We all have the ability to create...find your visual voice!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

What can you share in just one snapshot?

Artist, Francois Robert completed a body of work titled "Contents."  In which he had strangers take everything out of their pockets, purse, bag, or desk and lay it out to photograph. 

See his website and gallery http://francoisrobertphotography.com/#/portfolio/fine_art/contents

ACTIVITY:
What can a single snapshot say about you?  Challenge yourself to this form of identity communication by sharing your "contents" with others.  Empty your purse, backpack, pockets, desk, etc. and place the objects out on a table, counter, or floor.  Photograph from above, at an angle, or from a worm's eye view.  You may even consider including your face, hands, or feet in the image.
What does my picture communicate?

Thursday, August 4, 2011

I sold artwork this summer!

Negril Sunset
No Admittance
This summer, I entered a Postcard Art Show in Wauconda, Illinois and two of my five submissions were purchased.  I was a painting major in college, but the filing ease and cleanliness of digital photography is allowing me to create and express in a smaller, carpeted home!

Keep taking photos, wherever you are!

Why blog?

I am a high school art teacher and I want to find a way to showcase the creativity going on in my classroom, including completed projects, ideas, questions, artist highlights, book/show/article reviews, etc.  One of the most exciting things about teaching art is seeing the variety of creative minds at work.  I feel all students have something unique to bring to the canvas of life and I want to encourage students to express ideas through art. 

This blog was established to share what my students are doing in the classroom and to speak to them through a venue they are familiar with.  However, as an individual not directly involved with education or art, you may find interesting ideas to spark your own creativity.  I will try to post at least once a week.

Getting ready for the new school year?
If you are a high school student and you know you will be in an art class this coming school year, here are some ways to get ready for an exciting and creative filled year:
  • Keep the creativity flowing-always have a pencil, sketchbook, and/or digital camera with you to document all things inspiring to the mind.
  • Actually UPLOAD pictures from your digital camera and save them in a folder on your computer.
  • Sketch from observation while outside, inside, upside down, backwards, forwards, etc!
  • Go to an art musuem or art show
  • Collect interesting objects that you find at garage sales or things that others are throwing out.  Remember, one person's trash is another's treasure!
Looking forward to creating art with you!