Visual Art

I learned that I wasn't as educated in visual art as I thought. I learned so much about the principles of visual art and also the elements of visual art. I also learned that we could use visual art in many different areas in a great way-we can use visual art in science and talk about the terms from visual art as well. I also learned that I'm not as creative or open thinking as I thought I was.
For me this information means that I can integrate art more fully. I really can incorporate art into many lessons especially when learning analyzing skills, interpretation skills, and other skills that require personal exploration. Art integration is so important and I think visual art may be the most available art to educators where we can create activities to engage our students and draw them in.
Today I really reflected on how I could become more creative and free thinking. To teach and integrate visual art I need to feel like I can do what I'm asking my students to do. I need to be more thoughtful about art and engage in art activities more often. I want to be more creative and not let my logical mind take over and I think if I could make visual arts part of my home life than I could be a much better teacher of the arts in the future. My perspective now is that I can create meaning and interpret visual art how I want to and it can't really be wrong. I also have realized that visual art and what it brings to people is universal and that if I continue to actively participate in visual art than I can come to appreciate it even more and grow in multiple areas of my life which in turn will impact my students.

I felt the group project was fun but I wanted a little more substance to it. We worked well together because we are all friends, but we just couldn't find much information on our illustrator. All of us looked up information on him on his website and there wasn't much else we could find out about him. Two of the girls created the handout and the other two of us presented. I wish I had more to say to draw people in to Kevin Henkes' work but sadly we did not. I brought all of his books to show to the class and really wish I could have read one or showed them off some more.

The Arts and Me

• The arts have always played a large role in my life. My parents always sang together when I was growing up and they taught our family to do the same. I sang in chamber choir and a Capella in high school and loved every minute of developing my vocal talents. 

• I started playing the violin at age 5 and studied privately until I was 18 years old. I joined a private orchestra at age 9 and rehearsed for 2-3 hours every Saturday for 9 years. I also played in both orchestras at UVU and I have loved my time in these orchestras. My best friends are the girls I met in orchestra. Because of my musical involvement I have developed an appreciation for composers and classical music.

• I have developed my talents in interior design over the years because my dad graduated in this trade. I love to design different rooms, the color schemes, the fabrics.  I have also dabbled a little bit in floral design thanks to my dad as well, which I think is an art. 

• Last but not least I have done a little bit of drama. I was in Aida the musical in high school just to prove to my friends and family that I could do it. I was also in a local musical Power In His Touch with my husband. I don't love acting at all, and I don't like to be on stage in this way. Drama is a stretch for me. 

• In elementary school I actually had an art specialty every day for half the year but music was not taught at all. I'm glad I had some art appreciation growing up but most of it came from at home influences.