Art 5360 My Final Thoughts

     As I take this opportunity to review and reflect on blog events this past semester, I would be remiss if I didn't say that I was overwhelmed by the enormity of specialities in Art that my colleagues/fellow teachers bring to their education fields. What a privilege it has been for me to learn from all of you in your own Art journeys and investigations. I feel like the baby in our group (as I didn't come from an Art background and haven't experienced working with many materials as most of you have), and I have so very much to learn from all of you to make my artistic endeavors as well rounded as possible. Thank You all so very much.

     Before this semester, I knew very little about fiber arts and textile designs that Carleen has discussed. Carleen's contributions about fiber arts has caused me to think about how I could apply textile making opportunities at the elementary level from her lengthy educational experiences.

Lynn histories of "Home" and the interconnections of the enormity of things that provide refuge, safety and imageries of memories is profound. So many layers of imageries that startle and soothe our soul. I respect the journeys of life and the many things that shape who we are today.

Martha, your explorations in clay and fused glass have taught me to reach further in ceramic design than I ever thought possible. I love how you will tie fused glass design with your ceramic work and how glass and ceramic imageries fuse together so beautifully. The spiritual and imaginary ideals are very strong. I am most curious to see your future developments.

Germain, the realm of your work encourages me with your every post. I too can appreciate Jeff Wheeler's work from his colorful ideals. His class (Experimental Drawing) was my first in the MAE program 2 years ago and I loved every aspect of his drawing requirements. Your graffiti artwork is inspiring and I've so much to learn about that medium that I have virtually no experience in. I truly enjoyed reading about your collaborative work with your Mom to integrate fiber arts into your designs. A beautiful way in which to tie your imageries and histories together.

Ana, I too am saddened that core teachers remain complacent about interacting with the Visual Arts. It seems that the Fine Arts don't exist in their minds, or at least not much. Wow, how can that possibly be. I would think that the core curriculum would be hungry to establish new ideologies to connect with youth through various visual technologies that youth are absorbed into today. That could connect them rather than separate them.

Emily, although I didn't have interaction with you this semester, you really opened up my eyes to the enormity of issues/concerns that affect the LGBTQ community. Societal change to LGBTQ ideals cannot happen soon enough in society today.

Bailey, watching you work tirelessly on your wood carvings (with such detail) in John Hancock's class in Junction was simply incredible. Teaching is such a natural for you, I can learn so much from your learned histories, enthusiasm and genuine love for working with and serving young adults.

Daniel, your work and the manners in which you bring depth to your artistic endeavors is amazing. I could visit with you forever about ceramics. I hope there will be opportunities often that you and I can discuss my ceramic evolutions at the LHUCA Clay Studio. My phone is (214) 636-1190. Call me anytime. I hope I can bisque and fire 3-4 little test vessels with a reduction firing soon. Let me know if you're interested. I think Andrew said they were going to do 1 reduction firing in December, but I don't know when.

David, I really like your concept of doors as forms of societal interactions through Art. There is so much opportunity for imageries to be conveyed. If you're interested in discussing further about architecture as a refuge for art, please let me know. I would be most interested in investigating avenues for creativity. Doors as open, closed passageways, vistas for opportunities, keeping out/keeping in, are all significant with rich meanings. It's all so interconnected to our personal histories in so many ways. I will certainly keep in touch with you about special needs concerns, programs and ideologies that will fortify my beginnings with special needs individuals.

Andrea, Your explorations/developments and your posts with drawing and painting mediums through spiritual imagery has been refreshing and encouraging for me. I haven't much experience in Oils or Acrylics, but seeing your work encourages me to try. Your journeys of healing and forgiveness are significant in your artwork. I loved seeing the graffiti project on Facebook.

Pamela, your wood block carvings, bookmaking abilities, and your drawing and painting abilities of the intricate stories they tell, are amazing. They take me back to family imageries that I can also relate to in some ways. So many layers with so much meaning and inferences. I have seen you grow in Junction the past 2 summers and I have enjoyed learning from your personal journeys, accomplishments and journeys with your talented daughter.

Goodbye everyone. I have really enjoyed the blog interactions with everyone this semester. The blog submittals and interactions have opened my eyes to the big, vast Art world through so many of your fascinating, treasured journeys. My email addresses are rwk582002@yahoo.com and richard.w.kincheloe@ttu.edu