May 29, 2015

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: God Doesn't Make Sense?!?!


Duchamp's The Fountain

...but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong...
1 Corinthians 1:27

The first time I saw Duchamp's "The Fountain"...I was flabbergasted.  That was art?  Really?  I knew growing up in a forest with little art exposure I had a lot to learn, but a urinal was not art!   However...I was asked to look at it not with what I knew...but what I did not know.  Sometimes, when we don't understand things...we need to come with open heart & mind, and a willingness to learn.  (ps...I still don't care for The Fountain, but I'm thankful for it helping me gain new perspective).

Ever feel like God doesn't make sense, or the things He is doing doesn't make sense?  
Well, you are in good company....we've all been there.  To be honest with you though, you probably understand God & His ways better than those who think they have it all figured out!  Those that come to God honestly searching will find Truth a lot faster than those that think they've got it figured out...because they've probably put God in a box.  I use to think I really understood God....I knew Him...I knew His Word...and I knew how He worked.  However, I was placed in a situation that was completely foreign to me.  I felt lost...confused....and wondered where God was in the midst of it.  
What most would consider a negative experience, I later saw as the beginning of understanding.  God never fails to amaze me how He will use the craziest(foolish) things to help me to know Him...and make Him known.  He meets me right where I am at....and speaks to me by any means necessary!  

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for speaking to me...right where I am. I praise you for using the " foolish " things of this world...I praise you for using me!!  May I never try to put you in a box...but seek you out as you truly are.  Thank you Lord!  

Ending & Beginning

         

  Today is our(teachers) last day.  Busy packing up for the summer...trying to purge, organize, and set up for next year(like my colors for next year?).  Excited for summer....and excited for next year. Going to try to fuse a lot of science in....we'll see how it goes!  Stay tuned all summer long..school might be over, but Mr. E never stops! Haha

May 27, 2015

Silly Request: VOTE!!!!


Totally silly...non-arted related request.  
CAN YOU GO VOTE FOR ME??
As of this morning...it was a very close race between me and another singer(yes..I said singer).  Winner gets a $50 gift card...and for a family of 5...that would be a blessing!!!!

Go to Facebook & "LIKE" Chick-fil-A Lebanon.
Then scroll down till you find my video...it will say something about sing for your supper and then my name...TED EDINGER. When you find me..."LIKE" my video.  Voting closes at 8pm CST.
THANK YOU!!!  Go to my Facebook page for Art With Mr. E to see if I win. 
YA'LL ROCK!!! 

May 24, 2015

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: K.I.S.S.


If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if i have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, i am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, i gain nothing.  
love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails. 
1 Corinthians 13: 1-8a

KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!
Have you ever heard of the K.I.S.S. Method before?  KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID.  Yes, it is a bit crass, but the point is clear.  How often we muck things up by being fussy, over explaining, or not meeting people where they are at.  I know that when I try to say too much in my art work...it never says anything I want it to say!  I end up overworking the idea, and am left with something that does not reflect the image that was imagined within.  Creating purely...without filtering it through training, thoughts of who will be viewing it, if someone will buy it, or if it is "relevant" will allow the artist to speak from their heart.  

Paul Klee is credited with this quote, "Children also have artistic ability, and there is wisdom in their having it!  The more helpless they are, the more instructive are the examples they furnish us; and they must be preserved free of corruption from an early age."  

In Matthew 19:14 we see Jesus saying " Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Why do Klee & Jesus refer to children with such fondness.  Children keep it simple & pure!
This is good for art & for faith.

ART TEACHER: WHAT DID YOU MAKE?
CHILD:  I MADE MY MOMMY BECAUSE I LOVE HER.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER: WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT JESUS?
CHILD:  JESUS LOVES ME..THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.(direct quote from my 3 yr old)

If we could regain this beautiful simplicity in our life...how much better off would we be!  We read in 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8a about love.  It isn't about all the other "stuff"...it is about love. Without love...the "stuff" is meaningless.  Pretty simple, right?  Can we not get back to the basics?

READ GOD'S WORD...IT IS HIS LETTER OF LOVE TO EACH OF US
SPEND TIME PRAYING....DON'T YOU LIKE TALKING & LISTENING TO THE ONES YOU LOVE & WHO LOVE YOU?
SHARE GOD'S LOVE WITH OTHERS...YOU ALREADY TALK ABOUT THE TEAMS, PRODUCTS, STORES, AND BOOKS YOU LOVE....WHY NOT YOUR SAVIOR?
SPEND TIME WITH GOD'S PEOPLE...IF HE LOVES THEM...SHOULDN'T YOU? (YES THEY ARE ALL HYPOCRITES...YOU'LL FIT RIGHT IN!!!)

