Peppercliff

Collage and symmetry

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:39:00 +0000

We took a look at the cloth weaving of the Maranao people of Mindanao. They have an amazing history of making head cloths called the pis siyabit and wrap-around waist cloths called the patajung. Showing them the patterns woven into them, it was said that each pis was unique, each pattern and design were unique to the whims and creativity of the weaver. It would usually have a central shape and the design would repeat itself on all four sides to represent the cardinal directions. We talked about the colors, and the patterns they created. I even had the guts to wear a malong in place of a patajung just to show off the garment to the students.

Armed with strips of double-sided tape and colored paper, the kids attacked the project with some hesitation. Some of them wanted to draw the patterns, others spoke out because they were reluctant to use the scissors. By the end of the period, creative mayhem ruled the classroom. There were songs being sung, and paper and tape were being asked from each other. Colored paper covered the table, scissors were lying about, but happily, some got through it. Others, found an interest in double-sided foam tape. But the hour ended too soon and we had to pack our mess away. They were reluctant to end the class. And deep inside, I was happy.

Sarimanok-inspired artwork

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:29:00 +0000

Looking at the resources I had at home, mom had a large collection of books on Mindanao artwork and icons. I couldn't help it. Here was a whole month's worth of lessons just lying around and I wasn't using them! So, first up, the mythical Sarimanok. Colored paper, white acrylic paint, a bronze figure and legends on the Sarimanok started the course. I introduced Abdul Imao whose artwork on the Sarimanok gave the younger kids a simpler, vibrant picture of what they could make. An hour wasn't enough though. Sure, I had complaints, excitement, uncertainty and hand-holding as we started visually dissecting the Sarimanok, but I liked the challenge it gave them. I could wish for a lot more, more time, more silence. But its a start.

Pre-Hispanic Newspapers

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:15:00 +0000

Since we're into the review of last school year's Social Studies themes, I asked them to make a mind map, answer a quiz, and list all of their ideas and research topics before they started designing and writing out their "newspapers'. It was a tough beginning for all of us, dusting our brains and searching for past facts and stories. But in the end, having a handy online textbook (http://takdangaralin.tumblr.com/) made things incredibly easier. The results; though a bit rough, though a bit rushed, was still praise-worthy in the end.

Gabbie gets a taste of hard work as she finishes her newspapers.

With enough research, Aaron shows off his newspaper with his organized, neat style.

Aaron's first page

Aaron's second page

Gabbie's first page

Gabbie's second page

Old school work.

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:39:00 +0000

Was organizing the mountain of paper and whatsits at home and found these. An art project from my junior high students and some get-well cards from my elementary students. These junior high students are probably junior university students now, maybe seniors. Still, their work reminded me of days where the misfits were kings in class. Their shy smile from the sincere appreciation I gave their work spoke volumes.

Just for those moments, when I see these kids on Facebook and hear of their current exploits,
reminds me why I do what I do. Regardless of place, management, or circumstance.

Teaching graphic design in Poveda?

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 03:48:00 +0000

A dear friend invited me to speak at the San Pedro de Poveda School last June 5. I was lucky enough to have been chosen for the task. It was a workshop for the school's club moderators who needed ideas in setting up a graphic design group for the students.

Now, I'm not an expert in graphic design, but I've tried teaching it to high school students in the past and the experience helped set up the framework for the talk. But as the afternoon wore on, I realized my message wasn't just about design, but advocating art as a method of teaching and learning. Since my audience were primarily academic teachers, I wanted to share how you could use different methods in planning and implementing a lesson.

It was an interesting experience. I got to see an old family friend, and saw the inside of a school I normally would pass by on EDSA. Plus, my wedges were killing my by the end of the afternoon. Still, Friday's was within walking distance, and relaxing over a Coke and lime was good way to end the day.

Old exhibit photos SY 2009-2010

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 09:06:00 +0000

Didn't realize that I had a treasure trove of photos on my Facebook account. Still, looking at the pictures, I regret not taking more. It was a fun ride, finishing up the grades of more than a hundred students, telling them to submit, submit, submit! And who can forget the simple jokes a 1st grader would share with you and you just have to laugh...yep. Those days were fun.

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:21:00 +0000

Posting stenciled art work

Back to Tagaytay for another round of training. This time, with Grade 7 MAPEH teachers.

We had a cozy number of about 200+ teachers in the room, all from different schools in the Philippines. It was more intensive than the last workshop. The food was better too! :)

To be honest, I appreciated the schedule they gave us this time. It felt less hurried and we had more time to interact, talk and coach the participants.

Tattoo designs on cups

Assemblage

Weaving workshop

K-12 Teacher Training Workshop @ DAP, Tagaytay

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Sat, 05 May 2012 06:28:00 +0000

Teacher trainers working their magic.

Group shots of trainers from different regions.

Demo teachers!End of April 2012.

We had 1,500+ Grade 1 teachers from all over the Philippines to be trained on how to teach the new K-12 curriculum. We were Mrs. P as the convener, one veteran art teacher, two art curriculum writers and myself as the National Teacher Trainers for Art.

One whole week of sharing, laughing, speaking, teaching and having a fun. It was also a frustrating, hair-pulling, more-than-words-can-say kind of anger at times but it was worth it.

