Art was our first recorded language, it transcended dialect barriers, and has a greater impact on our ability to understand and feel what is being shared. Sadly, most people today do not know how to properly read this powerful communication system.
Our current school system operates under the STEM method, (Science, Technology, Electronics, Manufacturing), because that’s where the trade jobs for industry are. The push now is to add the A (Arts) to the word and go full STEAM ahead!
I will be showing you some studies of how imagery was used to teach toddlers and children with dyslexia or autism, and the results are astounding! With A in the school system, young students or those with learning disabilities can use imagery to understand story, math, science, etc. in a way that text alone cannot.
Not only does Visual Literacy allow us to read more from imagery, it also enhances our ability to feel or have empathy. I believe we could use more empathy in the world, and I aim to show you how adding the A into our learning system, could also remedy this global social problem as well.
If you would like to learn more about this subject, I will be speaking at the July Lunch & Learn at The Cotton Factory. This talk however, is just a sample of a much larger workshop I am doing in September where I present the methodology of deriving meaning from art and imagery.
We do full rocket surgery on art by examining it elements, and principles of design, specifically as it pertains to communicating meaning. We cover the six different approaches to reading art, and re-inforce our practice of seeing, so that we may effectively draw understanding from what we view.
My goal with this presentation is to introduce you to this ancient language, to be able to read more in imagery, to help you form stronger conclusions from your analysis, and of course, to excite your senses.
Jerrold Hewson
Jerrold is an artist who currently works with his wife Marta in their commercial and fashion photography studio at the Cotton Factory.
Earlier in his career, Jerrold worked with a school board to produce support materials for children with social and learning disabilities. It was there that he began to understand the power of art as a language. Since, he has been exploring further into this field and has been doing presentations on visual literacy to focus groups, and now he has expanded his presentation to reach a broader audience. It is his hope to encourage everyone to explore the possibilities of learning without words, and building a greater understanding of how others think and feel.