Finding a ‘place’ or ‘space’ can be difficult in a family home with two young children and a growing art practice. I feel it is important for my family to experience me painting and being creative as this may influence them, but like all kids, art is just such fun. As can be seen from the images, the family dining table features strongly and is a hub of activity. In the Spring I have made plans to move to the garage and make a ‘place’ for myself there, so watch this ‘space’. Continue reading My Place (space) →

Working within my sketchbook/reflective journal I studied the work of various artists working in a similar area to me; abstract trees.  I selected these sources and have reflected critically on them, analysing them in terms of the Visual Elements, the language of art and design and that which I speak of and deliver to my students. The images which I selected show strong use of colour, curved shape and line as well as simplicity.  As part of my research I will attempt to produce similar works to those selected as I love the use of simple shape and coloured shapes within other shapes reminiscent of the work of Hunterwasser, hoping that in some way they may affect my own work or that of others. I also looked into Celtic symbolism to research the meaning behind specific trees.

Sacred Symbolism and Celtic Meaning of Trees (Ogham)

Birch	Beginning, Renewal, Youth
Rowan	Protection, Expression, Connection
Alder	Endurance, Strength, Passion
Willow	Imagination, Intuition, Vision
Ash	Connection, Wisdom, Surrender
Hawthorn	Contradiction, Consequence, Relationships
Oak	Strength, Stability, Nobility
Holly	Action, Assertion, Objectivity
Hazel	Creativity, Purity, Honesty
Apple	Beauty, Love, Generosity
Vine	Introspection, Relaxation, Depth
Ivy	Determination, Change, Patience
Reed	Harmony, Health, Growth
Blackthorn	Discipline, Control, Perspective
Elder	Transition, Evolution, Continuation
Fir	Clarity, Achievement, Energy
Gorse	Transmutation, Resourcefulness, Exposure
Heather	Dreams, Romance, Feelings
Poplar/Aspen	Victory, Transformation, Vision
Yew	Transference, Passage, Illusion

Diarmuid. At last I have become familiar with the technology and now have experienced a lot of satisfaction from using Voicethread. Over the past few weeks the feedback which I have received from fellow AT students is very encouraging and makes me feel less isolated as an artist. There is worth to my art making and I am delighted I have re-engaged with my Practice. My main struggle is dividing my time between producing art work and keeping abreast of E-mail messages, Voicethread and Critical reading tasks. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of the course and feel my learning curve has expanded enourmously over the past 4 months. Diane

Alison Dunlop is a Canadian Artist who produces magnificent studies of knotted fabric and cloth. Her canvases are life sized and impressive.  Inspired by Dunlop, I completed several studies, which was a difficult task as there is so much attention to detail in her work. I encouraged my S3 level 4 pupils to complete observational drawings and study her work, attempting to copy it in order to understand how the folds and knots in fabric work, in terms of tonal values from dark to mid tone right the way through to the lightest areas.  I have included two examples of my own work which inspired a recent painting I completed as part of my Masters Artist Teacher programme.  This work is on show in another post, see if you can identify it.  Pupil work is also exhibited, which is excellent.

Pupils can be seen using Anytime Anywhere technology within the classroom to facilitate learning. Photographs which are being used as secondary source were taken previously and are being referred back to. Within the New National Qualifications Unit specifications there is a reference to the use of a sketchbook for reflective practice and to record work. This has also been discussed at Neighbourhood meetings, where it has been suggested as a starting point that a sketchbook be used for Art and Design Critical studies.  The sketchbook would become a learning journal, diary of work and as it is small and portable, offers flexibility  for students on the move who may prefer to work at home or with a friend.