Starting classes this week, I was surprised to notice how relieved I was to see my professors and my classmates. Over the last two weeks of extended spring break, I did my best to stay occupied, to prevent thinking about all the things that I missed. I was nervous about starting classes again, because it would bring me back to reality. But, on the contrary, it was wonderful to see familiar faces, to get back to some kind of routine. I felt a stronger sense of togetherness in my classes this week. People are being supportive to each other, kinder. It is both sad and amazing that a situation like the current one brings closeness.
As a graduating senior, there are many disappointments, and I think it is easy for me to get trapped within them. It was encouraging to hear positive thoughts and empathy from my professors this week. As I begin to think about planning my second lesson, I am very aware of the characteristic of art as a language, a form of expression. I am thinking about creating a lesson, which is expressive rather than technical. Something which encourages creativity and imagination. Something which is simple and accessible to people.
At the moment it seems challenging to have to do a lesson online. How do I create a demo video in which I articulate myself clearly enough so that anyone watching can understand me? How can I share all that I would like to in just 5-10 minutes? How can I make it interesting? I’ve been looking at a variety of artworks that might be relevant to the lesson I am planning. Here are a few that I liked from the collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art:
