Shelley Deck's Blog

Only a few left!

2012-01-22T10:18:00.000-06:00

Hello!

It's been a busy six months.

Almost all of the 42 artworks in memory project have gone to a new home!

I still have a few pieces left (and a few others I'm tossing in to the mix), so...if you are interested in checking them out, message me on Facebook and state your interest in the project.

Gone to new homes...

THE B(ART)ER PROJECT: Free Art!

2011-08-25T14:05:00.004-06:00

How Come Shelley Is Giving Away Her Artwork? For STORIES?

After a war with CANCER that lasted over a decade, my dad - Jerry Deck - passed away the morning of Tuesday, July 7, 2011.

As part of my healing from this loss, I decided to get my art therapy groove on, mourn creatively and honor his memory simultaneously.

Dad at work...

Having this man as my father made my decision to become the best artist and arts educator I could an easy one. For as long as I can remember, he always had a creative project of some sorts on the go and he wasn't shy about sharing what he learned. Making beautiful things that lasted, or restoring old things to next to new stature, was something he excelled at during his life.

He always kept a few extra coffee cups by the thermos in his garage workshop ready for visitors too. Friends would often drop by to see what he was working on - or get help with projects of their own - and grab a cup of coffee with him. Collaboration and spirited co-BLAB-eration would often follow. He had many friends and was the kind of man who was really handy to have around if something - most anything - broke. He built cupboards, houses, full sized open cockpit bi-planes, urns, sawmills...the list goes on. He loved to restore cars, boats, tractors (especially anything John Deere) and so much more!

Words commonly used to describe him: Knowledgeable. Tenacious. Creative. Hard Working.

He taught me the importance of doing what you love and doing what you love with as much personal excellence as possible. Dad often reminded me that I am in competition with myself (first and foremost) and that a good old fashioned hard work and commitment often bring the best kind of 'success.'

Me and Dad

Now, I’m offering the 42 original artworks posted in THE B(ART)ER PROJECT as exchange tender for people whose actions embody the creative spirit of my dad. HOW were YOU knowledgeable, tenacious, creative or hard working? How do/did YOU use these skills to help someone else? Even if all you have to barter with is A STORY about actions already paid forward, tell me about it...in 888 words or less, please.

I also DO NOT want any age, race, creed, location or income bracket to excluded anyone from participating in this project, so...THAT is how come you can get some art to beautify your living/working spaces for FREE too!

How I Hope This Works:

I have posted several original artworks on my website (CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WORK AVAILABLE FOR BARTER). All are unframed. Media varies. Sizes vary. Some were left over commission proposals. Some were cosmic forces restoration efforts. Some just couldn't be parted with - at least until now.
Guests to this site are asked to look at the portfolio currently available. If you see anything you like, contact me via shelley@shelleydeck.com and state your interest. From there, the b(art)er begins!
Each barter/exchange will be as unique as the purchaser/artwork/communication/individuals. Barters that increase karma/help others are encouraged and preferred. I do not want this project to be about money or exclusivity. I would rather sell 100 artwork for $1.99 each at the corner store than one for $10,000 in an exclusive gallery.
Results of each exchange will be posted on this blog. NO exceptions.
As part of the negotiations for possession, we will collectively decide how the artwork will get shipped to you. Maybe you will pay shipping & handling, maybe I will...or maybe a friend of a friend will pick it up or...whatever works for us as we collaborate...co-blab-erate.
If you want to use the artwork bartered for commercial purposes, I expect a generous portion (50%+) of the barter to go towards a cancer research/cure/treatment related non-profit organization...and for this information to be disclosed during the original bartering conversations. Failure to do so will result in additional charges for service/product and possible legal action.

This project will run from September 5, 2011 - June 7, 2012 or until all of the 42 artworks in THE B(ART)ER PROJECT have gone to a new home.

Questions? Comments?
Email shelley@shelleydeck.com

PLEASE share this project with your friends and bookmark this page!

PEACE,

Shelley

Getting Better At Beading? Recent Work and Upcoming Reveals

2011-08-24T10:13:00.000-06:00

Pink Wave...This is the one where I figured out how to keep beads flat on the hide. Not crazy about the design, but....like I tell my students, sometimes on the road towards excellence there are potholes. Don't give up trying.

Matrix Inspired...LOL! Beading with the two green colors was calming.

Getting Better. I still have a few things to work on in terms of order of operations, but...getting better.

Tear Drop - My Favorite So Far!

Upcoming Work. The skull has beads of two sizes and is looking pretty sweet. A rainbow and a dollar sign are coming up next.

Finally Found Two Pairs of White Canvas Shoes...Stay Tuned to See What I Do With Them.

Two Ways to Get Your Groove Back:

2011-08-18T18:17:00.000-06:00

"Bleepbleepbleep Gingerbread Boys" sketch for painting...or a tattoo?

Finally found the hammock I brought back with me from the island when I moved home! YAY!

When life hands you lemons...BBQ! And spend $500 on another new water heater.

2011-08-18T18:11:00.000-06:00

Uh...I got a lot to learn: "Beads-on-leather keychains"

2011-08-18T18:01:00.000-06:00

Another Recent Snap

2011-08-17T17:15:00.000-06:00

Recent Work: "Empathy?"

2011-08-17T17:13:00.000-06:00

The Wedding Photo Album is Up and Running!

2011-08-14T13:29:00.000-06:00

The Wedding Photo Album is Up and Running on www.shelleydeck.com!

Click here to go to Shelley's Website

Keep in mind that this photo album is username and password protected.

Call me at home, text or send an email (shelley@shelleydeck.com) to request the information you need to get access.

Funny!

2011-08-14T09:19:00.000-06:00

Took this picture at a wedding I was photographing yesterday. HILARIOUS!

Just for Fun: Recent Sketches

2011-08-04T13:54:00.000-06:00

Bowls

2011-08-04T13:52:00.000-06:00

I started making some bowls out of clay this past week. I set up my work area in the cool basement, a nice place to hide out during the heat of the day!

Searching for Inspiration: Dad's Gloves

2011-08-04T13:48:00.000-06:00

I'm currently looking for a beadwork design for the leather gloves project that I inherited from my dad before he passed. I have to re-cut one of the thumbs, but it will be a snap!

Got Vans?

2011-08-03T12:55:00.000-06:00

I am currently searching for multiple pairs of canvas shoes, for painting. If anyone knows a great place where they can be bought in bulk/$20-30 per pair, please email shelley@shelleydeck.com

Another Project Almost done...

2011-07-29T08:37:00.000-06:00

Recent Work: Commission (1 or 5)

2011-07-03T15:28:00.000-06:00

Created June 2011 (unfinished)

What a teacher makes...second post.

2011-05-07T13:51:00.000-06:00

New Work: Plans for a Painting!

2011-03-13T09:10:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was one of those mornings where I had to grab my sketchbook and get something on paper. I have not had much time in my studio this year, for certain!

"Mi voz buscabo el viento para tocar su oido" translates from Spanish to English as "My voice tried to find the wind to touch her hearing." It's a line from Pablo Neruda's Poem 20.

I think "Mi Voz Buscabo" will be the title once it's painted on canvas.

In the meantime, I think I might:

Add a pair of scissors on the weigh scale, beside the heart;
Make the scale look more like a scale;
Put a few more space ships in the back ground. Maybe a few more triangles too;
Add another few bags of money;
Throw in a few recently deceased jellyfish;
And...last, work some paw prints into the frame.
What do you think?

Pictures from "Pinocchio"

2011-02-19T18:29:00.000-06:00

Here is the link to the photo album from our "Pinocchio" production with Missoula Theatre:

http://www.shelleydeck.com/Pinocchio/

The Fine Arts Club Valentine's 2011 Fund Raising Project

2011-01-12T10:58:00.000-06:00

The Balloons (1 per package)

Want to let someone know you care (and help kids raise money for a cool stop motion animation art project in the process)? Well, here's your chance!

12 Small, 12 Medium, 12 Large and 12 'Friendship' Valentine Gift Packages are available for sale by the Kelliher School Fine Arts Club this year :

An Example of the Small Bear

This picture shows what the SMALL bear will look like in the SMALL gift package. This gift package includes a small bag of Valentine's candy as well as the lolly pop shown.

