Sunday, January 18, 2015

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. 
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8 comments:

  1. I have that gray and white J Crew skirt! As soon as I saw it, I knew it was made for an art teacher! Happy to see I'm not the only one who thought so.

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    1. It's so fun and I get so many compliments on it! Artsy minds think alike, apparently ;)

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  2. 2nd attempt to leave comment - blogger is not cooperating tonight -

    I used to carpool with a gal who put out her outfits for the week on Sunday night. Not always such a good idea, as it turns out! She'd have a sweater/turtleneck outfit picked out for Thursday, and an expected heat wave would roll through, and she'd be dripping with sweat by the end of the day because she refused to switch out the planned outfits! I always picked mine the night before, adter I watched the weather report on the late news. I'd be screwed if I waited till morning because I have a Libra indecisiveness, and I was never ever early for work to begin with!

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    1. Wow, that's some dedication to a planned outfit, isn't it! Yeah, I SOMETIMES have an idea the night before but most days, I'm winging it. Story of my life ;)

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  3. You could totally rock lacy white anklets!!!!

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  4. I am voting for your blog every day! I just have to say that you are one of the coolest, most inspirational gals around the innerwebs! How is it possible to look so cute every day, be so funny, and have all the best projects, perfectly organized with gorgeous photos, videos, etc all in one package! You are the quintessential Art teacher every elementary dreams of having! Your class is like the El Celler De Can Roca of Art rooms and you are the celebrity chef mixin up perfectly flavored art projects valued at hundreds per plate for only the most privileged students around! I swear I just picture your room like your pee Wee's playhouse shower, everybody happy in this magical artplayhouse with you as the main character in your pageantry of colorful crazy fun themed outfits with handmade accoutrements, and your band of misfit cohorts, globy, chairy, jambi mixin up spells in Mrs. Stephen's Artland!

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    1. Aw, Natalie, thank you so very much! Your kind words have really made my week!! Seriously, I love what you wrote so much, I might have to read it again and again on my off days (and there are plenty!). Thank you :)

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  5. amazing outfit. loved the work done on it.


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