Head down, hoody up - That's how some middle school students enter the art room on the first day of class. This is NOT where they want to be; what they want to be doing. Sleeping, music, texting, gaming, maybe even reading a good book are all preferable activities. Art class is scary, the potential for leakage of authentic self, great. First day of school: I will station myself in the hallway, greet and smile, exchange a few hugs with returning students, try for eye contact with the newbies - so hard to reach into, beyond the lacquered shell of young teens. We'll get there, step by tiny step. Backward portraits are a way to save face for this perpetually embarrassed age group. So is lots of choice within limits. "Freedom is moving easy in harness." I've always loved that quotation despite having to write a timed Senior Essay about it some 35 year ago.... Technology will help me increase options. Have a friend snap your own rear-view portrait and work from your phone or class iPad, or have a friend pose and create a portrait of someone else which feels safer....unless you have to pose. But when it's all done and up, the pride and fun as we identify who's who, artist and model. After all, everyone likes a little positive attention, even if eye contact is still a challenge.
