For all you art teachers who hoard unusual items in your art closets & homes,
thought I'd share a story that makes your collections look more rational.
For the past few years, I've borrowed a real human skull from the science
department every spring for a still life project. I must say I've grown
attached to it, in a way -- the kids respond so well to the object because of
it's unusual and fascinating nature (middle schoolers.) The drawings have
been GORGEOUS. I add in vines, brass pots, silk flowers, and light it
dramatically. The kids do both value studies and then full color
compositions.
Well, the dear science teacher is retired as of tomorrow, and he gave me the
skull to keep today. Turns out it belonged to him, not the school, and he
wanted me to have it because he couldn't think of anyone else who could use
it, or anyone who liked it so much...I don't know if I should feel embarassed
or complimented!! He is on a beautiful old wood platform with a glass dome
case. What a creepy feeling it is to "own" another person's skull, as
opposed to just borrowing it. I think he'll stay at school as my husband
probably wouldn't react well with such an item on our bookshelf. Are there
laws against having such things?! Hope not. The skull came from another
colleague's father's collection of medical equipment.
This is the most unusual Christmas gift I'll ever hope to get...!
