After the Blur

A few months ago I entered a LenCulture portfolio review because it was going to be a written review of your work - one that would answer specific questions. The review arrived today, which was interesting because my semester has just ended and I am faced with loads of projects to review and grade myself. While I have been to many in-person reviews, this was the first time I’d gotten a written one - and it was (in many ways) a much better experience. With an in-person exchange, there’s a lot of energy just dealing with this new person you’re talking with that you often can’t really take in what they’re saying. 

The written review gave me a chance to read it in the quiet of my home and to really think about it. Even as I write this, I glance over at the words (I printed it out) and am aware that some of the suggestions will take time to fully process. But, it also gives me a deeper understanding of the power of the review interaction and my responsibility as an instructor. Yesterday, I had individual meetings with all of my students and many of them asked the same questions I had asked - “how do I move forward from here” “what can I do to improve” “how do you see my work” - all of which I answered as best/honestly as I could at the time. Going through this process myself gives added insight to the experience from both sides. I’m very grateful to have received what feels like a very thoughtful consideration of my work - but also grateful for the added awareness of my students’ experience as they sit across from me. 

The above still is from my newest video - I’m addicted to this new medium and feel like it’s been inside of me just waiting for its turn.