What the Art Teacher Wore #130 and Artsy Book Clubbin'

Monday, Monday: Any Mamas and Papas fans out there? I went through a seriously intense hippie phase in high school (in-between my alternative and retro phases) and they were among my fave bands. In fact, I've been called Mama Cass a good amount of times in my life (along with Casserole and Caster Oil {huh?}) which is cool because I always loved the lady. But wait, how did I get here again? Oh, yeah, Monday, Monday. Wow. scarf: Charleston; painted dress: made by me, DIY here; pink tights: Target; World's Biggest Belt: Amazon; gold leafed booties: made by me, DIY here. 

Hey, how are ya? Feelin' good? Reading any good books? Hopefully you are tiptoeing into The Art Spirit with the Artsy Book Club and ready to chat! I know I am...

Now, last week I suggested we read up to page 51 but I only made it to 27 for a couple of reasons. This isn't a fast read. This is a slow read: take in some paragraphs, let your brain chew on it, stew it over, see how it might apply to your life and then read some more. I was really enjoying it, underlining nearly everything, destroying the columns with my notes until I got to page 20 when he wrote at letter to a class of art students. Don't get me wrong, it was all good but just not as easy to gobble up and swallow. I found myself having to reread several passages because my mind was starting to wonder. Did you all struggle with that portion too?

Prior to that, I have some super fave quotes that I just have to share. The man was like a Super Teacher. I can't help but thinking, "why have I never read this book before?!" It has so much insight on how to teach artists. Okay, some gems:

"When the artist is alive in a person, whatever kind of work that may be, he becomes an inventive, searching, daring, self-expressing creature".

I really wish I would have heard that quote in college when I was in painting school and thought that one was only an "artist" when painting. I had a serious love for batik and textiles that I pushed aside thinking that it wasn't "true" art. 

"Where those who are not artists are trying to close the book, he opens it, shows there are still more pages possible."

"The work of an art student is no light matter. Few have the courage or stamina to see it though."

I really think that all high school art students as well as their teachers need to be reading this book. Seriously, you guys. Robert Henri is amazing!

Okay, I have to know, because I could quote all day, what's been your take-away? Are you enjoying this read? I'd love to hear from y'all in the comments! 

Feelin' Catty Tuesday: Let's be honest, I'm catty every day of the week. I ain't braggin'. I come by it naturally. By the way, don't ask me what's happening in the photo. And to think, it was the best of the batch. sweater: made by me, DIY here; boots and belt: Anthro; dress: vintage; crinoline: Amazon; tights: Target

Wuz Up Wednesday: Aside from this here ensemble, I have no recollection of Wednesday. Is that bad? I can't even tell you what I had for dinner. My guess is popcorn. sweater: Free People, found at Buffalo Exchange; shirt and skirt: JCrew; Tights: Urban Outfitters

 Recording Studio Thursday: I remember this day! We had so much fun at the recording studio with the third graders (more here, in case you missed). The guys working the place were so great. One said, "Oh a dress of onomonopias!" and later one said, "Lichtenstein!" Either way, I was impressed. By the way, I don't think I ever shared a DIY post on this jacket with you! I bleach dot-dyed the top with a q-tip and added the appliqué the same way I did for the dress. Lichtenstein dress: DIY here

Fried-Day: So I have a good friend who is an incredible teacher (hi, Bethany!) and is super duper organized. She was telling me how she has her clothes picked out for the week. I do no such thing. I don't have an organized bone in my body (what would that look like?! Would I look like a blob?!). For zample, on morning I thought A. What will I wear? and then B. What am I teaching? I had 3 kindergarten classes learning shapes...so here's what I came up with. sweater: Target; skirt: Plato's Closet; necklace: Paper Source

Oh, one last thing! This goofball blog that you are currently reading is up for an award! That's right, I've been nominated for Wild Card Blog of the Year. There are some amazing art education blogs nominated so if you'd take a moment to go and cast your vote (good news: you can vote for as many as you'd like), that'd be swell.