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Lesson Plans


Jasper Johns

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Mark Alexander (Alexander)mamjam)
Fri, 4 Oct 1996 07:57:23 -0500

There is an article in the October ARTnews about Jasper Johns and his
Museum of Modern Art retrospective in NY (October 20, 1996 - January 27,
1997). If he interests you I suggest you read the article and/or see the
show.

However, inspite of what you might feel about the work of Jasper Johns,
there is something interesting that I think is worth putting out for
discussion on ArtsEdNet. Jasper Johns, in describing his approach to art
said, "TAKE SOMETHING. DO SOMETHING TO IT. DO SOMETHING ELSE TO IT."

These are interesting words for art teachers. I keep fighting the "I'm
Done" battle with my students. They often seem so easily satisfied.
Perhaps what they miss is what Johns is saying; that the process is really
the good part, and if it is done really well it will lead to more process.
"TAKE SOMETHING. DO SOMETHING TO IT. DO SOMETHING ELSE TO IT." I think
he hits on something profound here that might be useful in the classroom.

Do any of you have any further thoughts?

Mark Alexander
1-8 Art
Lee H. Kellogg School
Falls Village, CT 06031