As an educator, one of the most rewarding things to receive is a reflection from a past student. I think it is a silent prayer that every teacher has – that in the midst of the attendance taking, lecturing, hall monitoring, photo copying, material prepping and studio cleaning … you would also look at your day as 7 blocks of a 55 minute window to teach and inspire another being. You hope that the content of what you are teaching is not only absorbed, but the passion for your subject matter ignites in another. And not only that, but that through your love for your job, your subject matter, and your students that you will make a greater difference. This is a letter I just received from a past student after ending the school year. It was a timely letter that warmed my heart and made me feel so honored to be living this calling as an Art Educator.

Hi Mrs. Osborn!

I’m sure you are super busy with the big move so I completely understand if you do not have time to reply. I know a while back when I ran into you at Redmond High School you had asked what kinds of things I have been working on in my college art class and how well you had prepared your students for college with your class. Personally, I would have to say the answer is very well. In fact my class was taught in almost exactly the same sequence as yours.

I can honestly say taking art in college was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I pretty much lived in the studio the three weeks prior to coming home, I definitely missed showers, and occasionally forgot to eat… but it was completely worth it. I really have come to realize how deep my passion for art is. You are definitely teaching the right material for your students to succeed. But even more than that you are an inspirational woman in your faith and love of art. I know this thanks is long overdue but I just wanted to let you know how many times I thought of you this past semester.

Attached are my two final works. They are both in ink. The first is my artist copy project of the Spanish artist Gabriel Moreno whose main goal is to capture feminine beauty. Definitely learned the hard way how long it takes to cover 400 sq inches with little tiny ink pens.

The second piece is my final project. It is about 600 sq inches. After my artist copy project my professor asked what I thought constituted feminine beauty. I couldn’t help but think about the inner strength and ferocity of women, that although sometimes covered in a veil of delicate beauty, is always present. I wanted to express that grace should never be confused for weakness.

 

I hope you like them! And I hope you know how grateful I am to have been your student. 🙂

Hope all is well!

Brittany

Student Work: artist copy project of the Spanish artist Gabriel Moreno

Student Work: Final Project on “what I thought constituted feminine beauty”

I am so proud of this student and absolutely LOVE her pieces! Her concept behind the artwork adds even more. It’s amazing to think “we” (as educators) teach them … but in some ways, its “them” that can teach us.