsetters, just strong-minded ladies, who are paying homage to a style from the 60's.) But, I am still proud of us both celebrating and embracing our uniqueness, and doing with our own hair what WE WANT TO DO!! (Go me and go Emma!)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 21 - FHOTO FRIDAY - Josie's summer photos and my musings...

2010-08-06T14:20:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

The kiddo just finished a photography camp at the local YMCA, and was so inspired that she came home and took more pictures with my camera. She was working on portraits and nature photos, which should appear obvious, based on her results here...

Title - Cosmo Upside-down, by Josie Palmarini

Title - Pansy Pot, by Josie Palmarini

Title - Mamma's Seahorse Tattoo, by Josie Palmarini

Title - Mamma's Moth Tattoo, by Josie Palmarini

Title - Looking Up, by Josie Palmarini

Title - Mishap Picture, by Josie Palmarini

Title - Me, by Josie Palmarini

Title - My Name Tattoo, by Josie Palmarini

Been reviewing and scanning an art book called ART REVOLUTION, by Lisa L. Cyr.

Got me really thinking about content-driven approaches to making (and teaching) art.

Basically, one of the artists highlighted in the book, Marshall Arisman, speaks on this subject. He wanted his art to be authentic, so he stopped doing what others expected him to do, and, "... started focusing on work that he was personally invested in." In essence, he inventoried what, "... his own real knowledge and understanding...," was, then he made a list of the things that he, "... knew well."

Really got me thinking... What do I know well?

Not 100% sure. Gotta' really think about this, because if I can make this list, I will have the real authentic core/content for making my work MY OWN... Interesting to others, because I am not just regurgitating what's already out there. This is MY STORY. And, if I can do this myself, I can teach my kids to do it too, or at least attempt to do it to a degree.

Interested in your thoughts... Especially if you have your own "list of what you know well".

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 20 - THREEFOLD THURSDAY - My 3 favorite altered imagery art books...

2010-08-05T09:00:00.082-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Well, ok... These are my favorite TOP TWO, plus my ties for THIRD PLACE!

In first place/number one favorite altered imagery "handbook" is...

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO ALTERED IMAGERY, by Karen Michel

This book is the first one I ever purchased in this subject area, and it is one I go back to over and over again. I read about it in Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine, and have been addicted to altering my photos ever since. I learned about the basics of sanding and coloring emulsion photos from this book, plus a whole lot more!

In a very close second place/number two favorite altered imagery "handbook" is...

MIXED EMULSIONS, by Angela Cartwright (of Sound of Music fame)

I do not recall when I purchased this book, but I do know that it is a REAL GEM! I read scads of arts and crafts books, and seldom nowadays do I recommend one without hesitation. This one is an ORIGINAL! Every page, every project, every technique is intriguing and tempting... If I want to get excited about playing with my photos, canvas, paints, and crafting supplies, I go for this book every time! (I never loan it out because I am afraid I won't get it back!)

In a tie for third place/number three favorite altered imagery "handbook" (s) are (in no particular order)...

VINTAGE GREETING CARDS, by MaryJo McGraw

The title to this book may fool you a bit as to what it contains, and the cover shot does not so the contents justice... I met the author a couple of years ago, and she is so talented, I am in complete aw of her! She is a real talent, and her techniques and instructions and innovative approaches are not matched by anyone out there. She has been in the crafting field for a long long time, and she knows that one needs to make their own way, and follow their own rules... This book is also one of my treasures!

COLLAGE DISCOVERY WORKSHOP: BEYOND THE UNEXPECTED, by Claudine Hellmuth

This book is by an author who's style is sweet, but her style is not why I bought this book, although she has quite a following... The terrific page surface techniques and cool printmaking transfer techniques is the reason I hold this book in high regard! I love the way the author inspires me to use her techniques for other projects. I can easily apply some of her basics to my work, and I can create a look that works with my style!

ALPHABETICA, by Lynne Perrella

Perrella is a goddess among altered artists! Well, I feel that way about her anyhow... Her books are always jam-packed with so much inspiration and innovation and freshness that I can never get enough of thumbing through them... Every time I go through them, I see something I missed, and something I am dying to run off and try immediately! Paint, transfers, collage, typographic treatments, stamping, etc... It's all there in both this book and the one pictured below.

