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Sunday, August 28, 2011

My Wonderful School Visit

Hi, Friends, thank you for a great patience for a new post!
I visited Haberfield Public School, joined "Book Parade" and enjoyed 3 sessions with children.
Teacher
Tadada~~~, "Book Parade"!
Pupils dressed up favorite book characters and proudly marched in a hall to show off. Actually, so cute and funny. (*Don't ask if Bat man and Spider Man are in "literature" or not.)
What a great honour for 2 authors and me, an illustrator, we held a banner! All teachers turned out fairies, witches and wizards.

Teacher
Parents got excited and took photos. Of course, youngsters, too, got very excited. I wondered if kids would go wild? No. 2 speakers (older students) handled situations very well, which impressed me so much. Once, teachers asked children to calm down, they kept silent. Children behaved very well. We, grown-ups must learn it from kids?!
Before Parade
After enjoying the marching, I talked over picture book illustration and how to draw at the library. Regarding oral presentation skills, "Speak slowly. If you feel TOO slow, it's just good to hear for audience," was my sociology tutor's nice advice. And good eye contact! I really respected each child and tried not to talk to them from a higher position. (*I cannot bend knees well. Sorry, kids, but I wanted to squat in order to keep my eye position same to you.)

Hall
But above all, teachers' backup and children's cooperation helped me.
Unfortunately, I had a very sore throat and could not speak loud. Children listened to me very well. Again, their good manner impressed me so much.

Primary school kids had a great interest in illustration and drawings.
Hey, Painting Friends, can you answer for this?
"How do you make 3D paintings?"
"Value" is the topic. To explain about value takes time. I checked the time and illustrated a simple sample, an egg and a shadow. Then, "setting 3 simplified values (= high light, middle, darkest)." Hopefully it would help children enjoy drawing.
Another main question was how to draw figures. I took a face for an example and talked of the proportion. Yes, the proportion of a human head. BUT I used a more simplified ratio for children. Today, children were Queens and Kings. No big words. If they could not follow my talk, it's all my fault.
I carefully observed children's reactions, body language and chose very simple doodles. I asked children to demonstrate their drawings and to speak out. Kids must be centralized in class. I wanted children to have fun, interest and confidence in drawings.


After the day, I got a wonderful and priceless "thank you card." Here we go!
In my eyes, any child is so lovely, a living angel on the earth.
Librarian, Mr Michael Fraser is so caring for children. Certainly, he is a hero and so popular. Many students are from Non English Speaking backgrounds. He passionately assists children to study and make them join the library activities. Children proudly and joyfully carry out rending and returning books etc. Friends, being a picture book illustrator is very rewarding! Let us bequeath a bit better world to a next generation.
Mr Fraser still seeks more illustrators to join it. If anyone has interest, please contact Mr Fraser. Michael Fraser Haberfield Public School
mjo51266@bigpond.com
Ph: 9797 6336 Fax: 9716 7315

Friends, happy painting!
I'll get back to the ongoing project.







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55 comments:

  1. Hi Sadami ! what a great experience you lived with
    children ! I imagine your happiness and happiness of kids too ! All images are gorgeous and explain very well that day in the school ! It's so nice that you can share that with all your blogger fans! thank you Sadami ! a truly great and interessant post ! love that !
    bisous

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  2. Hello Sadami,
    I like to visit your blog, always so full of art and spontaneity!
    A hug from all of the studio

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  3. Sadami, it sounds as if you had a wonderful time - as did the children.
    How thoughtful you are to talk at a level they could understand. Bravo, my good and patient friend!

    and I love your illustrations to this post - the blonde fairy teacher is fab!

    xx

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  4. Hi Sadami! I am so happy that your teaching adventure was a success! I love the bookparade sketch! And the childrens' drawings are great too! Happy painting this week!

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  5. I am so glad you had such a good time with the children. What a wonderful audience they must have made, plus subjects actually. Love your posts Sadami and also your paintings.....all the best to you....ann.

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  6. Oh Sadami, what a beautiful posting. I almost felt I was there. Your sketches are great, and the students' cards are fabulous!! They are truly innocent angels.
    PS - I still have taped to the wall in the stall, a colored drawing my nephew did for me of my last horse. Don't know how it's lasted, but it has bee there for 10 years!

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  7. That was wonderful, Sadami. Isn't it amazing interacting with children like that. One of them could create a master piece some day and thank you for everything you taught them to get them started. How awesome would that be!

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  8. I always love your posts...how you speak about children with reverence! I feel the same way, children are to be respected and honored. I know that each child feels the wonderful attitude that you have toward them. Your are a great role model for the child who loves art--I have every confidence that in some child's life you will be remembered forever and you will be the reason that a child pursues a life in art. I was especially enchanted by the hallway of costumed children and their card to you.

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  9. Sounds like a wonderful day and that card is great - I imagine you left having made some new friends :)

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  10. What a wonderful experience Sadami. Your joy of being there just shines out of your art. Beautiful art as always. Such a fun thank you cards from the children.

    Hugs

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  11. What a beautiful post, Sadami! and of course, wonderful sketches...

