Please respond to the 3 statements and post your name and date on the comment section. Due Monday September 28.
2. How could you use the any of this experience of Hurricane Katrina and the artist's response in your classroom? What would you emphasis, or focus on?
3. Describe a lesson idea that incorporates taking your class to an art gallery, or having a guest artist in your classroom?
1. As I listened to Mr. Chatman speak in class, I was almost in aw about what he was saying, he began talking about photography and capturing images through his eyes, and then began to unfold his story to us. He told about his experience with going down and seeing the reckage of hurricane Katrina. I thought his images were wonderful! Especially in the gallery, they were all so clear and each picture had an individual yet common theme with the rest of the pictues. As for me agreeing wtih his view point I am still undecided. Some of his points were very true, I have always learned God helps those who help themselves. But in a case like Katrina I believe God is not only testing us as humans but testing us as a people put on this earth in a country. I believe everything happens for a reason and even though looking through his eyes as well as everyone who suffered from hurricane Katrina its hard to see God and his presence but its through the people who helped clean and rebuild homes that God works.
ReplyDelete2 & 3. In classrooms today religion and the belief in God along with government can be a very touchy subject. I would use an exhibit like this to see the reaction of each of my students. I want to know how they feel about religion and God before bringing a lesson into the classroom that may deal with religion or government. THis would be the perfect way to do so. I would ask the students to write what and how they feel about the images, almost every image has a godly or governmental aspect and each student would how or another notice this. I would focus on feelings and emotions. I would also focus on writing about the art, which is not only bring english into the picture but their view of art as well.
-Amanda Lacher-
1. I found Larry Chatman’s exhibit very interesting. I enjoyed his sense of “up and going” and listening to his internal instincts in searching for answers. I really liked that he walked the streets of the Lower 9th Ward doing what he loved and challenging what he believed in until he felt he had reached a conclusion. He may not consider himself an artist, but his presentation was certainly fascinating as was looking at his photographs through his eyes. His work is great. Each picture tells its own story of devastation, symbolism, culture, and aftermath. He includes lots of religious and political references in his shots but is not blatant. He almost shoots the photographs and allows the viewer to interrupt it for his or herself.
ReplyDelete2. This experience allows students to experience an event without actually seeing it themselves. Mr. Chatman’s photos made me feel like I was standing right in front of the piles of rubble, and I would hope my students would feel the same. The artist experienced the aftermath first hand and could discuss Hurricane Katrina and the damages so the students could have a more personal understanding of the event. I would emphasize what happened, from the hurricane forming, hitting, the levees failing, the damage, the consequences, the lives lost, etc. It could make a great history, science, language arts, and reading lessons. I would leave the religion out unless I was challenging higher education students. Incorporating something like this is so much more beneficial and personal than textbook readings and magazine articles.
3. In South Dakota, our access to Native American art is bountiful. As South Dakota history is a standard, it would be foolish not to take advantage of a Native American art gallery, speaker, and/or artist. Students could see index calendars, beaded works, etc.
Megan Marvel
9/22/09
#1-First of all, I have to say that Larry Chatman took some very nice pictures. When I was viewing them it made me feel as if I were really there. The photographs had a lot of symbolism that could be viewed many different ways. I really enjoyed the video of the 9th Ward describing the background of the area that he photographed. The one thing that I didn’t necessarily agree with was his view points. He saw the decapitated head of the Virgin Mary, the US Flag, and picture of Jesus in a much different aspect than what I would have viewed them as. If I were to have come across the flag and picture it would have reminded me that I am an American so I need to be strong and look to God to get me though. I don’t think that it was coincidence that the picture was laying on the top of the rebel or that the flag was hanging on the fence. The way you choose to view it is your own opinion.
ReplyDelete#2&3-I think that having an artist like Larry Chatman come into a classroom would be useful if you were having a unit on weather or natural disasters. It would be nice to have him come in and explain the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina that he saw firsthand. I would have him emphasize the reason for taking the pictures that he did and focus on why he thought that was “art.” This would give the students an understanding that art isn’t something that you necessarily paint or draw but can also be photographed. I would also have him focus more on how he became an artist, and what has made him an artist. The students would benefit from this by getting information on Hurricane Katrina but also a lesson on art.
