Ynotartblog's Blog

What if these shapes were larger? An array of large shapes on a wall? What if these were made of metal? Made of cloth glued to fabric? What if these shapes were three-dimensional and planted like trees on a grassy knoll? What if they were swimming in a huge aquarium gently bumping into each other – an ongoing water dance as if they were fish? What if there was one gigantic shape competing with skyscrapers in Chicago?

“What if…” and “acting as if…” questions and activities are great for brainstorming. Educators, check out Through Other Eyes: Developing Empathy and Multicultural Perspectives in the Social Studies by J Skolnick, N Dulberg, and T Maestre. This book is full of strategies for engaging students. Although the book is geared to educators, their perspective is easily adaptable to artistic contexts. Thea Maestre was a professor of mine whose inspiration continues to motivate me in education, and in art.