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  12. Hi,Marty,
    Thank you so much! You should do it. Quite fun and kids love you. You're their hero~~!!
    Cheers,Sadami

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  13. Dear Antonio,
    Thank you for encouragement. You, too, enjoy a creative life!
    Cheers,Sadami

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  14. Yahoo, Pat!
    Thank you so much.
    You should try it and share joy with kids. They are full of curiousity and have tons of Qs. Once, you do demo, you're a hero!
    Cheers,Sadami

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  15. Dear Judy,
    Thank you! Yes, many people's back up enabled me to acheive the success. But above all, children's great cooperation. They are the true heros.
    Cheers,Sadami

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  16. Dear Ann,
    Thank U for always kind cheers. If you can, go for it. I'm sure you'll make children happy!
    Kind regards,Sadami

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  17. Dear Kath,
    Thank U for kind say in your very busy days. Wow, how old is your nephew?! Children's rapid growing always surprises us. But your love would never change...!!
    Cheers,Sadami

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  18. Dear Carol,
    Thank you very much.
    Oh, I'm sure all of them already create masterpieces. "Every child is an artist. The problem is to remain an artist once he grows up." — Pablo Picasso.
    Kind regards,Sadami

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  19. Dear Celeste,
    Thank you deeply! Very happy to know you have the same attitude to children. Yes, you're right. Becoming a good role model is the real aim of this and a following event(*we'll soon have lunch with disadvantaged children in Sep). The libraian, Mr Fraser told me EXACTLY the same as you said, "Some child's life you will be remembered forever and you will be the reason that a child pursues a life in art" or "not to go into asray."
    Celeste, I'm sure, you can do the same. If you have an opportunity, go for it!
    Best wishes,Sadami

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  20. Oh, Rhonda,
    Thank you and so true. Some kids came asked me, "Don't you come tomorrow?" I wish I could be an art teacher!
    Cheers,Sadami

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  21. Dear Teri,
    Thank you for sharing the joy with me and kids. I have a feeling you can do the same in the States. If you have an opportunity, it's worth trying.
    Cheers,wink,wink,Sadami

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  22. Dear Hilda,
    Thank you for always warm cheers that enable me to go forward.
    Kind regards,Sadami

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  23. 凄いです!彼らはラッキので、さだみさんは子供に教えました。
    さだみさんは子供を大好きなと思います。

    良い週末を。

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  24. Hi Sadami:)
    Great to hear about your visit at Haberfield P School. Most children like to draw, but at a certain age they stop drawing. I think it mainly is because we theachers don`t show them how to draw faces, right bodypropositions ect. And when they reach a certain age and notice that their drawing don`t look like real people and things, they stop drawing.
    So, it is great that artists like you visit schools and help us educate the children. Maybe you will come to my school as well? Or maybe it is a bit too far to travel;)

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  25. Hi,エベリン、ありがとう!
    はい、私は子供が大好きです. たのしい1週間を!
    Cheers,Sadami

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  26. Dear Annepa,
    Thank U. You're the expert, teacher! I understand you talk of technical issues(*most children are really eager to know realistic drawings. They asked me a lot about it while my sketching.) But please do NOT blame on teaching. I have a feeling you've been loving children so much. If you like to get info, some drawing intro books will provide how to draw.
    But also--this is my view though--at some stage of life, children stop drawing, because grown-ups comments that hurt children's self-esteem and pull down their confidence. So, I just want to encourage them. No one can either deny a child's the potential or restrict posibilities.
    I really do not want to discourage anyone, especially children. No one has rights to step over others dreams.

    Thank you for invitation. When I visit your country, certainly, I'll do it with you~~!! ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ

    Cheers,Sadami

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  27. the thankyou notes are precious sadami ... lovely sketches ..love the portrait of olivia ...ciao jane

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  28. Hi, Jane,
    Thank you so much! Enjoy your beautiful washes.
    Cheers,Sadami

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  29. I see that my yesterday comment was not published.. I wanted to say that you did great job teaching children to draw. And I think that that the drawing block happens when children reach 7 or later, when they start judge the world by "good" and "bad" and not parents but their own critique cut their wings. At least that what I remember from my drawing experiments long ago. I saw that my princesses looked ugly in comparison to others, meaning I had to stop, I did not know how to draw. And I did not have Sadami to hear the other option)))
    Second sketch is such joy!

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  30. Hi, Irina,
    Thank you so much! Oh, no, please do not misunderstand! I'm afraid your latest comment did not reach me or was lost(*I have not read it yet!) I always publish comments unless they are maliciously harmful on others or commercial ads.

    Back to your topic. I totally agree with you. Traumatized children and grown-ups are still afraid of cruel judgement and will not enjoy drawing. Unfortunately, comparison is our society's very bad habit. Some people got disappointed and thrown into hopelessness. I’m afraid they could have been wonderful artists, but they have been lost forever. Irina, that’s not the way, I feel.

    Regarding drawing skills, it takes quite long years to master it and not many people learn it. Also, I did/do market research that reveals certain types of art are for investment and specific styles are popular for consumers, etc, etc. However, it is on a professional world.

