This lamp sculpture represents all that I want to embody as an art educator. It is made of scrap metal bent and welded together, a hand-forged hook to attach the lamp shade that's structure with steel rods. It's wrapped with plastic cling-wrap and organic forms of transparent paper that's painted with window paint. The electrical cord is wrapped in blue thread, and the steel/aluminum aspects are spray painted shades of blue.
As a future educator I hope for my classroom to feel warm, welcoming, and safe.
The shape of the lampshade is an octahedron, which in Sacred Geometry symbolizing rebirth and reincarnation. I want to create an environment that allows students to walk in the classroom everyday with a sense of rebirth, because each day is a new one, and I want them to be able to fall in love with art each day as they're learning new skills and techniques.
The height of the lamp is about my height, and the light source is right where my heart is. This is because art and teaching are both things I'm deeply passionate about and they are both practices that must come from the art. If my students feel a sense of love, understanding, and appreciation for art by the end of their time with me, my job has been successful.
The light in of itself is a warm beacon. It's a guiding light that's comforting and supporting. This is my Pedagogical Self-Portrait.