| Dulcimer Building | Book Binding | Kite Making | Paper Making |
|
I have been a juried artist on the Vermont Council on the Arts roster since 1976. I have taught dulcimer building, kite making, bookbinding and paper making in many different schools and settings to all ages from kindergarten students to adults. |
| Kite Making |
|
I will build kites with you and your students that will increase in
complexity of design as well as flying skill.
After building three good fliers your students will have developed the necessary skills to take on the challenge of complex designs, using a wide variety of materials and adjustments needed to make their kites fly well. I will use locally available materials as much as possible. In the class I introduce the basic attributes of the kite, then we proceed to build them. When the kites are completed I talk to the students about kite art and the elements of painting things to be seen from far away. Next I lay out plastic and drop cloths and the students paint their kites with their own original designs. Depending on the schedule and weather, I will start another class or go fly the kites out side with this group. |
| The Paper Crafts |
|
Papermaking, Marbling and Bookbinding are all related crafts that can
be done separately or together depending on how you want to use them
in relation to the curriculum in your classroom or program.
Papermaking explores the making of sheets of paper using different materials to write or print on or as well as to shape them in to art objects made of paper. Marbling explores the ancient technique of floating inks on water, controlling the design and transferring it on to paper. Bookbinding is creating blank books in which to write or draw. They can also be used to bind the collective comparable of one or more students. With the advent of computers it has become very practical to publish students writing in single copies or limited editions. The step of students work appearing in print after they have gone through the creative and editing process is what makes them "real" authors. I like to have students make a few books before they bind the work they have edited so the finished book reflects a comparable level of skill to their writing. |
| Dulcimer Building |
|
Depending on the age of the students we make the instrument using
either cardboard or wood. I bring dulcimers and books for students
to use during the building when they have time to read, while they
wait for glue or finish to dry. I also provide instruction so they
will have a few tunes to play by the time their instrument is
completed.
The Cardboard Dulcimer allows the most creative freedom because of the low cost of materials. The only down side is that the sound can be unsatisfactory. This can be easily fixed by making a new sound box. The cardboard dulcimer lends it self to wild paint jobs as you can see in the pictures. These dulcimers have been successfully used in school music programs where I've worked. The dulcimers can then loaned out to students. With wooden dulcimers I supply the basic parts so, that for the most part only hand tool work is needed. Students design the peg head, sound holes and shape of the sound box. The result is a unique instrument with good sound and action*. Building time is 40 to 60 hours. *Action refers to the ease with which the strings are pressed down on the frets with you finger. |
| Goals |
|
In working with students I like to share the sense of adventure that
comes from making things. In this world of micro-chips, electronic
black boxes and plastic it is easy to become a passive consumer.
Making things leads us to a creative life where we're creating beauty
as well as building a good sense of self in relation to our physical
world that carries over into all other activities.
The process of creating also brings out personal gifts that might not be accessible in the two dimensional world of writing and reading. The journey of trying out and mastering new crafts and techniques includes the inevitable set backs and so called "failures". The problems that come up are merely things that need to be overcome as part of the process and persevering becomes an important habit. There is a lot of joy in the developing the habit of stepping in to the unknown and discovering the "gold" hidden there. |
| Curriculum |
|
All the crafts that I offer lend themselves very well to integrating
in your curriculum. The earlier they are introduced in the school
year the more mileage you get out of your investment and the students
reach a higher level of proficiency.
The craft you have chosen becomes part of the classroom culture for the year. There can be a work station where your students can work on the next assignment as time allows. The requirements of language, math, science and social studies can be addressed thru the crafts I offer both as subject and as a vehicle for study. |
| Residencies |
|
I look forward to hearing your ideas for your students/group and
discuss what is appropriate for the various age groups as well as how
to structure my residency with you.
Usually the details can worked out over the phone. I also visit the site when requested to meet with teachers and do an in-service day. I may be reached at 802-767-3790. |
|
Links For Arts & Crafts: |
|
|
|
|
|