Breanne Neiger
9/22/09
I was personally blown away by Larry Chatman’s exhibit: “Katrina, Where’s My God, Where’s My Country”. I love the fact that he has taken a very controversial topic and put it forth for discussion without shoving it down people’s throats. For the most part I agree with many of his views. His process, or perhaps the route he takes in creating a show, is also something I find very interesting. For many artists the finished product has gone through many revisions and changes, where as Larry “just lets it happen”. However I find his views of art very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHis view of art, that it should be more than just a “pretty” or “cutesy” image, is probably something I would emphasize in a classroom. I think that Larry’s subject matter is somewhat advanced for most high school students. Bringing governmental debate, and especially religious debate, is a subject that is meant for a more mature group. Therefore with an artist like Larry I would use his view of using art as a medium of social awareness, as a lesson in the classroom. I think it is really important to show students what art can do. There have been whole art movements that were focused upon enlightening people on social issues.
I think Megan has a great idea of taking students to one of the local Native American Museums. Another way to tie it to Larry’s exhibition would be to bring up Native American History and their fight for human rights. Another lesson idea I got from Larry would be a lesson based on “what is art, and who can be considered and “artist””. Larry made the comment that anyone can take a “pretty” picture or make a “cutesy” image. I would like to see how artists feel about this. What does it take to be an artist? Do you need to merely have talent or do you need to make art with a purpose?
Tiff S.
1. When first listening to Larry Chatman speak about his viewpoint s as a photographer and artist I was a bit skeptical about what I was going to see and what his work would be like. As he was presenting to the class he brought up ideas that I wouldn’t otherwise have thought of and made me think about and appreciate what I have. When I walked into the gallery and started looking at the pictures I was amazed. I felt as if I was in the middle of the rubble and everything became much more personal. The items that he photographed made the viewer think about and realize that even though I personally didn’t know anyone affected by Katrina that these were real people just like me and their lives were completely uprooted. Some of the viewpoint s that Mr. Chatman expressed I must say I didn’t much agree with. I have always trusted in God and believed that he does everything for a reason. He puts us as human through these test s and struggles to make us realize that we need to rely on him to get us through them.
ReplyDelete2. This experience would help students to realize the devastating effects that Katrina had on our nation. It would hopefully give them that same feeling of being there in the middle of it and give them a sense of gratefulness for what we have. It could be incorporated into many areas of teaching from having the students write their own reaction to the picture from a history lesson.
3. In South Dakota there are many great art galleries that tell of South Dakota’s history. Bringing your students to any of these galleries would be a great opportunity to incorporate a history lesson into an art lesson or a language arts lesson. It also gives students a chance to become more aware of different forms of art.
Katie H.
September 23
1. I enjoyed listening to Larry Chapman's presentation and looking at his artwork. His pictures seemed so real to me, I felt as if I was there and experienced it; further more, I was not there and I am sure I have never felt that feeling that those people felt when they lost everything. Larry seems like a very interesting individual with "undecided" beliefs. I however, do not agree with him on his viewpoints. I know he said that he is "undecided" about religious aspects, but I feel entirely different about his beliefs about some of the symbols he took pictures of. For instance, the picture of Jesus laying in the rubble-to me that represented that Jesus is the center of our universe and if we believe in him, we can get through anything in life; however, Larry felt as if Jesus was as equal as garbage/rubble! He brought up very many different discussions that could go about his beliefs, but overall he took very good pictures and gave you a sense of what it sort-of looked like to be there.
ReplyDelete2. I would try to get across to my class that I was showing this presentation to, that there is a reason for everything and no matter how bad or devastating things can get, you can either turn to God or take the matters into your own hands and try to figure them out. I feel as if this would make for a HUGE discussion amongst students as to what they feel is important and the issues with religion and government. I would emphasis that no matter what happens, you can always turn to someone if it isn't God, then you can turn to your neighbors and they will help you through the particular hard time.
