Mind’s Vision - Dairy Arts Center Virtual Art Education Instructional Videos
A Community resource for purposeful art education and multi-faceted arts education curriculum centered around the idea of storytelling.
Project Title: Mind’s Vision Tactile Art: Mandala Storytelling
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” With this profound statement, French Impressionist Edgar Degas emphasized the remarkable storytelling abilities of art: a universal language and a unique avenue for self-expression. His idea of examining art beyond aesthetics encouraged me to think about the accessibility of art and the importance of my work with tactile art: a 3-dimensional, accessible art form for the blind and visually impaired. This project, Mind’s Vision, uses tactile art to re-examine the modern conception of creativity and teaches key artistic concepts--such as perspective, composition, scale, depth, principles of design, and elements of art-- from a non-visual standpoint. Through short, immersive videos, viewers will be able to learn essential techniques and gain exposure to affordable varieties of 3-dimensional media: paper mache, collage, clay sculpting, painting, carving, raised line drawing, and more. With the introduction of each new medium, participants will learn about abstract artistic techniques to allow for free experimentation of materials. After they become familiar with basic techniques, the videos will introduce realism, object studies, and still life drawing. Viewers will then apply principles from every art form to develop their own style in portrait and landscape work.
Following the video format successfully used through Vision of the Artist’s Soul, Touch and Create Studios workshops, and Tactile Art Club, blind and visually impared students (ages +9) will be able to hone their artistic techniques. All content will be centered around the theme of blind identity, portraying a narrative of independence, inclusion, and empowerment. Activities will investigate the portrayal of visual impairment and disability in mainstream culture, simultaneously dismantling problematic stereotypes of blindness and encouraging multifaceted, progressive storytelling. Alongside conceptual instruction, each video will explore a specific blind artist’s practice, story, and experience.
Sighted artists will also benefit from this program by gaining exposure to new mediums and exploring art in a multi-sensory way rather than a purely visual approach. All viewers will raise their awareness about the blind community, which will allow them to become more knowledgeable activists, broaden their perspectives, and challenge their conceptions of art. Moreover, the therapeutic benefits of creativity are ubiquitous, and Mind’s Vision aims to use art to connect people, bridge disparities between sighted and blind individuals, and create unity among diverse communities.
Furthermore, the project will extend its implementation of storytelling by giving its audience an outlet of self expression. Viewers will become their own storytellers, self-advocates, and catalysts for change, gaining the opportunity to create a unique narrative about their blindness and aspirations for social reform. At the end of the project, artists will have the opportunity to post their work online and connect with other viewers, fostering fulfilling social interactions through the exchange of creativity. Sharing artwork enables the project's mission to have a lasting impact beyond the video content itself and continue raising awareness and redefining the public image of blindness. Ultimately, Mind’s Vision will teach artistic concepts in an innovative, accessible, and tactile way, while “making others see” a collective narrative of blind identity which emphasizes independence, diversity, inclusivity, and an equitable society for all.
Please check out the education video titled Mind’s Vision Tactile Art: Mandala Storytelling on the Dairy Arts Center Website.
Tags:
#tactilceart, #Artfortheblind, #touchart, #visuallyimpaired, #blindartist,, #accessibleart, #artforall, #sensoryart, #BlindandVI, #accessibility, #inclusion, #artmuseums, #artforeveryone, #accessiblemuseum
Art for the visually impaired, Art for the Blind
