I am in constant dialogue with myself when it comes to storytelling – searching for new ways to engage children in language and the arts. Felt cut-outs and recycled cardboard are useful but at this stage in my teaching career, I feel the need to challenge myself to involve a more diverse range of materials within storytelling, for both myself and the children. I have always welcomed the use of whatever is available in the room or on the shelf closest to you when a child asks you to read a story but… my goal is to create a thoughtful collection, something more permanent. With an emphasis on reusing materials and objects that I already have within my home, I am determined to make props for each of the stories I have in my library before I head back to school September 1st.

This afternoon while browsing my inspiration folder, this photo by the talented Miss Yokoo has reminded me that no matter how fuzzy or twisty the scraps from these ‘homemade props’ may be, they are worth saving and sharing.

Art + Photo by Yokoo

I like the idea of art that is temporary; creating on a bare table top or a the edges of a bookshelf. If you do too, be sure to have adhesives and paper nearby – some children just aren’t willing to accept that their creations get picked up piece by piece and put back into a glass container for use another day.

Drawing by Seth

We encourage children to talk to us about their drawings, write down their words and often look to the art shelf or in the recycling box for materials to extend their images and ideas. A child’s drawing provides endless possibilities for creative expression, storytelling and dramatic play – it is exciting, for both child and adult, to see a story transform from flatness to fullness.

These images inspire me to continue to encourage the transformation of flatness to fullness, they also serve as a reminder that I need to make peace with the sewing machine.

Plush by his mom, Karen (updated blog coming soon)

via acejet170

architecture, 2006
oil on canvas
110 x 130 cm

The following is an exert from ARTIST STATEMENT FOR THE NY DRAWING CENTER – Text by Sabine Finkenauer for the exhibition Non – Declarative Drawing in the Drawing Center, New York, September 2007

“I am in the habit of using a wide range of colors. I apply them according to the emotion they convey and in order to grant the right weight to shapes, rather than because of their representational value. I am not interested in complicated technical procedures or sophisticated materials. What attracts me to drawing is precisely the frugality of the medium, which facilitates a very direct and immediate execution. The quality that underscores the bareness and simplicity of the expression I seek in my work lies in this austerity of resources.

My work generally treats just of “things”,objects taken from daily life such as pieces of furniture, dresses, plants, buildings, or mountains. Figures such as little girls, princesses, or dolls that appear to be related to children’s stories and imaginary worlds are also present. This whole universe of “things” is portrayed in a simple yet rigorous formal language, playfully situated between abstraction and concrete images. Also leading to poetry and irony, my approach to this seemingly naïve or even stupid imaginary world is clearly formalistic. In my search for the limits of representation, things are divested of their attributes and converted into “form”. Form is the true theme of my work—the ambiguity between representation and definition being a sign or symbol that travels in an intimate and subjective way from the visible to the invisible, from what we see to that which exists.”

head, 2007
lacqued iron bar
165 x 230 x 1 cm

Sabine is currently an Artist in Residence at Cité International des Arts de Paris (March-April 2010).

via itisnicethat.com

…in Reggio Emilia, Italy, July 4-17, 2010 for 100 participants.

The main contents of The Summer School will be:

“- The principles of the educational project- Infant Toddler Centres and preschools, Istituzione of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia.
- Experiences of theories and practice in dialogue
- The school seen as a system of interactions and relationships
- Analysis of research projects
- Encounters with teachers, pedagogistas and atelieristas
- Parents participation in the life of the school
- The experience of the preschools and continuity with the primary school
- The hundred languages of children. Expressive and cognitive learning
- Exhibitions seen as professional development tools
- Atelier Ray of Light, Atelier of Water and Energy. Visits and workshops
- The cultural project of the International Centre Loris Malaguzzi
- Reggio Children and the role of International Networks
- Friends of Reggio Children International Association
- The town, the community, the early childhood services in Reggio Emilia
- Encounters with local administratoris, politicians, city council members
- Projects in collaboration with Univerisities
- The Italian Educational System
- Experiences from the World: dialogues and conversations with the participants

The programme will be developed through lectures, power point presentations,
plenary sessions, workshops, hands-on, working in groups, role playing,
projection of video clips, analisys of documentation tools, making the learning
visible: workshop in motion.

The two weeks will be in English. The participants are expected to have a good knowledge of the language in order to facilitate exchanges among them and to support active interactions and communications.”

DOWNLOAD PDF

…currently on my list of things to “try to do” this summer

Surface Printing Workshop – SEPT 12th, 2009 12 – 4pm

“This is an opportunity to learn and explore simple means and methods for printmaking, while also absorbing Lotta’s organic and intuitive design sense for inspiration. Get inspired to create your own individual & unique projects!

The emphasis will be on printing on already existing items using easy techniques (like stenciling, printing with linocuts and even potato printing!) anyone can use at home without special or expensive equipment. You will come away from the class with a couple of completed projects and much inspiration to print on anything from pillowcases to totes. Print-makers and creatives of all levels and experience are welcome to attend this exciting and intimate workshop.”

If you can’t make it:

Visit Lotta’s online shop for inspiration!