PG: Art in Everyday Objects

It's been two weeks since we have started the term. Reading is very intensive with either books or journal articles to consume weekly.  The figure is terrifying I try not to be precise. On top of that, we have short individual presentations. Some readings are very palatable while others require more efforts. Most of my waking hours are devoted to reading or exploring nearby amenities. That said, the small group seminars are definitely helpful when we all come together to discuss what we have read with the tutor as the facilitator. 

A few distinctive features of Durham Uni are classes can be scattered throughout the town depending on the modules we are taking. So even though my programme is under the Modern Languages and Cultures department, I have had classes in the Philosophy building or the History building. The buildings look so well integrated with others that to the public eye, you wouldn't be able to tell which is the police station or the teaching block. Another feature is all the seminar rooms are equipped with Owl Labs, 360 camera and sound system. The lecturers have to be trained to use the technology and I thought it must be hard to accommodate hybrid learning. But the sound projected by a distanced learner is terrific. 

This week, most of our time was spent discussing Baxandall's Painting and Experience in 15th century Italy. It's amazing how the publication in 1972 is still so relevant now. There are a lot of examples about Painting in the book and lots to see and understand just by looking. 

Let me briefly give you an example. Looking at this window display, it may look like some hanging Papier-mâché bowls. Besides its earthy colours and organic forms, what impresses me is its ability to balance. It reminds me of Artist Alexander Calder who is well known for his colossal mobile making use of the principle on stability and movement. Artists in the past took into considerations mathematical principles and science concepts in terms of translating their understanding of realities into artworks. They also flaunt their skills for their viewers/ patrons by using rare colour pigments or arts that shows perspectives, ratios or conversions. Even gestures in paintings with the palm slightly raised and fingers curved naturally is often a sign of invitation. What do you think of when you contemplate artworks? 

PG: Uni College

Last week was our college matriculation, followed by a formal dinner. College is like the hall of residences and each college has an assigned Principal and Vice-Principal. They oversee pastoral care of mostly the undergraduates rather than focus on academics. Teachings are conducted separately in other buildings. I chose St. Chads because I narrowed down all the accommodations nearest to the Arts & Humanities building which (I assumed) will be where my classes are going to be held. Since St. Chads is the smallest and has a close-knitted vibe which I gathered from my research, it was my first choice. There were so many organised events by the college since my arrival and I'm very lucky to be assigned to live here. I live just five minutes away from the main college in a neighbourhood and shared a house with four other girls who are also doing their masters in the Arts and Humanities.

The proceedings was an eye-opener. Much of what was said was already printed on our handouts. Our names were individually announced and we had to sign our names on a record. Of course I looked forward to dinner, the four-course meal was excellent 😋. 

PG: Matriculation Day

Hello! I've just arrived in England last week. I'll be doing my Masters in Visual Culture at Durham University. It has been a long journey to get here, both literally and metaphorically. I'm so thankful to the people who have made this possible.

This Wednesday was matriculation day. It used to be held at Durham Cathedral but due to Covid-19 restrictions, the venue was changed to a more airy space. Most students still made their way to the cathedral for phototaking. The interior of the cathedral is breathtaking. Every ounces of the architecture oozes beauty. Be it in the tiles, ceiling, windows or the walls. 

Since this is induction week, we have yet to formally start classes. There were many activities and programmes organised by my college (college means the accommodation which we are assigned to. Will share more about it in my next post) and I've participated in most of them. On days when I'm free, I would explore the town, looking at new things and trying new foods. I'm discovering new things every day and absorbing materials like a sponge. 

Farewell!

And this conclude my last week at my current school. Saying goodbye to my colleagues and friends as I handover my work. I want to give a shoutout to all teachers, staff, students and parents for walking this journey with me. I'm filled with gratitude to be able to contribute and share my work.

Art Class: Clay

Students had a blast with the introduction of air-dry clay. They tried using the cookie cutter method to churn out a high production of clay pieces, taking into consideration the craftsmanship and design. Some students accepted the challenge of making handbuilding work by combining function and form. There were a number of details to lookout for such as knowing how to distribute the pressure evenly so that the clay will be rolled out evenly, positioning of the cookie cutters to maximise the space, judging the thickness of the clay, smoothening the edges, preventing the drying clay from warping, what to do with remaining clay, painting on dried clay. 

Most students love hands-on work and they learn best while working on something rather than excessive teacher talk. I always liken experiential learning with swimming. Would you learn better with more practices in the pool or from watching swimming videos? 

Spray bottles work as well as rolling pins

Art Class: Clay Relief Work

Hi! The children have completed their watercolour painting last week. To reiterate the learning outcomes from the previous lesson, they sort the air-dry clays according to warm and cool colours again. 

Like most art teachers, preparations are done prior to our classes. The clays were divided and packed into individual bags. Instructions are usually given before distributing them.

Next, to check students' understanding of molding the clay, they made three basic forms. Self-evaluation is done by checking the boxes in a worksheet once they have achieved the forms. Practices such as these will guide them to be more self directed. In this case, it is quite straightforward because the result of the clay work is right before their eyes. Should anyone faces difficulties in making a form, assistance is offered on the spot as I go around to collect the worksheet.

Art Class: Watercolour Painting for Beginners

Hi Teachers! The Primary One students have started using watercolour cakes to paint. We watched an instructional video in the previous lesson and talked through the things to bring for the following lesson. The children wrote down the one thing to bring - an empty container to hold water.

Now, there are a few points to make clear when you entrust the children to bring an important piece of material. Because no container = no painting. I've explained that I don't have enough for everyone. So, if they have, they should bring the containers the next day and labelled with their name and class with a permanent marker and kept in the art cupboard lest they forget if they wait until the next art class (weekly art class).

The painting day arrived and some students had forgotten to bring a container. Last week, a boy from one of the Primary One classes came up to me the moment I entered his classroom. He repeatedly thanked me for teaching him an important lesson that day and said that he will not forget to bring important things again. I was quite impressed by his response. 

Children without water containers were given a set of coloured pencils instead. I mean what I said. And this reputation goes a long way and essential for classroom management. They could still practise the use of Warm and Cool colours even though the medium has changed.

I mostly rejected the use of lunchboxes as water containers and the best try goes to a kid who wanted to use a pen cap as a container. Yes, anything that looks like a vessel😭

Most children had painting experience but they will still enjoy when asked to do it. Thus, asking them to bring something isn't that difficult because responsibility is taught by leveraging on this activity. I do bring a few containers to class in case a child's container has cracked. Sometimes, it irks me to delay the lesson unit due to small hiccups but I try to think of the long-term benefit over the short-term inconvenience.