Teacher’s Art Corner
Imagination and creativity are critical to good teaching. Many teachers reflect upon the experiences of teaching through a wide range of artistic expressions. The tools of artistic reflection range from a computer mouse, paint, clay, yarn, found objects to glitter, glue and scissors. The Teacher’s Art Corner is a space to share original reflections on teaching and the teaching life. We invite you to submit original poetry, creative writing, photography, musical composition. Or, if your work is in such forms as sculpture, pottery, painting, needle work, collage, origami, or cooking – take a photo and submit it along with three sentences of description. Being a professional artist is not a requirement. We are looking for expressions which depict the teaching life and all of its magic, drudgery and delight.
Please submit your art electronically to: Dr. Paul Myhre at [email protected].
-Nancy Lynne Westfield
Maria Fee, Los ojos se me nublan de tristeza, acrylic on cut paper, 10" height
Maria Fee embraces the term mestizaje, which refers to cultural mixing, her bi-cultural identity, and the media composition of her art work. It also serves to explore a more fluid theological task where theory and praxis, theology and art, develop conjunto.
The works Los ojos se me nublan de tristeza and Vespers, depict one of the artist's visual lexicons, the circle representing the autonomous individual. Under COVID-19 alienation, with its detached online gatherings, these figures are elongated as they stretch towards one another. Such yearning becomes an active lament by way of winding and weaving to become one in sorrow and hope. The ashen palette refers to both mourning and twilight.
Feathers by Emily Kahm (2020)
Gullah Geechee by Barb Matz.
"Gullah Geechee comes right from this teaching. When I visited the outer banks of South Carolina, I learned about the Gullah people, whose ancestors were slaves, that live there still. These people are famous for their basket weaving using sea grass. This painting combines the baskets with the Do Unto Others saying in the language of the Gullah. And of course, one of the main features of the painting is the food. Oh, my, who doesn't love food? And so this goes out to people who desperately need food especially in these times, with words of kindness."
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
from the Prayers for Sale series by Elaine Penagos
Trombone Shorty by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
Thumbs Up by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
The Night Jesus Didn't Save by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
The Mayor and Jesse are Cleaning Up by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
The Boy Looking at The King by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
Ricci Looking At Past Through Glass by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
Preaching Pimp with Old English by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
Phone Sign Eyelashes by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
Pastor Lean by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
John by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
Here Come the Police by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
Give the Bass Some by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
Dobbs Looks at Street Under the Lights by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
Daddy Comes to Church by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
An Artist Rendering by Ralph Basui Watkins (2016). From the series Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter.
Spiritual Protection by Victoria Martin
Amulet for Creation by Victoria Martin
The Journey is Long (2020) by P. Kimberleigh Jordan
Which Side Am I On? (2020) by P. Kimberleigh Jordan
Shelter in Place: The Possibilities (2020) by P. Kimberleigh Jordan
Shelter in Place: The Possibilities (2020) by P. Kimberleigh Jordan
Shelter in Place: The Possibilities (2020) by P. Kimberleigh Jordan
Icon by Sr. Jeana Visel, OSB
American Goldfinch by Richard Topping (2020)
Eagle by Richard Topping (2020)
Consumption by Sho McClarence (2018)
Noetic Quality by Sho McClarence (2017)
Contemplating Disillusionment by Sho McClarence (2019)
Following Fragmentation by Sho McClarence (2019)
Untitled by Brian Bantum. I found the early days observing the “stay at home” orders to be disorienting and overwhelming. It felt like there were too many things to do, but nothing felt particularly important given our moment. In the midst of this, I began drawing a few lines here and a few lines there. As I did I was struck by how they built up over time and took on their own life. And each time I did it, a new weight or image emerged. So I began doing a new set of lines each day.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
Processed with VSCO with b4 preset
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
By Yohana A. Junker, PhD.
These images are part of my meditation exercises during COVID-19. I describe this spiritual practice as a breathing-being-praying meditation. Beginning by centering myself, breathing in and out deeply, and noticing a word that emerges for me, I write the word at the center of the paper. This word is a reflection of how I sense and name my most urgent needs, the desires of my spirit, my body-prayer, minha gratidão. I then begin by inhaling deeply and drawing one line, exhaling deeply and drawing another line. I do this until the page is filled with lines that reflect current patterns of being and breathing–my heart frequency.
Spring Life in Vancouver by Rev. Dr. Joyce Chung-Yan Chan's daughter
Spring Life in Vancouver by The Rev. Dr. Joyce Chung-Yan Chan
Windows & Doors by Arlette Poland
Numbers by Arlette Poland
My Dancing Dragons by Arlette Poland
Mirror Reflections by Arlette Poland
Madonna and Child quilt by Alison Benders
Guitar appliqué (kit) quilt by Alison Benders (for my husband)
Nearly completed five color study of St Peter by Alison Benders
St. Peter from the facade of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, partial project by Alison Benders
Community symbols for St Columba Parish in Oakland quilt by Alison Benders
Camino Ignaciano symbol to commemorate my walk - Alison Benders
Hallelujah anagram - unbound quilt by Alison Benders
Three Wise Women dancing quilt by Alison Benders
(copied a friend’s book cover to honor her)
Wall hanging for a friend who walked the Camino Santiago by Alison Benders
A stole for a priest friend’s ordination- Camaldolese Monastery bell of hospitality adornment by Alison Benders
Holy Wisdom Anagram quilt by Alison Benders
Maria Fee, Vespers, acrylic on cut paper, 15" height.
Maria Fee embraces the term mestizaje, which refers to cultural mixing, her bi-cultural identity, and the media composition of her art work. It also serves to explore a more fluid theological task where theory and praxis, theology and art, develop conjunto.
The works Los ojos se me nublan de tristeza and Vespers, depict one of the artist's visual lexicons, the circle representing the autonomous individual. Under COVID-19 alienation, with its detached online gatherings, these figures are elongated as they stretch towards one another. Such yearning becomes an active lament by way of winding and weaving to become one in sorrow and hope. The ashen palette refers to both mourning and twilight.
Freshman Revelations by S. Jane Russell, OSF
T.G.I.F. (2008) by Jane Russell, OSF
Shaped Conversations, in Phases (2007) by Jane Russell, OSF
Professor's Karma (2020) S. Jane Russell, OSF
For me, practicing the circus arts is about developing strength, agency, and connection to others. By training and moving my body, I have explored possibilities that I had never imagined for myself. Expanding my imagination in this way expands my imagination for my self and for the world around me.