June 28, 2020

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Trying Something New

It is very easy to become stuck in art. 
Stuck on a color, style, subject matter, medium, process, brand....or whatever else one might get stuck on.  We (artists) do tend to be a stubborn lot.  Though not wanting to give up on something can be a very admirable trait, it can also cause one to stop growing as an artist.  Doing what we've always done or using what we've always used does not allow us the opportunity to grow through experiencing new things.   The act of trying something new can not only challenge us, but can be a source of new inspiration.  It isn't that we abandon or forget the hows, whats, and whys of our past creative pursuits, but that we are willing to move forward with great expectation.


Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness 
and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19

It is very easy as believers to become stuck in the past.  It might be our past mistakes.  There are many that allow who they were to keep them from becoming who they are meant to be.  Others might become stuck on past miracles/victories/strengths.  Though it is good to remember what God has done for us, we must not "live" there.  It is like the high school athlete that can't see past their "glory days" to see the good before them in the present.  God desires to do a "new thing" in and through our lives.  Living in the past and expecting things to be as they have always been prevents us from growing.  A "new thing" allows us to trust God in new ways.  This trust/faith helps us to develop a deeper relationship with God. So the Lord may call you to try something new....because he wants to do a new thing in you! 

June 26, 2020

Art With Mr.E One Day Workshop

Due to Covid-19, I had to change my annual Art With Mr. E Summer Workshop.  Usually it is a 3 day event, and we have teachers a couple different states & several counties here in Middle TN.  This year though, we only had one day and did not open it up to any new teachers.  Though our numbers were small...we had a really good time. We focused on African American Artists & Female Artists from Around the World as our inspiration.   I pray next year we are able to have things back to normal, but I'm very thankful for the teachers that participated this summer.  























June 25, 2020

David Butler

I am continuing on with feature African American Artists on my blog to encourage the art/art ed community to start searching/researching such artists to use as inspiration in their work or their classroom.  Students need to see those who look like, live like, and experienced life like them.  Great Art goes far beyond the old dead white guys most students are taught.  We must make sure to share the art, artists, and stories of  the African American community!  I hope that those of you in the art room will use this summer to explore the amazing work of those groups you might have neglected in the past.  

David Butler created 3-D work that is often considered "folk art".  Please check out this power point to learn more about his amazing work.

June 21, 2020

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: TOGETHER


Collaborative/Group projects can be challenging for students (EVERYONE!).  We are different.  We have different ideas.  Different skill sets. Different personalities. Even when you place like minded people together in a group...there are differences that arise that can cause issues in accomplishing a project.  I have seen students work so beautifully together that THEY were the true work of art.  They were different because of the experience.  I've also seen the opposite.  Amazing artists that could not figure out how to work together.  Their work showed it too!  So why do we do collaborative/group projects?  First, it is important for everyone to learn to work in groups. This is truly a life skill.  We must learn to listen, share, give, take, lead, and submit. Healthy & successful relationships, friendships, and work all need development in these areas. Second, working in a group setting can often yield amazing results.  We all have weaknesses and strengths. When we work as a group....weaknesses are minimized by others' strengths and strengths are elevated to new levels.  When we have a common vision and a desire to see one another succeed...we are so much better TOGETHER!  


How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we,thought many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:4-5

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10

In John 13:34 it says "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  Love isn't always easy, but we are commanded to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  Not only are we commanded to love one another, but we are told that THIS is how everyone will know we are true followers of Jesus.  It should be at the very core of who we are as believers. 

DO YOU HONESTLY SEE THIS FROM THOSE
WHO CLAIM TO FOLLOW CHRIST?  

What do you think, feel, or see as the reason why this is not at the core of believers today? 
Pride, self centered, insecure, detached, disingenuous? 
Look at your own life? When you are not as loving as you could be...why is that?  

We must come TOGETHER as believers, and have love at the center of our relationships, friendships, work, play, service...etc.  This requires us to put the Lord first in our lives (and not ourselves).  This will make an impact on our world. TOGETHER we can be the instruments of change.



June 17, 2020

Art School on PBS


Have you all seen Art School on PBS?  
There are some really great videos that could be shown in the classroom
 or possibly included with assignments for on-line learning.
CHECK THEM OUT!

June 14, 2020

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Do It

On Sunday's I do a post that connects art and faith.  
If that is not your thing, come back Monday-Sat for art, art ed, and other eclectic posts! 


