Debra Disman

Artist

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Distance learning

ZOOM In On Distance Learning 6

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As everyone keeps saying, 2020 was a year like no other. Well, no-one had seen 2021 yet.

2021 it seems, may also prove to be a year like no other, finding us teaching online, in my case through Zoom, engaging in what is called, “distance learning”. Well, you can’t beat the commute and clean-up time, and I found there are indeed ways to connect significantly with students and colleagues, and even teach some things!

In February 2021, I led an accordion book with pockets program at the Panorama City Branch Library,  part of my artist residency in bookmaking there, through the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Using bright tag board and richly patterned origami papers,


participants learned the accordion/consertina fold,


how to create pockets in their books,


how to cover and embellish their covers,


and how to add hopes and wishes to their pockets!


Whole families, as well as Library staff, got into the act.


Pure Joy.

Gratitudes!

 

ZOOM In On Distance Learning 5

By

As everyone keeps saying, 2020 was a year like no other. Well, no-one had seen 2021 yet.

2021 it seems, may also prove to be a year like no other, finding us teaching online, in my case through Zoom, engaging in what is called, “distance learning”. Well, you can’t beat the commute and clean-up time, and I found there are indeed ways to connect significantly with students and colleagues, and even teach some things!


As part of my artist residency in bookmaking at the West Valley Regional Branch Library through the  Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, participants learned the “double flower fold” technique, and created unique valentines with richly colored and patterned origami papers, which they then placed in paper boxes they unfolded, then folded, to house their creations.


After learning the fold, interestingly challenging over Zoom, the makers learned how to glue them together into an expanding and contracting chain,


which folded up into a 2.5 x 2.5″ square,


and was easily placed in their boxes, to create a one-of-a-kind gift. Participants could then embellish their boxes,


and add words and imagery to their folded “flowers”.


A diverse intergenerational group of enthusiasts worked together happily and supportively.


Branch Manager got into the act, carefully planning the colors of his flower-fold chain.


Children’s Librarian Kristin Peers also created stunning color combinations, and, what a background!

It looks like there may have been some very happy Valentine gift recipients, but maybe not as happy as their makers.
Because making, is the BEST!

Watch AROHA Philanthropies: CREATIVE AGING in Action!

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I have been so honored to participate in AROHA Philanthropies Creative Aging initiative, and to work  with  with LA’s beloved Craft Contemporary museum, Curator of Public Engagment Andres Payan Estrada, and Museum Director, Suzanne Isken.

It has been my great joy to teach the AROHA Bookmaking classes for Seniors through Craft Contemporary. I have been so moved to hear and see our participants’ stories expressed through their book projects, and to witness their extraordinary creativity with materials, expression and craft. The opportunity for these students to come together, share about their lives, and weave their personal histories into their projects has been so meaningful, not only for the students, but for myself and the Craft Contemporary Staff. I have been continually amazed at the richness and depth of our participants’ life experiences and their hunger to share them with others.

Our spring workshop series in bookmaking was held in-person, at the Craft Contemporary. When the pandemic hit, we had to pivot to online learning and delivery, and despite the inevidable challenges, our online class community proved to be just as creative, supportive, connective and energetic as our in-person group. An incredible and indelible experience that I will carry with me moving forward.

Russ Haan, owner of After Hours Creative, directed the creation of the following videos sharing about and documenting the process of AROHA’s programming. They are inspiring, moving and energizing to watch. ENJOY!
Creative Aging: The Essentials
Creative Aging: Why Teaching Artists?
Creative Aging: Untapped Opportunity
Creative Aging: Isolation to Connection
Creative Aging: In-Person to Online 

Zoom In On Distance Learning 4

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As everyone keeps saying, 2020 was a year like no other.
Well, no-one had seen 2021 yet.

2021 it seems, may also prove to be a year like no other, finding us teaching online, in my case through Zoom, engaging in what is called, “distance learning”. Well, you can’t beat the commute and clean-up time, and I found there are indeed ways to connect significantly with students and colleagues, and even teach some things!


Here are some highlights fronm our 2021 Calendar-making program at the Panorama City Branch Library,  part of my artist residency in bookmaking there, through the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.


Creating the calendar structure, using a side-stab/side-bound stitch, at the top, to produce a vertical format.


Honoring KOBE.


Sketchbook ideas for calendar.


Forging on with the project, even without a materials packet!

Here’s to a better 2021.  Thumbs up as we Zoom on.

Zoom In On Distance Learning 3

By

As everyone keeps saying, 2020 was a year like no other. Well, no-one had seen 2021 yet.

2021 it seems, may also prove to be a year like no other, finding us teaching online, in my case through Zoom, engaging in what is called, “distance learning”. Well, you can’t beat the commute and clean-up time, and I found there are indeed ways to connect significantly with students and colleagues, and even teach some things!

Here are some highlights from our 2021 Calendar-making program at the West Valley Regional Branch Library,  part of my artist residency in bookmaking there, through the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.


Participans learned a “side-stab” or side-bound stitch, and used it to create vertically-hanging, fully-functional 2021 calendars.


They used their own stickers, markers and other embellishment materials to develop their calendar covers and pages,


highlighting special dates for their year.


Calendar cover,


and “March” 2021 page.

Here’s to a better 2021. Zoom on.

ZOOM in on Distance Learning 2

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As everyone keeps saying, 2020 was a year like no other.

One of the ways it has been a year like no other, is teaching online, in my case through Zoom, engaging in what is called, “distance learning”.

Well, you can’t beat the commute and clean-up time, and I found there are indeed ways to connect significantly with students and colleagues and even teach some things!

Here are some highlights, with further posts illuminating specific projects, classes and workshops.

Enjoy. From the expression on these faces and the works they created, these makers did!


Envelope bookmaking for the holidays, and LAPL love!


“Folded Fan” bookmaking.


LAPL Librarians get into the act.

Here’s to a better 2021.
To Your Health.