$5 Canadian funds each. Only 12 available.

Examples of the Medium Bear

This photo shows an example of the bear that will be included in the MEDIUM gift package. This package includes 1 bear, 1 medium bag of Valentine's Candy and 1 Valentine's Balloon.

Order soon! $10 each. Only 12 available.

Example of the Large Gift Stuffed Bear

Here's an example of the two bears that are included in the LARGE Valentine's Package. This gift package includes the 2 stuffed bears, a Valentine's Balloon and a Bucket of Chocolate Hearts!

Pail of Chocolate Example

The Large gift package is $15 Canadian. Again, only 12 are available for sale.

Valentine Cobras!

Our forth gift package is a special 'Friendship Valentine' especially for Kelliher Cobra fans! It includes a unique Valentine Snake and a bag of candy! We are offering it for only $8 each. Only 12 will be sold, so....don't delay!

All profits raised will go towards the Kelliher School Arts Club and expenses related to this year's ArtSmarts 2011 Film and Video Project with artist Tracey Kovalench!

As there is a limited number available this year, ALL GIFT PACKAGES MUST BE PAID FOR WHEN ORDERING to secure the purchase. First come, first served!

The gift packages will be ready for pickup at the school by noon Friday, February 11th. However, for $5, CUPID will deliver the gift (in school, during last class period, Monday, February 14th).

In addition, THE KISS-ing BANDIT will deliver a 'candy attack' to the classroom of your choice during last period of the school day for only $10! All you have to do is pay $10 and let Ms. Deck know which class you would like a Valentine's treat delivered to during last class of the day.

ORDERS HAVE TO BE IN BY FEB. 1 (NOON) SO THAT WE HAVE TIME TO ORDER SUPPLIES.

Medium Candy Example

Email shelley@shelleydeck.com or shelley.deck@pvsd.ca if you would like more information. Leave a number and I can call you too.

To order, send the money and the order form (or a note) to Ms. Deck at the school. I'll send back a CONFIRMATION TICKET that you'll need to bring with you when you pick up the package.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS IN EDUCATION!

New Hall of Fame for 2011

2011-01-10T11:33:00.000-06:00

I've got a new former student 'Hall of Fame" up and running! Check it out here: http://shelleydeck.jalbum.net/Hall-of-Fame/

New Work:

2011-01-02T17:28:00.000-06:00

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotted Mind"

Photo of the Day

2011-01-02T17:23:00.000-06:00

"Denendeh" links - Part 1 and Part 2

2011-01-01T14:01:00.000-06:00

"Denendeh" is a documentary about the effect colonization has had on Aboriginal people living in La Loche, Saskatchewan. I taught in La Loche for many years (over 6 years in a 15 year period), had heard about this award winning video, and was very interested in seeing it for myself. I didn't find it until today. I was surprised to see so many of the art works that I created with students while I was teaching there used as background.
To tell the community's story, University of Regina School of Journalism students gathered commentary from police, teachers, adult residents and youth about the challenges the village faces and what is (and isn't) happening to overcome them.

Here is the link to Part 1 as it appears on YouTube.
Here is the link to Part 2 as it appears on YouTube.

Crew:
Producer- Kent Morrison
Director- Karin Yeske
Writer- Molly Thomas
Editor- Annie McLeod
Field Crew- Sarah Fitzgerald, Kellah Lavoie, Kent Morrison, Molly Thomas and Karin Yeske
Researchers- Kellah Lavoie and Annie McLeod

ArtSMARTS News for Kelliher School!

2010-12-20T18:37:00.000-06:00

Santa seems to have visited the students enrolled in my middle years arts education programs (and extracurricular fine arts club activities) early this year.

This morning, I learned - from a phone call with a representative of The Saskatchewan Arts Board - that we have been awarded a $7000 ArtSmarts Grant as a result of my November 1, 2010, application for project FUN-ding!

Many thanks go to the Saskatchewan Arts Board, our PVSD arts consultant, Saskatchewan artist (Tracy Kovalench) and the encouragement of my principal and vice-principal for the success of this application! This was a team effort!

