The debate over copying in the art classroom is a longstanding and contentious one. In the past, the discussion has been erroneously characterized as a two-sided argument between those who view copying as the vilest of crimes to be perpetrated in an art classroom and those who see in it a useful and even essential tool for learning. In the last…

In this article, the author talks about "Folds" and "Etudes" which are images derived from anonymous typing exercises that he found in a used copy of "Touch Typing Made Simple". "Etudes" refers to the musical tradition of studies for a solo instrument, which is a typewriter. Typing exercises are repetitive attempts to type words and phrases…

The author's enduring curiosity as an artist, researcher, and educator focuses on how people generate the myriad of artistic practices that enliven their cultures and how and what they learn from those creative engagements. While the author's personal experience and point of view are involved in pursuing these roles, the broader ideas and…

For the past seven years, the author has been researching the representations of women who were engaged in a range of espionage activities during World War II. It seems much of people's knowledge about women spies is formed by popular representations, which are often, and intriguingly, full of stereotypes and half-truths. The skilled and heroic…

In this article, the author shares the idea behind his photography exhibition called "Verbatim." "Verbatim" is comprised of digital images made with a flatbed scanner. The prints are "contact images" that remember and forget the earlier technological processes of photography and typewriting. Photography, typing, and phonographic writing…

In this article, the author tells the story of a continuing body of work that she began in 2001, titled "Navigate." The author relates that she sees this extended project as a case study of her working habits and ideas bridging the moment when she began to think of her practice as research. Through the story telling and writing this…

This essay focuses on a 4th year course, titled "Search/Research/Resolution," that the author has developed at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD), Toronto. First taught in 2002, the course is held over a fourteen week semester each fall, with one three hour class per week. It is offered within the photography area at OCAD in…

Examines types and functions of useful definitions of art in education. Considers the strengths and limitations of functionalist and proceduralist definitions. Identifies art as a concept operating within a culture; therefore, recommends embracing a variety of definitions to be used in contextually significant ways. (MJP)

Summarizes a project that investigated Australian Adnyamathanha and Canadian Sechelt peoples' attitudes toward those aspects of their culture that western society considers art. Discusses the differences between indigenous societies' conception of spiritual representation and westerners' conception of art. Suggests ways for art educators to…