Mr. Tam's ART CLASS

In Middle School, children often forget that Words Matter.   Words can make us cry, laugh, and they give life meaning.  For the current project I introduced to them how we be thoughtful about the words we use.  I touched upon how the words of Thomas Jefferson “all men are created equal” and MLK Jr. “I have a Dream” shaped our culture and civilization today.  We even looked at the work of Robert Indiana, the “painter of signs.”  Young artist then brainstormed words that were personal.  Ideas and text were then designed onto fabric.  They then learned stitching skills and created what we call, the Inspired Pillow.  Enjoy!

g

Paper Mache is one of the most challenging mediums to work with.  Dealing with wet materials and creating forms with just newspaper and masking tape can be frustrating.  But with about 3-4 weeks of school left students were able to create amazing works for our annual fundraiser.  It really capped off a gratifying school year!

Here are some pixs.

Mr. TAM

Sereh Yang. Grade 6

 

 

To support our students social emotional learning, students need to be taught to slow down.  Our culture of  impulsivity and instant indulgence, makes no room to teach habits of delaying gratification.   Thus, by learning about mindfulness through Zen Drawings, students learn to focus on the now and go through the art process of Zen Drawings.

   Zen Drawings are beautiful works of art created mindfully using patterns.  To guide our practice,  I used 2 books, Where ever You Go, There You Are, by Jon Kabat-Zinn and One Zentangle a Day by B. Krahula.  First, students were introduced to mindfulness.  Mindfulness is being aware of what you are doing and being ‘in the moment.”   For instance, if you are eating, your mind can be wondering in the future or the past, and miss simple experiences of tasting your chocolate shake.  Thus, by recognizing that, “I am eating or tasting right now” is an example of practicing mindfulness.  I provided youtube videos for students to watch like, Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Phil Jackson, to showcase mindfulness in every day life.  In addition, they learned 3 mindful attitudes. These attitudes would give them the confidence to create art intuitively without fear or judgment.  They are:

1. Letting go:  not holding on to things/ideas, mistakes are okay.
2. Non-Judging: art/ideas are not bad or good, avoid labels
3. Trust:  confidence in your own intuition, you are your own guide

 

   By providing a mindful practice though art, students become more attentive to their work which leads to a sense of calm.  This helps to engage our parasympathetic nervous system so we feel more at peace and relaxed.  The drawings our 6th Graders have created are quite amazing.  Many have told me how much they enjoyed art this quarter and and how drawing made them feel just a little bit better.

Aloha,

Mr. Tam

Brianna Nguyen. Grade 6

 

Saedee Shimauchi. Grade 6

 

Kayla Domaloan. Grade 6

 

Keegan Vega. Grade 6

Last year, the 5th Annual Paws for a Cause, raised over $1400.  This is our annual 6th grade service project.  It is an art fundraiser for Paws of Hawaii.    Initially, students get an up close experience with animals, as Paws of Hawaii makes a classroom visit with their dogs.  As students learn about stewardship, compassion, and care, they then begin the art process of paper mache sculpture.  Young artists then give back by donating artwork for sale, with all proceeds benefitting Paws of Hawaii.   The works this past year were simply amazing!