Students love to use clay. It is an inviting material because of its tactile qualities and students can find success in creating both functional and expressive works of art!
As I prepare myself for a job as an art teacher, I recognize it is important to be ready for any grade, any level as I have my provisional license for PreK-12! Within my future classes I will have a range of students--gifted artists, students with special needs and students who struggle with the confidence needed to take the plunge into art making. As I work with the clay I try to imagine how it would feel to be either of those types of students. Reflecting as I work, I think about how to make the projects more challenging for the gifted student. How can I provide more choices within this project? Also, I think about students with special needs--what kind of instructions would be needed to better aid them? Would having visuals of each step prepared help? What about using objects to create texture in the clay as a focus on experimenting to better "learn" the media? How can I support students' confidence through this endeavor? What types of peer critiques will promote positive reflection and foster a sense of unity in the classroom?
Alright, enough playing around with clay: time to make something!
For my first project, I challenged myself to use high and low relief in the creation of a symbolic work of art. This summer I have been blessed to spend so much time with my family. We have spent a lot of time together at the beach, going on bike rides and picking tomatoes from our garden! I have also grown as a professional as I have used the summer time for research and development. I have chosen the blue crab as the symbol for this clay project. Blue crabs grow by molting. During their lifespan a male blue crab molts about 25 times! I figure if a blue crab can handle that much change, than I can handle my decision (at 35) to become an art teacher alongside being a first time father. I admire the blue crab for its beauty and determination, and chose this to be my personal symbol.
I found an image on the Internet to use as a reference for the basic shape of a blue crab. (The image was not copyrighted.) Then, on a trip to the Eastern Shore to visit family I was able to get up close and personal with my chosen subject.
Right now my project is in the very beginning stages, but I am so inspired to work in clay!
The start of the school year was very busy! I was so lucky to be asked to complete a long term sub position at a local Elementary School! I learned so much and learned I have a lot...to learn!
I did find time to finish my crab relief sculpture!
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