Everyone has a story. Can you tell yours in six words?
Six-Word Memoirs: The Legend
Legend has it that Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in only six words. His response? “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” A few years ago, SMITH Magazine re-ignited the challenge by asking readers for their own six-word memoirs. They sent in short life stories in droves, from the bittersweet (“Cursed with cancer, blessed with friends”) and poignant (“I still make coffee for two”) to the inspirational (“Business school? Bah! Pop music? Hurrah”) and hilarious (“I like big butts, can’t lie”).
Examples:
The scars alone tell the story.
I always regretted not saying "hello."
Became a Chemist, still feel stupid.
Played guitar, came out, watched tv.
Single mother? So? Did it anyway!
Being 15 sucks, too much pressure.
Went to war, still pretty sore.
Constantly proving--Pretty girls ARE smart.
There's always something else to learn.
Lofty perspective from four foot ten.
Found true love, married someone else.
Bad brakes discovered at high speed.
OPTION 1 - Assignment: Write a six word memoir of your life and then create an artwork based on that memoir. The options are endless! Think outside the box!!!
(HINT: Create a content frame like this in your sketchbook to help you generate ideas.
Ask me if you need more explanation about this.)
Six-Word Memoirs: The Legend
Legend has it that Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in only six words. His response? “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” A few years ago, SMITH Magazine re-ignited the challenge by asking readers for their own six-word memoirs. They sent in short life stories in droves, from the bittersweet (“Cursed with cancer, blessed with friends”) and poignant (“I still make coffee for two”) to the inspirational (“Business school? Bah! Pop music? Hurrah”) and hilarious (“I like big butts, can’t lie”).
Examples:
The scars alone tell the story.
I always regretted not saying "hello."
Became a Chemist, still feel stupid.
Played guitar, came out, watched tv.
Single mother? So? Did it anyway!
Being 15 sucks, too much pressure.
Went to war, still pretty sore.
Constantly proving--Pretty girls ARE smart.
There's always something else to learn.
Lofty perspective from four foot ten.
Found true love, married someone else.
Bad brakes discovered at high speed.
OPTION 1 - Assignment: Write a six word memoir of your life and then create an artwork based on that memoir. The options are endless! Think outside the box!!!
(HINT: Create a content frame like this in your sketchbook to help you generate ideas.
Ask me if you need more explanation about this.)
If Option 1 doesn't appeal to you...try this!
LIFE MANTRA
A life mantra is a phrase, sentence or idea that you repeat to yourself to help you be positive, stick to your goals, and be the best person you can be. The idea of a mantra is an old one. Mantra was originally an ancient Sanskrit word used in meditation, but since the early 1800's has also been known as the repeated positive phrase we know it as today.
Examples:
I create my own happiness.
I can overcome any challenge that comes my way.
Action conquers fear.
Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.
Excellence does not require perfection.
Change your thoughts and change your world.
OPTION 2 - Assignment: Write a life mantra that you live by (or would like to) and then create an artwork based on that mantra.
Blog Post:
1) Please include your memoir/mantra in your blog post.
2) What are the challenges of expressing an idea that starts out as words, into visual form?
How did you overcome these challenges to make a successful artwork?
LIFE MANTRA
A life mantra is a phrase, sentence or idea that you repeat to yourself to help you be positive, stick to your goals, and be the best person you can be. The idea of a mantra is an old one. Mantra was originally an ancient Sanskrit word used in meditation, but since the early 1800's has also been known as the repeated positive phrase we know it as today.
Examples:
I create my own happiness.
I can overcome any challenge that comes my way.
Action conquers fear.
Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.
Excellence does not require perfection.
Change your thoughts and change your world.
OPTION 2 - Assignment: Write a life mantra that you live by (or would like to) and then create an artwork based on that mantra.
Blog Post:
1) Please include your memoir/mantra in your blog post.
2) What are the challenges of expressing an idea that starts out as words, into visual form?
How did you overcome these challenges to make a successful artwork?