More information about this art-venture to be revealed later!

For now, suffice it to say that my students, staff, parents and I will be working with an amazing Saskatchewan artist to produce a series of stop motion animation and video projects on the theme of IDENTITY in the new year. HOW VERY EXCITING!

Stay posted!

Look North For A New Star: DAMIEN CHEECHAM!

2010-12-20T09:13:00.000-06:00

BIG congratulations to Damien for his recent success! What a wonderful surprise to find out that my former neighbor (John Crescent, Washington subdivision) and fellow staff member at La Loche Community School recently put out an album...in Dene! I wish him the best of luck in his arts-venture! Can`t wait to hear it!

Image courtesy of the Saskatchewan Arts Board. Read the article about Damien and his album here!

"The Lonestar Love Potion!" Cast and Crew

2010-12-04T01:00:00.000-06:00

My EMO backboards

2010-12-03T17:40:00.000-06:00

Megan's 2nd Mural!

2010-12-03T17:38:00.000-06:00

Megan's Mural @ LHS!

2010-12-03T17:36:00.000-06:00

Pictures from a summer walk around town....

2010-12-03T17:29:00.000-06:00

Latest Design Work

2010-12-03T17:26:00.000-06:00

What a Teacher Does: Taylor Mali

2010-02-01T10:52:00.001-06:00

A powerful response to “Those who can’t do, teach.”

Posted using ShareThis

For more info, go to www.taylormali.com

SHEILA DECK: The New Album is Out!

2009-12-05T13:40:00.000-06:00

Today's blog features the awesome new album by Canadian recording artist SHEILA DECK!

Her new album was recorded in Vancouver and produced by multiple award winner Tom McKillip. The CD is full of carefully culled songs featuring songwriters like Victoria Banks, Gretchin Wilson and Sheila herself. The songs are contemporary country.

Her CD Launch kicked off at Casino Regina Show Lounge Dec.3 rd ,2009.

Her first album, Too Many Memories Ago, is available on iTunes. I'm sure the new album will be there shortly too. Until then, you can order "My Own Thing" via Sheila's recently revamped and relaunched website: http://www.sheiladeck.com

Sheila also has a fan site on FACEBOOK. Old and new fans can see Sheila's "Up Close and Personal" promo video on Youtube too! Check it out!

Report Card Season Self Portrait

2009-11-14T18:29:00.000-06:00

Yes, those are beans.

Recent Projects

2009-11-14T18:22:00.000-06:00

I just finished the poster design for our upcoming dessert theatre:

Inspired by Tape

2009-11-14T17:25:00.000-06:00

It was almost Halloween when the 'caution/danger ' tape on my desk inspired me to create this self portrait.

I think it speaks to the need for teachers to constantly consider the potentially negative impact of what they say in and out of the classroom.

Students Sara and Alex generously offered to help me with the project (THANK YOU).

Last week, I found a roll of tape at the dollar store marked 'fragile.' Hmmmm...

Where did the summer go?

2009-08-18T17:28:00.001-06:00

I started updating my website today to fit the new job that I will be starting in September. It's hard to believe that it's getting to be that time of year already! Where did the summer go? Here's where:

1. After moving;

2. I spent a lot of time researching, reading, and writing for my final M.Ed. project. It's a long way from being finished, but I think I've done some decent work accomplished. I usually read a lot in the summer, but I've really gotten into it this summer. 4-5 hours a day has been the norm. I've really enjoyed reading inside and haven't felt so bad that this has been a rainy summer. The weather has really worked to my advantage. I especially like what I've been reading from Sandra Weber and Claudia Mitchell: That's funny, you don't look like a teacher;

3. I've been studying the work, lives and processes of several artists who I knew a little bit about, but never spent a lot of time considering: Laurence Gartel, Jane Ash Poitras, Barbara Kruger, Guillermo Gomez Pena, Diane Arbus, Chuck Close, Ryoko Suzukim, and Cindy Sherman. There are more, but these are the biggies. I've also been looking at self-portraits created by women artists for insight into my own self-studies. It's been fun, maybe a little scary, pretty confusing and a delightful challenge. I know that I am going to enjoy responding visually to the looking experiences;

4. I bought a new Fugi camera, my first. I dare say that it kicks Canon and Sony butt. I'm going to enjoy using it this year while I prepare the digitally manipulated photos for the project;

5. I also treated myself to a new LG mini-notebook. I'm impressed, so far. The battery seems to last for a lot longer than I thought it would. I've really enjoyed toting the little thing with me to the library and coffee shops where I've been reading and working when I've needed a break from home.

