NioTheDreamer In reply to slemmerman [2010-12-03 22:17:09 +0000 UTC]

hi? Samantha?

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slemmerman In reply to NioTheDreamer [2010-12-04 03:37:23 +0000 UTC]

Yes! lol

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NioTheDreamer In reply to slemmerman [2010-12-05 12:10:11 +0000 UTC]

nice to see you, whats up?

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NioTheDreamer In reply to samutoka [2010-11-16 01:07:58 +0000 UTC]

LoL!

Really? That's kind of funny

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NioTheDreamer In reply to runnergirl [2010-10-16 22:11:58 +0000 UTC]

np

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NioTheDreamer In reply to tornheartworld [2010-06-26 12:16:10 +0000 UTC]

lol

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tornheartworld In reply to NioTheDreamer [2010-06-27 04:26:05 +0000 UTC]

and btw, where is my FB friendange?

[link] !/roaaaaa

ADD ADD ADDDDDDDDD

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NioTheDreamer In reply to tornheartworld [2010-06-27 11:23:33 +0000 UTC]

Did you know you have two facebook accounts?

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tornheartworld In reply to NioTheDreamer [2010-07-02 20:37:39 +0000 UTC]

yes~ yes I dO.

I'm not on my old one though, anymore dearie.

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NioTheDreamer In reply to tornheartworld [2010-05-13 09:40:06 +0000 UTC]

okay?

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tornheartworld In reply to NioTheDreamer [2010-05-13 10:46:03 +0000 UTC]

[link]
tehehe

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NioTheDreamer In reply to GenjiLim [2010-02-16 01:34:48 +0000 UTC]

no problem, nice job

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GenjiLim In reply to NioTheDreamer [2010-02-16 20:34:38 +0000 UTC]

Thanks : )

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NioTheDreamer In reply to Taurken [2009-12-19 08:07:18 +0000 UTC]

thank you!

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NioTheDreamer In reply to MreowKittySxye [2009-12-03 02:34:04 +0000 UTC]

Well I do teach art, its a bit of a motivator (though I should be more motivated... sometimes)

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NioTheDreamer In reply to tornheartworld [2009-11-26 11:07:42 +0000 UTC]

I watch those that watch me, seems fair

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NioTheDreamer In reply to tornheartworld [2009-11-22 12:52:22 +0000 UTC]

Hello, I see you found me.

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tornheartworld In reply to NioTheDreamer [2009-11-25 20:39:38 +0000 UTC]

He is. He's awesome. And PS i wrapped your christmas present today.

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tornheartworld In reply to NioTheDreamer [2009-11-25 02:01:08 +0000 UTC]

And PS specifically brett called me yours.. lol... i just LAUGHED when i heard it. as i said before today. I do have a boyfriend in indonesia.

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NioTheDreamer In reply to tornheartworld [2009-11-25 06:56:59 +0000 UTC]

I hope he is very nice

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tornheartworld In reply to NioTheDreamer [2009-11-25 01:59:31 +0000 UTC]

Yes i did.

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NioTheDreamer In reply to Neoriceisgood [2009-09-17 10:24:15 +0000 UTC]

I've been reading your comics. I really like tobi and noah, very interesting stories

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Neoriceisgood In reply to NioTheDreamer [2009-09-17 11:20:36 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, glad you like em!

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NioTheDreamer In reply to Tesunie [2009-09-13 00:25:27 +0000 UTC]

Where do you live? In Minnesota we have Ed post. Which is a great way to look for a teaching position.

I know where I worked I started around 22,000 (some districts can go up to about 30,000)(of course I am not being exact) and I get 500 more per year and 900 more for a lane change (15 credits, 30 credits.. then I am not sure how much a masters counts for)

I would recommend looking at your states standards for art education (or if you have them) I know in Minnesota they have really improved in the last year or so. (Well technically this year).

Then ask yourself, have you worked with kids? What did you think? How do you feel standing in front of people on a regular basis and telling them about your passions (and some people not really sharing it).

Then if you said yes above, what age? I personally do very well with elementary and middle school (though I teach high school - mainly).

At the elementary level, their is more energy and creativity. You do not need to motivate the kids, they generally and typical really want to be in your class. But you have to go over EVERYTHING, such as not using small amounts of glue, or the correct way to hold a scissors. Alot of planning, alot of thinking about pitfalls, and trip ups.