ARTISTS' JOURNALS & SKETCHBOOKS, by Lynne Perrella

And, for my none-artsy followers, altered imagery is loosely defined as altered art that uses photographic images as the starting point for the altered artwork. It centers around transfer processes, duplication processes, digital and hand alteration processes, and collage processes for photographic images.

All of the above listed books contain varying degrees of processes for changing, enhancing, improving, duplicating, and transferring existing photographic images taken from magazines, books, computer files, clip art, original emulsion photos, digital photos, etc...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 19 - It still ain't working, on my end at least...

2010-08-04T17:09:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Hard to believe, with everything I am thinking about for school and all the things I want to make, that I am still lamely falling behind with my blogging plans. But, I refuse to give up... Stay with me, I will find a rhythm, and I will make art regularly...

I am entering a contest, which I did promise myself I would do this summer. I've done them in the past, and I get very emotional about all of it, so I had planned on passing when I noticed that Cloth, Paper, Scissors, my favorite creative magazine was running a contest for artisans. But, alas, the contest bug has bitten me, and I am prepping my entry as we "speak"... Am I crazy, maybe?

I guess I gotta' try... Can't tell my students to follow their dreams and never give up, if I am too afraid to do it myself. Risk, it's very scary... In fact, I created a journal page one time, right after I found out I had not won a particular contest I entered, heart and soul... It's the page above... Enjoy!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 18 - If it ain't working, FIX IT...

2010-07-28T17:46:00.003-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

OK... I am so falling short of my July goal of posting everyday, that I need to do something about it, and I cannot procrastinate any further.

It occurred to me, that when I teach a lesson, it either succeeds pretty well or fails pretty miserably. So, I keep the things that work, and dump the stuff that doesn't... I FIX what is broken!

So, I am going to do something new to get myself interested in blogging everyday. I need a plan, or I won"t do anything.

The plan is to have POST DAY THEMES... (Insert roar of the crowd HERE!)

Each day of the week will be themed differently Thus, lighting a fire underneath my backside, and helping me to plan ahead mentally.

With the wonderfully brilliant help of my friend Ann, I was able to brainstorm and settle on the following themes, which I will commence with starting tomorrow. (New Goal)

MONDAY---Motivation Monday (all things inspirational)

TUESDAY---Technique Tuesday (all things artsy, in a technique and/or material sort of way)

WEDNESDAY---Whatever Wednesday (all things that cannot be categorized, but are share-out worthy)

THURSDAY---Threefold Thursday (all things in 3's... Like 3 favs, 3 themes, 3 steps, etc...)

FRIDAY---Fhoto Friday (all things photographically influenced)

SATURDAY---Small Wonders Saturday (all things art-themed that cause a chuckle)

SUNDAY---Sketchy Sunday (all things in the drawing arena)

Good??... See you tomorrow! (I am ready already... Ha!)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 17 - Questions posed...

2010-07-22T15:58:00.003-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Questions...

Alexia commented on the last post, asking me what ATCs are and what the process is for making them, and what their purpose was for my project and is for my teaching.

Ann commented about how totally transformed and unrecognizable the original foundations are in my ATCs. She asked if that was my intention, how did I got the idea, and why I chose the abstract figures for the ATC foundations?

Answers...

First of all Alexia wanted to know what ATCs, Artist Trading Cards, are. And, that question got me to thinking. What I realized from her question was that there will be people checking out my blog who aren't totally familiar with visual art jargon, including some techniques, materials, vocabulary, and so on. So, I decided to add a PAGE in the left column of my blog that I will add to, in which terms will be defined and basically explained. I will add to it as I hit stuff I feel might be vague, plus I appreciate comments like Alexia's that prompt me to explain! Good practice for teaching too!

Alexia also asked why I chose ATCs for part of my DAAPworks project. Well, I wanted my display to be interactive and to get people to begin to follow my blog. But, I also was not going to be around to teach viewers a technique that had lots of steps. So, I decided to create cardstock bases (trimmed to size copied cardstock backgrounds, which gave people a place to start, instead of starting from total scratch) for the ATCs, leave a few supplies for the participants, and simple directions, so hopefully they would make something and not be intimidated to "play". ATCs are very small artworks, and not much work is required to create a cool little piece. I felt that they were ideal for the time that viewers might be willing to commit whilst walking around visiting all of the art displays throughout the DAAPworks show.

