New Teaching Blog

I just finished my third week teaching at The Living and Learning School on Haida Gwaii, and have become somewhat consumed with my job.  I love designing lessons and spending time with my students, and to be honest, our school is just pretty awesome.  Our playground is a rocky beach, we go on adventures almost every Friday afternoon, and our kids are wise beyond their years.  I started a new teaching blog, where I will share my experiences, and I will update it on a weekly basis.  Follow this link to check it out!  xo

and scarlet leonine.

I have always had a lot of admiration for my brother Dan, who also goes by the name and scarlet leonine.  He continually inspires me with the layered and lovely songs he writes, and the beautiful art work he creates.  You can read an interview with him here, and while you're at it, check out a few of his amazing Ace of Base cover songs on youtube.

enjoy.

How very enchanting

Perhaps my Manga-loving students have inspired me to revisit the stunning work of Audrey Kawasaki, whose style has been described as a fusion of Art Nouveau and Japanese Manga.  Her lines are certainly reminiscent of the Czech painter Alphonse Mucha, and are almost begging to be tattooed onto someone's arm.  I particularly enjoy her thoughtful application of paint and the wood grain left visible beneath it. You can visit Audrey's website, and read an interesting article with some images of her process here.

Flashing light, flashing lights..

Check out this adorable music making program, posted on the blog, Nothing is True.  The flashing lights and bell chimes make it ever so enticing, and a little hypnotic.  Click around and have some fun!! xox

Sounds like..

I find these intricate textile pieces by visual artist Nick Cave so appealing!  They remind me of high fashion versions of the rainbow-coloured crochet granny quilts that you often find in thrift shops.  When in motion, they put me in mind of the whimsical creatures from Where the Wild Things Are or The Muppet Show.  I love the glamour and playfulness of these sculptural works, and would love to have a closer look, as I'm sure the fine details are stunning.  Nick Cave is represented by the Jack Shainman Gallery in New York, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that a former Montreal teacher of mine, Pierre Dorion, is currently exhibiting there.  You can check out more of Nick Cave's work on his website. 

Listening to...

Jesus Fever by Kurt Vile.

This ever so catchy song has been running through my mind all day long. In an effort to clear my head, I am passing it your way. Download Jesus Fever for free on Kurt's website, or give it a listen on Pitchfork.

I pack my suitcase with myself, but I'm already gone...

Gummi bears galore x

Who knew that gummi bears could be so elegant? I happened upon these gorgeous chandeliers online and couldn't resist posting them. I recently moved into a new place, (which happens more often than I would like to admit), and I have the decorating bug once again. There is only one furniture store in Queen Charlotte, and no Haida Gwaii craigslist, which has forced my roommate and I to be rather inventive. We have spent the past few weeks gathering logs and driftwood, 'building' couches out of old shelves, and sewing cushion covers. As cozy as our granny bungalow is becoming, I can't help but imagine a stark white industrial space featuring a glowing gummi bear chandelier. Oh how the grass is always greener...

I showed this post to one of the parents from my school, and we just decided to try our hand at making one for our upcoming Chocolate Circus! The chandelier above was made by artist Yaya Chou, and below by a company called Jellio.

Kid Politics

I recently listened to an interesting podcast on This American Life that investigates the idea of kids becoming involved in politics. Ira Glass begins by discussing a documentary called Please Vote for me by Weijun Chen, that I happen to have watched on an amazing zine-style compilation of films and shorts that my brother gave me last Christmas. It was super interesting to witness the eight-year old children's approaches to campaigning for votes. Another fascinating part of the podcast focuses on the free school movement. The staff visits The Brooklyn Free School, where students are given the power to make all of their own decisions through frequent school meetings and discussions. It is particularly relevant to me, considering that I am working at a school with similar values regarding student autonomy. As a new teacher, I am drawn to alternative education, but also respect many aspects of public schooling. Give it a listen, and see what you think!

United Thread

Before I moved away, I decided to give away all of my oil paints, brushes, canvases and easel to an artist friend of mine. Although I'm sure she has been enjoying them, I miss my paints terribly. Living in such a magical place is inspiring me to paint more than ever, so I have been trying my hand at watercolour. I must say, so far it has been quite a challenge!! I have become accustomed to layering and blending oil paints and have a hard time thinking in washes. The other day, I stumbled upon an etsy site called United Thread, and instantly became inspired. The artist, Michelle's illustrations are gorgeous! I really admire her unique application of paint and thoughtful compositions. I could definitely see her illustrating children's books if she hasn't done so already.

Marla, Marla, Marla...

I would love to share one of my very favourite websites with you. I visit this site every week or so, and I am always inspired by the creative projects that Marla and her students come up with. Marla McLean is an atelierista at the Reggio-inspired Peabody School in Washington DC. Her skill as an art teacher shines through in her students' work, and she is a wonderful story teller and photographer. I have been feeling disheartened at the overall lack of quality visual arts programs that exist (or don't exist) in most public schools today. Visiting Marla's blog reminds me that there are exceptional art teachers out there, fighting the good fight. Thanks Marla!! xo

Temple Grandin

I am currently supporting an eight year old student who has been diagnosed with high-functioning Autism. Working alongside him has motivated me to further understand how individuals with Autism might experience daily life differently. I recently watched the new(ish) Temple Grandin film starring Claire Danes, who does an incredible job portraying an incredible woman. I would definitely recommend watching this film, as well as the documentary, entitled 'The Woman who Thinks Like a Cow' which you can find on you tube. Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a child, and has since earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, as well as a Masters degree and a PhD in Animal Science. She is a strong advocate for the ethical treatment of animals, and has used her knowledge of animal behaviour to redesign the cattle industry. Check out her TED talk here.

Live and Learn

I am currently working at an alternative school in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, called The Living and Learning School. It is situated on the edge of the ocean, and I love to see the children playing on the beach at recess and lunch time. One day, a five year old student of mine explained to me how to hunt for baby crabs by flipping rocks, then making tiny boats for them out of shells. She asked me to hold a medium sized baby crab for her, and I got spooked and dropped it in a puddle! She looked at me for a moment and said, “It’s okay, when I was a little girl, I was scared to hold them too.” Ah, when the teacher becomes the student. I suppose I have a lot to learn about island life.

Sailing the Haida Seas

I have recently moved to the lovely islands of Haida Gwaii and I have been simply bowled-over by the wild beauty that surrounds me. I am so grateful to my lovely friend Alicia and my new friend Doug, for their warmth and hospitality. I look forward to posting some photographs and stories soon!

I Heart Brian Wildsmith

I can't get enough of Brian Wildsmith's ridiculously gorgeous art work!! Flocks of birds and forest animals, surrounded by psychedelic swirls and geometric prints. I just borrowed two books from the library, The Lazy Bear and The Owl and the Woodpecker. I haven't read them yet, but the illustrations alone, are enough to get through the rest of the school day. xox

Kristi Malakoff

I finally went to see the new(ish) exhibition, How Soon is Now? at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Tuesday. Of all the amazing B.C. artists, my favourite was Kristi Malakoff whose work can be spotted immediately upon entering the exhibit.  A huge psychedelic pink and purple skull made entirely of flower cut outs, smiles from one prominent wall of the gallery.

Another of her pieces sits on the floor and is made out of compacted crepe paper carefully shaped into an optical target.  I immediately checked out her beautiful website that showcases plenty more of her intricate and vibrant installations.  (the Swarm butterflies are sweet)  I can't wait to introduce her work to my grade three students in the spring time!! xo

kristimalakoff.com

Stefan Thompson

I have finally started painting again, the sun is shining and I couldn't be happier.  Today I came across some paintings by Stefan Thompson and had to smile.  He is an Ottawa-born, environmentally sensitive artist who uses natural materials and objects in his work.  His style is super charming, interesting and magical.  Stefan is showing his work from April 2nd to April 26th at Studio 161/2 in Victoria BC.  Check out his website below!!

www.stefanthompson.com

design by the book

Design Sponge is a fabulous website and I often check it out for updates and inspiration. It wasn't until recently that I noticed a videos section, including an amazing series called Design by the Book. Head writer Grace Bonney hosts the show and follows five artists as they create work inspired by what they find in the New York Public Library. It's exciting to see the range of ideas they come up with, and also a refreshing change from reality television.

You can find the four videos here (Design Sponge website) or on Youtube. Enjoy!!

If your grandma were a renegade graffiti artist, her mark-making might look a little something like this.  To quote their glorious website, "...a tag crew of knitters bombing the inner city, with vibrant stitched works of art, wrapping around everything from beer bottles on easy nights to public monuments and utility poles on more ambitious outings.  With a mix of clandestine moves and gangsta rap

--Knitta was born!!"  

Check out Knitta's online gallery here for more bad-ass craftiness:

Mandy Greer

It was a gorgeous day outside, and although I have papers to write and books to read, I decided to go for a very long walk, drink way too much coffee and eat a huge frozen yogurt sundae.  I also bought a few second hand books and art magazines including the new edition of Hi Fructose, which I chose specifically for it's article on fibre artist Mandy Greer.  In a recent exhibit at the Bellevue Art Museum outside Seattle, she displayed a new installation called 'Dare Alla Luce', which means to give birth in Italian, or more literally, to give to the light.  It almost looks like a rain forest scene, draped with long hanging knit and beaded ropes, a pearl and diamond moon and black leather pelicans and crows.  I am astounded at the intricacy of her work and the obvious care and dedication that she puts into every meticulous detail. Another installation titled 'A Small but Mighty Wandering Pearl' displays a white stag with pearl encrusted antlers surrounded by crocheted red yarn, thread and beads representing blood.  A blood red chandelier hangs behind the animal's dying body.  I think her work is the kind you would probably have to see to believe and I hope I get a chance to walk through her world some day.  

Check out her website and blog.

99 red balloons

I watched the classic film Le Ballon Rouge by Albert Lamorisse today. I own a copy of this book, but it is currently gathering dust in my mother's attic along with piles of my old paintings.

The film follows a the director's son, Pascal and his 'found object', a giant red balloon, through the streets of Paris. He finally gets swept away by a cloud of rainbow coloured balloons and soars above the city. This film was remade earlier this year, and although I haven't yet seen it, I often wonder why mess with a good thing? Maybe directors should start remaking the really terrible films that need a little makeover instead. You can watch the entire 32 minute film on video.google.com