Sample Artist Statement

I believe everyone has experienced bullying in some way in their life.  This is an important issue because it can lead to negative self-image and even possibly cause death.  Some bullies go too far and physically hurt people more than intended.  They can also hurt the victim so emotionally that some victims of bullying commit suicide.  It is important that we address this issue and stop the violence and abuse especially in schools.

I created this poster in an effort to make people aware that bullying is an important issue and we must stop it.  That means not only not participating, but also calling it out when we do see it.  “Squash It” means to put a stop to something and is represented by the squashed bug on my poster.  I choose red for the type of “Stop Bullying” because I wanted to stand out and be more dramatic.

Bullying connects to the Holocaust because Hitler was a bully.  He tormented many people based on ignorance, insecurity, and hatred.  These feeling also fuel bullies in our schools.  We can learn from the Holocaust and truly see how horrible bullying truly is.  If we end bullying in the schools we may be able to prevent adults that bully and harass.  We have seen what can happen if people like that go unstopped.

Artist Statement - Due 2/29

In your artist statement answer the following questions:

How does bullying/racism/harassment effect you? Or why is it an important issue?

What inspired you to create this poster?

How does this connect to the Holocaust?  In other words, what does bullying have in common with what happened during the Holocaust?

This should be written in complete sentences in paragraph form and be about 6-15 sentences in length and no more than 100 words.

Assignment #1 - Due 2/18

Design an anti-bully, anti-racism, or anti-harassment poster that you could put around the school.  Use your knowledge of the Holocaust that we discussed in class and in your previous classes to write an artist statement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pD4V7v6ZVc&NR=1
http://www.wsherc.org/writingcontest/contest.aspx
You may hand draw/paint, use PhotoShop, use Paint or any other computer program to create this.
You may also write a rap or poem and copy it onto a colorful background to create a "poster."

These posters will be entered into the WA Holocaust Art Contest.  If you win you can receive up to $100 in an Amazon gift card.  There are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes.

Here are some slogan ideas to get you started:

Stop the Hate

Erase Racism

No Bully Zone

Racism Makes Me Sick

Mobbing, Harassing, Bullying

Bullying Stops Here

Hate Hurts

Stamp Out Bullying

Bullying Hurts Us All

Say No to Hate

Burn Out Racism

Bullying Has Many Forms

Stomp Out Racism

Sometimes listening to songs about the topic may be helpful.  I used KRS-One lyrics (Squash the Beef) to inspire me to create this poster:

Tupac also had many poems that were written surrounding this topic:

Untitled

Please wake me when I'm free

I cannot bear captivity

where my culture I'm told holds no significance

I'll wither and die in ignorance

But my inner eye can c a race

who reigned as kings in another place

the green of trees were rich and full

and every man spoke of beautiful

men and women together as equals

War was gone because all was peaceful

But now like a nightmare I wake 2 c

That I live like a prisoner of poverty

Please wake me when I'm free

I cannot bear captivity

4 I would rather be stricken blind

than 2 live without expression of mind

For Mrs. Hawkins (In Memory of Yusef Hawkins)

This poem is addressed 2 Mrs. Hawkins
who lost her son 2 racist society
I’m not out 2 offend the positive souls
only the racist dogs who lied 2 me
An American culture plagued with nights
like the night Yusef was killed
if it were reversed it would be the work
of a savage but this white killer was just strong-willed
with the blood of Malcolm in my veins
America will never rest
if Yusef dies in vain!

And 2Morrow

Today is filled with anger
fueled with hidden hate
scared of being outcast
afraid of common fate
Today is built on tragedies
which no one wants 2 face
nightmares 2 humanities
and morally disgraced
Tonight is filled with rage
violence in the air
children bred with ruthlessness
because no one at home cares
Tonight I lay my head down
but the pressure never stops
gnawing at my sanity
content when I am dropped
But 2morrow I c change
a chance 2 build a new
Built on spirit intent of Heart
and ideals
based on truth
and tomorrow I wake with second wind
and strong because of pride
2 know I fought with all my heart 2 keep my
dream alive

Welcome

Hello Art History Students!  I will update the assignments on this page and we will also have class written discussions using blogger.