Art Is Messy

For this project students created silhouette self portraits that incorporated overlapping and watercolors. Students filled their bodies with symbols that represent their likes and dislikes. Below are some of their samples.

My 5th graders FINALLY finished their charcoal self portrait drawings. I am extremely proud of them. For this assignment I asked them to think about something that defines who they are as a person and share that information in their portraits. In addition I asked them to think about value. Students tried to incorporate light, medium and dark shades in their work. Below are some examples of their work……

Each time we come back to the States David and I stock up on certain things to bring back to China. I usually buy loads of shoes and pants and David buys electronic gadgets. (I hope you’re having fun with your new itouch, babe.) In addition, we always make a stop or two at bookstores.

This time around David found an amazing book called The Arrival by illustrator and writer, Shaun Tan. This beautifully and imaginatively illustrated book tells the story of a man who leaves his family and impoverished community in search of opportunities in a foreign and strange land. Along the way the man meets people who help him settle into the new world and share stories from their lives.

This book touched me for several reasons. Being first generation American, it made me imagine what my father and grandmother might have experienced when they left Austria and arrived at Ellis Island.  It also made me think of my own experiences with living in China. There is a section of the book where the man is being introduced to strange and exotic foods. His reaction is exactly what I feel every time I go grocery shopping!

I have a soft spot for food packaging from the 60’s and 70’s. I don’t know what it is about the design that draws me to it. Perhaps the campiness and the nostalgia that I enjoy. Maybe I like it because it conjures up memories of going to the supermarket with my mom and picking boxes of cereal. (I usually chose Frosted Flakes.)

While searching around the Internet today I found someone who has an even bigger love for it all. Dan Goodsell (What a great advertising last name!) from The Imaginary World has an extraordinary collection of vintage packaging. I’m particularly fond of the cereal box section.

I’m going to begin this post by taking this opportunity to rave about my husband’s thoughtfulness and his web surfing skills. I got an early Christmas gift from him the other day. (Yay! I love early presents!) He had created a book of our trip with his family to Cambodia and Thailand. Now, I’m not talking about a collection of photos put into plastic sleeves or even a crafty scrapbook. He created a beautiful, hard bound, full color real book! It could have easily been found on the shelves of Barnes and Noble under their travel section.

He used a website called http://www.blurb.com/. Blurb is a great website that allows you to self publish your own books! You choose the format, the theme, the size and then supply your own text and images. The possibiliteis are endless! Not only is it great for family presents, but has so many applications for teaching and education. Teachers and students could create their own textbooks, step by step instruction manuals, how to draw books, teacher and student portfolios, and annual collections of student images. The list goes on and on!

I’ve been so excited by this website that I have been consumed like a crazy woman putting together our vacation photos. Next, I think I’m going to create a family cook book!

I’m going home for Christmas in less than a week! Here’s a little photo that put me in the holiday mood. (Yes, you are seeing this correctly!)