Assemblage

"Assemblage" is the 3-D version of "collage”. "Found object fragments," "discards," or "throwaways" (artist's work to look at: Schwitters, Cornell, Rauschenberg, Bearden, etc.).


These things are organized by their specific elements. The resulting groups are then arranged into compositions of art.


Extending to many cultures of people living in family, religious, work, and various other groups; We could be viewed as a complex living version of "assemblage”(Webster 1. a group of persons or things gathered or collected).


We have “found” each other by chance; either by blood, common goals, or a certain chemistry. These connections help to formulate new ideas, innovations, and even new generations. John Anderson

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

An Ethic of Excellence: Building a Culture of Craftsmanship with Students by Ron Berger


Please read this book. It is a good and short read published by Heinemann of Portsmouth, NH.
I found myself repeating the message of making 3-d projects more dimensional instead of flat with a strong three-point, or multi-point landing for stability. An “A” project was a finished project. “Finished” was a code word for finely crafted work throughout, showing thoughtful, deliberate surfaces and edges.
Repetition is the best learner and students began telling themselves and their peers until a “Culture of Craftsmanship” was born in my art classes. Word spread and many new students started my classes knowing what to expect. 
Ron Berger is not an art teacher, but a “Master Teacher” and uses the art of classroom critiques to fine tune science projects, creative writing, research papers and everything the students make. His students are given time to execute multiple drafts for growth and improvement.
He believes engaging students in activities that will “expand the notion of excellence to include excellence as a human being...” Ron Berger says “there is no time in the new “standards” for a deep investigation of culture”. “[His] students will never again view history and science without ethical questions and discerning eyes; they will hunger for deep intellectual discussion and debate; they will be open to understanding different customs and cultures; they will have the memory of a friendship that transcends race and background”...”showing kindness...and caring for others”. (p62)
“The question for [Ron] is not whether we can afford to keep art in our schools but how we can ensure that students put artistic care in everything they do.” 
“Art is everything and everything is art” (Ron Berger)
I have often said to my students “ Art is everything but everything is not necessarily Art.” (John Anderson) 

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