How Art Can Help Center a Student’s Learning Experience

When I was a student, I studied art at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Corcoran and Bell Multicultural High School. Many years later while a student at the Corcoran, I taught art to many students.

I strongly believe that art not only can help center a student's learning experience and can close the opportunity gap for many students.

www.kqed.org/mindshift/54370/how-art-can-help-center-a-students-learning-experience?fbclid=IwAR2z7Z-64q8OlMs2P1ki7zOLU8WM8zN_bWRVI8LlCdtvmjqSswMha4w-zEQ

The above photos were taken while I was a high school student at Bell from 1991 - 1993. I gave away the clothing articles and jewelry shown in the photos above. Additionally, I donated the artwork shown above.

"Art instruction helps children with the development of motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, and inventiveness. Visual arts teach learners about color, layout, perspective, and balance: all techniques that are necessary in presentations (visual, digital) of academic work."

Contrast Chronicles

Contrast Chronicles. Digital art created on canvas. August 20, 2024. Afrika Abney The essence of my life can be described as a canvas painted in shades of black and white. Through my abstract digital painting, I have chosen to express this dichotomy by focusing solely on these two colors. This choice not only emphasizes the simplicity of the palette but also invites viewers to engage with the complexities that lie within the interplay of light and shadow. In my abstract digital painting, Contrast Chronicles, unfolds through the contrasts of black and white.

Shades of Purple Horizon

Shades of Purple Horizon. Digital art created on canvas. August 23, 2024. Afrika Abney "If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it." ~ William Arthur Ward

Dynamic Spectrum

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Nurturing Hue

Nurturing Hue. Digital art created on canvas. September 19, 2024. Afrika Abney

Sacred Spectrum

Sacred Spectrum. Digital art created on canvas. September 21, 2024. Afrika Abney “The concept of a sacred circle within the domain of abstract painting embodies a profound exploration of artistic expression and spiritual significance. This notion suggests a space where creativity transcends the ordinary. In this context, the sacred circle serves as a metaphorical boundary that encapsulates the essence of the creative process, allowing for a unique interplay between form, color, and emotion through red, white, purple, dark green, lavendar, and blue. The interplay of colors evokes a spectrum of emotions, each hue resonating with distinct feelings and associations. Red, often linked to passion and intensity.White, on the other hand, represents purity and peace, offering a sense of calm and clarity. Purple is frequently associated with creativity and spirituality, inviting introspection and deeper thought. Dark green conveys a sense of stability and growth, often linked to nature and renew...

Cerulean Canvas

“The color blue in abstract paintings often embodies a range of qualities that evoke various emotional and psychological responses. It is frequently associated with tranquility and calmness, creating a serene atmosphere that invites viewers to reflect and contemplate. The use of blue can also suggest depth and infinity, reminiscent of vast skies and deep oceans, which can lead to a sense of exploration and introspection. Artists may employ different shades of blue to convey distinct moods, from the soft pastels that evoke a gentle, soothing feeling to the bold, vibrant hues that can energize and inspire. In the realm of abstract art, blue serves as a powerful tool for expression, allowing artists to communicate complex ideas and emotions without the constraints of representational forms. The versatility of blue enables it to interact harmoniously with other colors, enhancing the overall composition and creating dynamic contrasts. For instance, when paired with warm colors like or...

ColorForm

ColorForm. Digital art created on canvas. August 22, 2024. Afrika Abney “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way—things I had no words for.”- Georgia O'Keeffe “The realization dawned on me that through the use of color and form, I could express sentiments and ideas that eluded verbal articulation—concepts for which I lacked the appropriate vocabulary. This unique medium allowed me to convey emotions and thoughts that were otherwise inexpressible, revealing a deeper layer of communication that transcended traditional language. I discovered that the vibrant hues and distinct shapes in my artwork provided a means of expression that words alone could not capture. This visual language enabled me to articulate complex feelings and abstract notions, offering a profound connection to my inner experiences that remained inaccessible through conventional dialogue. It became evident to me that the interplay of colors and shapes served as a powerful co...

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Spectrum of Tranquility. Digital art created on canvas. August 30, 2024. Afrika Abney “The concept of a spectrum of tranquility highlights the vital role that creating supportive environments and enriching experiences plays in enhancing our overall well-being. It encourages us to reflect on the spaces we inhabit and the activities we engage in, reminding us that our surroundings can significantly influence our mental and emotional health. By fostering a sense of peace and calm, we can better navigate the challenges of daily life and cultivate a more balanced existence.”

Radiant Shadows

Radiant Shadows. Digital art created on canvas. September 11, 2024. Afrika Abney “The interplay of light and shadow is a fascinating aspect of visual artistry. It is important to understand the profound impact that these elements have on the overall composition of an image. By skillfully manipulating light sources and the resulting shadows, they can evoke a range of emotions, create depth, and guide the viewer's eye to focal points within the artwork. This mastery not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also adds layers of meaning, transforming a simple scene into a compelling narrative.”

Luminous Moon

Luminous Moon. Digital art created on canvas. September 15, 2024. Afrika Abney “The stunning image of the Moon was recorded in digital format last night. On September 15th, 2024, the Moon was in the Waxing Gibbous phase, characterized by its illumination of over 50% but not yet fully illuminated, which would signify a Full Moon. This particular phase is notable for its bright and prominent appearance in the night sky, captivating observers with its beauty. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere would have noticed that the right side of the Moon was illuminated, while those in the Southern Hemisphere would have seen the left side lit up. This distinction is a result of the Earth's position relative to the Moon and the Sun, influencing how we perceive the Moon's illumination. The Waxing Gibbous phase serves as a precursor to the Full Moon, creating a sense of anticipation for the complete illumination that follows. The digital capture of the Moon during this phase not only high...

Ms. Afrika Abney, Professional Visual Artist and Art Consultant- Branding Blog

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