Cherish's Translation to Teaching

In the past week I have learned numerous ways to create art and generate/store ideas for art-making. During the week in sketchbook, Lauren helped me to realize that sketchbooks/books are not always created to exist as art objects in themselves. Books are opportunities to generate, alter, magnify, and expand ideas. Books should be viewed as opportunities for failure and success, both of which further learning. When I become a teacher, I plan to help students generate and alter ideas through the use of their own books. The paper+tape, flag, one-sheet, and color association book would be great activities to generate and hold student interest during class. Students could work in an"everything book" for an entire semester, which would allow students and myself to document progress and ideas. Project books/altered book would be an amazing way for students to express their self-interests and communicate with others. To prepare for the implementation of sketchbook/idea development in my classroom, and I plan to continue trying-out new methods of art-making and idea generation through the use of books.

Response to Allison's Project Book

I had the opportunity to sit across from Allison this week in Sketchbook, and in that time learned so much from watching her develop her project book. I was fascinated to hear that most of the words associated with Dyslexia have definitions that could be interpreted in a visual manner. The way that she designed small windows to illustrate her artwork and used definitions to further develop her ideas in her project book inspired me to go farther with my own project book.

I was also impressed by the personal nature of her project. I think her interest and investment in her chosen subject generated an genuine connection between the audience and her artwork.

Cherish's Phrase Prompts

1. Average Joe

2. It is what it is...

3. Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it.

4. Mr. Tough Guy

6. The early bird gets the...

5. Seeing is believing

6. Time flies when you're...

7. Look before you leap

8. There's no place like home

9. Good help is hard to find

10. Smarty Pants

Cherish's Project Book

My project book began with the idea of exploring family ghost stories. Eventually I focused on the story of "the hollerin' thing", a ghost that haunts Shelby, Alabama. I learned so much through the development of this book, I have decided to continue exploring this subject through personal research and artwork. I hope to find out more about the stories told in Shelby, Alabama, and how these stories fit into the tradition of storytelling in cultures around the world.

Cherish's Everything Book

Some of my favorite everything book exercises were those that I had never thought to attempt in my personal sketchbooks. I loved the results that yielded from drawing donuts with my left hand, recreating memories with my eyes closed, representing figures in a minute, and making mini-collages. I now view my sketchbooks as a tool for the generation of interesting and fun drawing/compositional activities.

Cherish's Found Drawing Series

I was so inspired by the wings of the butterflies in the butterfly rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History. The first two images show the beauty of wingspans against natural backgrounds. The second two are up-close images of the interesting lines on butterfly wings.

Cherish's Altered Book

The altered book project was an amazing way to mine inspiration and creative ideas from objects that we encounter everyday. While altering my book, I discovered many processes and compositions that I would like to use in the future. Perhaps more importantly, I learned which processes and compositions didn't seem to work. This book also offered a wonderful opportunity to communicate with my peers and instructor and apply their suggestions to the book-altering process.

Cherish's Choices

These books were so much fun to make, I couldn't choose just one! The creation of each book illustrated how limitations on time and available materials can yield creative objects and exciting ideas for future projects. Making books such as these will be a great way for art students to begin developing critical thought and ideas.