Vision & Mission Statements / Wabi Sabi Aesthetics


I 

 

Unit: Art

Theme: Vision & Mission Statements / Wabi-Sabi Aesthetics

 

Introduction

Statements of a school’s vision and mission are important for keeping a school focused on its core purpose. The statements can act as a guiding north star for school administrators who aim to make decisions that live up to the statements. They are also important because they are documents that parents use to see whether the school meets their family’s values.

 

 

II

Learning Objectives

 

  • Understand the meaning of a school's vision statement
  • Explain the importance of a school's mission statement
  • Gain awareness of the role they play in a teacher's decision making 
  • Experience the Wadb-Sabi aesthetics and its application withing the context of a school's vision and mission


III

Main Lesson


1

Concepts


Mission Statement
It is a formal summary of the aims and values of a school, company, organization, or individual.

Vision Statement 
A vision statement is a declaration of an organization's objectives, intended to guide its internal decision-making. 

 

2

 
Examples of Mission and Vision Statements as they appear in the websites of three schools.


a)
New World School of the Arts 

https://nwsa.mdc.edu/about/


Mission

New World School of the Arts (NWSA) is a Florida Center of Excellence in the Visual and Performing Arts. NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative, and academic development through a curriculum that reflects the rich, multicultural State of Florida. The school empowers students to become state, national, and international leaders in the arts by challenging them with innovative ideas as they prepare for professional careers in a global community. These principles guide intensive and rigorous education for talented high school and college arts students

Vision

We are committed to providing educational and artistic excellence for our students.

 

 b)

Miami Arts Charter School

https://www.miamiartscharter.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=153154&type=d&pREC_ID=299441

 

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c)

Design and Architecture Senior High School

https://dashschool.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=509337&type=d&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=981020&hideMenu=0


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 3

 Wabi-Sabi Aesthetics


  • In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is a world-view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete."
  •  
  • Wabi-Sabi refers to the kind of beauty found in asymmetrical, uneven or unbalanced things. The asymmetry of a ceramic bowl is an example of wabi. Sabi is the beauty of aged things and speaks to the impermanence of life through the passage of time. An example of sabi is the lovely patina found on a rusted old metal wall.
  •  
  • Wabi-sabi is a concept that motions us to constantly search for the beauty in imperfection and accept the more natural cycle of life. It reminds us that all things including us and life itself, are impermanent, incomplete, and imperfect. Perfection, then, is impossible and impermanence is the only way. 
  •  
  • With roots in Chinese Zen Buddhism, the story of wabi-sabi can be traced back to a 16th-century Japanese legend about Sen no Rikyu and his tea master, Takeeno Joo. The tale tells how, upon his master's request, Rikyu cleaned and raked the garden to perfection. 
  •  
  •  Zen Buddhists use a round symbol called enso (円相) to express their version of wabi-sabi. This perfect circle of black ink painted with a thick brush is made of infinite motion: always moving, never standing still. Sometimes, a painting will feature a gap in the circle.

4


5 principles for living the wabi-sabi way
  1. Get rid. De-clutter your living space and it will help to de-clutter your mind.
  2. Head outside. Give yourself time to sit and think in the outdoors, amongst nature.
  3. Live seasonally. Observe the seasons as they come and as they pass.
  4. Embrace the imperfect. ...
  5. Enjoy your emotions.

5

 

History of Wabi-Sabi


 

IV

A Note to Remember

Using simplicity as one of the key principles for organizing the environment brings many benefits to children's well-being and development.

 

 

V

 Case Study

 

Nobuyuki Kobayashi 

 

Born in 1970 and from Yokoze-town, Saitama prefecture. After independent of 1993, I have been shooting mainly portrait and fashion photography for advertisement and magazines. But from 2001, I learned the basics of fine arts and alternative print technique in New York. Hosokawa-paper (Japanese traditional paper) is utilized for the support of the print. I have combined the Hosokawa-paper with platinum palladium print, which has succeeded in creating a graceful and unique atmosphere within my work.



 

VI

Discussion Questions

 

  • How can wabi-sabi principles advance your commitment to make the arts part of the general curriculum?
  • How does the concept of wabi-sabi apply to installation art work?
  • How can wabi-sabi principles advance your commitment to make the arts part of the general curriculum?

