Visual Metaphor

My Classroom

This piece is 10" by 10", mixed media on canvas, not quite finished.

The striped canvas background represents the room itself. The space is ridiculously well organized and tidy, I have fine art exemplars, student art, and my own work displayed. I have one wall of delightfully large windows, and many green and leafy plants. Earlier this year a second grader gave me a hand written note proclaiming the art room as her "home away from home." That's exactly the feeling that I strive for, it's my home away from home too.

The large burlap circle represents the world. Burlap is made from natural fiber, it is rough in texture, but strong. It is attached to the canvas by a thin copper thread around the edge. This thread represents the meaningful stuff of my lessons - the lens through which I ask my students to explore their relationship to the world. The thread isn't very easy to see, it sparkles with potential, but I don't want my structure to be more important than the lessons learned.

The hands, of course, represent my students. They are young, culturally diverse, different and yet have many similarities. They are open to possibility, and seeking whatever I offer. (There was no way I could portray what a massive and vital responsibility I find this to be!) Their hands aren't stitched to the piece, they are a transient bunch, I rarely have them more than a couple of years at the most. More importantly though, I want them to move on, taking the knowledge and connections gleaned in my room, represented by the threads and the scraps stitched to the burlap, with them as they continue their education and eventually assume their roles in society. The stitches attaching the fabric scraps are all different, some sturdy, others invisible. I wanted this as a representation of personal interpretation - no two students are exactly the same - experiences, memories, and desires dictate that their understandings will be as unique as they are.

The fabric yo-yos represent my content - some is basic, some is a bit meatier. There is continuity, overlap, and overflow. Yo-yos are simple quilt pieces constructed by stitching a running stitch around the edge of a circle. They also emphasize the climate of my room, a safe and comfortable place to create, explore, and wonder.

Last of all, is my hand. The thick blanket stitch represents my commitment, dedication, and belief in what I do. There's not a lot of detail, because what I do should not stand out as being about me. I'm the one in control, but I see myself more as the holder of the tools and the facilitator of experiences.