Curiosity, exploring, creativity....

I have been exploring the complex construct of curiosity for some time now.  It started in Grade 1 when my teacher scribbled on my final report card, 'Stay curious, Greg.'  I never forgot those words nor the awesome  opportunities that I have been blessed with throughout my life, simply because I heeded those words. Stay curious, Greg.  Now at 53 years of age I am working on completing my masters degree in Applied Linguistics at USQ, Australia.  My research focus is on curiosity and second language learning (SLL).  I have to admit, its a huge and complex concept to explore and one that has taken me deep into a wide range of disciplines including psychology, gaming, information technologies, and social behavior, to mention just a few. And the sources of inspiration I continue to encounter spur me deeper and hopefully closer to some kind of conclusion, or at least to a point where I can step back and feel that I have done my part. Now, I'd like to see what others have to say.  I hope that point is coming soon because I am so very curious to see and hear what others may have to share.

I am embedding two short films.  One is a TEDtalk by Ken Robinson on how schools kill creativity.  It is well known and speaks with humor on an issue that reaches to the very foundation of education systems around the world.


The second film I came across recently, is this short film by Nic Askew. It also may help readers of this post grasp where I am coming from....

The Classroom Experiment

Here are some interesting ideas from BBC television that teachers may wish to explore with their classes:

The Classroom Experiment 1

The Classroom Experiment 2

sleeping beauty...

It's been a long time since I've shown the progress of this sculpture. I am delighted with how it's grown into itself and taken on a life of its own. I have a good friend with a son who I have known since birth, and I get the same thrill seeing the changes in this sculpture, that I get from the changes I see in him from week to week.



I have been playing with a number of settings and positions. I'd like to share three of my favourite positions and leave the settings for a later blog. Please note that the finishing is ongoing and changes will take place between what you see in these pictures and the final product.
In no particular order:

Position 'A':Position 'B':Position 'C':
So, that's where I'm at as of Sunday, May 2, 2010. Before I go, here is a close up shot of the textured shaft and another of the 'tongue' after getting hosed down. Oh, and please, comments are welcome.
G.

May and the weather is warming up nicely!

I stopped taking pictures in March....I thought I was getting close to the finished product , so I wanted to stop with the pictures for a bit. I wanted to give a surprise finished product set of shots.

Well, I haven't finished yet but I am in awe at how the piece has matured into this beautiful sensuous living breathing.......thing! Its exotic and very cool, and I'm very excited at the prospect of taking the final set of pictures....soon.
G.

Taking turns

The process is slowing down as I get past roughing out the shape and start to define the piece more and more. I am considering texture, final edges and curves, and mostly, setting and position. So these photos are an example of what I am considering these days.

flippin' the ....penis?

I am thrilled with this carving process at every turn. It's really starting to develop a character of its own. As I look t it now, it has taken on quite a few distinctive features that have come as a result of the stone itself, and not from my plan or the clay model I started with. So, far all the changes have been for the better. In my opinion anyway.

taking shape

The block of stone I started with is taking shape. It's pleasing to me in a funny way... and it's becoming more rewarding as I progress. Sort of like seeing a child develop and grow... in a way I am like a proud parent, proud of what my block of stone is becoming.