Finally, Alexia wanted to know what purpose ATCs serve in general, and for my teaching. ATCs have the potential to be easy and fast little artworks, since they are only 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" each! In the classroom and in general, they can be used to meet certain visual arts criteria quickly and fearlessly with less monetary and time commitment than a big involved artwork might. Showing off a new technique. Experimenting with new materials. Exploring new themes. Fearless art-exchange with other artists. Money and green conscious art-making... All of these types of goals are supported and accomplished much more economically, more speedily, and more bravely by using a smaller format, such as an artist trading card!

Ann's comments and questions centered around the original foundations I produced for the ATC activity I created for the DAAPworks viewers, and subsequent participants. First of all, I realize the backgrounds on my versions are very obscured, and that did not happen by intention or design. It just happened, because I am a layerer of materials and techniques. I push and push with my supplies until sometimes I "push my work over the precipice"! This time, I was happy with my results, and saving the original abstracted marks was not a priority in my mind. The reason or theme for my ATCs was the priority, and since I was creating these ATCs for a challenge, in which the four ATCs had to create one image when placed next to each other, I figured the backgrounds served the theme better when pushed back and obscured. I wanted them to be subtle, since I don't do subtle well in my work.

Secondly, I got the idea to make backgrounds for the ATCs because I didn't want the participants facing the sometimes artistically intimidating "white page". It is hard enough to make something, to risk, without the added challenge of that dreaded question plaguing ones mind, "Now where do I even begin?". So, I wanted to give everybody an even playing field in which to get started.

And, finally, Ann wanted to know why I chose to make random abstracted marks for the basis of the background bases. I wanted to give timid people a little nudge to see-what-they-might-see and use their imagination, without "shoving them" too hard and making too many choices for them. Abstracted marks can be turned into anything, with a little bit of imagination and courage. If I drew too much and made my marks too recognizable, I might get back very predictable results. All the same. Boring... I do this type of thing when I teach. I give my kids enough parameters to get off the ground, but not so many that they cannot make something "their own". This allows me to evaluate/grade, yet keeps them engaged because what they are doing is "theirs", not mine.

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 16 - ATCs finally finished and a splendid birthday...

2010-07-13T00:16:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Finally worked on and finished my ATCs using the bases I created for my display. This quad set will work for three things--one, examples of my own for my bases, two, examples for my students for a similar assignment, and three, Art 42 trade items. Triple duty, can't beat that!

Step 1 - Bases connected, in order to create one finished image with four separate ATCs.

Step 2 - Color background using alcohol inks, sand surface, collage paper elements, add paint stamped element (end of empty spool), to create repeated rhythm and movement across four ATCs.

Step 3 - Spray background with Glimmer Mist to unify and "push" background back, add focus images, and block out space for typography with thin gessoed layer (pale white circles).

Step 4 - Add stamped quote with solvent-based ink, and embellish ATCs with hand-stitching and Diamond Glaze with clear micro beads. Cut individual ATCs apart, sand edges, ink edges with orange Distress Ink, scan, and re-align with Photoshop for grouped view.

ATC 1 - Yesterday

ATC 2 - Tomorrow

ATC 3 - Today

ATC 4 - The Present

And, as far as my birthday went, I believe the highlights say it all...

Dinner made by my husband (fillet-mignon w/balsamic and arugula, asparagus w/garlic and tarragon, watermelon kabobs w/basil, cherry tomatoes and balsamic, and berries with whipped cream and cinnamon for dessert--all Weight Watcher's OK)... Watching The African Queen while enjoying the aforementioned meal with my husband, because the kiddo was elsewhere (Thanks Cia)... A new hardbound Wonder Woman coffee table book (from the kiddo and husband)... Swimming with the kiddo... Time to make art... Money to pay for half of my last two master's classes (Thank you Jeanne and Dad)... Calls and messages from family and friends all throughout the day...

Thank you all, and blessed be!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 15 - Surfing downs and ups...

2010-07-08T11:08:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Sometimes just surfing the web is a great way to find inspiration, and sometimes it can be downright depressing.

Advocacy for the arts is of particular interest to me these days with all of the education turmoil in our country going down. So, I've been surfing the NAEA site, the Getty's site, the Kennedy Center's site, etc... Some of the news is good and some not so good.

I did find a very interesting site called ARTSEDGE... Love the way this site is dedicated to bringing the arts and other disciplines together. I have always believed that the answers to a lot of the issues reside in cross-curricular education; we must come together, or we are destined to fall apart.

