Listening to the Wall is a series dedicated to showcasing pieces of student art that helped create an incarnate of the Lennon Wall in my classroom.
This piece includes a number of fantastic quotes, but my eye always goes to the shackled hands releasing a butterfly. To this day I wonder what “butterfly” was hiding deep inside of the girl who drew this image.
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of teaching a student who thrived on art and drawing. I have watched him grow into an incredibly talented artist and I’m quite honored to have a few pieces of his early work. For the Lennon Wall he chose to do something simple, but his ability to create atmosphere explodes across the page.
The bold colors of this piece totally reflect the spirit of the student who created it. Every day, a little ball of sunshine sat in the front row of my classroom.
– – –
For further information about the Listening to the Wall series, please visit these links:
Reconstructing the Lennon Wall
– – –
c.b.w. 2012
The pictures are groovy, man. Like, far out. 🙂
In all seriousness, I do like imagining no possessions, no greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man, all the people sharing all the world. You may say I’m a dreamer…but I’m not the only one.
Yes, Lennon said it best. If only.
LikeLike
You are right, Jenny! That song says it all. 🙂
LikeLike
🙂 You’d be surprised how many of my students know the lyrics to this song! I love how music is such a timeless thing that ties generations together.
LikeLike
You have some seriously talented and thoughtful students. The fellow in the middle – wow! I started to read some of the writing in the background. He sure had some interesting things to say. This really is a fantastic project that I think every teacher should follow. 🙂
LikeLike
I’d really love to expand the project, but the logistics are tricky. This year, I hope to find a way to extend the idea of the wall into the main lobby of the school.
The student in the middle graduated this year and I have no doubt he’s going to be a bright light in the world. 🙂
LikeLike
Every post about The Wall moves me deeply. such richness of creativity and heart abounds through each piece. It takes a wonderful teacher to inspire and encourage students to work from within and share their souls.
LikeLike
🙂
There’s a lot of beauty in a young person’s heart. We just have to remember to look and listen. 🙂
LikeLike
Amazing! I love how you can tell us how the images reflect the actual kids. They are so, so lucky to have had a teacher like you.
LikeLike
I only get them for a short time, so I love how these pieces of art help me remember them even years later. 🙂
LikeLike
Lucky Lady! 🙂
LikeLike
Do you think I could open an art gallery with these? 😉
LikeLike
yep 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful art! It says a lot, and also eludes to so much unknown. This is real validation for the job you do-this is what matters. Revel in it 🙂
LikeLike
I am. 🙂 Doing this series has really helped to heal some of the battle wounds I received from the school year. I needed to be reminded of everything that’s good about what I do and these pieces of art are bringing back my optimism.
LikeLike
Perhaps as time goes on, I can live a bit vicariously through you?
LikeLike
I like the last one best. It certainly radiates good vibes! Like the cute sun, earth and moon too. 🙂
LikeLike
I love the sun, earth, and moon, too! I thought this student had such an interesting take on the concept of peace being universal.
LikeLike
http://memomuse.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/im-beautiful-or-so-they-say/ You have been nominated by memomuse for the Beautiful Blogger Award. You are beautiful, brilliant, wonderful, and strong. – memomuse 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much! 🙂 I needed to hear such lovely words today.
LikeLike
This is so cool! Now I must go back and look at the others!
LikeLike
They are sure to brighten your day. 🙂 I hope you enjoy the read and the artwork.
LikeLike
The hands chained together and releasing the butterfly is to symbolic.
LikeLike
Its such a powerful image – it gives me goosebumps every time I see it. 🙂
LikeLike
so symbolic. not to.
LikeLike
My inner curmudgeon breathes a contented sigh knowing that these young people have been set loose on the world. The world needs them, and needs you to nurture their compassionate and hopeful hearts. And I am so delighted to know that John Lennon’s hopes and dreams and art continue to influence another generation.
LikeLike
This lesson is one I hope my students never forget as they head out into the real world. Whatever happens, they have the memory of knowing how act in a positive way. 🙂
The wall really does revive my faith in humanity and like you it does my heart good to know these young people have a little light in them.
LikeLike
I continue to be moved by this project…more pleae!
LikeLike
More is on the way! I just organized a number of pieces into sets of three that should last for weeks. I’m so glad you’re enjoying this project! 🙂
LikeLike
Such wise young souls – how lucky for you to know them…and them to know YOU!
LikeLike
Aren’t they beautiful! 🙂 I am so lucky to known them, even if only for a short time.
LikeLike