Entry #6

When addressing students work and cultural icons I think it is a very touchy subject. Many students see artworks that involve cultural styles and icons. They want to create art like that and involve meaning in their own work. It's hard to steer students away from something like that, you don't want to cut down their ideas. I think its best to have them research that culture and learn about the culture and their values. Then have the student think about what that means to them, or how they could relate that to their life or compare similarities. Then have the student create a sketch or design based off their interpretation and personal meaning. I would explain to students that we can't copy their ideas just as you shouldn't copy other peoples exact ideas, we have to make it our own somehow. It is also very important to explain why its not correct to copy their cultural icons, because that means something to them, and some cultures take it as an insult or sign of disrespect. If the student likes the design or artwork that much, then encourage them to incorporate it somehow into their artwork, break down the parts they like the most and use part of it, instead of the whole icon or design.
Students are interested in art and other cultures, it's interesting to them because it's different from their culture. They may not understand the exact meaning, but like the way it looks, and sometimes their portrayal of the object is disrespectful without meaning for it to be. So I think it's important for the student to research it to find the meaning, then have the student create an image based on the cultural icon, but create it with meaning to their life or their culture, to make it theirs but not to copy. Some students create cultural icons from their culture and don't understand the meaning or portray it disrespectfully by accident as well. This is why it's important to stress to students to make all their artwork personal to them, create meaning for themselves. As for inappropriate images from different cultures, it needs to be addressed immediately and discuss with the student, or even the class as a whole. There will be an appropriateness level/rule in the classroom already it would be wise to review this rule and state why it's important and going to be followed. Explain to the students, if you draw this at home that's your parents and your choice, but there is a school appropriateness and we need to follow this. This is not appropriate, I'm glad you are willing to work and think outside of the box but this isn't appropriate and you need to find another image that is appropriate or you need to find someway to portray your meaning and expression in an appropriate manner.
Like I said before this could get very touchy, but it's just a matter of sticking to your rules and explaining to students right away, and reminding them why we can't copy cultural icons, and explain that we need to create our own personal meaning in to their artworks. Other cultures have their icons and we don't want to disrespect that. It's ok to research their icon and style of that culture and then pick what we like and create it in our own way, but we shouldn't copy exactly. Same with the appropriate level, it needs to be reminded and explained what is and isn't appropriate, as well as how they can relate their idea or meaning to something that is appropriate.