High schoolers however, are capable of a larger range of activities, can be more self-motivated, and do not need to be told everything under the sun. But enthusiasm is not a guarantee and many do not necessarily want to be in your class. (and art has a poor reputation as being a sluff course)


Job prospects are variable. Finding a job if you are willing to move isn't to bad, middle of the road as far as teaching jobs. However many districts are cutting art classes (which you will want to check to see if your state mandates any art education) and many try to get by with part time staff (which means you may need to work between two or three schools). If you plan to stay put, things are difficult and you need to be willing to drop whatever you are doing for a job interview.


I love teaching, I really do. Its not a great paying job, but I find working in a small district that the pay isn't bad (you need to consider cost of living in your choice)(particularly if I could get full time)


Er.... I kind of just rambled away. You still want links? Questions?

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Tesunie In reply to NioTheDreamer [2009-09-13 01:57:03 +0000 UTC]

I live in New Hampshire. You know... the state no one seems to know about unless you live here? ^_^ I don't know of anything that makes looking for a job any easier... of course... if we did have it I wouldn't know of it.

That was about what my mom was telling me for a general concept. Still more than I make now... which would be helpful. (Have to consider everything, right?)

Hum... I'll have to ask a college for that I think... unless you know a site that tells me. And no, I'm only looking for it if you are willing to answer. You don't have to answer any more than you want to.

I think I can learn to deal with standing in front of people. I did fine for my effective communication classes. Not a favorite thing to do though.
I've had some expereince with younger kids and teaching them as a volunteer. I've been volunteering unofficially once a week at a preschool. (Mostly visiting my mom, as it's a private school, and it gives the kids something fun on Thursdays.) I love kids. They make me smile, even when they are crying through the store I am working. If I got a job in teaching, I wouldn't be there for the school, but for the kids. I do need money to live, but that is only part of the reason I'm thinking of this.

I seem to do well with any kid not my own age. I'm always encuraging and I don't give up on anyone. Trust me. There are several people on DA I keep having to encurage, as they keep beating up themselves and their art. They aren't figured out that it isn't a matter of better, but mostly falls to different styles. She compairs herself to other people who have been drawing years longer! That's why I did my "Seven Years Later" comparison, so I could show these people that, I wasn't this good when I was their age.

I think I would want High school if I could... depending upon if there is even an art teacher position available when I get there. I've heard of many schools kicking out art, but when I was in High School, you needed one credit in art. (And I haven't moved. I don't want to move if I can help it, but I don't mind moving a little.)

I just don't know if I want to go and try for a Math teacher (something I'm good at is Math) and try to set up art as a backup, or have art as a primary (as that is something I enjoy and have a passion for).

I love art and inspiring other people to draw. That's why I think I would like being an art teacher. I'm a relational person, so I would want to relate to the kids as I teach them. Get to know them for who they are. (Me and my mom are very similar like that.) I know mostly what I'd be walking into... but I don't know if I could handle it is all. People think of me as very immature... even though I think more mature than I act. What can I say? I like having fun.

And no... you didn't ramble! You brought out points I didn't consider and facts I didn't actually know! From what you describ, I would want High School level. I like younger kids, but something just... pulls me to the high school level. If that makes sense.

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NioTheDreamer In reply to Tesunie [2009-09-14 03:08:34 +0000 UTC]

Just to ask, as its a question you'd develop through your education


What is art education?


You'll find that art educators vary greatly on this matter. I was taught Disciplined Based Art Education. Which focuses on teaching a rounded curriculum (history/culture, aesthetic, criticism, and product). Some art educators don't believe in showing any professional work, and prefer to focus on the creative process itself. Others focus on studying the work of masters (often duplicating it)

I myself think art needs to be about art in its full complexity. I incorporate art philosophy as a way to teaching students that different people judge art differently and to build concepts. I try and link the history and culture behind art to what is made. And I try get students to move beyond the ideas and concepts I teach, and develop their own understandings. I personally believe that not showing any of the great creative exploits of the past, is not a full education, and neither is copying in any form (though it can be good practice). I want to give my students tools, and I want them to use them... I guess is what I am saying.

What do you envision in an art class you teach? This is an advanced question but it addresses something very important, do you have a vision and do you have passion? Because without those, I do not believe you'd like education.

