Mandy Barker and Mrs. G's Class

Continuing with the students in Mrs. G's class we looked at the work of Mandy Barker.

Fig. 1: Barker. Every Snowflake is Different.

Mandy Barker is a globally recognized photographer for her work with marine plastic debris. Working with scientists she hopes to bring out awareness for plastic pollution in the oceans and its affect on the marine life and its surroundings, and in effect ourselves (Barker 2019).  Her work is intriguing and aesthetically pleasing.  With a unique and recognizable presentation. 

As a class we discussed the way photography can give you a voice- especially within your circle of influence.  Hundreds of miles from any ocean life- making art out of ocean plastic isn't practical or relatable to Mrs. G's students - or their most likely audience of fellow classmates and community members.

SO we talked about their circle of influence.   And plastic use in their own surroundings. 

Throughout the week students gathered plastic in locations common to their own environment: the park, the lunchroom, home, dance class, etc. 

Inspired by Mandy Barker they then, as a group, sorted by color schemes and cut pieces to begin their water based plastic creations- almost a flat plastic sculpture in water.  I photographed their creations taking direction from the kids- changing things a bit here and there as they evaluated the results.

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Uploading their images I then worked with the school computer specialist to help each child edit the image to their likings.  

Fig. 4

Exploring mostly with levels and saturation they edited them quite a bit differently than I had imagined and though much different than a Barker piece, I found their images interesting and engaging.  BETTER than if I had instructed them restrictively.   Children have a natural sense of freedom and are less restricted by boundaries of the 'norm' that we as adults often place on ourselves.    Here are a few of the results:  

 Fig. 5

 Fig. 6

 Fig. 7

 Fig. 8

Fig. 9

It's amazing how much of the kids own person came through in their edits.    Again, my goal in introducing this eclectic variety of artists and photographers is to reach out to all the learning styles of the students, hopefully helping the them recognize their strengths and weakness, and explore what 'works' for them.

Figure 1. Mandy BARKER. 2019. Every Snowflake is Different. [Photography]. Available at: https://www.mandy-barker.com/work [Accessed November 2019]

Figures 2-4. Working with the students in Mrs. G's class.  

Figures 5-9. Final results of the plastic images, taken by Bren Slade edited by the students.  

BARKER Mandy. 2019. About. [online] Available at https://www.mandy-barker.com/about. [accessed November 2019].