Modern Day Athena, Peace Within

I responded to some one's self-identification blogs a few weeks ago. They were mentioning their goal to obtain peace from within. I was working on this modern day Athena at the time- The concept is always churning inside my brain. Thought I'd post it ;)

Blog # 12: LGBTQ

Julie Mehretu, Stadia II

Keith Haring, The Last Rainforest, Acrylic on Canvas, 1989

Keith Haring, Mom, Acrylic on Canvas, 1989, 60"x60"

I was first introduced to Keith Haring by my uncle who is gay. I think he really made a tremendous connection with this artist. He has two phenomenal prints hanging in his living room that he bought before Haring died. Keith Haring does tend to have phallic qualities throughout most of his work, but he also has plenty of appropriate work to show students. Exposing students to GLBT artists could be very helpful and comforting to a student who is challenged with their sexual identity with in society.

One of my closest friends during high school was gay. He was usually such a outgoing and personable individual that I don't think that he experienced any anti-gay/discrimination during high school. But it was probably because he never told anyone else about his sexual identity. I remember how melancholy he would get at times when he would express how difficult it was for him and how homosexual males were perceived totally different than homosexual females. He despised how being gay seemed to consumes one's entire identity. He was basically forced to pretend to be straight in front of others. His father especially, who was openly against homosexuality. I couldn't imagine having to live like that- I am sure many kids might experience a similar scenario at home with their family. Most of all I recollect his longing to simply love another human and have a normal relationship with a significant other.

If I was approached by a student who "came out" to me, I think the most important thing to do would be to truly listen to them. Whether or not they had "come out" to their family or friends is something that I would have no control over. It is their choice to decide who and when they feel they need to tell. Their confidence in my ability to keep their thoughts private would be important to me. I think if there was hinting of suicidal thoughts or threats against the student, I know I would be obligated to share this information with the school counselor and/or principal.

I think dealing with rude, inappropriate, and vulgar comments about a student's sexuality is important. It's vital to express that you do not tolerate it and you expect your classroom to be an environment where all students should feel safe.

Blog # 11: A Moment of Discrimination

I have felt discriminated against before or been belittled because I do not belong to an organized religion. My parents encouraged my siblings and I to believe in what we wanted to believe in and they never belonged to any place of worship or took us to services. I remember even when I was a little kid and many of my neighbors would get dressed up to go to church and then they would all go out to brunch with the Sunday crowd afterwards. It had such a social aspect to it. There were churches on practically every corner in Huntsville, Alabama. I do remember uncomfortableness arising between me a my peers and neighbors when the subject was discussed. I know peoples' religious beliefs, no matter what they may be, are a very important and PERSONAL issues. Peoples faith in a variety of religions is inevitable. However, I don't believe it's necessary to push your beliefs on others.

Rules for the Classroom

Blog # 10: Lesson Plan Ideas

I have decided to focus my first lesson plan on 1.h - Indignation

Students will create a work of art that represents something that sparks indignation. They must choose an issue that's physical setting takes place outside of the United States. I want to recommend that they choose an issue that they have found themselves to connect with and feel passionate about even though it is occurring miles away.

Their piece should provoke the viewer to somehow feel connected to this issue even though it is physically occurring outside of the country. It should entice them to relate to the situation as well as illustrate at least 3 details about the issue/situation to help inform the viewer and broaden their perspective on an event that they might have overlooked in the national news section of the newspaper.

Materials: mixed media (collage- newspaper clippings would probably be a great addition too!), colored pencils, watercolors)

I think this is a valuable lesson because high school students are at that blossoming time in their lives where they are becoming more aware of other events and issues throughout the world. Their concepts of the world are developing as they begin to think about the world beyond themselves. I believe it's important for us to get out of our bubbles and be aware of what is going on in other parts of the world. This lesson will encourage some research as well. I also believe that this lesson would be a good source for valuable discussions and a way for students to teach each other new information and voice awareness for issues that might usually get swept under the rug. I want students to bring out the advocates inside themselves and voice issues that are unjust and need to be heard.