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Tesunie In reply to NioTheDreamer [2009-09-14 16:15:12 +0000 UTC]

I know all too well of the differences of art teachers and what people consider to be art. I once had a college art teacher tell me that the definition of art was still life and charcoal. If it wasn't those two, then it wasn't art. Yes. Apparently all those sketches you do in pencil isn't art... or paintings. And yes... he said that to me, directly. How he ended up as an art teacher... the world will never know. ^_^

Well... on to your question, which are very good ones. I see art being anything that takes creative thought, and is you creating something. Painting, drawing, crafts, ceramics, pottery and many other things is art to me. Even writing is a form of art.
I see being an art teacher as being there to help this creative process along, to encourage the students to continue to pursue their creative preference and to help them develop skills in their art form so they can improve.

I'm more interested in seeing them be content and happy with their art, while still being willing to improve on it. I believe criticism is needed for improvement, as an example if the feeling you where aiming for wasn't right, then even if it is a good picture it didn't reach your audience in the way you intended. Can't find that out without a critic. (I know I spelled that wrong.) Criticism is a tool to improving your style, as well as developing a sense of how to get your subject to show.

For history, though I do feel it is important to know of pieces from the past and the greats that did the pieces, I feel it is secondary to the actual drawing process. It's a very nice thing to know about, but isn't a must for all artists. Inspiration is the key, and those old arts can be good for that. Learning those styles can be fun too. (I'd have to say I don't support any copying as an art form. For practice and learning sure, but you shouldn't encourage copying anything exactly. You need to develop your own style. It is always good to be able to create in other styles too though...)

I would also want to point out that art is subjective. What one person sees as art, another person might see as trash. (All through college, I had most of my professors saying my art was trash and would never get me anywhere, yet I'm seeing it everywhere now-a-days. I told them...) It's like a mattress (as I have worked in a mattress store before), what one person might find as very soft, another would see as too hard. Same mattress. Art kinda falls into things the same way. What one person likes, another might hate or not even see as art. Art is completely based upon preference and the individual viewer.

As for any art class I would teach, I could see me encouraging the students to not hate their art (as I did that and he lead only to frustration, and I have to keep telling friends online this). I would want to do a project at the beginning of class and the ending to show the students how much you can improve in time. (And show them works of my own over the time, so they can see it over years of time, instead of months.) I would want to help them to create in whatever their style is, as well as try to help them develop said style. If I could (without encouraging copying), I would also try to encourage them to draw in other styles as well, like realistic, cartoon, semi-realistic, and anything else I stumble across.

I see art education about being more of an encourager than anything else. You need to encourage them to use their art as a tool. Frustrated? Take it into your art. Sad? Draw it out. It can be a powerful tool for yourself. It can also be relaxing and fun. (And for some people I know personally, it is better for them to draw it out than to do it in real life... if you know what I mean.)

I have a belief with art. I believe that anyone can draw, if they have the passion, drive and the will to stick with it. Art isn't something you can pick up in a few moments or months, but it is something you will never stop working on in your entire life. The expression "I can't draw" is untrue. Anyone can, if they want to work on it, and never stop working on it. It should be more of "I don't want to work on art" instead. (I actually wrote a speech with that as the theme! People liked it.)

(I feel I'm missing some points I wanted to mention... but I can't recall them right now. ^_^; )

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NioTheDreamer In reply to Tesunie [2009-09-14 21:22:20 +0000 UTC]

I don't encourage copying, just so you know. I just know that its a school of thought. Just like showing students nothing at all, is a school of thought. (I also think that art is a wide range of activities involving creativity)

I agree that art needs to be a guided process, because it is a very personal reflection upon yourself.

I also like to give my students skills and knowledge, through history, culture, and technique. When I get them in my advanced courses, I move farther and farther away from a specific topic. I encourage them to keep looking for art and to research it a little.

You do sound like you'd like older students more. In elementary many students don't have a style per say. And need more direction.

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Tesunie In reply to NioTheDreamer [2009-09-15 02:43:59 +0000 UTC]

Though I don't encourage it... I learned how to draw at first from tracing, then copying a picture I was looking at by hand. Then I upgraded to doing my own stuff in a very short amount of time. I don't encourage it, but I can understand how it can help you learn, as well as be a useful tool to be able to do.

As you said, art is a personal thing. It is a personal journey. Though basics are basics, the details and style is personal.
I'm not big on history, even with art. I just can't get into historical things. Though, there are a few famous paintings I do like, though not many. Knowing the history is all good, and can be very helpful, and if I was teaching I would hit on it a little, I just feel that practical expereince and skills are more important than the historical knowledge.