PRAYER

God..You are worthy of my praise.  You are worth of my love.  You are worthy of my life.
I thank you for loving me.  I ask that you help me to get back to the basics.
 Help me to embrace the simplicity of the gospel & Christian life:  LOVE!
May this simple message of love impact me to the core & how I live, work, play, interact...love!

In Christ Jesus....AMEN

May 21, 2015

Ummmmm.....


Do you ever come across those 
pictures that make ya giggle...
like a middle school boy???  

May 17, 2015

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Things Above


Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2

Grant Wood is an amazing American artist best know for his painting American Gothic, but it is his landscapes I love.  I grew up in the Midwest, and his idealized landscapes/farm scenes truly appeal to me.  The order and simplicity he brings to his paintings shows a Utopian view of rural life.  Though it is lovely.. it is not reality. It comes off a bit peculiar/ plastic 

Many idealize the time, place, and life we find ourselves.  The conveniences, advancements, wealth, and opportunity become gods.  Though we are somewhat aware of the issues of our world, we continue on in our bubble of self importance & self sufficiency. 
We idealize our role in this world.  We minimize our negative impact on it.  We show the world what we want them to see...important, powerful, pre-packaged perfection. 

In Colossians 3:1-2, we are asked to set our hearts & minds on things above, and not on things of this earth.  Our hearts and minds should be on the Lord!  If they are then we'll not concern ourselves with the things of this world.  Not that we should go live in a cave somewhere to avoid "THE WORLD", but that when we have our hearts & minds on Him...the things of this world do not distract us.  We do not waste time trying to obtain meaningless things or approval.  We do not worry about an idealized version of ourselves...because all we know to be is real...authentic.  That's what "the world" needs...real people loving God...living life...making a difference for Him!  

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for loving me.
 Thank you for Your Word.
 Allow me to keep my heart & mind on You,
 and may my life reflect those things.
May this world lose it's appeal,
 but let my heart break for those trying to be like it.
May Your grace & love guide my tongue as I speak
    to those you place in my path as long as I have life.   

In Your Name Lord Jesus,
AMEN





May 15, 2015

Tree Weavings: 4th Grade

Tree Weavings in Progress
This is the lesson made famous by Mrs. Cassie Stephens!  I usually do a more traditional rectangle 9in x 13in weaving.  However, time seemed in short supply this year.  The tree weaving takes a lot less time & is more forgiving for those students that struggle with hour glassing.  Week one I had students draw & paint a landscape for the background.  Week two they warped their loom & started the first string.  Week three students continued the weaving and began adding beads.  Most students are almost finished after week three.  It will take a partial class to finish the rest.  They've loved it!!  Adding the beads was a new trick for me....but I really like it.  Even if I return to the rectangular weaving...I think I'll keep the beads!!  





                                     

May 09, 2015

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Perspective

'As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.  

Ephesians 4: 1-6

I really enjoy teaching perspective drawing, and one point perspective is my favorite. It is a concept that most students will wrestle with at first.  Making sure that EVERYTHING is lined up with that point can be a struggle.  Even one line that does not line up with the point can throw the whole thing off.  However, once they get that "THE POINT OF THE POINT IS TO GO TO THE POINT" they are able to draw with great success.  

Our lives are very much like one point perspective.  We must line EVERYTHING up with the Lord.  Anything not in alignment with the Lord & His Word will throw things off. We allow selfishness, anger, greed, apathy...or a host of other things to take our focus off of God, and our lives will not look as they should.  Ephesians 4:1-6 feels like perspective to me.  We are reminded of our calling, to be humble, loving, and united in Him. If we have those things in perspective, then our lives will operate as God intended.  For those of us who know the Lord, we should pray that God will make us aware when our lives begin losing focus on Him.  We should also strive to have brothers & sisters in the Lord that will hold us accountable and know us well enough to call us out when they see things are not right.  

The Point of the Point is to Go to the Point!  
In this crazy world where distractions are EVERYWHERE....KEEP THE POINT THE POINT! 

PRAYER
Lord, let our life focus on you. May everything we do line up with Your will and desire for our life. May our attitudes and actions reflect that focus of our hearts.  
Amen

May 07, 2015

Pattern Fish: 1st Grade

        
End of the year is almost here!  I like to do some projects with my younger ones to make sure they they have mastered some of the important skills.  Cutting, gluing, pattern, craftsmanship(in coloring)...stuff like that!  These fish get all those skills into one project(two class times).  We looked at Zentangles for inspiration.  I feel that some of the sites out there can really open students eyes up to patterns being more than circle square circle square!!!  