I would never claim to say that the workshop participants learned a lot from us and they would move on to greater and amazing art classes in the future but as in any class, you have high hopes for a chosen few with whom you felt understood what you were saying and you hoped they learned from the experience. To be honest, this was the biggest workshop I've ever helped facilitate. EVER. And to have a handful of them echo the workshop perfectly to other teachers in their region is a possibility and I'm hopeful.

If you're reading this and you are a teacher, you might want to visit our Facebok pages and download the K-12 Art Curriculum for Grade 1 and Grade 7 for FREE!! Yes, please don't be fooled into buying books for your Grade 1 or Grade 7 art classes. You can download it there, use it and hopefully, send us your pictures and feedback when you can.

https://www.facebook.com/ArtPhilippinesForGrade1

https://www.facebook.com/ArtPhilippinesForGrade7

Veggie Planet website

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:32:00 +0000

Helped a friend put up their website/blog a while back. Take a a look at http://www.veggieplanet.wordpress.com

Now, about the dog...

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:40:00 +0000

It was really weird. Waking up at 5 a.m. then being shown a "crop circle" slash line drawing of Buster's artwork. This happened for a few days and we would eagerly await for them to appear when we woke up. I swear, this isn't some hoax or anything. Perhaps we just a have a dog who loves symmetry. Or not.

Silkscreen attempt

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:08:00 +0000

Ok, so I didn't create the silk screen itself. I had someone else do it. But it really was a learning experience, trying to manage the process, how to unclog the screen, choosing the colors and what material to print on. In the end, the ugly prints were used at home. Realized the white pillow cases were a bit thin but they look really pretty!

School projects

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:54:00 +0000

Teacher Uly taught the kids how to make lanterns for Christmas and they were extraordinary!

Being a fan of Studio Ghibli, we used "My Neighborhood Totoro" as our theme in English class and all the kids got the chance to take home my Totoro stuffed toy for 2 days. The requirement? To write about their adventures together while Totoro was visiting them. It was a good experience all around and the kids became interested in woodland spirits as well. Good springboard for future discussions and essays!

DIY polybox makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:52:00 +0000

New Year coming up!

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 07:20:00 +0000

With cleaning, setting up the house and all, I realize that I need breathing space. Space for my mind to roam on things less than mundane. Found this list on the web that might help:

"1) Looking back over the year, what did you accomplish? List at least 25

things…. Things you have done right… ways that you have grown as a

person, goals achieved (both personal and professional) positive life

changes, special memories you have created."

Downloaded from http://www.originalimpulse.com/end-of-year-review/

Vintage photos

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:54:00 +0000

Found these gems while moving house. But I love my Supergirl outfit the best.

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:48:00 +0000

One of my doodles from my handy-dandy notebook. What started out as a curl ended up as a tree or shrub of some sort. Love my notebook and pens.

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Gabbie's artwork from the summer of 2011 at Kids Ahoy!

New photo site for me.

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:08:00 +0000

Tried Flickr when it was just starting out. Tried other photo hosting sites. But finally, in an effort to clear out my pc, I decided to upload my pictures to a file hosting site and posted a few choice shots to my new tumblr. Thank you Tumblr!! Check out snapshotsbyz.tumblr.com

New Blogger!

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 07:16:00 +0000

I'm liking the new look of the Blogger templates! Thank you for this! It looks awesome!

One thing though, it makes it a wee bit harder for me to look at my Dashboard then back to the site again. Still, really pretty. : )

Illustration bookmarks.

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 01:19:00 +0000

Time passes swiftly when you're busy.

First week of classes and as Teacher A. suggested, I have to have time to update my blog and keep things nice and current.

Twitter isn't really my thing, but my journal has similar entries of mundane things that mean something to me. Something like a bookmark to remember that particular day or event. Recently, so many anecdotes and pockets of laughter spatter my days and my pen has yet to catch up with my life. So I blog, take a few minutes to reorient myself to another task and before I know it, the day has ended.

The Jr. Entrepreneurs strike again!

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:23:00 +0000

High five to my Entrep students! Summer's gone, but their projects will hopefully take off this school year. With greeting cards, tumblers and key chains to sell, they have a great opportunity to expand their line of products and earn more money for charity! So, in the pipeline, their website, their logo and their accounting skills. Oy.

More thoughts and drawings.

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Wed, 18 May 2011 12:47:00 +0000

So maybe not everyday. I skipped a few days of sketching for myself to draw for other people and for school but then I have no need for excuses. I draw for pleasure and enjoyment. Hoping that I get to capture some skill I used before. So here are a few.

Hero Badges

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 03:22:00 +0000

Heroes have to have badges of honor. For the students, to earn one of these is a privilege.

Hand-drawn art by Teacher Aia, color and digital editing by me. The Everyday Hero badge was drawn by myself based on the ideas of all the teachers that particular afternoon in school. : )

What does your child say about their teachers?

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 05:17:00 +0000

Wanting to put a few testimonials for the school website, I decided to add a little music and pictures. With a few chosen shots, a debate on the music to play and several revisions until it was satisfactory, this is what I came up with. My first video slideshow in a while. : )

IDs for kids

noreply@blogger.com (Peppercliff) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 04:58:00 +0000

Rushing the kids in preparing them for their exams, we needed some IDs quick. It was done overnight but they look happy and reflects the spirit of the kids. A fast laminate, a punch for the ID lace and off they go. Got a quick snapshot before they were given.