6. Last but not least, I've really enjoyed spending time with my parents and helping my dad.

It's been a good summer.

Former Student: Alejandro Saladin Cote

2009-05-26T22:00:00.001-06:00

Anyone looking for exceptional Spanish guitar music

is encouraged to check this artist out!

Alejandro is former student who's music

is now available via his website

or itunes.

I count myself fortunate for having heard him play

live. He is a truly beautiful soul.

http://www.coteguitar.com/index.html

From The Archives: The Dene High Mural Project

2009-05-09T16:00:00.000-06:00

I recently uncovered photos I had of a project I created with my students in my first year of teaching: The Dene High Mural Project! I will write more about the project here as time permits. At the present time, I am very busy with my M.Ed. writing and preparations for our upcoming "Frumpled Fairy Tales" Dinner Theatre (see advertisement in the post below). Because of building renovations and improvements, this mural no longer exists, but I have very fond memories of the teaching moments and processes it created at the beginning of my career in arts education. The mural was 15.5 metres by 2.5 metres once finished, inspired by artist Alex Janvier.

Here's an excerpt from his website:

Born of Dene Suline and Saulteaux descent in 1935, Alex Janvier was raised in the nurturing care of his family until the age of eight. At this age, the young Janvier was uprooted from his home and sent to the Blue Quills Indian Residential School near St. Paul, Alberta. Although Janvier speaks of having a creative instinct from as far back as he can remember, it was at the residential school that he was given the tools to create his first paintings. Unlike many aboriginal artists of his time, Janvier received formal art training from the Alberta College of Art in Calgary and graduated with honours in 1960. Immediately after graduation, Janvier took up an opportunity to instruct art at the University of Alberta.

While Alex recognizes the artists Wassily Kandinsky (Russian) and Paul Klee (Swiss) as influences, his style is unique. Many of his masterpieces involve an eloquent blend of both abstract and representational images with bright, often symbolic colours. As a First Nations person emerging from a history of oppression and many struggles for cultural empowerment, Janvier paints both the challenges and celebrations that he has encountered in his lifetime. Alex proudly credits the beadwork and birch bark basketry of his mother and other relatives as influencing his art.

As a member of the commonly referred to “Indian Group of Seven”, Janvier is one of the significant pioneering aboriginal artists in Canada, and as such has influenced many generations of aboriginal artists. By virtue of his art, Janvier was selected to represent Canada in a Canadian/Chinese Cultural Exchange in 1985. Although he has completed several murals nationally, Janvier speaks of the 450 meter squared masterpiece entitled “Morning Star” at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, as a major highlight in his career. In January 2004, one of Janvier’s works was displayed in Paris, France at the Canadian Forum on Cultural Enterprise. In recognition of his success, Alex Janvier recently received three prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, The Tribal Chiefs Institute, and Cold Lake First Nations. Janvier’s passion and natural talents for creative expression remains strong to this day.

On September 6, 2003 the Janvier family opened a gallery in the City of Cold Lake.

Source:

http://www.alexjanvier.com/ata.htm

Photo credits: Stephen King

Dinner Theatre Promo!