The site also has some FAB lessons, quotes, articles, advocacy information, and so on. Check it out, if you have a moment, or share the link with a teacher, art ed especially.

PS... By the way, sorry for missing the last two days. I promised myself that once July hit, I would be an everyday blogger, and I just couldn't find the brain cells for it with summer kid-stuff going on... Promise to work at being here for some tidbit everyday, if the universe allows.

PPS... Thanks for the great comments... (I have some brilliant followers!)

Anyway, finally a superb quote to ponder from the ARTSEDGE site...

Countless unseen details are often the only difference between mediocre and magnificent.

- Anonymous

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 14 - A bit of evidence that I am on the right path...

2010-07-05T16:08:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

"One hundred and fifty Nobel laureates were interviewed, and they found that every single one of them had an application or a hobby that they were as equally passionate about as their work.

And every single one of them said that most of their ideas came when they were doing their hobby or their application. If those guys have figured it out and recognized the value of finding something joyful and playful and keeping it around, why isn't it good enough for the rest of us?"

---Kevin Carroll, from Caffeine for the Creative Mind

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 13 - Happy 4th of July, a quick carved monogram stamp, only seven days until my birthday...

2010-07-04T13:29:00.003-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

HAPPY 4TH of JULY!

Love this picture of the kiddo in the Mount Washington parade last year, so I thought I'd share it with you all. I hope you all are staying cool. Swimming. Picnicking. And, making some art!

I also wanted to show you the quick carved monogram stamp I made for Josie, for her cards and paper crafts. Simple process which can apply to larger stamps as well. Basically, it's relief printing. There are recessed/carved shapes (no ink) and raised/non-carved shapes (inked), which make your image.

Consider simple from the start...

1). Transfer your line drawing done in dark graphite to a white plastic eraser (or a material from Speedball) by simply placing it face down on the surface and rubbing with your fingers, (it will be reversed, which is what you want).

2). Carve away (using an X-acto, or linoleum cutter, see above) what you DO NOT want to print.

3). Leave the shapes you DO want to print.

4). Take your time, be safe, and expect a "learning curve"!

My stamp for Josie - Pencil sketch, stamp, inked impression, and image on card

And, finally... Seven more days until I turn 43! I always look forward to the surprises that happen the two weeks before and after one's birthday. Anything can happen, and IS happening. Change is inevitable!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 12 - ATCs from DAAPworks display...

2010-07-03T17:39:00.004-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Almost forgot to show you these (Thanks for the reminder Alexia!!), and they probably slipped my mind because I haven't done the ones I intended on doing yet myself, and I was kind of disappointed with the number of participants for my "experiment".

Yep, my daughter did two before the display went up and only three people left ATCs for me, out of eighty bases I left for playtime. I am happy to have the ones I have, yet deflated by the number of willing participants and viewers as well. A lot of work, for not much feedback. But, moving on...

That said, I would like to commend and thank Jacquelyn Sommer, Kris Sommer, Amanda Dias, and my daughter Josie for being brave and creative, and for willingly participating in my "experiment"!

Here are their miniature works of art...

"Gratitude" - Jacquelyn Sommer

"My Trip to St. Louis" - Kris Sommer

"Miss" - Amanda Dias

"Nobody is Simply the Best" and "Keep a Head" - Josephine Palmarini

Love all of your examples, and I will be mailing back your artworks shortly!

As for MY examples, I am finally inspired to use four of the bases to create a series of ATCs that, when placed next to each other, create one big image/design together. Presently, I am participating in an exchange of artwork with others on a great site called Art 42, where challenges are issued and hosted, and creative souls send off their work and receive artwork from the other participants.

I started today by gluing four base ATCs from my display experiment to a piece of black cardstock, so they are temporarily linked. See below...

And, since I have some quiet time right now, I am going to get moving on them!

Also, don't worry about all of those ATC bases I have left. No wasted paper for me! I will be putting them to very good use when the school year starts again in August... (Always a bright side to everything!)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 11 - Martha Washington had it right "on point"...

2010-07-02T10:21:00.003-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances."

---Martha Washington (1732-1802)

(Resource--Daily Teachings
from The Secret.tv)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 10 - Calligraphy play...

2010-07-01T07:35:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

I love calligraphy. Although, I never did it myself, until I taught it. Most people recognize letter forms as having an intrinsic level of beauty. Each one is a creation. Together, a composition, playing off one another rhythmically.

