2019 and a whole new class – Days 1-3 and first project:

I find that it doesn’t make sense to begin reflecting on this class until we have had some time to digest the first project. The discussion on the first day about SSC material yielded a really nice list of ideas. I need to remember to come back to them from time to time. The first project was assigned day one and due the second class. With 16 students we explored the projects over two days and still need to pull out techniques and ideas. I have no idea how I did this last time with 25 students. I like that we had time to settle into each project and discuss the basic design elements (line, shape, color, rhythm, texture) but also begin to shape meaning. When asked why they thought I had given the assignment one student reflected that others saw things in the project beyond the initial intention. A great observation I need to do more with in the next class. I really do love this project – students are asked to bring in two or more items that comment on each other. It is about as open-ended as possible. It works to start the postmodern class as the reappropriation project, the gen art class as the juxtaposition project, and even back to the roots of the assignment, the surrealistic museum. Part of the intent is to get into the habit of noticing things, but also to get to know each other. It is amazing how much these projects reveal.

Lots of great variety of pieces, some quiet and peaceful, some playful, some abstract, some everyday. They all provide a great place to start the conversation. Unlike last time I taught this class I really don’t feel that I missed the modernism project. I like diving right into things. But I do feel rushed. 2 ½ weeks less than spring term is too much time gone. I’ve already handed out the next assignment, but really feel like we need more space between them. It’s not due for two weeks, but I don’t think they know enough yet to tackle the assignment.  But, we do have two weeks to gather techniques and ideas and discuss how to use them. I debated moving the Hassan reading to before the project, but I need to keep in mind that students do these projects so that they can have a perspective on the readings and not the other way around. I may remind them from time to time to trust the process. I need to do so too. Looking forward to chatting about the first projects on Tuesday. I feel like we have already accomplished a great deal and now just need to digest and reflect on it.