3. I think by having an artist come into your classroom and show his work would really be interesting to most students. This way by having the artist actually there they can ask questions and get a sense of what the artist is trying to portray in their paintings. There are many museums and galleries to go to throughout the world, I think by going to any one of those would give you an abstract feeling or what those particular times were like!
Whitney Daly
1. When I think of art, I don’t normally thing of photography as art. Larry Chatman did a fantastic job at grasping the heart and soul of that community in his photographs. It was real and freaky at the same time. Larry’s presentation not only informed us about Katrina but also about Government, Religion, and helping others. These are powerful messages that were captured in all of his photographs. I was astounded by the level of art work that was in these pictures, it was like they were painting, but more real life. These pictures meant something to the people that lived in those homes and they will always remember what happened. Larry captured their heart ache and made it into something so beautiful.
ReplyDelete2. There are ways in which you could present this information into a classroom. One could use it as a geography lesson, history lesson, writing assignment, and even an art lesson. The government portion of the natural disaster could be studied in history, along with the Hurricane itself. For a geography lesson one could consider the elevation of the land and the canal that ran through New Orleans. The possibilities are endless. As for an art lesson; this would be the best way to present Larry’s work as well as the story. Students could create pictures or sculptures of something moving that they see within Larry’s work. They could also write about the pictures and how it made them feel or be in the position of a home owner that lost everything.
3. If I would bring a artist, Larry Chatman, into one of my classrooms, I would have him be an inspirational or motivational speaker for art. He could present, which in turn would motivate some students to get into art; art is not only drawing and painting, but also taking photographs and making sculptures. Students should realize that art is everywhere and in everything. Larry doesn’t know why he shot the pictures but after looking at them he figured out a deeper meaning. This is a great lesson in itself for students to learn. I learned a lot about myself through Larry’s photographs and I know that it would do the same for other students.
Nicole O
1.I was really excited to be able to hear Larry Chatman speak and also be able to see his pictures. When he came into class and started talking about God, United States and people in relation to Katrina I was really shocked. I did not agree with what he had to say and was offended by some of it. I believe that God does everything for a reason, and that he sends some bad things to let everyone know they have something to be grateful for. I did like most of his art work; it really showed what a devastating event Katrina was for most of the country that had no idea. Some of his a photo graphs I did find offensive, like the one with Mary’ s head off. On the other had I did like the photo of “Dirty Flag” it showed that some people did still have faith.
ReplyDelete2.You could use the experience of Hurricane Katrina in your classroom either by having a science lesson on storms, or a social studies lesson on how disasters shape the country. I would make sure to emphasis the importance of community, state and country involvement. Also, maybe hits some key people that help in devastating situations. Lastly, I would hopefully volunteer some class time to help some organization in the community.
3.You could have a guest artist come into the classeroom and talk about what artwork they have designed and why. Also you could have an artist talk about what they have gone through to get to the potion and status that they have achieved.
Amanda Arendsee
1. My reaction to Larry Chatman and his artwork is that he is very passionate about his artwork, and it shows in his pieces. Some of his viewpoints, however, are very different from my own. I liked the way that he said he does not choose his pieces, his pieces choose him. I believe that is how the best artwork is achieved. You do not decide what your best piece will look like; you just work on it without completely knowing what it will be until it is complete. I liked the way he gave the presentation in class and explained about the 9th Ward as well as the photographs he took. I thought his artwork was both beautiful and very symbolic. The viewpoint of his that I do not agree with is how not even God can save you. During some of his lecture I was offended by what he was saying, but then I remembered that it was only his opinion that he was telling us, and that he was not being forceful with his views so I should not be offended because there are always people who have different viewpoints than my own.
ReplyDelete2& 3. There are many ways in which this experience of Hurricane Katrina and the artist’s response could be used in my classroom. One of the ways that it could be used would be to show children how much destruction is caused by natural disasters. One may do this by emphasizing the destruction shown in the photographs and then taking students to another gallery that shows the destruction of other natural disasters. Another way that this experience could be utilized, and is probably the one I would use, would be to show students that some people view disasters differently than other people and that is okay. This could be done by telling my viewpoint of the disaster and then telling his, explaining how they differ, and finally sharing how it is okay for more than one viewpoint to exist. One could then take students to an art gallery and focus on one room, having students choose their favorite piece and draw or photograph it; then, you could have them describe their view on what the piece depicts; finally, you would have the other students write or share their views on the work and how it is different from the other students and why it is okay their view is different. If you would rather that they visited with an artist, you could have an artist come in and they could write or comment on how their view is different than the artist’s or how they saw something different in the art than the message the artist was trying to convey.
