New Yorker Cover- Technology & Art Education Issue

The assignment was to create a cover for The New Yorker for it's special Education and Technology issue. Using Illustrator I was able to create this elegant piece of artwork. The concept behind this cover is to show the cross platforms of learning art with technology. Computers are a tool to enhance art making and can be integrated with traditional methods of creating artwork by hand. 

Sculpture Interpretation of "Dreams" poem by Langston Hughes

Learning about the Harlem Renaissance this sculpture is a visual representation of the poem "Dreams" by famous poet Langston Hughes.

DREAMS

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird 

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams 

For when dreams go 

Life is a barren field 

Frozen with snow.

Adolescents Creations Poster

Learning about Adolescents I created this poster using certain lines from a Judy Burton reading:
"Adolescents is a time of unpredictable physical change, strange new emotions, mood swings, new curiosities and questions about identity and relationships. It is a time when youngsters begin to envision their worlds from new perspectives and become confused among the vantage points they now call to mind."

"We are beginning to realize that doodling, or the activity of making and repeating lines upon lines while exploring rhythms of the hand and arm, may have a fundamental role to play in adolescents learning."

~Judith Burton

"King Louie" Feeding the Squirrels- Sculpture

Using Plastalina Modeling Clay I sculpted this representation of my father feeding squirrels. Something my dad is known to do. Our class made gestures and learned techniques making the sculpture and ending with reflections and discussions. If I had more clay I would of made a squirrel to go with it. Dedicated to "King Louie" - Louis A. Salerno Sr. 2014

Paper Sculpture Project - Spreading Positive Energy Everyday

Something very important to me is to spread positive energy everyday. We are all human beings made of the same organs however we are unique and diverse. This project was made with paper, watercolor, ink and model magic clay. Classmates took a paper heart out of the paper heart box and each heart had a positive message. The paper sculpture cut out of various hands has an artificial candle.

A classmate wrote in response to this project:
"Friends gather together.
Your warm hands help light of the world"
~JS Feb. 10th 2014

Lady Liberty - (hijack image project)

The Statue of Liberty is iconic and represents freedom from tyranny and oppression. Lady liberty carries enlightenment to the world with the forever-lit torch, which I have replaced with a diverse collection of paintbrushes. The last five lines of the poem on the base titled “The New Colossus” reads, "Give me your tired, your poor/ Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free/The wretched refuse of your teeming shore/Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me/I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" I have replaced the poem with my own words to express my position in regards to Arts Education. I also desire to incorporate freedom of expression via students’ creations and ideas.

             I am an Art Educator a powerful person to touch students’ lives and bring forth wisdom and knowledge. Creating art is an expression of freedom I placed this poster on the subway as a message for all. People from around the world travel by subway and I believe it to be an ideal placement for the message to be seen and heard. In doing so, I not just share my political view on this issue, but I also validate my iconic choice of expression and it’s rich history that still stands today to represent liberty.

Playful Transparency Slides

Slides were created with cut out celluloid (transparency film). Designs were created and were shown lit from the back.

Paper Illumination Project

Battery Operated Candle Holder Paper Sculpture.

Warm Up Initial Sculpture

Using the first letter of my name "J" and the outline of my head I was able to create a sculpture. Materials used were colored pipe cleaners and silver wire.