There are many who want to follow creative pursuits, but have been told that they aren't talented, lack confidence in their ideas, or just haven't had the opportunity to develop their skills.  I've gone through seasons where I've doubted my skills as an artist, and I'm an art teacher!?  How does one get past all their hang ups to actually hang something up?  You just need to do it.  Pick up a paint brush, pencil, fabric, yarn, scissors & paper....whatever you want to work with, and CREATE!  Don't worry about being perfect.  None of us are!  Just do it....just create.  Not sure how to do something....read a book, take a class, or watch a YouTube video. Your work doesn't look like anyone else's? WHO CARES?! You are unique. You bring something special to your work.....YOU!  Share what is in your heart or on your mind.  Do it.  


Over the years, I've worked with many people who felt they weren't able to "serve the Lord" with their skill set. 

 "I don't feel I know enough of the Bible to be a Sunday school teacher."  
"I'm not a good singer...so I can't join the praise team."  
"I'm too shy to go on a mission trip."  

Now those are all great ways to serve the Lord, but that is far from an exhausted list. Can you bake?  Do you enjoy cleaning? Can you send some get well cards?  Are you really organized?  Are you good with a hammer and nails?  Are you a good listener? Can you work on cars?  
THE LIST CAN GO ON AND ON AND ON..........
Colossians 3:18 reminds us  "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus..."  I truly believe there is no difference to between "sacred" and "secular" work when we take this verse to heart.  Our life is ministry when we seek to serve the Lord with all that we are.  Do it! What ever "it" is...do it with all your heart and for the glory of the Lord. 

June 11, 2020

Reflection on Rejection


I woke up this morning to an e-mail from NAEA informing me that I've once again been rejected from the NAEA Member Exhibition.  Rejection is a reality in the arts. Writers, actors, singers, musicians, and artists all deal with rejection as they share their "acts of expression" with others. Rejection is not exclusive to the arts, but it does seem to be perceived differently.  Those who participate in creative expressions often feel that their work is an extension of themselves. Therefore, the rejection of one's work is a rejection of the artist themselves. This is a generalization.  Every artist is different.  Personality, temperament, and experience change the responses and reactions of being given a "no".  

So what do we do with rejection?  
This is something important for all artists...students & adults! 

1) Rejection of one's work is not rejection of  you.
I know that we become very connected to our work.  However, we are not our work.  Our work is a moment in time.  Our work is an expression of a thought, idea, ideal, or question, given a certain acquired skills at a specific point in time, and being expressed through a given set of supplies/materials/resources. We are constantly processing our past, growing, changing, and being influenced by outside sources.  It is like trying to hit the same water in a moving river twice.  We are not the same.  Therefore, our work is not the embodiment of who we are.  It is a snapshot.  They are not saying no to you.  They are saying no to that moment.  You have so many more moments to give! 

2) Rejection doesn't mean NEVER...it means not now.
We can not misinterpret rejection.  Sometimes artists can be a bit dramatic.  We feel deeply. So when we receive rejection, we will blow it out of proportion.  I NEVER GET SELECTED.  I WILL NEVER SHOW MY WORK. NO ONE LIKES MY ART.  Really??  Is that what you were told?  I have to admit....I'VE GONE THERE!! ha ha  I am not above the drama unfortunately. When I calm myself down though...I am able begin asking myself questions that recenter my thoughts & feelings.  Did they say I'd never show my work?  Did they say my work was awful?  Did they say I should never submit my work again?  How many times have I submitted my work?  How many rejections have I received?  Were others rejected?  These questions bring me back to "reality". Not now does not mean never!

3)  Rejection is not always about your work.
When we face rejection, we must keep in mind that we are not the only factor.  In the NAEA Member Exhibit there were over 600 submissions. I cannot even imagine being a part of the panel that juried this show!  We don’t know the other work being submitted.  We don't know exactly what the panel is looking for in their selections given the work they received.  There could be a feel or representation that they are trying to achieve that our work does not necessary "fit".  So. Many. Factors.  I have heard of people being rejected from other exhibitions because they did not fill out all the information correctly on their submission form.  The rejection may have nothing to do with a weakness in your particular work.    

4) Rejection is an opportunity for reflection.
Rejection should bring us to reflection.  It is healthy to ask "WHY" when your work is rejected. It is an opportunity for you to step back and look objectively at your work.  This should not lead you to self deprecation or despair. Don't allow "hurt" feelings to distort your thoughts.  As we have talked about in the previous sections, it might not have anything to do with your work. However, if we want to continue to progress and grow as artists....we must look at our work with a critical eye and make adjustments when necessary.   Does my work convey my intent for the piece? Does the craftsmanship of the work help or hinder the way the work is perceived? Was this work suited for the exhibition for which it was submitted?  Honest evaluation of ones work will lead to greater success in the future. HOWEVER...DO NOT....DO NOT....PLEASE DO NOT....fall into the trap of diminishing another's work to elevate your own.  Reflect on what you can control...not what you can not.    It is also good to have others that you trust to give you constructive feedback.  Sometimes we become "too close" to our work and struggle to be objective.  

