19/09/2021 Maze on My Family Farm
The Teacher
As a teacher, I want to make an impact. I believe my classroom should act as a safe space for each and every one of my students. I will treat each individual with the utmost respect, and act from a place of love for the subject and a place of caring for the student, instilling the best parts of myself in my students. Teaching them that fun is essential, that empathy and respect are important, and that creativity is a gift we were all given.
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In my classroom I value the beauty of individuality I feel this is imperative in this institutionalized world. My artwork and my values are deeply connected to my individual journey, and experience in life, growing up on a tillage farm in the middle of Offaly has taught me so much about life in particular respect. Respect for the hard work on the farm, respect for people building from the ground up, and respect for the land and all its beauty. This interest and respect for people and the landscape has continued right through my artistic career and is beginning to seep into my classroom as I begin my teaching career. I have a particular interest in the socioeconomic status of the locality and how this can impact the lives of each individual student. Using my interest, I aim to instill respect for people, the land, and the community into each of my students while still allowing for their unique and individual perspectives through the beautiful and interoperative subject that is art.
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In school, I had the pleasure of some of the most empathetic and caring teachers, who made such an impact on not only my learning experience but the school environment. I aim to follow in these footsteps asserting value on students’ individual voices to not only make a change but to allow myself to grow and challenge my ideals and learn alongside my students. I feel it is important within the art classroom to encourage this empathy. Leading the class with empathy and showing interest within the classroom allows a safe zone for students to explore individuality and appreciate different perspectives, cultures, and life experiences. This in turn harvests an equitable environment in which every student can learn and grow within their own experiences and are encouraged to learn the value of their unique and creative mind.
Units of learning
Industrial Etching UoL
The primary subject matter of the project is the diverse and multifaceted nature of Inland and Coastal industries. Students delve into researching and understanding the historical, economic, and social aspects of industries that play a crucial role in the communities they are a part of. This will include exploring the sector of manufacturing industries that are prominent in the local area (Inland and Coastal and Banagher concrete) and the study of the river in which they lie with a site visit and one on one interviews. The overarching theme is the relationship between river industry and community, with a specific emphasis on the impact of Inland and Coastal. The project aims to highlight how these industries along the river contribute to the identity, livelihoods, and cultural fabric of the local community...
Character Design UoL
The subject matter for this Unit of Learning is an imaginative character design and development of a storyboard. The theme revolves around the exploration of the title for a fictional new Disney movie ‘Ocana’ in which a character must live in the coral reefs, explore their surroundings and meet up with their friends at the end. Students can interoperate this story how ever they feel, while ensuring to follow the given storyline. Over the course of the project, students will be introduced to the works of Butch Hartman, walt Disney and Glen Keane, each of whom demonstrate a different approach to character development and storyboarding...
Ceramics UoL
Biophilia refers to the inherent human connection to nature, and this project aims to explore and express that connection through the creative mediums of ceramics and live plants. By incorporating biophilic elements into the design of small houses, students are prompted to reflect on the importance of nature in our built environments. Students will be working with clay to construct small houses, exploring techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab-building. The project delves into basic principles of architecture and design as students plan and construct small houses. They'll consider spatial arrangements, aesthetic elements, and the functional integration of plants into their designs. This aspect encourages a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between built environments and the natural world...
Lino Printing UoL
The subject matter for this Unit of Learning is to explore the meaning of home through the medium of Photography and Print. Over the course of the project, students will be introduced to the works of Rachel Newling and Linda Germain each of whom demonstrate a different approach to printing. Students will learn how to create both a monoprint and linocut print piece. Students will compile a series of three photographs and drawings of a visual which reminds the student of home. This can be both inside and outside of the home. Through artist research and investigation, gathering reference material, and exploration of mediums students will develop a lino cut print based on the research of Rachel Newling...
Painting UoL
The subject matter for this Unit of Learning is to replicate the techniques of post impressionism art. The theme revolves around the exploration of colour mixing and the still life composition. Over the course of the project, students will be introduced to the works of Paul Cezanne and George Seurat, each of whom demonstrate a different approach and to painting and colour exploration within post-impressionism. Students will compile one apple study andone still life study exploring strictly the complimentary colours. Students will then be tasked to develop a painting based off the works of George Seurat in groups of three. Through artist research and investigation, gathering reference material, exploration of mediums...
Poster Design UoL
The subject matter of this project is poster design through the marketing lenses. Students will embark on a creative journey to design a marketing plan for the grand opening of the new outdoor swimming pool in Banagher. The project is centred around the theme of "Harmony in Diversity," celebrating the diverse age groups that the swimming pool aims to cater to. The main objective of the project is for students to develop a marketing plan that targets specific age groups: from 5-12 (primary schools) 13-18 (adolescence),30-50 (working class), 70 years plus (old age pensioners)...
Mixed Media UoL
The subject matter for this Unit of Learning is a collaborative, imaginative large scale ‘Enchanted Botanical Garden’. The theme revolves around the exploration of the wonders of natures diversity and the works of Ian Berry. Students will work from primary source garden plants delving into the shapes, colours and textures of garden plants. Students will demonstrate their learning of colour, shape, form and texture through using expressive mixed media techniques like paper mâché, collage, paint and sculpture. This project encourages teamwork, and communication through collaborative decision-making, playing on individual strengths for an inclusive environment. Each student is encouraged to be as imaginative as possible with this project, adding elements like butterflies or birds. The use of mixed media adds a sensory-rich layer to the project, not only through the physical making but by adding interactive moveable leaves and wings etc...