Random Summer Mumble: Art Teacher Individuality

It's finally July and we have been out of school for a week. As my mind decompresses from a very busy year, I find myself thinking about the many different types of art teachers that I meet and how each of us can be so different. Kind of like the actual subject of art... so vast.

 I know that part of my love for art is how wide of a subject it is. Exploring the subject and getting into the creation of art never gets old for me. Ever since I was a child, I have always enjoyed making things.

In such a wide open subject, I am definitely branded. The wonderful art teachers in my school district all seem to have an area that speaks to them individually. My area, my brand, that I hold close and that seems to speak to me individually is my love of green art, mosaics, collaborative art projects and large scale installations, especially those that have community service aspects tied in. These four areas seem to be my veins in my teaching and in my personal exploration so much of the time. It's what I love and what I share that so far has been uniquely mine.

As an artist/educator, it can be tough to have a unique interest but I find that the dozens of art teachers that I have met and worked with all have separate, individual interests. I respect and admire that. I wonder if musicians have similar feelings.

So as I reflect on the 2012-13 school year and think about 2013-14, I am excited to keep exploring my brand since it never, ever gets old.
I am looking forward to sharing with my students a new piece of green art that I started working on last month utilizing recyclables (of course). Since I started working with recyclables many years ago, I have found that I enjoy the struggle of the materials. I enjoy hunting for what I need and the cumbersome nature and high maintenance side to re-purposing throwaways. 
So, this summer, I will be resting, but I will continue to pursue my interests. What areas of art are you especially inclined towards? Do share!!