I probably would like the older students. I tried to show preschoolers how I draw and... quickly discovered I was going WAY over their heads. I knew it so I changed to something far more simple. ^_^ I have taught crafts before to kids the same age. All I ever heard was my name being called for help. They knew what to do and how to do it, they just wanted to try and get me to make it for them. ^_^ Can't blame them any.

Really... I know I could enjoy the job, and I know I'm smart enough to do it. I'm more worried about my maturity level. I think very mature, but act very immature. It's the one thing my mom has spoken up about as a point against the idea, otherwise she thinks I would be a good teacher. (She's a teacher herself.)

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NioTheDreamer In reply to Tesunie [2009-09-17 03:50:27 +0000 UTC]

Well let me answer the maturity first. As a teacher you are suppose to be very reserved (some leeway being an art teacher)You an not say anything questionable. You are basically expected to keep your personal distance from people. Which I feel is more often a hindrance to a good job. But... you have to decide yourself.

But you must forgive me, I have to ask since I have about zero ability to actually talk to other art teachers (I work in a SMALL school, 158 pupil units in k-12)

What do you think of image flood? Its the idea of helping students generate project ideas by showing them a flood of examples. The reverse to this, is not showing students an example at all. Both of which pose problems to me.

Image flood: I personally do not like this. I do think its important to have some sources of inspiration, particularity for more complicated projects, but I do not want to give them another TV or movie experience in school. They are flooded with images everyday. I want them to LOOK at whatever it is I decide to show them, I want them to try and understand it, and look past their first impressions

No images at all: The idea is that this will force students to think. Which in all likely hood is true but in the same hand it leaves some students confused, frustrated, and lost. Don't get me wrong, some students need only to be guided to the right direction, others really do not know what they like.. what they should do and never seem to keen on trying to think too abstractly

I try and use a sort of middle. I show some images, often more (as I call them) source images. Which give them an idea, but are not exactly what they are doing. Like I do an unit with 7th graders on Pacific Coast art. I teach them about some modern artist of the Pacific coast. I show them once or twice how to draw similar to that style. Then I set them loose with a project to create an animal that incorporates an idea they learned. Most make an animal, many start out realistic... and then they need to divert from that.




I think the ability to think creatively is largely assisted by two things. A lack of linear thinking, that is trying to do the same thing in the same way. And an ability to synthesize ideas and then analyze them (to improve them).

I try and help this along but giving them information, a direction, and room to interpret. I have them do projects on their own, but I also assign some. You see I think their is a fatal trap to simple allowing students to wander, exploring and finding themselves (which some can do very well). The typical person finds something their good at. A medium, a subject, etc and then repeats slight variations of that formula. For example I had a student that always drew horses and always did so realistically. She was a good artist, no doubt but little is learned if you do not change your working habits once in a while. I know that I do, sometimes very intentionally.

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Tesunie In reply to NioTheDreamer [2009-09-17 16:30:45 +0000 UTC]

I would keep my personal physical distance. I'm not a touchy person. However, emotional? Probably not so much there. I would want to be able to relate to them. Find out what interests them. Look for who they are. I feel you can't teach if you hover so far above them that you can't relate to them. I also feel that teachers should be people that students should be able to easily approach, and to talk about anything. Some students don't need a teacher to just teach, but to help them through things. (I'd probably get myself into some trouble there, but I feel that students should be able to approach me about any problem. If teachers let themselves be approachable, then some of the problems the current youth are facing probably wouldn't be nearly so much of an issue.)

I have to agree with you. People are flooded with images all the time. Having them sit and just show them more images are going to usually result in them being over loaded and not really LOOKING at the piece. At the same time, exploding them to no images is a bad thing too, though it does help force them to be more creative, but as the expression goes. Nothing it new, just a reprocess idea from someone else. Creativeness is based on what you see, feel and do in life. It is a balance. (Even though I'm not a teacher, might I recommend if you can having a project where they bring in images that influence them? Then you show the greats and what you like, and they get to show off what they like (provided it is school appropriate, might need to remind them of that). Would be exciting for all the students, and you would get to see a bit of who they are and what motivates them.)

Source images are good, just like referencing images for when I draw poses that are hard to picture. Or like when I'm working off a new style. You don't want too many, but you need enough to be able to work through what you want to learn. It doesn't hurt to reference, but it does to copy outright. (I agree with you there. At least you aren't like my "Has to be Charcoal and Still life for it to be art" teacher. He was a bit too stuck up into himself and had long since stopped caring for the students. Actually... I don't think he became a teacher for the students.)


