"It is often the presence of disability that allows the beauty of an artwork to endure over time" (Siebers 5).

I was intrigued by Judith Scott's art work and how she demonstrated "the freedom both to make art from what she wants and to change the meaning of objects by inserting them into different contexts" (Siebers 17). She took many different things like yarn and sticks and made it into a unique body. 

John MacGregor questions, "Does seriousu mental retardation invariably preculude creation of true works art?...Can art, in the fullest sense of word, emerge when intellectual development is massively impaired from birth, and when normal intelelctual emotional maturation has failed to be attained" (Siebers 18-19).

"Human beauty is a relationship" (Lehrer 3).

"Traditionally, we understand that art originates in genius, but genius is really at minimum only the name for an intelligence large enough to plan and execute works of art - an intelligence that usually goes by the name of 'intention' " - Siebers, 15

"But all bodies are not created equal when it comes to aesthetic response" (Siebers, Disability Aesthetics, 1)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/03/24/ga-parents-offended-by-the-far-east-religion-of-yoga-get-namaste-banned-from-school/

As I wasn't feeling well, I didn't go in to the center this past week. I'm looking forward to this coming Wednesday, when we'll be working with Natalie at Haverford to measure trees and to have a small workshop-style conversation. The topic was originally going to center around gender, sexuality, and our bodies, but it looks like the focus is shifting to a more general get-to-know-you session, as we haven't had many opportunities to really talk to the participants we're working with. 

Field notes 03/25/16

What:

This week all children were on spring break, so I went to farm this Friday. In the beginning, we plucked out the weeds in the soil and raked the infield dirt.  I went to get some topsoil and spread them out on the field. Then, we planted some green beans in two rows with each of them 2 inches apart. Afterwards, one person was watering the field when I helped packed the soil to support the root and put away black bags. In the end, the teacher told us that we could stop by and get some veggies if we stay here in the summer.

So what:

What?