I love to teach Lettering and Typography, one of the classes we offer at the high school in which I teach. This year I finally realized that certain approaches are better than others. My students want to be creative, not perfectionists. Who really does? One of my purchases for school is a book by the wonderfully talented Lisa Engelbrecht called Modern Mark Making, from Classic Calligraphy to Hip Hand-Lettering.

My students are all into the second part of this book. They love to doodle and letter. They want to create their own font, not copy and recopy other people's designs. I understand. I love to play far more than I love to copy. Don't get me wrong, I know there is a lot of value in practice. One must practice to master anything. And, the kids that intend to be lettering masters will practice. But, a lot of them just want to enjoy the process and savor their results. My job is to get them into it just enough that they will create, while semi-aiming for a higher bar than they may have intended on from the start.

I love Lisa's book, because it really makes "mark making" cool! You wanna' try making letter forms immediately, or at least as soon as you can scramble over to your art space, grab some paper, and basic tools. Including some not so basic tools, such as a homemade calligraphy pen made from the plastic from an empty yogurt container, a pencil, a staple, and some duct tape... Sound weird? Well, it really works, and it's fun!

I'll share some examples with the yogurt cup pen when I get more time to play with it. It requires a lot of ink and makes really big letters. I want to experiment with Black Letter style, which this pen would be perfect for, and which would be a style of lettering I believe my students would really like.

Finally, from the top examples, you can see I was playing with an informal brush style, which I liked so much, I transferred my enthusiasm onto a piece I have had sitting on the back burner for far too long. I am 10 minutes away from finishing it. Finding 10 minutes the past week has been challenging. Balance in all areas of my life is what I aspire to all the time.

(P.S... I love the way something I tried for school made its way into my artwork. Just realized that fact upon rereading this post. Hmmmm?)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 9 - Father's Day art with the kiddo...

2010-06-21T14:47:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

OK... Is there anything better than getting down on the floor with a box of crayons, and coloring with a child?

Inspiration takes on many forms. Sometimes I need to realize all I have to do to move creatively forward is get into the moment. Whether it be drawing and coloring with my daughter, or cleaning and organizing my studio, or just putting something down on paper or canvas for no real reason at all.

Start and the art will follow. My new mantra.

Out of 1440 minutes in the day, I will make time to make creative progress. I will get off the computer, turn off the television, procrastinate less. I do not have to have all the answers to just start. No fear.

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 8 - Photo experiments...

2010-06-15T14:08:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Because I love photography and I am in a position where I need to fill up my photo project bag-o-tricks, I played with an interesting concept from one of the terrific new books I purchased for school called Caffeine for the Creative Mind, by S. Mumaw & W. Oldfield.

One of the curious assignments they offer for picture takers is to try photographing one's self in reflective surfaces, other than mirrors.

So, I tried some shots, and these are the results... Interesting and some I had to push a bit further in Photoshop, because I couldn't help myself. (The last one is just playing around with silouettes, and I finally got to use the "threshold" control in PS!)

Plexiglass case - See my hand in the left side of the photo. (All I did here was to crank up the contrast and drop the brightness.)

Glass case - Faint, but you can see my shoulders and necklace, if you look closely. (I played with desaturating the photo and adding a rendering filter.)

Television screen - Liked the dynamics of putting my hand over my head. (I desaturated again, because I didn't like the yellowish tint of the original, and I cranked the contrast with the addition of a film grain filter.)

Fireplace screen - Thought this was a very cool one, with the Firestart log logo showing up in the picture. (I desaturated again and added an ink outlines filter. It emphasizes the screen pattern and makes me look ghost-like.)

Glass across an artwork - Very ghostly result! (I left the color in here, because I needed it for the contrast, since you could hardly see me over the busy black and white print, by Jay Bolotin. I really forced the contrast up here, so you could see me. Weird how it affected the color, more than the blacks and whites.)

Yes... That's a flamingo in the photo! (We had an Alice in Wonderland party for my daughter recently, and we left the pink yard flamingos stuck in our plant pots. It made for a very cool silouette and decent use of the threshold control on PS!)

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 7 - A quote for inspiration...

2010-06-14T10:16:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

"You must find a creative outlet for yourself.

You see, where people go wrong when they set out in life is not exploring that part of themselves that feeds their spirit.

Without that food, the spirit dies, and it's a large part of our responsibility to ourselves not to allow that to happen.

