It Must Be Convincing

   So interesting this week that a thought that started in one class a week ago, would be then spun by another class.  The idea that behind a work of art, is the artist's intention, but the "object in the world" has to be convincing.  A week later, a non-judgmental element was brought up when describing a work of art (in this case by the artist) to a viewer without the sense of sight.
   Now I understand that this population is a small percentage of the viewing public, and the aim of all artists isn't to create work for people who can't see it, but it does make an even playing field for a master of the arts whose work is admired, and where more words

• Is it expecting too much from the viewer to read from bottom to top? 
• Does this read as a wedding cake with bride & groom?

can enhance this view of the world.  The rarity of the artist  presenting their own work to the viewer does throw a monkey wrench in this train of thought.  But how interesting if an artist would be able to describe what we are looking at, and describe their thoughts behind the picture, as well as what was going on in their life at the time in a conversation.  How much insight wold be gained from this verbal view of art. 
   This brings me to my art students, integration is huge.  Whenever we look at art (my clients and I) I ask "what do you hate, what do you like?"  Followed by why and what do you see in this image, etc, until after a while, they know the routine.  The young artists are on the look out to see what the art is about.  Similarly, this is the same method I would use with typical students.  Age and ability will effect the process in a way of being a richer conversation, but would not disable the ability to talk and look at the art.  How fantastic would it be for a youngster without sight to see work from a typical child of their own age.  What an exciting prospect of making leaders out of the sighted, and instructors out of the visually impaired.
   I feel a similar connection could be made with a relationship with typical third grade student and some of the adults with cognitive disabilities that I work with.  I see this in the way their hearts are so open, in their sense of humor, and in similar play interests.  What better way to educate the future then with this exposure in their youth.  The acceptance would be so beneficial to the community at large, as well as by the individuals with disabilities.