Social Media is bleeding images and stories from every corner of the world and adding competing opinions... sometimes based in fact, sometimes based in propaganda... I'd like to reach your hearts from another approach and trust you to develop your own feelings on these impressive people. 7 Palestinian artists you will want to know... From … Continue reading A People’s Art: Part 1: Art Can Be A Positive Voice For Change: A People’s Art: Part 1: A People’s Art: Part 1:
An Obsession to Fill – Deconstructing Picasso’s Guernica
I feel that I became interested in Picasso's Guernica way before my time living in Spain. However, that might be where my obsession with it began, as I spent nearly every other Sunday in the special gallery for this painting at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. I believe it was there in 1996 … Continue reading An Obsession to Fill – Deconstructing Picasso’s Guernica
A Symphony of Suffering: A Critical Analysis of Picasso’s Guernica
Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" stands as an iconic representation of the horrors of war and the human capacity for cruelty. Created in response to the bombing of the Spanish town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War in 1937, the painting is a powerful and haunting masterpiece that transcends its historical context to evoke universal themes of human suffering and the destructive nature of conflict.
Teacher, Tutor, Lifelong Learner – A Reflection on my Philosophy
It's amazing how much I am able to sit back and reflect on things when I'm not in the classroom... Thank goodness for holiday breaks, they really allow me to see how much energy I give my students every day and why I have so little brain power left at the end of the day. … Continue reading Teacher, Tutor, Lifelong Learner – A Reflection on my Philosophy
A Little Rebranding, Reflection, and Growth (T.O.M.A.)
The revenue insecurity of being a teacher in Quebec has me reflecting upon why I love to teach... Is it related exclusively to an age group? Is it a specific subject? Is it even the desire to share knowledge? NOPE! To all of these! It's always been about seeing the world through the eyes of … Continue reading A Little Rebranding, Reflection, and Growth (T.O.M.A.)
Coltrane – Inspired by Basquiat
Oil Pastels on black construction paper; H-45cm x W-30cm I had a day in my curriculum that needed to be filled... it didn't want to start a new. lesson unit (project) right before the holidays, so I decided to have some fun and do some material exploration work while introducing an artist's work I absolutely … Continue reading Coltrane – Inspired by Basquiat
Raffi – Inspired by Basquiat
Dry (Soft) Pastels on thin drawing paper; H-45cm x W-30cm I had a day in my curriculum that needed to be filled... it didn't want to start a new. lesson unit (project) right before the holidays, so I decided to have some fun and do some material exploration work while introducing an artist's work I … Continue reading Raffi – Inspired by Basquiat
Clyde – Inspired by Basquiat
Dry (Soft) Pastels on thin drawing paper; H-45cm x W-30cm I had a day in my curriculum that needed to be filled... it didn't want to start a new. lesson unit (project) right before the holidays, so I decided to have some fun and do some material exploration work while introducing an artist's work I … Continue reading Clyde – Inspired by Basquiat
Exploring the Turmoil Within: Navigating Conflicting Emotions in the Face of Loss
Rest in Peace, Dad. My father died on Saturday, August 5th, 2023 (Born Dec 20th, 1930). We continue to be blessed to have had you in our lives. In the final weeks he was surrounded by his devoted and loving wife of 68 years, and members of our family. The loss is hitting each of … Continue reading Exploring the Turmoil Within: Navigating Conflicting Emotions in the Face of Loss
A Teacher’s Perspective on Understanding and Overcoming Learned Helplessness
What is Learned Helplessness? Learned helplessness is a psychological concept that was initially formulated by psychologist Martin Seligman through his experiments in the 1960s. It refers to a state of passive resignation or inaction that occurs when individuals believe that they have no control over their situation, even when opportunities for change or escape are … Continue reading A Teacher’s Perspective on Understanding and Overcoming Learned Helplessness
The New Renaissance Mindset 