Alyssa Kaye Anderson
9/27/09
I found Larry Chatman’s exhibit and presentation to be very interesting and somewhat controversial. The exhibit itself was absolutely amazing and life-like. He had so much passion for what he saw in New Orleans. On many occasions it is hard to grasp the severity of such catastrophes as Hurricane Katrina, and with a direct source it made this event much more real and devastating. It was easy to draw Chatman’s viewpoint in each photograph that he had taken. I enjoyed his presentation, but found myself disagreeing with what he was saying at many times, especially on God. It taught me that I must be very careful of what I say in the classroom, not offending students. There were many pieces that inspired me, and others that did not. I loved how he referenced his whole collection to his last painting, “With Help” as a summation of his viewpoint on the whole catastrophe: that we all should be held accountable for what has been done since that devastating day.
ReplyDeleteThis experience could be used in many ways within the classroom across many subjects. The one I believe that would be most interesting is in Language Arts. Students would be able to form their own opinion, or tell their own story about a devastating time in their life. They could also respond to the photographs or write a story about what we can do to help these victims. I would try to focus on the positive that could come from such an event, and less on all of the negative things that have happened. Using real-life situations would make everything much more real and interesting. I also believe this exhibit and presentation could be used both in Social Studies and in Science classrooms.
If I could design a lesson I would have students do a certain project similar to what the guest artist or exhibit was going to display or present. After the students had made their own projects I would then take them to the gallery or have the artist show them their techniques and have them compare their project to the artists. Students would learn similarities and new ideas of what their artwork could display. If the guest artist was coming in, I would have them do a project with the students that exposed them to different cultures and realms of artwork.
Holly Beck
1. Larry Chatman’s exhibit was pretty impressive. I was impressed with the :”power” of his pictures and the way they grabbed you without using any images of people. I thought for sure to get the point of the devestation and destruction in the 9th ward he would have had to capture people around the rubble, maybe sifting through trying to find there belongings. That is why I was so impressed with his photography is because it made you feel pain without even seeing it on other people’s faces. That is why I do agree with almost everything that Mr. Chatman had said though out his presentation, I was thoughouly impressed.
ReplyDelete2. The big thing I would take from his presentation and put into my own work is his passion. Everyone in the room could tell that he was real passionate about all of his pictures and you could tell that he really cared for the people who’s lives where dramaticly changed. I want to be able to take that passion for children learning into my classroom everyday.
3. Guest artists are great for young children. It gives them an opportunity to learn from and experience a most of the time a pretty accomplished artist. It also gives them a chance to learn new aspects of art that maybe there own art teacher hasn’t taught them. I think that whenever students can go on field trips and learn outside of the classroom it is important because you can always “trick” them into learning. I say that because they will be having fun and when kids are having fun they don’t even realize that they are learning valuble lessons.
By: Max Foth
I found Larry Chatman’s presentation quite powerful and you could tell the passion he had for what he had accomplished. The way he felt about everything that had happened through Katrina I felt he did a very effective job of conveying the message he wanted to get across. The way he spoke and through his pictures he took you became very aware of the devastation surrounding New Orleans and how enough has not been done for the population of the city.
ReplyDeleteYou could use this information in the classroom in a variety of ways. If you were doing chapter on Hurricanes, natural disasters, or anything related to Humanities and the need to assist others when given the opportunity. Lots of classrooms have fundraisers or other charities they may decide to help out and using this would be a great beginning and opening piece to that.
Student’s are always going to be fascinated and inspired when you have an opportunity to get an artist in the classroom to speak about their work or work with the students to show them new techniques of art. With someone like Mr. Chatman, you could have him speak and then work on photography and looking at pictures through the eyes of the artist and you could give students a camera and have them take pictures in an art related fashion.