5) Rejection is a call to continue!!!
Don't allow rejection to stop you from your creative pursuits.  You are in good company!!!!  If every artist quit upon receiving rejection.....there would be no art.  
If you have something to say..something to share..something that can only be expressed through your art.. 
CREATE!!!


.

June 10, 2020

Betye Irene Saar

I wanted to feature African American Artists on my blog to encourage the art/art ed community to start searching/researching such artists to use as inspiration in their work or their classroom.  Students need to see those who look like, live like, and experienced life like them.  Great Art goes far beyond the old dead white guys most students are taught.  We must make sure to share the art, artists, and stories of  the African American community!  I hope that those of you in the art room will use this summer to explore the amazing work of those groups you might have neglected in the past.  


BETYE IRENE SAAR (1926-present)


Betye is has been creating art for over 60 years, and is best known for Assemblage & Printmaking.  Her work often deals with race and femininity.  When discussing  Assemblage...most art teachers will use the work of  Louise Nevelson (which is awesome!), but bringing in the work of Saar will add variety and create a different dialog in regards to the impact of Assemblage. As with all artists you will need to look through the images you will share with your young students to make sure they are appropriate for the age you are working.  However, I feel that older/high school/college age students would really learn so much from studying the life and work of Betye Saar.  It is truly a powerful commentary! 

Learn more about her work here.....   https://www.moma.org/artists/5102











June 09, 2020

Art Supply Review: Dollar Tree Metallic Markers

Here is another Crafter’s Square art supply review! 
I found these metallic markers, and really wanted to see how they worked.
When I made this video I had found white, silver, and gold.  Just today I found another...copper. 

Let me test these art supplies...so you don’t have to!
(Unless they are awesome!!)

June 07, 2020

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: BE PRESENT


Art has the amazing ability to tap into our emotions. It can take us on a journey of great heights and tremendous depths.  It has the ability to bring tears to our eyes or make us laugh out loud. Some work has the power to enlighten our human experience. Art might cause a visceral reaction.  Even if a piece does not particularly resonate with us, it is eliciting a response none the less. However, if you are not experiencing such emotions while viewing art....WHY NOT?  Could it be that you are not truly "present"?  Being present requires us to set aside the distractions in our life and devoting our attention to a given person, place, or thing.  It is easy in our world to allow distractions to rob us of these deep felt emotional responses to art.  Put away your phone. Clear your mind of all those things that are vying for your attention.  Be present with the art.  Allow your self to think and feel deeply in response to the work that is in front of you.  Don't allow your mind to wander.  Be present. 


There is so much happening in our world right now.  It can be incredibly overwhelming.  We don't know what to think.  We don't know what to feel.  We don't know what to do. Some respond by shutting down.  Others might compartmentalize. While some will micromanage areas of their life in order to feel like they have some semblance of control.  We embrace the distractions instead of being present.  The Bible really gives us an amazing response to such a time as this.  When others are happy....be happy with them!  When they are sad...share their sorrow.  Work together. Don't act like you know it all or have it all together!  When I read these verses from Romans 12:15-16...it lets me know I don't have to have all the answers. I just need to be present. I need to have an open heart & an open mind.  I need to trust God.  I think we will truly be amazing what God can do in and through us if we just make ourselves available....with a loving and humble heart.  BE PRESENT!

June 04, 2020

David Driskell


I will be highlighting African American artists that I love and reference in my classroom in a series of posts. My hope is...if you aren’t already...do your research this summer and bring a wealth of AMAZING artists to your students that will enrich their art education experience& allow them to see themselves in the art & artists!



David Driskell
1931-2020

David Driskell was an artist and art historian that focused on African American Art. He authored and co-authored a number of books on the topic. His work is alive with color and line, and it is filled with heart felt meaning and symbolism. David passed away in April of complications with Covid 19. His contribution to the world of art will not be forgotten.


Read more about David Driskell! 

June 03, 2020

Minnie Evans

I will be highlighting African American artists that I love and reference in my classroom in a series of posts. My hope is...if you aren’t already...do your research this summer and bring a wealth of AMAZING artists to your students that will enrich their art education experience& allow them to see themselves in the art & artists!
Minnie Evans (1892–1987) Folk Artist
Minnie’s work is so beautiful!! I love her use of pattern, color, and symmetry. She often had “visions” that she then turned into art. If you click on the link below you will learn more about her life and work.