Why I Teach

Dear Mrs. "Dub"'

" Thou art a flowering smooth faced- toast."

Love,

Jovanna

I am a teacher

I am a teacher. Monday through Friday I teach art to inner city art students.

Thirteen years now and I have yet to feel that I've got it. That certain lesson or lecture or hands on demonstration that is going to mesmerize everybody, leading them to their own aha moment. I think that's what guides me and eggs me on. What sucks me in most of all are the stories. The quirks, the utter silliness that is us, shown most clear in adolescence.

Sometimes I come home from work exhilarated and content. Sometimes I come home preoccupied and concerned. Knowing that many of my students have a life that I once had keeps me in the game.

I think about when I was in high school. I was an introvert, quiet, no self esteem. Mediocre grades, no motivation really. A voracious reader, hungry for more than what I had. Books took me to another place and time.

I had a Social Studies teacher who took me aside one day and said, "You are much more than this.I see it in you.... Do something about it".

And so, I did.

Back again

I enjoyed a fall break this week. Reading, putzing, cleaning out closets, making interesting meals. Visualize scallops with cream and pear brandy? Now eat them when their not quite cooked through.. ewwww!
Painted backgrounds for a set of figures I'm doing. And then, today as I'm bending over to put a load of whites in the wash... Aiyeee, the back goes out. really, what is up with this body.. She's a talkin. Or is it shouting?

How to kick the "I'm blocked doldrums"

Since July 5th my last post I have been ...thinking. A lot. I suppose deep thoughts. Like this one.
What shall I create today?
And finding myself blocked.
I took Art Propelled's advise http:artpropelled.blogspot.com/ and made mini collages. 10 minutes tops.
I'll post when I can find my camera :D

Sexy Beast

Here is a painting of my husband naked! Oh my...

After Da Vinci

Bad Hair Day

Sometimes in the morning my husband says I look like this!