When thinking about journals being used in art there are many different ways this can be done. Journals are not just used for writing, but can be used to incorporate art and writing into one. The journal itself can be turned into a piece of work. Images, sketches, text, collages, and painting are all ways that can be incorporated into a journal and it doesn't have to stop there. There are many artists who used journals in their art practices: Leonardo Da Vinci, Emily Martin, Dan Eldon, Sabrina Ward Harrison, Lynda Barry, and Jennifer New are just a few. Emily Martin is a book maker, author, and illustrator. Below is a picture of a book she created and then an awesome video about the inspirations and ideas behind the book. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYZRslUPViE&noredirect=1 Where as Leonardo who was a "Renaissance Man" used journals to write down and document his ideas, artwork, scientific findings, and his invention ideas. Journals are an important resource in art that are sometimes overlooked.
Besides the functionality of a journal I believe that students who use journals are able to express themselves without worry A journal can be a personal object that does not need to be shared. Students can sketch their ideas and write down their thoughts to clarify what they are thinking without the pressure. Journals are great for students to problem solve in. Students could buy a journal, but why not teach the skill of bookmaking and talk about how bookmaking can be an art. Before entering college I did not even know bookmaking was considered an art. Students can learn about paper making, book binding, and many other skills while learning to make their own journal. This is a great way to get to know your students.
In my classroom I hope to have my students create their own journal to use throughout the course. I want the students to learn the skills of bookmaking and learn about bookmaking as an art form and also create something that they can use. Students can then use their journals to write down and sketch their ideas throughout the course. Besides just using a journal to document their ideas I would like the students to create a blog where they can interact with their peers. I will require the students to create a blog to use to share their artwork, influences/inspirations, and their problems/successes in art. I want to extend the classroom outside of the four walls of the art room. Students will then have a journal to keep their ideas in without having the pressure to share and then be able to share what they do want on the blog. While looking at artists that use journals I came across another artist that we did not talk about who I fell in love with this journaling style. The above artist is Brian Kasstle. He has his own blog with his journals. https://apaperbear.wordpress.com/tag/art-journals/page/2/
Lindsey,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog and loved the artist Brian Kasstle you shared with us. Wow! I am adding him to my examples next time I teach this. I think what you shared about blogging as a journal and extending the conversation outside the classroom is great but I appreciated when you recognized that journals provide that exploration and privacy that students also need as they are working through ideas.
PS- Emily Winfield Martin is a different illustrator then Emily Martin who is an artist book maker. Look for Emily Martin's work at http://emilymartin.com/
I really like how you incorporated another artist into your blog! After looking at Kasstle's work it is really amazing at how much you can do with a journal. I also agree that having students learn about bookmaking is a great lesson plan example as well and a great way for students to really connect to their journal, because they are making it theirs, not just buying a plain one at the store.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you incorporated both Emily Martin and Leonardo Da Vinci. These artist are both examples of how many options are available in journaling. Like you stated, you can incorporated text, collage, paintings, and much more. Bookmaking is also an important art technique that should be incorporated more into art curriculum. I was like you where I had not been introduced to bookmaking, however, taking a bookmaking class has been one of the most beneficial classes I have taken. I have learned so many different technical skills while making these book, but also was able to incorporate personal information into it. You also discussed this integration of personal information, which is why it is important for students to understand that they should be able to express their personal interests.
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