MEd Comprehensive Portfolio
Anja Graham

 

What is the purpose of arts and their place in education? The intuitive sensitivity inherent in art making and art witnessing informs how educators, students –– humans –– walk in the world alongside one another. Attunement to an artistic way of feeling, being, and coexisting is powerful in its flexibility and softness: being comfortable sitting in the murky unknown with open hands seeing some worth to each particle that “obstructs” an objective truth. Movement is inherent. Progress is inevitable when participating in our education system. This artistic listening informs how we can move sensitively through the world with others if we know how to listen and where to look.

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Over the past two years, I’ve come to think of this awareness through the same lens that I’m aware of when I hike. I have to be aware of my boots directly under me and where they step. What is in my immediate contact? Is there a root? A rock? I have to keep my eyes open and see my immediate obstacles. 

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But I can’t just look down –– the next layer of awareness is the trail ahead. I look for upcoming markers that may signal a change in route, or maybe a fellow member on the trail to share the space. I look for upcoming turns, inclines, drops, or anything that may cause me to alter my pace or direction.

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I also have to see the forest. Eyes up, over the shoulder every once in awhile… while being aware of what’s upon me and what’s out in front of me, I also must remain aware of the bigger picture and the direction I’m heading amongst all the active pieces of this ecosystem. Each of these pieces need to be sensed –– seen –– to tell me where am I going. Listening to and seeing each layer artistically tells me where I should go. And I can trust in that.