I have started a blog before...once. Once I tried to blog. Ok...I started a blog and got tired of updating it because I felt I had to pull information from too many places (e-mail, cameras, laptops, etc.) in order to keep it updated the way I had envisioned. With my iPad4, I hope to manage it a little better. But just for the sake of intention, let's say there's a possibility I may not keep this up. ADHD? Genius wiring? Typical artist? Whatever...let's move on.
I am an art teacher to a million wonderfully colorful middle schoolers. They always say I need to be a comedian, a blogger, or write a book. My response is always "but then I can't teach art, and I would be sad.....and not funny." Wait...are they trying to say I am not a great teacher?! My whole life as an artist and my students are the first to break it to me?! Nah...I'm just really nice to them...and have too much to say that connects some way or another with them. At least they like me. Sometimes that's all I have to remember to get me through the day... I am good to them, therefore, they are good to me. (either that or because I ask them to save their behavior for someone who is just itchin' to fill out a disciplinary) Whatever...I am a middle school art teacher- a funny one.
I am a mom to a 6 year old girl, Hop. Oh. My. Gosh. She's so cute.....when she's asleep. And so darn fast when she's awake! Most of my blogging, story telling, and life thrive off things she says. She is so wise for her age, and observant! She is an odd bird, always asking questions that come from the deepest philosophical parts of her almost 1st grade brain. She LOVES art, and as an artist myself, I have tried to stand back and watch her discover her own art rather than guide her too much into my own. On an opposites note- She naturally loves glitter - on her shoes, clothes, and play dresses. I don't have the heart tel tell her I sneak all her glittery things to the basement as she is asleep and spray all.the.things with clear sealer so that not one tiny, sharp, sneaky, sticky little flake of can come loose. It's a skeleton in my closet for now, and if she ever discovered it, she probably...wouldn't really mind. Whatever...I am a mommy - a lucky one.
I paint people. Mostly because trees a boring to talk to. They never complain, always sit still, don't need breaks, and are always available....so what's the point?! Oils, pencils, colored pencils, acrylics, NOT oil pastels (although I try), and water colors....I mostly use those. I am recently binged on sewing. I am terrible at it, but I tend to start out making learning harder on myself than I should. Mom said "Make something simple; make an apron." I am a zero to 60 kind of gal, so...I started with a pencil skirt....with bands...and all kinds of fancy. It isn't finished (mostly because it doesn't fit), but I have a second one in the works...with pockets this time! Pinterest has been a saving grace for me! I love to hoard things, and being able to do so electronically (and have permanent inspiration in one place), keeps my house from flowing into the yard. I just hope I don't manage to break the interwebs. I love painting portraits of people and animals. Whatever...I am an artist - and I'm not too shabby!
Follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or Blogspot (because, clearly, that's where you are right now).
Leave me comments and ask me questions - Just don't be mean (because it's so easy to when you're faceless on the interwebs, ya know? You're better than that, probably. I mean, I don't know you, but you seem nice enough to read this whole post. High five!)
Keep Calm and Kari Haan
