Written on 3/22/21 at 12:00pm:
PiM Arts High School - Thursday, Feb 18th & 25th - (7 hours)
Walker Arts Center Shadowing - (1 hour)
For weeks 6 and 7, I continued observing Mandy Stringer's three ceramics classes every Thursday morning. In class on Feb 18th, we had a mid project feedback session for the students' second paper clay project, a matryoshka/russian nesting doll. The project proved to be a challenge for the students because of the high level of detail and finesse required to make the dolls fit together properly while retaining their design. Because of this, Mandy is thinking this will be the final project in future iterations of this course. But that is not to say that the students did not make some absolutely stellar work. It's amazing how different each student's style is, and it is already apparent how much they have grown in skill in just the few weeks since the first project.
Many of the students chose to continue the theme of their first sculpture, many being botanical or flesh like, or a combination of the two. Others chose to replicate a favorite character or figure from a story they enjoy. There were a few students that did not have their projects done, but it wasn't a big deal as long as they finished it before the last date to put the projects in the kiln to fire. I noticed an increased level of participation since the first check in, perhaps because the students are more familiar with each other, or maybe they were more excited about this project than the first, I'm not sure. It is also a factor that the students had more advice to give each other due to having more experience. I took a more active role this time, giving some feedback and almost every project. I chose to stick with positive feedback and small technique suggestions, as the students are still learning to make constructive criticism and I still don't want to be too intrusive. It is an amazing experience becoming familiar with each group of students, and every class I continue to be impressed by their work.
In preparation for teaching my lesson in a few weeks, I stopped by PiM Arts in person on March 12th to pick up some clay and make my very own project in line with the students' third project: a fantastical creature. I wanted to make my own project so that I have a feel of the material, as it has been years since I worked with clay. The lesson itself will be focusing on painting the fired clay with acrylics, as the students will be doing because of a shortage of ceramic glazes at the school as well as safety concerns. My main point will be talking about how one can mix colors optically rather than directly, by building layers of transparencies, which can bring much more nuance and depth to surfaces than by mixing the paints which creates a very flat, opaque surface. Since this is my area of expertise, it will be easy for me to talk at length and with passion about it. Even if the students opt to paint their projects directly, perhaps I will be able to bring forth some ideas they may not have thought about.
Lastly, this week I began scheduling my shadowing at the Walker Art Center! On Feb 25th, I had a Zoom call with Sarah Lampen, a Family Programs Associate at the Walker. We talked for an hour about the various areas of family programming at The Walker, including programs for students, for teens, and for family groups. It is quite exciting, as I grew up attending walker events as a teen. It will be amazing to get an insider view on museum programming. As of right now, the majority of the program events are digital, although they plan to move to a mixed online/in-person when it is viable. Sarah was very personable and I enjoyed talking with her, I can't wait to find out more as we continue to schedule possible events for me to shadow through email.