    If a person just wants to enjoy drawing as an amateur, it would be inappropriate to follow few elites among professionals.
    Irina, please remember, “Be what you are,” “Joy must come first,” are my favourite say for anyone who asks me for suggestion. And, me, too, always tell myself so.
    Keep up your own style and please bloom out!!
    Kind regards,Sadami

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  31. Re. publishing comment - it was my fault yesterday, I pushed "post comment" and "subscribe to future posts" almost at once and it confused the maschine, I think.
    I so much agree with your comment.

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  32. Dear Irina,
    Thank you for your courteous reply.
    Kind regards,Sadami

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  33. Dear Sadami,
    I really liked your talk and you visited Haberfield Public School which is my school and I thought that it was very good and I would just like to thank you for spending your time on us.

    From Jade (age 7)
    *

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  34. Dear Jade,
    Oh, thank you soooo much!! Your kind comment makes me very happy. I really enjoyed the visit. I hope you and your friends will enjoy drawing and reading more and more!
    Best wishes&ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ, Sadami

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  35. Sadami your work is so happy and lovely! It always makes me smile. :) And I think it's so great what you did with the children.

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  36. Hi,Crystal Cook,
    Thank U so much!! We all love kids, don't we? Let us work for them.
    Cheers,Sadami

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  37. Sadami, Just found your wonderful blog your works is beautiful to me. Im just starting my art journey and in hopes I could on day draw at least well as you do :) Love your people you do so.Will enjoy so coming here,
    Thank yoy so,
    Linda

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  38. Dear Linda,
    Welcome and thank U! Just enjoy drawing and painting. A playful heart like a child enables us to make nice work. Drawing takes time to learn it, but keep up with FUN(*otherwise it's painful).
    Cheers & Best wishes,Sadami

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  39. What a delightful post -- the sketches of the book parade are precious! Your love for your art and the children comes through in beautiful colors and shapes :)

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  40. Dear Meera,
    Thank you~! Yes, I love those kids, them all. You, too, have fun and enjoying drawing with children.
    Cheers,Sadami

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  41. Sadami - I keep typing out long comments of appreciation but when I hit post they disappear. Please know that I am looking and enjoying!
    Now here goes .....

    Gillian (the fading rose)

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  42. Hi,Gillian,
    Thank you very much! The other day, another lady told me the same problem. Let us blame on Google(*indeed, sometimes technical issues happen). I've been very busy with the project. Hope it goes well and you, too, enjoy drawing.
    Kind regards,Sadami

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  43. Sadami dear!
    coming here is a joy and learning!
    I'm glad to know of your activities, and can not imagine how you can meet many commitments .... a day goes by so fast!

    I'm a little slow and busy.
    When I have time, do not know what to do first!
    and while I think the time I had available, it was less .... hahahahah
    ____________________

    I loved their experience at school with the kids!
    I congratulate you for having gotten the attention of these little creatures, so full of energy!
    wonderful initiative to teach them things that take forever in life!
    I'm sure they will never forget this day!

    As always, your watercolors are so beautiful and spontaneous!
    Congratulations! you certainly make a difference,
    you always transforms and renews the mind of many!

    I was a little absent, but always near in thought!
    a big hug! ;)
    Denise

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  44. Hi,Denise,
    Thank U! I've found the theory on "time&money." When time is available, money is not available. And vice verse. If a person has both at the same time, s/he is doing cheating! Hahahaha?! So, I have to die in poverty, but happy. Regarding work and life, take it easy.
    Me, too, getting very busy and it's a good thing.

    Take care of yourself and hands. Handling computer is not easy. You're always in my prayer.
    A big hug,Sadami

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  45. Oh, what a wonderful experience, Sadami! I completely understand that you are so rewarded from it! Children are more free than we adults about art, and we have so much from them! You really deserved their "thank you"! Your sketches are wonderful! A big hug, Cristina

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  46. really beautiful! Have a nice day! :)

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  47. Hi,Cristina,
    Thank you so much! I know you really, really love your children, too. Enjoy being a mother!!!
    A big hug,Sadami

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  48. Hi,Harlequin,
    Oh, thank U very much! You, too, enjoy being a mother and have a wonderful weekend!!
    Cheers,Sadami

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  49. Sadami, I like the one with the disguised children! A lot of enjoyment and them in this watercolor. Like children are, aren't they? I imagine this big experiment for you, formidable! Thank you for sharing with us.Bises.

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  50. Ahahahaha!Olivia, thank U!
    Let's enjoy drawing and painting!!
    Cheers,Sadami

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  51. Your painting do talk Sadami. Even small sketches have a great character :)
    Thank you,
    Irina

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  52. Hi,Irina,
    Thank you for kind encouragement all the time. Keep enjoying your beautiful work!
    Cheers,Sadami

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  53. Hi, Sadami. Back from my holidays i find in your blog this wonderful work with children. Keep on, Sadami, and, please, never stop sharing. Cheers.

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  54. Hi,Albert,
    Welcome back and thank U! You,too, please never stop sharing wonderful work with us!!
    Cheers,Sadami

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  55. Dear Consultoria RH,
    Thank you very much!!
    Best wishes,Sadami

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