third course finished this morning. spent the afternoon reading reflections of (mostly) non-majors, engaging with art, and finding it to be rewarding/relaxing/something they’ll maybe keep doing because of the benefits??? don’t mind me, there’s something in my eye.

second course nearing completion. I need to proof read comments before returning portfolios and sketchbooks.

I found two christmas cards amongst the sketchbooks, and a number of wizard cats with running commentary on the course. it’s the little things.

yikes! I have my last class this morning and then it’s sketchbooks. tomorrow final projects for both drawing classes. thursday, their portfolios. and friday, my online course (or at least this is the overly ambitious plan)

I forgot to explain The Binder. which has a pocket folder for different kinds of manuals (ie: kitchen small appliance, kitchen large appliance, outside under warranty, tech) as well as receipts by year AND one for those annoying small lithium batteries that seem get scattered everywhere.

this is deeply upsetting (I stopped having groceries delivered when the driver started getting too concerned about my partner and his schedule, but we sometimes run into him at the store now)

(the name is straight out of an austin powers movie)

I dislike the impulse to limit student creativity. I hear about it here too.

I’m glad I was able to buttress my encouragement with the senior level students, but that was lucky circumstance.

(side note: the same senior group screenprinted on windows last term, in very tricky to reach spaces, and I was never prouder of the ingenuity and disregard for institutional norms)

I find it a lot easier to push students that I’ve had more than once, since they tend to trust me (more) and the incremental wild enthusiasm they’ve witnessed makes more sense. it’s hard to “yes and…” someone who hasn’t felt that kind of conceptual success yet bc they’re in first or second year.

in the new year, along with several other students in this semester’s course. and if we can start breaking away from conventional forms now, maybe someone else will be inspired to take (measured and supported) risks.

so I ran the suggestion past them, and they were Very Enthusiastic, which I think helped push my current student closer to running with the idea. they also offered to help, since multiple hands will be needed to pull it off. anyways, I’m pushing hard because she’s taking the next level of print

day nineteen of organization november: I finally asked our technician to help me build a shelf for my glass (who revamped the plan I came up with). and it’s beautiful. prior to today, my glass was in a drawer. a DRAWER. so impractical. and now it loosely organized and visible. j’adore.