   


     

May 06, 2015

Oh Georgia!

          

I tend to put some of my best student work on my blog....I think most of us do that.  However, like you....some of my students struggle to follow directions, complete tasks, or give me their best work.  Aren't we all like that from time to time? 


So how do we motivate the student that is not meeting grade level expectations?
PATIENCE is a big thing!  At the end of the school year...I know it can be in short supply.  Many of our children need to be loved & encouraged through the struggles.  Sometimes those struggles are not reflective of their feelings/abilities for art...but go deeper into personal/home life issues.  Not that we need to make excuses...but have understanding.

Next...don't let them get away with it!  Call them out on what they are doing wrong.  They won't grow if they don't know...or aren't made aware that you expect more from them.

Spend time with them...set down and work beside them with one of your examples.  Model good artist behavior...model good craftmanship.  Things like this are better caught than taught.  They "catch" you doing the right thing...they may try to "copy" that behavior!!  

Not long now...you can do it!!!  Help your kids finish out strong!!

May 05, 2015

Teacher Appreciation Week


If no one else tells you....I APPRECIATE YOU!
  Your efforts may go unnoticed by many...but I know the thought, energy, and effort that goes into what you do.  You reach children in a way that other subjects can't!  You may be misunderstood by some, but the kids get you & what you do....and really....that is why we do what we do!!!  You are a creative power house! You bring a skill set others dream about.  You bring heart to the institution of education.  
YOU. ARE. AWESOME.

As an art educator & a father of three...I say to you...you are loved, valued, and appreciated!!  Know you make a difference. I know that your beauty makes school more beautiful for hurting children, for frustrated children, for kids that are just about ready to give up!  
YOU. BRING. HOPE.

So dear friends...if you are feeling unappreciated...if you are feeling burn out...if you aren't sure you can go on another day(or another year)....please know your worth is not in the frustrations...but the successes that happen on a daily basis in your classroom.  
THANK. YOU. FOR. BEING. AN. ART. TEACHER.

May 03, 2015

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: PRAISE

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.  Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.  For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.  Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
Psalm 96: 1- 6


When I first saw Christo's work, 
I thought it was.....interesting.
The grand scale was enough to cause awe/wonder,
 but I still wondered WHY? 

Have you ever taken something/someone for granted?  You get use to it/them.  They no longer seem special.....just "the norm".   A new restaurant, romance, recreation, friend...at first you talk about them to everyone you know(and some you might not know).  Then you mention it every once and awhile.  Soon people are having to ask you...."Hey, what was that restaurant you went on and on about?"  "How is your relationship going?"  "Are you still enjoying working out?"  

As I asked the question "WHY?" about Christo's work....I realized something.  I was noticing something I might have overlooked otherwise.  Somehow the art brought attention to what had been right in front of me all along.  Though I appreciate his work....it made me appreciate "HIS" work even more!  Christo's art brings back the awe & wonder to what had been there all along.  

Too often I find myself use to the goodness of God.  I take for granted His gift of love & life.   I forget the blessing I have in His Word!   I want to point people to the Lord.  I want to put a spot light on His awesomeness.  I want to bring Him honor...and glory.  He is great and worthy to be praised!  May I never become so use to His creation...His grace...His presence in my life that I "forget" or "forgo" giving Him the praise!

PRAYER

Dear Lord,  Thank you for who You are,
for all you've done,
and for loving me so beautifully.
Lord may Your praise be on my lips.
May it be uncontainable.
May my eyes & my heart see how worthy you are to be praised....EACH & EVERY DAY!



May 01, 2015

The Spore Project: Complete


Last year I stumbled upon the Spore Project.  I thought the idea was super fun & knew I wanted to take part.  However...it was the end of the school year & I just didn't have time to fit it in.  After completing the Kandinsky Fence project...I knew exactly how I wanted to do the Spore Project.  I envisioned the mushrooms looking like they were coming to their "mother ship".  This dictated what colors I'd use and how I'd place the mushrooms.  The kids really loved making the mushrooms....and the parent's were yelling "love" out their windows as I was installing them this morning. (and one posted on Facebook before I got back into the school!! ha ha)  After I "planted" them all...I sprayed them with adhesive and sprinkled glitter on them.   You can't really see it in the pictures..but the morning sun makes them shine!!!  I then sprayed a clear coat of acrylic on them.  Not sure how long they will last, but I'm hoping a week or so.  We're suppose to have good sunny weather the next 7 days!! Maybe I'll post pics as they begin to "weather".   

Want to learn more about the Spore Project...