I think this is a valuable activity for students, however, I imagine I might run into problems with appropriateness for the schools setting. It's almost a catch-22 because some things that happen in the world aren't beautiful or pretty to look at, they are harsh, disturbing, cruel, and inhumane. I want to allow students freedom to express themselves and their message, but at the same time I might have to sensor some of the images students wish to display.


Artists to show students:
Oswaldo Guyasamin, El grito No. 3

Oswaldo Guyasamin, Las manos de las esperanzas

Picasso, Guernica

Seth Tobocoman. War in the Neighborhood

I am still searching for more contemporary artists as examples.

Blog # 9: Self Identification: Transpersonal (3.C)

family: daughter, sister, niece, step-niece

gender: female

education: B.A. in Studio Arts- painting, minor in Spanish

sexual orientation: heterosexual

nationhood: American, Irish

neighborhood: West end

race: Caucasian

body type: short

preferred leisure activity: art, music, games, walking my dog

political belief: I share bits of perspective from many sides

religious affiliation: n/a

state of health: healthy

economic status: middle class

age: 25

generational identity: generation y or millenniums

marital status: single

diet: food - love it, except for seafood

preferred websites: amazon, etsy, Smithsonian

music: almost all types, surf, rockabilly, jazz, blues, old country, pop, funk, rock, 80s', indie, punk, alternative, folk, Americana, classic rock, reggae, etc.

taste in fashion: simple, I buy what I can afford and is comfortable -but I love retro and vintage stuff

taste in art: abstract, German expressionism, cubism, pop, figurative - appreciate almost all of it

Blog # 8: Self Identification: Personality (3.B)

Shape: Both round and angular

Colors: Varied: and they have various moments of harmonizing and clashing

Scale: Large scale - if you know me, but I am usually very quiet and shy around the unknown

Condition: Stable with room for dynamic growth

Blog # 7: Self-Identification: Personal - (3.A)

What makes me feel guilty?

• When I am not very productive
• When my pallet of mixed colors of paint dries out - and my unfinished paintings start to collect dust
• When I don't spend enough time with the important people in my life
• When I talk too much and if I interrupt others
• When I watch T.V.
• When I don't walk my dog or play frisbee with her often
• When I eat junk food or go out to eat too often
• If I am not prepared
• That I temporally stopped making/writing music
• When I slack-off on my sketchbook/journal
• If my schedule has conflicts and I am unable to do what I have told someone I could do
• When I think about how lucky I am compared to many people in the world
• That I don't keep up my second language - and my little sister has mastered it
• That I am so not Eco-friendly by commuting to Iowa City and the amount of $ I throw to the gas companies

What makes me feel worthy?

• Making art
• Being myself and a trying my best
• Being a good and reliable friend, sister, daughter,girlfriend, and employee
• Getting my art education teaching certification and braving the education system
• Sticking with my passion and doing what is important to me
• Helping others
• Donating my art for a good cause
• My dog, Sierra, was rescued from the pound
• Volunteering

What makes me laugh?

• Funny movies
• myself
• My friends and family
• My dog, Sierra
• The ironies of life
• Retelling my once most embarrassing childhood memories/stories about my siblings and myself
• King of Queens, the Office, and The Colbert Report

What embarrasses me?

• Being late
• Telling a story and I totally forget the point that I was going to make
• When I totally misinterpret something
• If I fall in front of a bunch of people
• When I grab the best looking apple in the produce aisle and the rest of the pile spills on to the floor

What thrills me?

• A beautiful day
• Roller coasters
• Being able to go on a vacation
• When we bought our fist home
• Throwing a fun party
• Going to live concerts
• Going to Johnny's Italian Steakhouse

What comforts me?

• A great pair of PJs and slippers
• My significant other
• A cup of coffee or hot tea
• Ice cream
• A bath
• Writing in my journal
• Bonfires or a fire in the fireplace
• Being in a greenhouse
• Reading bibliographies

What makes me sad?

• When others are in pain
• My cell phone and cable bill
• When I see paper in the garbage can and not in a recycle bin
• When I see the homeless holding signs by the interstate ramps
• Schools that don't have art classrooms
• If I miss a special event
• Abused animals