2009-04-29T19:36:00.000-06:00

The 'One Million Masterpiece' website

2009-04-19T17:02:00.000-06:00

I've found the world's largest collaborative art project! To check out the site, go to: http://www.millionmasterpiece.com/

The One Million Masterpiece is a global arts project. As a community we are creating a piece of artwork that will provide a unique snapshot of modern society through the eyes of one million people scattered across the world. To do this we are asking artists and non-artists alike to complete one small square of a giant digital canvas. The project is supported by the largest online arts communities, is an official world record holder and aims to raise $5 million for charitable causes. (Quote from website: http://www.millionmasterpiece.com/

Here's my contribution (below). It's artwork #

1004284.
You can also watch a video of it being drawn by going here: http://www.millionmasterpiece.com/profile-1004284!
How cool is that? Next time, I want to use my Wacom Bamboo Drawing Tablet and spend a lot more time creating the image. I also want to spend some more time checking out the blogs on the site. They are discussing collaborative projects within the Million Masterpiece project and I want to see how that adventure is being organized. Plus, apparently, there are some celebrity contributors! I wonder who?

A Collaborative Art Making Site: SITO.org!

2009-04-12T13:23:00.000-06:00

I've recently found an exciting and promising site that supports my M.Ed. project research and studio work: http://www.sito.org/synergy/ !

According to Wiki:
SITO is an online artist collective which began in January 1993[1], making it one of the oldest Internet-based art organizations. It was started by Ed Stastny and has been maintained by Stastny and a group of volunteers and supporters.

From its beginning, SITO had a mission different from many established Internet art resources, in that rather than be an electronic journal of discussions or writings about art, it chose to be a repository for artwork in order to facilitate sharing and exposure. As this was the Internet pre-World Wide Web, SITO accomplished this by using anonymous FTP sites. Another important part of the SITO mission was to be open to all levels of artists, and at no cost. SITO was one of the earliest online galleries, and this showcase of artwork has become known as the Artchive.

Another focus of SITO that soon developed was an active interest in art games and experimentation with collaborative art projects using the Internet as a means of communicating. The first few such projects dabbled in dividing digital canvases amongst several artists (e.g. Grid and Crosswire projects) or translating traditional art games such as exquisite corpse to the digital medium[2]. These projects were in full swing by 1994 and were grouped together under the heading Synergy on SITO.

In 1996, the SITO Synergy project HyGrid was honored with a Prix Ars Electronica award[3]. HyGrid is a twisting, looping, multi-dimensional maze of small panels of art which is built up by hundreds of artists. It is still active today. Gridcosm started in 1997 and proved even more popular with over 22000 contributions to its recursing collaborative collage and continues to grow daily.[4]

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

To quote the SITO site, "Synergy is SITO's name for "collaborative art" projects. To participate in any of the currently active projects, you'll need a SITO ID, a three-lettercode used to identify yourself all over SITO. The two popular active projects are HyGrid and Gridcosm. "

AWESOME FIND! Anyone want to try it?

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

2009-04-10T12:22:00.000-06:00

Today, while researching Saskatchewan grant application information for a 2010 fine arts festival, I came across a TEDtalk video that asks: "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" Having just woken up the morning after our annual school arts festival, I was curious to listen to Sir Ken Robinson challenge the way we're educating children:

Sir Ken Robinson's video: Do Schools Kill Creativity?

While I very much enjoyed this brief and humorous lecture, I noticed that the video did not directly mention how arts educators need to advocate for the arts in education as a means to help combat this 'killing of creativity' in schools.

This, in turn, got me thinking about the political, entrepreneurial and technological facets that I've chosen to develop as part of my own teacher/artist identity. I'm very glad that I chose a career as an arts educator and I have had few regrets about my decision to be both an artist and a teacher. I know that many other arts educators long for more personal studio time (and there is that whole 'those who can't, teach' argument), but I can't help but appreciate the joy I've experienced creating with other learners in the private and public school classrooms, group homes, correctional facility, university classes, and art gallery where I have worked. My students - some of them now art teachers themselves - are the best outcome of my efforts in creativity to date and evidence of the type of legacy I would prefer to leave. My favorite 'payday' comes when they've emailed me, excited to share something that they have done, seen or accomplished that reminds them of our lessons and time together. Or, when they cross the street to shake my hand and say 'hello,' instead of running in the other direction. THAT'S always a good sign (grin)! In the art classroom, we don't always see immediate results that prove we've done what we needed to do to help someone become a mature, well-rounded, creative and contributing member of society, so...when that happens...if feels better than any of the other artworks I've made. My students are my favorite works of (he)art and I sure want to reflect on whether or not my art programs encourage creativity, instead of kill it, and advocate for the arts in education.

