Where I am

Literally, I find myself sitting in a high school art room, under a ceiling of painted tiles. They are the work of former students, left behind as inspiration perhaps, or as an “I was here” statement. They are quite colorful and most are very impressive. They make me happy. The students are still slowly drifting in, having come from other schools, some in pairs, some alone. One student approaches me to tell me that they go by a different name than that on the sheet. I make a note, so as not to make a mistake. One girl sits knitting what looks like a scarf. The others sit gazing at laptop and phone screens. I like when I am able to sub in any art class. I feel at home in a studio environment. It feels full of creative possibilities. Looking at the schedule, I see that this is an AP Art History class. I think “cool, I didn’t know high schools offered Art History”. I was an Art History major in college, after I decided that I didn’t have it in me to become an architect. When I told my Dad about my major he laughed and said “you don’t really get a degree in that, do you?” He didn’t understand that I had come to love Art History, a wonderful combination of analyzing visual imagery and forging connections with historical, cultural, religious, and political contexts. I never did get that degree.

And so…I work as a substitute teacher, which is a bit of a misnomer, as I am never required to teach anything. I am a high school “babysitter”, spending most days oking bathroom passes and reminding students that the f-word is not appropraite language in school. It can be downright boring on a good day and terribly annoying and disheartening on a bad one.That being said, there are perks. Because I truly only have to take attendance, occasionally pass out an assignment, and keep the kids under some sort of control, there is a lot of free time. Time that I fill by reading and working on “my stuff”. On any given day “my stuff” could include my memory planner, vacation plans, art journal, website, workshop prep or shower favors. Yes, I carry a large bag with a lot of supplies and at least one book at all times. It’s a good day if I can return home feeling that I accomplished something. It’s a great day if I’ve created something to share.