In fact, consider how few psychiatric problems there might be if every individual actually knew what to do to keep alive in himself something that could affirm the very essence of who he is.

That's what the creative act does."

--- Elizabeth George, Author

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 6 - ATCs and tag art...

2010-06-11T11:43:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Hey all... Part of me feels like I am yacking at myself here. (Tap, tap, tap... Is this "thing" on?)

But, I suppose all great artists are mad and speak to themselves. Just kidding.

Anyhow, I am working on ATCs, some big tags (which were meant for a swap, but I didn't read the fine print, and they were due by the 12th, not to be mailed by the 12th. But, I am finishing them for myself anyhow.), and I will be taking the DAAPworks display down on Sunday, so hopefully I will have more than two ATCs to show you from my display prompt to people visiting DAAPworks. [I know I have two, at least, besides my daughter's, because as you can see from the photo above, my colleague and her hubby (in the picture) made and left me their ATC masterpieces.]

I am so excited to empty my ATC drop box, and view the goodies... It's like Art Christmas!

Just a head's up - I will be working with some ART SISTERS over the next couple of months, doing all types of art, collaborative and such. I am lucky to be surrounded by a boatload of talented ladies, who don't mind spending some quality art-making time with me. Go figure?!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 5 - Pictures of my display from DAAPworks...

2010-06-08T16:01:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

I won't be able to go to the DAAPworks opening tonight, because my school's graduation is tonight and I am going there. Can't be in two places at once, even though I wish I could be. And, I have to admit it... I want to know who, of my MA in Art Ed classmates, got judged Best of Show for our discipline yesterday. Can't tell a lie, I want it to be me! We'll see...

Anyhow, I have several pictures of the display. Some that show the over-all set-up, and some that highlight details, like the stand I created to hold my blog invitation cards, the supplies tote and boxes, and close-ups of each panel. Let me know what you think!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 4 - Zombie momma'...

2010-06-07T22:04:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

OK... Four and one half hours of sleep before waking to a 5:30 a.m. alarm for a 7:10 a.m. start to the third to last school day, does not a wakeful person make. Uggggg! Tired. So tired...

The short version for now... Got the display up and it is wonderful! I am very pleased with myself, and I have several good pictures of the display to share with you. I moved them to my hard-drive, Photoshop'd them, and will post them for my next post.

Today I am doing catch-up. I promised shots of the ATC bases I provided for DAAPworks viewers, and possible blog participants. Plus, I have two perfect examples by my sweet favorite artist, Josie. So, here is the shot of the bases and a scan of the examples... Enjoy!

How I did it: In essence, I took an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of white drawing paper and made lots of geometric, organic, planned and random marks all over it, with charcoal, pencil, Sharpie marker and china marker. Then, I used a copier to copy the ATC identification information onto the back of cardstock,

which I in turn ran back through the copier to get the base designs on the opposite side. I did positives

and negatives of my original marks, to create black-on-white and white-on-black ATC options.

Finally, the ATCs were cut apart with a papercutter.

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 3 - Display day...

2010-06-06T07:13:00.000-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Crazy here!! Thank goodness for my Blackberry, and my continuing investigations into what it can do for my life... YES, I discovered "memos" under the apps section, and I have been making lists. ("I love check lists!," Bowler Hat Guy, from Meet the Robinsons.) So, I have been efficiently moving my way towards getting my display up at UC for DAAPworks, and today I take it in, once I finish a few minor things, if the husband will take over being the clown/caregiver for the cat and kiddo. Maybe? Please.

Once it's up, I will take pictures to share here, and finally show you all what the ATC bases looked like and how I did them, plus I have two examples of finished ones to show you!... And, they were created by my number one artist, Josie (daughter, 8). Kids are the best artists. We all know it!

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 2 - More about the process...

2010-06-03T11:50:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Sorry I missed yesterday. The year is coming to a close, and it always feels like a symphony that builds and builds, coming to a crashing thunderous crescendo, right over my head... Paper and cardboard scraps, paint, trash, glue everywhere, students who need me (all at the same moment), last minute projects, grades, paperwork, planning for the next year, and so forth. Add no air conditioning to that mix and muggy weather for the past three weeks, and yes, I frequently have a headache and feel deflated at the day's end... Just recently, anyhow.