To close, I want to remark how arts educators need to remember that provincial arts education associations like the Saskatchewan Society for Education through Art and Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society exist to help arts teachers fund, plan, implement and evaluate arts eduction adventures, like arts festivals and visiting artists, in our provincial schools. Writing the grant applications and doing the networking takes a little time, but I've found it to be a very worthwhile activity that has merited excellent results in the past. I'm on the look out for several sources of funding right now too, so...if anyone knows how I can pursue this desire in Saskatchewan somewhere (other than the two Saskatchewan sources mentioned above), please contact me with the information.

Happy Easter!

Recent Research

2009-03-29T09:54:00.000-06:00

This weekend, I decided to use TWITTER to ask the universe a question: Is there a platform on the web where I can draw in real time, simultaneously, with another person?

One of the answers that I received came from Craig Roland, University of Florida Professor of Art Education and author of The Art Teacher's Guide to the Internet. Craig suggested that I try this site from GE: http://imaginationcubed.com/

Imaginationcubed.com empowers you with the ability to draw with two other people on the same drawing in real time. I have yet to see this collaboration in action because your friends need to be online when you invite them to join your adventure into digital creativity (go figure). That's a bit of a draw back (no pun intended), but if your art students have access to computers in the classroom or you want to give a fun homework assignment or you've made arrangements to work with one or two other artists on a project at a pre-arranged time...this could be very interesting! The tool bar is a little limited (and I would like to be able to import images to manipulate), but this is a collaborative tool worthy of mention. If anyone knows of any others programs/websites out there like this, please let me know.

This past Christmas, I treated myself to a medium sized Bamboo Fun Wacom drawing tablet (see image). I was glad to have it because drawing in Imagination Cubed with the mouse/touch pad can be challenging. The drawing tablet pen gave me a little more freedom and confidence in my mark making, although the work space seemed smaller than usual. The 15 second sketch that I've included in this blog post marks my first test drive with the GE sponsored website.

Many thanks to Craig for answering my twitter request! I'd also like to encourage everyone to check out his website and blog on Art Junction! His blog via this site is called "The art teacher’s guide to the internet" and it features many "ideas, tools, and resources for teaching art and design in a post-digital age." I am so glad to have finally found this teaching resource and mentor!

Also, please note that Craig has created a fantastic social network called Art Education 2.0 for art educators. The site has been created with: NING, which I am now initiating for staff use at my school. To quote Craig: "The aim of Art Education 2.0 is to explore ways of using Web 2.0 and other digital technologies to promote best practices, encourage cultural exchanges and joint creative work, and support artistic projects, curricular activities, and professional development opportunities deemed important by our members." It's free to join and I am so very glad that I did! Thanks to technology like this, there are fewer excuses for feelings of isolation that an arts education specialist may sometimes experience on a K-12 school staff.

Hopefully, the NING site I've made in La Loche will be as useful a tool for our staff too!.

Atom Smasher & BuboMe

2009-03-19T18:40:00.000-06:00

Want to try some cool and quick online digital manipulation with your students? One of the blogs I'm following (credit Stephen King) recommended the following link:

http://atom.smasher.org/

This website allows the user to simply and easily create and save signs with any text that you want. I showed this image to my students and they thought I had hosted a big party at Pack Place!

Another interesting place I found on the web that allows for free and easy digital image manipulation is:
http://www.bubome.com/index.html

At BuboMe, you can juxtapose yourself (or your friends) quickly and easily into a wide variety of environments (movie posters, magazine covers, beach scenes) just like the one featured in this post. Yes, that's me in the image, NOT Beyonce! For those of you who have some serious Photoshop skills, you will quickly discover that this creative outlet is a very limited when it comes to tweeking your image. I had some problems getting the skin tones to match and would have liked a blending tool in the process, but...it's FREE. It could be a good introductory tool. You can add speech bubbles and have a lot of fun with this one!

