VISUAL JOURNAL / Independent Work Guide

Art? You just do it. Martin Ritt

Students will also be asked to produce independent works in their visual
journal, or in other forms of visual expression such as digital art work,
sculpture, photography and conceptual works, for instance. These personal
explorations will be reviewed salon style with partners, small groups, the
class, the student and the teacher. The student will be expected to produce
a written reflection on their progress and exploration and orally share this
with the class every term. Students will be expected to give mindful and
authentic guidance to one another during these salons that help each
individual reach his or her own creative potential. This is largely an
exercise in effort, risk taking, peer support, communication, creative
exploration and personal goal setting.

Outstanding Progress. Consistent, varied use of materials, excellent

technique, risk taking evident and successful, attention to detail, innovative,
original, artwork communicates with viewer, artist is reflective, classroom
assignments are completed, commitment and effort clearly evident. Concept,
skill, technique, process and imagery development evident is dynamic and
progressive. Artist has gone beyond expectations to clearly further personal
artistic development with boldness and dedication.

Very Good- Excellent Progress. Consistent, good use of materials, original

work, strong technique, evidence of risk taking, reflects development of ideas,
strong images, communicates well with viewer; all assignments are
completed, strong insight, commitment and effort evident. Concept, skill,
technique, process and imagery development is dynamic. Artist as fully met
expectations to authentically further personal artistic development.

Fair to Good Progress. Fairly consistent entries, and limited use of

materials or techniques or concepts. Some complete assignments but not
much risk taking. Some original ideas, some good copies are evident. Images
and skills are developing or maintaining. Subject matter appears limited.
Some reflection is evident. Effort, concept, skill, technique, process and
imagery development not obviously evident to the viewer. Personal artistic
development is suspected, but not clear either before or after the salon
discussion.

Room for Progress. Few journal entries, mostly incomplete assignments,

very little original art work. Images tend to be weak and unsupported in
reflection. No evidence of risk taking, pages torn out, work shows little
reflection. Effort, concept, skill, technique, process and imagery development
not obviously evident to viewer or artist. No personal artistic development
evident to the viewer.

Unidentifiable Progress. Work cannot be considered art by artist or viewer,

and there is no reflection of learning or evidence of commitment. Journal/extra
work not submitted, assignments not complete, no personal work evident and
entered and the student has failed to show any learning about art making or
thinking. No participation in salon discussions.

Comments:

Student Reflection - Questions to consider:

What is my/your motivation to explore this

concept/technique/material?
Where do I/you see this going in regards to artistic growth?
What am/are I/you communicating to the viewer or what do I
intend to communicate to the viewer?
How is this work nurturing my/your authentic creative self?
Does this exploration feel like play or hard work?
How can I/you reset my goals or change directions if I am feeling
stuck or bored?
How do these explorations fit into my/your other aspects of life?
I.e.: present and future academic, spiritual, emotional, personal
goals and developments.
How can I/you make the explorations more relevant to
yourself/me and a personal and creative self.
How do you see my/your explorations affecting others, if at all?
What design elements and principles are evident in my/your
works?

Questions and prompts for salon discussions:

What materials did you use and how did you use them?
How did you get that idea? What made you go there?
Do you mind if I try those techniques and or play with those
ideas?
Have you thought about trying/exploring/thinking about..?
Did someone or something influence you? If so, can I see that
persons art work/listen to that song etc.?
Will you make a larger project or series based on this
exploration? If so, what?
Will you teach me/ show me how you did that?
Could you help me see what you are trying to express?
I notice that
I wonder why you
Have you thought about.
I appreciate that..
I think you could.

I dont understand why

What were you thinking when you.
I see this moving toward.

Creative Work is play. It is free speculation using the materials of

ones chosen form
Stephen Nachmanovitch