Starlight Studio

This semester I was fortunate enough to be able to explore the art classroom with Art Therapy Studies. While my position was at Sweet Home High School, some of my classmates were placed at Starlight Studio, or volunteered there in their free time. Starlight Studios provide the opportunity for individuals with special needs to become art makers, and the work they produce is incredible. The paintings, sculptures and weavings that are created are an obvious tribute to the notion that all people are capable of learning, and expressing themselves, no matter what their disability. Personally, I have a soft spot for all of the abstract pieces that are present, because throughout the semester I have learned that an abstract state of mind is often difficult for people with special needs to express.

Fifty Works for Fifty States: The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection

Fortunately I had the opportunity to see this exhibit at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. I found this exhibit to be something that I can really appreciate. The style of the works of art was "right up my alley," so to say that they were my taste exactly. I enjoy bright, abstract colors immensely, and really formed a liking to this exhibit. Something that is an unfortunate factor in the art education class content, is that there is not a lot of discussion about contemporary art. Being able to experience this exhibit was enlightening.

Interior Design Exhibit

I thought that this student show was really fascinating. I don’t know a lot about interior design, so to see all of the student work put together so well was really eye opening. I had a faint idea of the calculations and multiple steps it took to put together a successful design, but wasn’t fully aware of how time consuming each of these works had to have been.

I especially liked the work by Mallory Kozakiewicz. The sublime beauty of the spatial relationships visually and conceptually activated the essential transitional quality of her work. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept models for buildings that were produced by a majority of the Sophomore class. The projects that were made of a white board to show light and shadow for a lighting class were also very interesting to me because I find the relationship between light and shadow to be quite fascinating. Chiaroscuro is by far one of my favorite painting techniques, so I really enjoy seeing light manipulated in as many ways as possible.

Finally, I did enjoy the full designs from what the building looks likes in every room, interior and exterior the most. The walls, windows, doors, finishes, textures, light and furnishings that compose a single room are often overlooked by most people, unless they’ve got a real passion or interest in interior design, are mind blowing.

Upton Exhibit

Fine Arts Exhibit

I found all of the pieces to be very interesting because although for the most part, they were assignments, I felt like each brought it’s own flavor to the show. I find that fine art is where a lot of my interest lies.

My favorite piece was an extremely large group of portraits using graphite on wood. There were 40 squares, making up a rectangle that had a miniature portrait of each and everyone of her family members, and each was drawn with extreme attention to detail. What was most enticing about this piece though, was the eight squares in the center, the captured a current picture of herself, her brother, mother and father, as well as a corresponding baby picture. I don’t know why exactly this piece stood out to me so much, but it was by far my favorite piece.

Of course there were other fine pieces by many students. I really enjoyed the drawings that were recognizable from Drawing I. Remembering taking the class, and knowing just how difficult it can be to get the shading realistic when you’re first starting to learn the appropriate techniques makes me appreciate the effort that has gone into these pieces very much.

Final Posting

1. What is your opinion of "Blogging"?

Personally, I am not super fond of blogging. I feel that it has the potential to be a fantastic tool in the classroom, but at this point in my life I don't think that I have the time to sit down everyday a write about my daily feelings or activities (as most traditional blogs are run).

2. Did you find this to be a useful reflection / communication tool?

This tool did tend to be a useful reflection tool, although I was admittedly not very good at maintaining it. When I did use it to my advantage, it was just that- an advantage. I found it helpful in taking a look back on my work which was helpful in my overall understanding.

3. Would you use a Blog in your art classroom? If yes, how. If no, why not?

Personally, I can only see the use of a blog in my art classroom if it was a digital art class, or possibly a photography class. Besides that, I do not think I would use blogging due to the nature of the work done in class. In order to promote self-reflection I would not object to a weekly journal.