 VII

 

Activities
 
1
Gather in groups and come up with your group's mission and vision statements in accordance to your ideal school.
 

2
Individual Work: Bring nature indoors with flowers, foliage, twigs, bark, grasses, feathers, pebbles, shells, rocks, crystals, pine cones, conkers, nuts and seeds. Use the nature items to reflect the seasons and create interesting provocations through an installation art piece.
 

 VIII

Journaling

 

IX

Glossary

 

X

Sources

 

Statements in School.  https://helpfulprofessor.com/school-vision-and-mission-statements/

LINK:  https://www.communityplaythings.co.uk/learning-library/articles/wabi-sabi-keeping-it-simple

Simplicity by Design.  https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2021/Simplicity-by-Design

 

XI

Student's Work 

 

 Group 1

 Mission and Vision Statements

Ben G, Lyric J, Tiffany O, Zoe A, Harmon G. Myles M. Joshisa.T


Coral Gables School of Performing Arts  (theater, dance)

Charter school 9-12

 

Vision: Our vision is to foster a greater depth of experience in various performing arts. 


Mission:

-Our mission is to create an accepting and encouraging environment that promotes academic and personal success in the performing arts.

-We strive to provide opportunities to grow and engage with the greater community through our creative and enriching curriculum. 

-We prioritize safety, and overall well-being

-Provide equal opportunities for all students



Divergent Thoughts


Ben G, Lyric J, Tiffany O, Zoe A, Harmon G. Myles M., Jojo.T
 
 
 
Group 2
 
 
 Mission and Vision Statements
 
Mac Zeller, Michael Fletcher, James Cacioppo, Chloe Caraballo, Kayla Trainor
 

Name: Greenwich High School

Grade: HS

Public 

Our vision: To create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where every student feels empowered. We will aid all of our students in developing their own individual path to success. We will provide opportunities for professional development to ensure every student feels prepared for the world to come after they graduate. 

Mission Statement: 

  • Preparing Students for life
  • Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment
  • Competitive environment
  • Support and encourage creativity 
  • Providing our staff with all the tools they may need to provide our students with promising academic achievement 

Art: Film and Theater

 

 

Group3
 
 
 Mission and Vision Statements
 

  Alexis, Shayne, Madison, Mila, Ava

Name: AMS School for Girls 

Grade level: 9-12 

School type: Private 

Tagline:
"Shaping the Women of the Future"

Mission Statement:

At AMS School for Girls, we are dedicated to nurturing a generation of empowered young women through a unique blend of academic rigor, mentorship programs, and strategic networking.

Vision Statement:

Our vision is to create an environment where students not only excel in their studies but also develop a sisterhood and build lasting relationships that extend beyond the classroom. By integrating learning with mentorship and leadership opportunities, we prepare our students to flourish in their post-secondary education and equip them with the skills and confidence to become influential leaders in their chosen fields and make a meaningful impact on society.

 

Finding Happiness in Nature 

Alexis, Shayne, Madison, Mila, Ava

We saw the ants near the plants, and they were around these leaves. We saw how happy they were and decided to arrange the plant like this because it represents finding happiness in nature and in any situation. We were reminded that when times are tough, it's important to smile and persevere. 

 

MAKE UP WORK

 

 Natalie Gonzalez

  • How can wabi-sabi principles advance your commitment to make the arts part of the general curriculum?
    • Wabi-Sabi principles can advance commitment to the arts part of the general curriculum because of its emphasis on imperfection. By finding beauty and acceptance in the imperfection, the priciples make art more approachable for students because they will not have a fear of failure holding them back from trying new things. Not only will this increase participation and attraction within the general curriculum, but it also allows individuals to express themselves through art.
  • How does the concept of wabi-sabi apply to installation art work?
    • The concept of wabi-sabi applies to installation art work because, in this form of art, perfection is not emphasized, but meaning and perspective are. As its physical attributes can seem less confined or perfected because of its focus on being immersive or significant. Installation art usually uses mixed media, which may appear confusing or imperfect. Because of the way it embraces imperfection, impermanence, and the environment, installation art aligns well with the principles of wabi-sabi.

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