Ethics Approval

2009-03-19T12:56:00.000-06:00

Right now, I'm reading over the guidelines for application for human subject research approval at the University of Victoria. I sure am glad that Esther gave me an early heads up! I haven't signed up officially for the summer class yet, but I will as soon as I am permitted. I want to do some video taped interviews as part of my research and evidence of our portrait collaboration. I'm using humans in my research (as opposed to what...aliens?), so I had better take care of this important step in my learning journey a.s.a.p.

I'm also on the lookout for a good web survey tool. If anyone knows of one, can you email the link to me, please? Email: shelley@shelleydeck.com. Here are some of the questions I'm going to be asking my models during the interview process:

1. What inspired you choose teaching as a career?

2. Where did you receive your teacher training?

3. Are you certified to teach somewhere other than Saskatchewan? If so, where?

4. How long have you been a teacher?

5. Have you had to relocated from your family to work as a teacher? If so, where did you move to work?

6. What are some of the things that you like about having a teacher identity?

7. What do you think is the most misunderstood thing about teachers?

8. Describe your dream teaching job or describe your worst teaching nightmare:

9. Describe your current teaching position duties (subject, grades, numbers).

10. Knowing what you know now, if you could chose this career again, would you? Please explain your answer.

11. Any thoughts on how technology has helped or hindered your teaching practices?

12. What kind of work would you do if you were NOT a teacher?

13. Has your teacher education training prepared you for the realities of teaching?
14. What other questions would you like me to ask about teachers in this questionnaire? Please include your answer in the answer.

My First Citation!

2009-03-19T12:49:00.001-06:00

My first citation credit on the web comes from Kristin Aragan. Very cool! I'm looking forward to looking over her blog and figuring out how come I was cited in the first place. Now I get what Stephen King, my assistant principal, was talking about when he encouraged me to blog and make friends in cyberspace during my M.Ed. work...or at least I'm starting to understand!

Tentative Abstract

2009-03-18T12:45:00.000-06:00

Here's the draft of my abstract for the project writing. I'm loving using google docs for my writing and hope to be able to share and learn with my professor via the technology!

This study explores the relationship between teacher identity and collaborative portraiture through the process of narrative inquiry and digital image manipulation. As the teacher-artist-researcher, I interviewed, created and (often) re-created digitally altered conceptual portraits with (insert final number here) collaborating teachers who volunteered inspiration and insight into their own teacher identity and experiences as educators at various stages in their careers. As we collaborated on the ideas that led to the creation of the digital portrait(s), a process that often proceeded though several stages of fruition and discussion, these teacher-models shared their stories about their own personal journey towards being a teacher, reflected on their professional experience as a teacher, and were affected by the questions related to our shared examination of teacher identity as a visual story, enabling understanding and empathy via the art making experience.

Cafe Press

2009-03-17T10:28:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I received the order I place a few weeks ago at cafepress.com. I designed some self-promotion magnets, greeting cards and coffee cups. I'm very happy with the printing results and quality of service! One of the sets of greeting cards was set a little off the page, but the company remedied the situation with a credit refund.

M.Ed work

2009-03-15T13:12:00.000-06:00

I stayed up writing the introduction to the M.Ed. project until 5 this morning. Then, for some strange reason, I decided to shovel snow for an hour at 9 this morning. I'm running on fumes at this very moment, but have to wonder where this creative surge came from? I think it has something to do with blogging and some of the groovy sites I've recently hooked into viewing, including the Art Education 2.0 site.

More later. I think I hear the pillow call my name.

Another Interesting Blog

2009-03-14T14:01:00.000-06:00

http://artslearninginteractive.blogspot.com/

Art Education 2.0

2009-03-13T20:11:00.000-06:00

I just found a really interesting site that I'm hoping to spend a lot more time on in the future, pending my application to join approval: http://arted20.ning.com/

Shelley Deck's "Teacher Identity & Collaborative Portraits" Project Blog

2009-03-13T17:39:00.000-06:00

Thanks for visiting my blog!

I'm a Canadian Artist and Arts Educator who's currently researching "Teacher Identity and Collaborative Portraits" as part of my M.Ed. final project writing and final art exhibition. I am hoping that this blog will help me in the process of writing and creating, so...if you have anything to contribute, I'd love to hear from you.