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Friday, November 20, 2009

Creative Therapy

You Are My Sunshine

Sometimes I'm a little slow on the uptake, I know, but I just noticed something. I've used a glowing yellow background on every journal page I've made this month. I'm not alone, when I say that color affects my mood, and I create art based on my mood. I think I must be defending myself against the seasonal affective disorder that assaults me every year during the dreary months of winter. Despite the brilliant scarlet and gold leaves on the trees in the woods, rain has turned my world slate gray, and night comes early in November. So, I plug in my twinkly lights and burn spicy candles, and cover every page in dripping shades of saffron and sunshine.


The image on this page comes from Art Creations Friday, the quote is from Picasso, and most of the border papers are handmade. The journaling was done in my 11th grade lit class while we were studying poetry and color imagery. I always try to write while my students are writing, and sevral became so interested in my art journal that they went out and bought sketchbooks to start their own journals In fact, for the end of unit poetry project, a few decided to make their presentations in an art journal format, instead of on a Power Point slide show or poster, as originally assigned. Now THAT's what fun about being a teacher!

17 comments:

vintage wil said...

Ohhh its Gorgeous!!

Sandy said...

Wow this is lovely.
So wonderful piece. Love them.

Femmy said...

it's beautiful!! love the colors!!

Pom Pom said...

Oh Alberta! I LOVE it! You've inspired me to do the same. I am just starting a trimester 2 reading and writing class with ten students. I think I can spring for ten sketchbooks and a lot of creative inspiration for these strugglers! Thank you so much for the sunny yellow sights aka: YOUR journal! lovelovelove

Martina said...

Your works are always a delight to see, Alberta. It looks fantastic!

Kim Mailhot said...

Love this trio!
I know what you mean about the color helping deal with the seasons. I have already decided that this year will be the winter of reds, yellows, oranges, and tropical turquoise and blue. I need to keep myself surrounded by that as the color gets sapped out of the landscape up here in New Englad...that until I can move really South and have it all year long !!!
Isn't it great that our instincts really do give us what we need when we give them permission to do so ?
Enjoy your weekend Teach !

Terri Kahrs said...

Alberta, you know that I, too, am affected by this seasonal journey into darkness. My craving for bright colors begins now and seems to intensify through February! Love what you've done with this! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Unknown said...

Great card, I love it, really beautiful!!

Unknown said...

Great card, I love it, really beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

Its gorgeous

Julia said...

Love your use of colors!! This is a great piece!

*jean* said...

oooo girl, this is wonderful news!! i bet you are a GREAT teacher and the kids adore you...

i can relate to your words here....hoarding as much brightness as possible, storing the energy for the dark months....i try not to think about it...blogs, tea and colors really do help...and a little st. johns wort for me...

it is gorgeous and sunny here today so it's an outside and soak it up day for us...

i love your borders here too..especially the little girls on the left....wonderful!

TheresainMS said...

Love this piece; the colors are wonderful! So glad your journal got your students interested in trying it for themselves. I can only imagine how that must make you feel. Congratulations; your students are lucky to have you. Your dedication and genuine affection for them shines through your words every time you speak of them. Have a great weekend!

Debby said...

My first visit to your blog and it is fabulous. I love your work. Beautiufl!
Debby

indybev said...

Oh, would that I could be a child again and be in your class!

Anonymous said...

Such fabulous colours!

Taluula said...

Ooooh go girl this has total abandon. Mmmmmmm.