Oct 1, Sentipensante Pedagogy, Chapt 2,3

"learn how to learn" (p.60) What a great statement of purpose. What a powerful intent. 
I was in Northern New Mexico for the weekend to re-visit the site of many of my most powerful lessons.  Lessons on learning and living. It was a time warped journey into memories and realities.  It will take a while for me to process all I gained. I do know I returned to Lubbock calmer and more centered with a sketch book of ideas and notes and ramblings. And a distrust of any green chili that has canned mushrooms as an ingredient.

After reading these two chapters tell me your overall impression. And then pick two from the following three proposed assignments.
1. Based on Blake's class describe a lesson or a work of your own art using music and social history.
2. Following Cantu's lesson write about a personal photo that has influenced your art making, describe the artwork ..even if it is still only a sketch or idea.
3. In honor of Pulido imagine and share your cajita answering these five points: a. how do you image your graduate degree, b. who influenced you to begin your studies ,c. what is your personal emphasis/goal ,d.what do you see as your strengths/ limitations and e.how to you hope to make a difference

Sept 24, Sentipensante Pedagogy, Intro and chapter One

We are taking a very sharp turn as we begin reading our next book.  Don't give up on this book.  Know there is no test at the end. I am not expecting you be able to within in week totally get all of the fine points or even the larger points. Some of the information and pedagogy you may have studied before or it can all be new...just allow yourself time to think about what Rendon is saying.

The word Sentipensante was invented by fishermen of the Colombian Coast as a way of "defining language that speaks the truth" (Galeano, 1992) Simply, it means feeling/thinking. So try to allow Rendon's words to sit with you, carry them with you through your day and invite them into your dreams.

Aside from your overall response to the introduction and chapter one, answer the following three questions: (1) What is a poem or saying ...longer than sound bit...you would put over your door? refer to page 20,21 for guidance if need be. (2) How do you evaluate art work , your own, student work or work you may come across...what are the hidden rules you use? and (3) How do you take care of yourself?

Sept 17th, " Rural Studio"

Warm, dry and noble.....the requirements for the buildings  documented in this incredible book.  After reading your responses to "How Much House?" I no longer feel I have to give a long introduction to this reading.  You are all insightful with your comments. I have long held that the best teaching is to simply get out of the way of learning. You are all proof of that belief. So, read this book, sit with the stories and reflect on this community classroom.

Sept 10, How Much House?

Thanks for the great song lists. The TTU radio station does interviews with administrators and Deans asking for their top ten. As each song plays the guest talks about their life and why they picked the song. It really is interesting to suddenly see someone I had thought of as a stuffy business suite guy talk about rock/roll or heavy metal! I have also used this list making with my undergrad class. Once we all got past the laughter at my list (none of which their parents even listen to) we would pick one song from each persons list and play it. A wonderful way to learn a little more about each other and to hear some new music. In Visual Studies we have also use the concept of comfort food as a sharing event. Sometimes with the real food, other times with just the stories behind the food.  From fried chicken on Sundays to some strange jello concoction each food creation was clearly more about the memory and the community than the taste or nutritional value. It really does  not matter what the subject is, it is the story about the subject that holds the insight, because stories are the foundation of learning.

For this week read and respond to "How Much House' by Upe Flueckiger . Tell me what you think of the book. Include your emotional response to the concept of small living. Add any experience you may have had with retreats and solitude. How would you have liked or not liked being in Upe's class for the sustainable cabin? Finally, give me two historical references and one contemporary reference (not a site or a quote but a person/process) that relates to your art making or your research. And explain why it matters to you and how it plays into your creative work.