Kellen Munneke
I really liked Larry's exhibit about Katrina and his view on the area. Many of the photographs were very personal and shown the most horrible spots. Each photo could have a different meaning to each person and lets them think what their meaning is.
ReplyDeleteI could use any of those pictures and his experience in my Social Studies class. It shows what happened to the area and how those things can bring people together in the hard times. I would emphasis on the how the area could be cleaned up and what could be done in the future so it would not happen again.
3. Describe a lesson idea that incorporates taking your class to an art gallery, or having a guest artist in your classroom?
My lesson that would incorporate an art gallery could be an artist from the past that has a gallery open. We could go there and see the different elements that they did back then and could compare to what artists today use.
Rachel Schuldt
I found Larry Chapman to be very intriguing. He seemed to have his own opinions about things and he was very firm with his belief. I did enjoy his exhibit very much. It was definitely interesting that he does not really plan his art but it just comes to him while he is visiting different areas. I never knew the severity nor saw very many pictures from hurricane Katrina so seeing his work just made it so real. As far as his opinion about God, I may have to disagree with him. I grew up in a very strong Christian home and while it may be hard to believe that God would let something like that happen that doesn’t mean he did it to hurt people intentionally. I believe everything happens for a reason and God has a purpose behind everything. He brought that community closer together and unfortunately tragedy does happen. It is definitely a horribly sad situation but that doesn’t make me loose my faith in God.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a good topic to incorporate while talking about natural disaster or dealing with tragic issues. Students could maybe do a food drive or bake sale to raise money for those affected by natural disasters. The pictures could be used to show the realism of disasters like this and can help discuss how to cope during situations like this. As far as his opinions I don’t believe that would be a topic to discuss being that school and religion are not to cross each other.
I think it would be neat to have a guest artist come into our classroom and maybe show us an exhibit they have and then for the students to create their own mini exhibit and present it to the class.
Kristin Rathbun
After hearing all Larry had to say about his exhibit, I was interested to see what photography he produced from it. I would have to honestly say, though, that his slides were not what I expected. This was one of the most challenging artists’ work I’ve been introduced to and I am still trying to figure out why. Overall I think he was successful in using symbolism at least and representing his opinion on the lack of support within our nation. The conflict I found was that he described it as though it was a very personal experience for him to come to those conclusions, yet the photos did not seem to stand out with artistic style. Nevertheless, I appreciated his self-expression of said events.
ReplyDeleteThere are many strong connections to be found within the arguments of patriotism and religion. Depending on the age-level of the students, I think there are a number of ways this could be used to bring out others’ opinions. An example might be asking them all to illustrate a time in their life that they looked toward others for help. Whether it be something personal reaching out to friends and family or something that questioned freedom and respect in their country.
As far as a classroom response could go, I think you could have the students look at the photos closer and see if they couldn’t pick out their own symbolism in some. For example, my favorite composition included the Scream mask because it seemed to represent another level of irony. Topics could be discussed about what the content might mean and/or what elements within the work would help draw to those conclusions.
-Lisa Bowman
After listening to Larry Chapman speak in class many things came to mind. Although I may not have agreed with everything that Larry talked about it was still very interesting listening to him talk. Knowing that he was there to see the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was very interesting. All of the photographs that he showed the class were very deep. You could definately tell that Larry had a very clear belief system and picture in his head when taking these. I think it was very interesting to hear what Larry had to say and how he see's certain things. What he may have seen as indifference someone else may have seen as misfortune.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very important to teach kids about our natural disasters. Hurricane Katrina ruined a lot of peoples lives and caused many heart aches and loss in the process. There are many ways to incorporate the disaster of hurricane Katrina into our classrooms. In Geography class you could have the kids make a map of New Orleans and have them color code the different disaster levels in the city. If you showed them some of Larry Champmans photographs you could have them write a reflective essay asking them what they believed the photograph is trying to portray.
I think that having guest speakers in our classes is very unique. It gives the kids a chance to have a little change.
Jordan Kjellsen