Consequently, I feel energized when I am working on this project. Excited to make some art, fail at it miserably at times, and succeed deliciously at others. Play with materials I have forgotten about, or have never used, all of which I will be chomping at the bit to share with my kids in August. Set goals for myself, push my creative comfort zone, and write everything down I learn, so I don't let my experience disappear into the the whirlwind of my life. I want to learn from it, teach with it, and pass it on.

At present I am finishing up my display for DAAPworks, which is the University of Cincinnati's DAAP school-wide art show featuring all of the disciplines throughout the art college. Art Education creates a space with displays that illustrate the focus of our individual culminating projects. Since my project and paper will not be complete until December, my display is from a work-in-progress perspective.

I am also actively working on building an audience for my blogging experiment, so I am leaving blog-cards for those visiting DAAPworks, and I am challenging the viewers of my display to participate in art-making and in the progress of my blog.

So, I have created a supply box and directions to entice viewers to be participants by making Artist Trading Cards (ATCs), and leaving it for me to scan and post on my blog. (I will return the ATCs by mail, once scanned.)

I am really pumped to see, if and how people go from being passive viewers at DAAPworks to active art-making blog-supporting participants... Will they be brave and jump in? Will I get work from kids? How will they manipulate the materials available? How will they make the base designs, I am supplying, into their own little masterpiece? Will they prove themselves inventive individuals?

Well... That brings me to my first task... I will be photographing the card base designs for you all to see, and posting them later this evening, because I want you all to know from where everyone started, as well as myself.

For my second task, I will be creating a set of 20 ATCs using limited supplies, as I am asking the participants to do. (I have to limit supplies at DAAPworks for cleanliness purposes, and for cost purposes, since I will not be able to be there to wrangle and oversee supply usage.)

As I get ATCs finished, I will post them here...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Post 1 - Explaining the experiment...

2010-06-01T23:28:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

This is me... Pamela Ann Palmarini. I am an artist and an art teacher. I am finishing up my MA in Art Education 12 years after I started. I've been teaching this whole time, and it's time to finally finish what I started, mostly because I have to. Job security, of course. But, in the end, this is for me.

Currently, I am working on my culminating project, and now that the majority of the research is complete, I can get down to the fun stuff. The art and reflection part of my art-based project.

So, what's the blog have to do with my culminating project? Let's just say, I was influenced by the movie premise from Julie and Julia of blogging one's creative progress. The good and the bad. Successes and failures. I wanted to put my learning and growth process "out there", so maybe another art educator might gain something from my experience. And, of course, my pedagogy will get a good, healthy "shot in the arm"...

But alas, after a very long day of school and college, and home-life, my brain is struggling for clarity. So, I will add some more tomorrow about the basic goals, activities, and fun stuff I intend to accomplish here, hopefully with the end result of encouraging your comments and participation as well...

Safety, health, happiness, and peace... Pam

Tutorial #6 - Crayon/Wax Resist Technique

2010-05-31T23:02:00.002-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Tutorial #5 - Decorate a fun frame to ENJOY!

2010-05-29T16:34:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Tutorial #4 - Crumpled Textured Tissue Paper Technique

2010-05-28T17:20:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Tutorial #3 - Decorating chipboard

2010-05-27T12:05:00.003-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Tutorial #2 - Recycled Used Dryer Sheets

2010-05-26T20:14:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Tutorial #1 - Modeling paste

2010-05-24T18:12:00.001-04:00

Blogging my evolution as an artistic art educator - An art-based experiment...

Keep your eyes peeled and become a follower HERE!!

2010-05-23T16:08:00.000-04:00

Starting in early June, I will be posting lots of new information on a daily basis... Why?...

I am finishing up my MA in Art Education and will be working on an experiment that involves making a regular artistic rigor a REAL part of my life... Being an art educator is my profession, but I would not be where I am if I did not love MAKING art, TALKING about art, and THINKING about art...

I know I will be a better art teacher, if I become a better artist... And, I know I will be a better artist, if I become a better art teacher.

That is why I am conducting this experiment... Hope to have you along for the ride!!

Check in often... The next step is to get you feeling creative, so I will be posting some fun tutorial slideshows for you all to check out, just to "wet your artistic whistle", and to get my artistic motor humming along...

After that, I will be posting my preliminary list of ACTIVITIES and GOALS for my blogging experiment, plus my main thesis focus, claims, etc...

Then, ON TO THE ART MAKING FUN!!!...

Ask, believe, receive... Pam