It was a gift for our principal, Angela, from our staff. Earlier this year, Angela was one of 8 school principals selected as finalists for the Rodel award. Four of the 8 were selected to be awarded $3000 and the opportunity to mentor other principals. Their profiles were in the newspaper and the winners would be announced in the paper as well. Unfortunately, Angela wasn't one of the Rodel winners but our staff knows we have the best principal ever.
In addition to the two schools I've worked at, I traveled to a couple of others and got a taste of other school climates. I feel very, very fortunate to have worked for Angela for 12 of my 13 years in this district. Many of us do. As a result we all wrote letters that were compiled into this book. Kelli presented Angela with her book on Friday at our end of the year BBQ. It was an unexpected surprise. Those are the best kind!
Since I'm on an aluminum tape kick, that's the technique used for the covers. The "A" stands for Angela and dolphins are her favorite. Tim Holtz's texture hammer was used on the dolphins and a, (sewing), marking wheel was used to add texture to the "A."
Sylvia had us work in prescribed steps. It was different than I'm used to so it was great to learn another way to get started. First-layers of paper pieces. Then inks, then some gesso. At some point we were given a focal point to use. The pickings were slim so I used something I probably wouldn't have picked on my own. Another break from the usual. It's a good thing! Next paint was used or was it stamping? Then more paint. Above was my first effort. It's OK but not my favorite YET. It'll get reworked some more.
Sylvia had a container full of papers to rummage and pull from. There must have been some kind of medical/ailments dictionary or encyclopedia. The above image came from the "death, sudden" page. Creepy! Creepy-er when I added the words "Death, Sudden" above the male and female figures. I may not be in the best mind set to start dating again.....
The armor image was left by someone else as was the postage stamp of a mideivel figure. The scissors repeat the "X" of the armor as well as the idea of the cut away flesh.
All the papers and images are from Sylvia's stash. We didn't have to bring anything but scissors, an apron and an open mind.
Although, I hadn't planned on taking this class this weekend, I'm glad I moved the date up for it. It was perfect for my half dead state-of-mind. Being told what to do took some of the pressure off. When my brain woke up, I did my own thing and that was perfectly OK too. There 8 of us in the class and as always, it was fun to see how different everyone's pieces came out.
Sylvia's teaching this class in two weeks at Mystic Paper in Old Downtown Mesa. Sign -up!
Now that I'm home I can call the evap guy, the plumber and the handy man to get some much needed maintenance done on our "castle."
Happy Monday!
School's out for you. A fun summer ahead. Really enjoy your art. Glad to hear you so happy.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
LC-K