Ah! You like to be an "Idea bouncer". That's where you like to hear people's ideas, and then think on it, improve it and send it back for them to do the same. I'm like that. I've helped so many people improve their own ideas just by making a few suggestions here or there. It's a good skill to have.
And being an experimenter also helps too (the other half you said). I always suggest to people to experiment with their art. Try new things. What's the worse that happens? You don't like it and go back? It's always good to try new things out with art.

I've found by being a student that free projects (or giving a student choices in their project, like give an offer of a few for them to choose from) can let them have fun, but you also need to have a few assigned projects for encourage them to experiment, even if it is by force a little. Let them experiment with paint, if they normally draw with a pencil. If they draw more cartoon, give a realistic assignment. Stuff like that.

Sadly... I've already been thinking about what I could do with curriculum. I haven't even done anything to become an art teacher yet... I should have gotten to work on that Yesterday! (My day off.) But I was so tired... Oh well. Always next week.
(I think I might still be hesitant about this. I don't like change and tend to naturally stall or resist it, even if it is change I want. Then again, I still need to find out what I need to become a teacher, and if my last degree in design counts for me.)

(Your horse artist... I would have challenge her to draw a Centaur. It's close to what she enjoys, yet different. Then from there, try to step her into a Satyr. Then human and work in steps from here.)

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NioTheDreamer In reply to Tesunie [2009-09-25 01:11:33 +0000 UTC]

It would seem that we have some basic agreement on art.

One thing you will need to consider is discpline. Unfortunetly classroom management is a big part of teaching. I know I have started the year a little rough. I have one class where inattention and lack of turning in homework has caused some stress. I also have a class where two students want nothing to do with the unit I have been doing because "it looks dumb" and its what they want to do.

Its been the hardest thing for me to learn. I know I have the capasity to be good at it but its so hard to know what to do in every senerio.


So what to you is the value of art? And how would you impart that value?

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Tesunie In reply to NioTheDreamer [2009-09-27 15:22:00 +0000 UTC]

That it does. We do seem to have a similar view on art and what it is, and how to teach it even (even though I'm not a teacher, at least not yet).

Discipline... you mean that boring thing I was suppose to learn? Where you like... control yourself? ^_^ Just joking. I know. I've watched my Mom enough with the younger kids. I just hope I don't go all soft on them. I'm called a marshmallow when it comes to kids for a reason, and it isn't because of any overly excessive weight or soft skin. (Warning, I seem to be full of bad puns and jokes as of late.) I can get a backbone though when the times need it, but I prefer to be a little more silly than most people my age. I'd rather have them have fun, as kids in general will learn best when having fun. Guess howcome we can remember more about a video game faster? Because it is fun and we want to learn how to play the game. (Was actaully thinking about it and D&D (if you know what that is... as in really what it is) would be a fun way to learn about chance, and math, as well as throw in some creativeness, fun and art into it as well. Could make for a fun club... if the bad rumors about the game doesn't kill it before it starts.

You will probably never know what to do in every situation. The same solution probably wont work in each case, but I know what you mean. Sometimes you have to be a problem solver and try to do some creative solutions. Thankfully... I'm fairly decent at creative solutions, provided I have the knowledge on what fixes can be done.

What is the value of art? Hum... I'm starting to feel like this is a test.
I see art as being something that takes creative thought and creative effort to create. It doesn't have to be something completely original, but should have meaning to someone. I place more value on how much meaning it has to the person creating it (especially at that age) then I do on how well the message of the piece is shown. I feel at the ages I think I would like to work at, that encouraging them to draw for themselves is more important that the creative value of the pieces.

I see value being placed into a piece through experimentation, development, and creative hard work. Sloshing paint randomly onto a canvas might give a good effect, but doesn't have as much creative value as, say, a simple stick figure, as the stick figure can have more concept and work behind it. (Especially with how some people draw. That stick figure could have taken them hours of work, which shows me effort.)

The only person who can place true value on any art piece is the person currently viewing it. It should have value to the artist that drew it though too, and even if they don't like the piece, they should take pride in their work, as it is theirs and no one else's.


I'm actually applying for a Paraprofessional position at the local schools. See if I can get an in and see if I will like the job before I jump into more debt.

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