Shikshamitra: Friends of learning: SUNSHINE ON THEIR PAINTBRUSHES!

SHIKSHAMITRA is a process for learning to live better. It is a space where one
learns to keep well and to help others keep well too. Shikshamitra has an address.
However, it goes beyond this – permeating into the lives of many, influencing
one’s choices in life and ways of life. To be associated with Shikshamitra is to assume
the responsibility of trying to live better. It is a continuous attempt to search for
activities that inspire life and build trust, or, it is an attempt to keep away from
anything to the contrary. Shikshamitra is a means toward becoming aware of
how much one can be and knowing exactly what one’s limitations are.

August 20, 2008

SUNSHINE ON THEIR PAINTBRUSHES!

We are deep in the midst of the monsoon season here in Kolkata.

Upon seeing the wall paintings that Shikshamitra art students did on our principal's walls at her home, a well wisher made a request for posters to be painted for framing. The posters would be for a new baby's room – the theme was Sun, after the baby's name.

I liked the idea of bringing the sunshine into our class on this particularly dark day.

I chose square paper since we have never really used this shape before and it had a certain appeal and would be nice for framing. With the help of Sudeshna, I introduced the task and the theme, briefly, so as not to cap up any possible inspirations. Once the materials were set out and paper was in hand, I put on Beethoven's Greatest Hits and let the kids take it away: