Education Freedom Dreams by Freedom Dreaming for Educational Justice

Positive Transformation

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-23 16:33:24 UTC

For this piece I was really inspired by the constructive aspect of our revolutionary discussions. I am an optimist at heart, and instinctively solution focused. I felt most connected with the feelings of a brighter future for the ones who walk after us, but I was also battling my own desires to remain blind to all the injustices of the world. To be aware is at times a burden, but one we must accept to instill change and to know what we will not repeat. To be loudly anti-racist, and supportive of students from all walks of life is its own form of radicalism, which shows truer each day with the attacks on education. As easy as it is to be ignorant of the current issues facing educators and students alike, that is a privilege we must denounce to support those who have no choice but to know, as they face the repercussions each day.

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 02:24:40 UTC

Creating this self-portrait was a reflective experience inspired by the reading and writing we have done surrounding freedom dreaming and joy, specifically Bettina L. Love’s book We Want to Do More Than Survive. The hair is made up of words and phrases from Love’s work: imagine, joy, should, win, collective…The eye and heart are central images in this work and symbolic of the vision and heart poured into my classroom. I have always viewed teaching as an art and work of heart, and I hope to convey the passion I have for working with and celebrating students and their voices. With them, I am always looking towards and chasing the light.

Center Stage

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 14:32:47 UTC

This two-sided piece is symbolic of a world in which student voices are centered, amplified, valued, and honored in every school and classroom. They are the stars and have a seat at the table where decisions that impact them are made. This piece is infused with my own love of theater and the stage and my desire to center student voices, experiences, thoughts, and dreams on our classroom “stage.” I’ve seen students shine and dazzle me like stars when they come alive and light up and speak up and think. I want to continue building a world that sparks their light. I want to continue making space for them to shine center stage like the stars in the night sky and stars on a stage.

Envision, Revision, Envision, Revision

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 14:35:24 UTC

My self-portrait highlights the promise of collective freedom dreaming. I see freedom dreaming for educational justice as a collective act. My continuous process of envisioning what could be and revising what is, in community with educators and students, led me to blend and layer color upon color. Each iteration builds upon and expands what is possible and what is necessary to create classrooms where all students feel safe and free to dream boundlessly. Collective storytelling, experience sharing, and hoping together catapults my thinking forward to envision something new, until the next revision.

Dream Portals

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 14:37:09 UTC

I endeavored to create a world that evokes a sense of endless possibility. I believe classrooms can act as portals for students to dream boundlessly as they begin to create the world they wish to see. Each square acts as a portal that transports them from one place to another. These portals are ever-changing and interconnected. The colors are blending, morphing, covering, and transforming what once was to what could be. The center translucent portal is especially transient. From one vantage point, it can create a reflection. From another vantage point, it can be a space where students can look through to envision the world they wish to create.

Freedom Butterfly

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 14:38:36 UTC

A tiny butterfly on a piece of wallpaper inspired me to look beyond its beauty and picture the struggle it had to endure in becoming a butterfly. I thought about how beautiful it was and realized the butterfly was once an ugly caterpillar that no one paid any attention to; some may have even turned up their noses at the sight of it crawling around. At times I have felt like a caterpillar, and not feel a sense of belonging. Now that I see myself as a butterfly it gives me the strength to soar and accomplish the many things I have pursued.
This also reminds me of the song Black Butterfly song by Denise Williams because it signifies the struggle of African Americans being viewed as caterpillars during the civil rights marches. Like Dr. King Jr. who fought so hard for civil rights for all people but especially for African Americans to be free and have equal rights. He soared off into the sky like a butterfly free from all the pain and struggles. I too will soar like a beautiful butterfly and be free someday too. Where there will be no more struggles to get out of the cocoon but free to fly and free to speak out against the wrongs and try to help make them right.

Self-Portrait: The Secret to Freedom

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 14:40:46 UTC

This self-portrait and world-building is a place where I once traveled through. Finding my voice and displaying a creative size of me is something that is beginning to flourish. My self-portrait is a sign of me expressing who I really am. A more mature person who has experienced most of the words surrounding my head. It all takes place within me. Reaching for the stars in hopes I’ll make it. Standing at the crossroads of life and trying not to hide the feeling of wanting to fly away. Or taking the time to move with caution and survive the journey set before me. I ask if I have the necessary tools to get through the tumbling blocks. I wrap my head with gray shells to hide the hidden thoughts of the struggles I must face in the journey ahead. Shells and stars adorned the bottom of my hair to display each trail I come up against. Words have so much meaning when they are spoken from the heart. They will help you stand up with the voice of an eagle or they can make you believe you are not good enough. The Secret to Freedom is in the hearts and minds of us all waiting for the light to guide us through to the next chapter in our lives.

A Classroom Apart

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 14:45:35 UTC

I was inspired by the language my students were using toward their school experience. Many of my students felt that the majority of their daily learning existed within an over structured system that required strict adherence to protocols and normalcies that then compressed and diminished their sense of self and creative expression. So this led me to dream about a classroom where students could mentally and emotionally (and heck, if we’re dreaming here, even physically), escape the rigidity and creative doldrum that so many of my students associate with their learning experience. The lines, color, layout are all intentional to show the juxtaposition of the “typical school” structure of defined lines and shapes with the transformation students can undergo when they’re in a classroom that offers them an opportunity to be themselves and go new places.

My Picket Fence

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 14:47:21 UTC

Growing up in a suburban/rural region of Upstate New York with minimal diversity, I grew accustomed to the justifications and judgements of the adults in my life for why “other people” act and behave differently than how they deem appropriate. My picket fence is the white privilege I was unknowingly raised within and the defense mechanisms so many around me used to define our way of life as “normal,” “earned,” and “better.” It didn’t take me until adulthood to hop over that fence and fully realize the damage those kinds of fences can have on a person and a community.

A Little Bit of Hope

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 14:48:17 UTC

In the center of this work is the outline of an eye with the tiny word "hope" to show that in everything I do, I try to stay focused on the best possible outcome. The shimmery lines represent flexibility and I used bright, cheery colors to evoke feelings of happiness, lightness, and euphoria.

Tree Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 14:49:14 UTC

In this piece, I used the outline of my face to form the shape of a tree, which is a powerful symbol for me because I appreciate the importance of being rooted while stretching myself and reaching for my goals. I used several shades of green to complete my tree because the richness of the color echoes the many layers of life. I wanted the leaves to have an airy texture. Finally, I outlined the shape of my tree with my favorite inspirational word.

Limitless

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 14:53:22 UTC

This piece represents some of the beings in my world of safety without gender. They are so happy to be here, and they are free of the weight of everyday restrictions. This piece relies on the viewer to be willing to look at the world in another way. Be active; turn your head to the side. If you change your perspective, they are flying, not falling.

Paper, Pen, WORDS!

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 14:56:54 UTC

This is a collection of my words as well as words of my peers, presenters, artists, and authors. In addition to art, writing was a major component of our Freedom Dreaming experience, a way to process, reflect, and express. We had the opportunity to look back at our words and curate the ones that stood out to us from our time together. My favorite line is “co-conspiring in kindness”. The poem itself is a reminder of who I aim to be as an educator and what I wish for my students. After the exhibit, I look forward to hanging it by my desk.

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 14:58:26 UTC

This was one of the first works I created during the Freedom Dreaming experience. It was inspired by an actual student of mine who, at the time, was withdrawn, quiet, and resistant to work or communicate much, if at all. The student was new to our district and I wondered what it would take to bring him out of his shell, and, frankly, if he ever would. I imagined myself, over the coming months, reaching out to him, continuing to try and engage and understand him, to slowly bring him out of his hoodie (literally and figuratively). Today, I’m happy to report that, while he might not raise his hand as enthusiastically as the student in my comic, he is much more open and present than the day I began this piece, and it’s wonderful to see.

My Freedom World

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:02:12 UTC

I often use words in my art because I love language and playing with it. I also love the “look” of handwriting and being able to manipulate meaning with placement of letters. For this piece I was focused on the idea of what I want to pull into my world and what I hope to push or keep out. I love the idea of word building and world building so I “scramble-worded” some words to represent the direction I want them to flow.

My Dream

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 15:05:10 UTC

This brief poem is comprised of words written by me during the Freedom Dreaming experience. Though they appear to have been written this way, they were carved out of a larger piece of writing. The words seemed to highlight themselves and jumped off the page at me in this exact order. It speaks both to what I hope to bring to my students, classroom, and school but also what I intend to do to and for myself, both as an educator and an individual - change and become more. I paired these words with a photo I took during a nature walk with a group of my students -- it’s of an 11th grader “flying” on a tire swing. With an AP test looming, I asked what they needed most to feel ready for the next day’s exam. They asked to go out and walk in the woods, maybe find the tire swings. I couldn’t disagree -- what better way to relieve pending stress and anxiety before a big exam. I think this walk brough me as much joy and relief as it did them. The moment and subsequent picture will always remind me to remember that our students, no matter how old, are children, to put needs and well-being before grades and academics, to value nature and play, and to bring them into the learning experience as often as I can... To dream and let my students dream, too.

Mothers and Grandmothers

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:06:42 UTC

In writing this proposal, a voice bubbled up inside me that said, “You cannot do this alone.” I enact my dreams for educational justice in my classroom based on what I hope schooling will become for my own children. As a classroom teacher, I have the power to create the kind of communities of care that I would want for them. I hope that I am doing right by all mothers’ dreams for their children in doing so. But I only know what I know. Mothers dream of limitless potential for their daughters. But what does that look like, for them? An image of my grandmother’s head being pushed under water during swimming lessons until she came up speaking English comes to mind. Surely this is not the kind of schooling – the kind of liberation – that her mother, Liberata, dreamed of for her daughter. What does Dede’s mother dream of? What does Iyana’s mother dream of? What do they know, that only a mother knows, about their daughters? Someone has indeed been successful in keeping us all away from one another. In the words of my fellow Freedom Dreamer, Fatima, our friendships can heal “generations of harm between white women and women of color”... and of course, generations of harm in our schools. We can’t do this alone.

Me, Myself, and I

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 15:08:46 UTC

This piece was inspired by the words of Mary Oliver and Robin Kelley. The words I chose to add to my self-portrait moved me to think, to wonder, to DREAM. Stamping the words hope and love at the top and bottom of my portrait was to signify what needs to be at the core of my dreaming. Keeping love at the center of my dreaming and hope to keep believing I can make change with those dreams.

Cutting Through

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 15:09:31 UTC

When I created this I thought about how crucial it is for every student to feel safe, included, and seen. The classroom environment, the supports provided, and the opportunities in classrooms for children to find their voice, to be themselves, and feel accepted is so important. It is at the foundation of how children feel about school and how they see themselves within that community. Unfortunately, the obstacles that are often in the way of getting kids what they need can feel insurmountable at times. This comic is a visual representation of one of my freedom dreams - cutting through all the “red tape” so every child can be successful.

Self-Portrait

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:13:03 UTC

In this work, I explored the plurality of self. I believe that while we may never see ourselves in the same light as others, the vantage point that is perhaps the most powerful is our own. To that end, I spoke to power, using my own face as a frame, ideas of newness and sage. That which was, envisioning how it might blend into what can and should be. Ultimately, it is my hope that those who see this work look not towards my reflection of self, but think towards their own.

Gallery

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:15:06 UTC

This piece was inspired by the work of Alisa Sikelianos-Carter and the practice of world-building. I envisioned a world in which universal acceptance, understanding, consideration, and compassion are collectively achieved by humanity. As such, the groundwork is laid for society to reach its most creative and connected potential. It gets to the point where we have such a shared understanding of the universe we live in, that whatever we create (technology, art, etc.) can not only tap into the intangible aspects of existence (emotion, spirituality, ideas), but can also tangibly access these things. Someone could stand in front of a painting and have ideas and emotions physically transferred to them. In this world, love, care, and hope are what fuels all things; everything we make and everything we do. It is a world that I think we should all strive for

Set Yourself Free

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 15:16:01 UTC

Become Azad Inside

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 15:16:56 UTC

Fatima Shah, Capital District Writing Project

Imagine

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 15:17:14 UTC

Remember Her

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 15:17:32 UTC

A Solution

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:17:41 UTC

Inspired by the work and instruction of Marcus Kwame Anderson, this piece was created with the idea of simplicity in mind. I wanted it to be clear and straightforward, while also providing a solution to a problem. My hope is that it shows that some problems do have easily attainable solutions that can help everybody.

Express

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 15:17:53 UTC

Worldbuilding - What Might Be

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:18:36 UTC

Here, I chose to take pause and think about not only color, but shape and symbol. Using the colors of the pan african flag, I wanted to speak to the power, wealth and resources that Black Folks across the world have in their lineage. Through the red we know that there is much loss and while that sometimes looms overhead, it is not the end of the story. Of our story. Of my story.

My Head is Filled with Dreams

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:22:22 UTC

My head is filled with dreams for what could be. Inspired by Robin Kelley’s work for freedom dreaming, and Sonia Sanchez, “This is not a small voice,” this self portrait reflects my hope for the future. It embodies my vision for a world filled with joy and my desire to live in the possibilities.

Dreaming

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:23:29 UTC

This painting was inspired by our work with Kate Wright. I was dreaming in colors and the free flowing movement embodies my hope for freedom flowing freely and joyfully.

Blooming Iris

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:24:42 UTC

When I created this, I thought about the light we find if only we're brave enough to look for it, the growth that we can accomplish if only we're willing to see the truth surrounding us. This piece explores vulnerability, reconciliation, and hope.

Reflections

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:25:58 UTC

My inspiration comes from the preface of Robin D. G. Kelley's Freedom Dreams. So much of what he wrote resonated with me, especially the phrase, "No one's hands are completely clean". My hope is that we can move forward in a world where we won't have to worry so much about washing our hands of our actions so much as extending them out toward one another.

Coming Together

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:29:16 UTC

In this piece I aspired to create a world that is not tied down to the constraints of the organized, ordered society. The multiple colors represent the various energies that individual people can offer to the world. I hope that my piece feels like a moment of coming together of sorts that brings a mixing of identities as a step toward building and maintaining a shared community. The colors move as separate entities, but flow together and overlap in a shared space, each color honored for its unique contribution to the whole.

Growing Collaborative Truths

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:32:19 UTC

I was inspired by the words of my colleagues as we considered the space we had created together to consider our teaching, and how each time we meet, the ground becomes more fertile and we explore possibility. I was also very interested in creating something with genuine spontaneity. There has been a lot of pressure for educators to roll with punches, be flexible, demonstrate as little resistance as possible to very difficult circumstances. For me, that actually takes tremendous planning; I always have to be ready with plans A-Z.

Solidarity

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:34:02 UTC

I was responding to an event that was unfolding as we were working on our comics, trying to wrangle my anger and frustration about lack of protections for the vulnerable into an artistic image. This comic is dedicated to one of our Freedom Dreamer colleagues.

Asians4BlackLives

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:35:31 UTC

This piece was inspired by self-portraits that “break the line.” This calligram was created to honor the history of solidarity between Black and Asian communities in the fight for justice.

Pinay Power

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:36:53 UTC

This piece was inspired by Alisa Sikelianos-Carter’s world building. The silhouettes are of two Pinay sisters. The colors in the background represent shades of the Filipino flag - yellow, red, and blue. In this world, there is no shame, only pride in their culture.

Budding Growth

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:39:30 UTC

This piece was inspired by the notion of visualizing the future that you want (H.D. Hunter). I dream of collectivist educational practices in which learning is facilitated through communal efforts, and I visualize that dream through images of flowers in different states of growth. To foster change, we have to nurture growth- growth in others and ourselves.

The Flower that Blooms, Takes Courage

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:40:56 UTC

This piece was inspired during a three-panel comic workshop with Marcus Kwame Anderson. I continue to visualize my freedom dreams of collectivist educational practices through images of flowers in different states of growth. In this three-panel comic I investigate student growth (the flower) and the necessity of educational and social-emotional supports (sunlight and water).

Cutting Strings

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-05-31 15:42:36 UTC

This piece was inspired during a world building workshop with Alisa Sikelianos-Carter, a mixed media artist and UAlbany grad. While creating this piece I was focused on all of the stuff that gets in the way of meaningful education and sincere relationships (state testing, inadequate funding, politics, etc.). I was inspired to build a world in which we cut the strings that hold us back, and we discover a reality in which we are all free, and all connected by severed thread.

Freedom Dreaming - Lines/Colors/Words

vanessia_gooden — 2022-05-31 21:08:21 UTC

This work is my interpretation of how lines and colors lead to words and change. The idea of bursting out of what is established and known in order to allow the ideas to take shape is the idea I am representing here.

Somewhere In America… (Book Ban)

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 02:23:40 UTC

This piece was inspired mainly by the book burning that occurred in Tennessee on February 2, 2022, as well as book bans throughout the nation. The piece began as a comic, but I felt it needed to come off the page more. It is my intention, as an educator, to expose and introduce my students to a variety of literature, experiences, and worlds both similar and different from their own. They can only grow in their knowledge and empathy with exposure to literature and texts in all forms, and, despite bans and burnings such as the one earlier this year, I am confident that, like the image of the blooming tree of books (all of which are or were banned somewhere in America at some point), despite harmful efforts, the written word will continue to flourish, nurture, and inspire our young people. (PS the book used to create the piece was one which was already damaged - I hope this piece has given it new life).

The Protector

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 02:26:30 UTC

This piece represents the protector of a world where trans and nonbinary beings are safe, loved, and held. The protector honors the psychosomatic dysphoria and euphoria of being a body on this earth, while held in interlocking wombs and portals of safety. It is inspired by the brilliant works of Alisa Sikelianos-Carter. To me, her work on afronauts and movements towards freedom feels essential to the human experience, and I tried to embody that similar energy for people of all and no gender.

Orbits

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 02:29:04 UTC

In imagining this world, I wanted to explore how I could represent our interactions with one another in education settings through the principles of kinetic energy, symbiosis, vibrations, and orbits. I stayed with little representations of each of us in orbit – sometimes sharing that orbit alongside others, and sometimes in different orbits completely – and existing in a healthy way around and within each other, where we accept that we don’t all need to have the same center of gravity, and where it would be possible for us to jump in and out of the orbit of others when the moment seemed to call for it, and where our collision would not create dissonance, but something full of wonder.

Blooming Dreams

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 02:31:06 UTC

This piece demonstrates my desire to escape from the dark, debilitating hardships of the world; it expresses my desire to dream a way into the colorful optimism that can be created when we imagine a better place. As an educator, I hope to inspire my students to have such vision. Robin D. G. Kelley’s (2003) inspirational words help us maintain our focus. To make strides in education, we must be reflective of our own individual and collective histories so that we can continually grow and blossom as thinkers, learners and teachers!

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 02:35:11 UTC

I was exploring the ways that art could provide a safe space for self-care, and I represented my sense of safety, rest, and nourishment with an image of my dog and myself settled into a bird’s nest. It’s unclear who is tending to whom, which is a fairly accurate representation of our life in the “real” world, as well.

This is my face of thoughts

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 02:44:19 UTC

My inspiration comes from God. The best blessing you have right now is being Muslim Alhamdulillah. My Islamic faith is that guides my life and following the footsteps of my prophet Muhmmad SWT. This piece of art shows my thought and how strong of a person I am being often bullied and isolated.

Self in Community

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 02:48:02 UTC

My Journey Through Education

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 02:48:55 UTC

One-Pager

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 02:51:19 UTC

All as One Together

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 02:58:16 UTC

When creating this piece, I felt especially called by Alisa Sikelianos-Carter's art that helped me envision cosmos in which all is the ocean, the moon and sun share the sky and the trees of life grow alongside the sea's greenery. The scene is surreal, and it is my visual representation of nature to express how we all exist as one under the same sky, the same moon and the same stars, connected by the roots that grow beneath us all. This piece is much more ethereal feeling, to be thought provoking of our connectedness as people; each of us so unique but at the core of it all, the same. This place I've created exists outside of space and time as we know it, it is my vision of a world that has transcended constructs such as race and gender and as a result, its cosmic nature has prospered.

One-Pager

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:01:44 UTC

One-Pager

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:09:02 UTC

Self-Portrait 1

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:13:21 UTC

Self-Portrait 2

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:14:56 UTC

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:16:20 UTC

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:17:46 UTC

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:19:25 UTC

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:21:51 UTC

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:25:05 UTC

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:28:41 UTC

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:35:17 UTC

In the Eyes of the Beholder

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:38:20 UTC

When I created this piece of art, I reflected on myself and my hair. My hair means a lot to me. It allows me to stand out and it is how I express my natural self. I desired to articulate that all black people should be freed from European beauty standards. Black people come in all different shades and styles. My hope is that we can express ourselves freely and love ourselves immensely enough to exude self-love. I was my own inspiration as me achieving self-love was a journey. Sometimes, being different can feel debilitating but I yearned to be free. I hope my artwork expresses that.

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 03:40:17 UTC

The Dream

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:00:34 UTC

My future plans are what motivated me. This piece is something that triggers a wide range of feelings. The plot revolves around the reality that most teenagers plan on moving out on their own at some point. I personally live in an environment that can be known as toxic. I wanted this to symbolize my future plans so that’s why I chose the name, “THE DREAM.” When I created this I thought about what I wanted in my future apartment. I showed me asleep on the couch because I believe that most people can relate to the feeling of that one good nap most of us have had on the couch.

Transdermal Growth

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:04:31 UTC

I’ve faced a lot of rejection recently. Not relationship wise, just in general. A lot of injuries which prevented me from playing and training. I got pretty sick and ended up in the hospital for a couple days. So in reality, I am at the bottom of the bottom. So I think that’s reflected in this piece. My brain is pretty worn out and stressed so pumping these words of wisdom and encouraging words is what I think I need to bounce back. Transdermal is a form of medication that’s given through skin contact. Like a patch or ointment. The hand is supposed to be “contaminated” with all these positive words and sayings; and because the brain is in contact with the hand, it’s being affected by what’s on the hand. It was a strange approach but I really liked the abstract idea and went with it.

What's Freedom?

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:05:59 UTC

What inspired me was my life story and how it all came together. I am just regular average junior smiling, happy, and hopeful but she doesn’t show the hopeful side too much. All she had ever dreamed of was freedom. When her friends in elementary might I add while her friends would be play in the playground they would invite her but she would reject and doze off on being grown and having her own life. But growing up I kept on getting restrictions from my dad. “Don’t do that. No, this.” So next day at school I see people hanging out afterschool and my parents would never let me. My piece is supposed to inspire others that they’re not alone in this with feeling they should choose culture over religion. I hope someone can gain an understanding and to get them thinking, “Do I see the same struggles” or just get people thinking in general

Pressure Point

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:10:31 UTC

My inspiration comes from my own feelings and what happened to me in the past. This piece is very visual and expressive to show the build up of all the negative thoughts I have about myself and the pressure that is almost popped. In making this piece, I have learned all the flaws I see might not be seen to someone else. I hope I can start to see that nobody is perfect and to find the good things in myself.

Adventure

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:28:43 UTC

There are so many feelings I want to have. I’m only 16. I have an entire life to feel new emotions. But overall I don’t think I have ever felt fulfilled. I keep wanting more and more with my life. I never live in the moment. I’m always thinking about the future. I have never been satisfied with my life. I’m young. I still have a lifetime to develop myself. I feel like I need to do more and more to have my “perfect life”. Overall my definition of the perfect life is impossible. I want adventure after adventure. I want a new story to tell about my life

Independence

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:31:20 UTC

My inspiration for this piece is my own life. My goal was to write little words or phrases that help me achieve the mindset I want. I wanted the way my hijab is flowing to represent freedom and my eyes being closed to represent peace. I used water colors in order to make the artwork seem relaxing and flow gently. The moon I drew symbolizes my religion, Islam. I love how it is simple but yet so powerful. The setting is during nighttime because that is when my thoughts are deep and it is the perfect time to think since I’m alone. In making this piece, I learned that you don’t have to be artistic to be creative. Everyone is creative in their own way.

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:34:10 UTC

Respect

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:35:18 UTC

There’s something I think everyone has struggled with at some point in time, and that “thing” is respect. Whether it’s your gender, race, sexuality, beliefs, or simply how you act, gaining respect from others can be a true challenge. It’s something I feel like people have a lack of for me.

I believe validation and respect are two different things. Respect is having consideration for someone, even if what they think differs from your opinions. Validation is supporting. You don’t have to validate someone, you can simply respect they have different views.

You can have success in life but still have a lack of respect from those around you. That’s what entered my mind when I was thinking of what to create. In 2020, people started to openly give their political views and that has caused problems between peers. People have strong opinions, which is powerful, but they seem to forget to have consideration for others. Everyone is human, after all.

Acceptance

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:37:10 UTC

Peace

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:39:43 UTC

Peace on All Frontiers

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:42:11 UTC

This art piece represents Ukraine and Russia co-existing without conflict. I showed this by utilizing planets as countries and representing the Russian and Ukrainian flags while in peace. The planet that is painted yellow and blue looks like Earth because it shows that almost the whole world is standing with Ukraine. This is important because there are many people and animals in Ukraine and in Russia that look forward to peace.

I was inspired by a TikTok to create planets. To me, space is terrifying, and the people in Ukraine are currently terrified because of their circumstances. This represents my advocacy for Ukraine because I support peace.

Putin vs Ukraine

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:43:52 UTC

This art piece symbolizes Putin and Zelensky going face to face. The Ukraine flag represents that the Ukrainians stand with their president, unlike in Russia, where the Russians don’t want war because Putin wants to take over Ukraine and rebuild the Soviet Union. We chose these colors because they stand for the Ukrainian flag. This represents my advocacy for Ukraine because it shows how we don’t want war.

Russia and Ukraine Holding Hands

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:45:13 UTC

We have chosen to draw these hands to represent that we would like peace and no war between Ukraine and Russia. People from all over the world care about the things that are happening somewhere else. These hands are Russia and Ukraine joining and peaceful, and agreeing not to fight. We chose these colors to represent the Russian and Ukrainian flag.

Red Sparks

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 14:49:21 UTC

This painting represents the people and animals in Ukraine that currently have nowhere to go, and no one with them. This matters because Ukrainians are all alone, and in hiding, and don’t know if their families are okay. My painting has a lot of red tones representing the violence that is happening in Ukraine.

The organization UNICEF is currently raising money to help Ukraine. This money will help many people in Ukraine and the animals, too. This also will help reconstruct homes and businesses. Money will go to shelters, too. Please stand with Ukraine.

ніколи не здавайся (Never Back Down)

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:01:58 UTC

Ukraine needs support from NATO and the U.S.! They need help because Russia is attacking them. For instance, on the news, I saw people there in Ukraine, coping with the bombing, and updating on the war. This is evidence that Ukraine needs the support of the U.S. and others. In sum, this war should not be happening, and the post supports our opinion.

The Story of War

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:14:31 UTC

This music piece symbolizes the story of the war and how it evolved from peace to wondering if Russia will attack, to full-out war.

At the beginning of the song, it is peaceful and it represents the peace in Ukraine before the war. The middle part is suspenseful and represents people doubting that they are going to attack. The last part represents the war and its violence.

This represents my advocacy for Ukraine because I used a lot of low and deep notes at the end of the song whereas, in the beginning, I used a lot of high and light notes.

The Discharge

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:15:43 UTC

This painting shows a kindergarten classroom being shelled and attacked by Russian tanks for seemingly no reason. The painting also shows refugees sadly leaving their homes with kids wearing blankets, like hoodies, to stay warm. I chose the gray blue color for the sky in the painting to represent the smoke in the air from the bombings. I chose an orange/gray color for the smoke due to the explosions, as it would be fiery and smokey instead of just fire or just smoke.

The Shield

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:16:55 UTC

An issue in our really tiring world is that Ukraine is being invaded by Russia, and basically their dictator, Putin, has ordered this. It has become a straight-up war between them. Since Putin can control what Social Media shows his citizens, they did not know what Putin was actually doing to Ukraine. From what we heard in our research, a lot of Russia does not agree with this. This whole issue started when Ukraine wanted to join NATO, but Putin did not like that, and started to gather his army near the border. Then he struck, and the army has targeted and bombed innocent citizens in Kyiv and other cities. Putin has taken Ukraine's eastern region.

In my opinion, Ukraine shouldn’t join NATO, but NATO, Ukraine, and Russia should have a peaceful negotiation. If Ukraine does join, then all of NATO needs to strike Russia back, and the US and Russia both have nuclear supplies which can lead to nuclear war. This can be the end of the US and Russia completely. This is a slightly bad thing…actually, no it’s horrible! It destroys two giant economies, and I live in the US! Russia has also said it will only use its nuclear weapons if its existence is threatened. If Ukraine joins NATO then Russia’s existence is definitely threatened because one of the biggest alliances is right at its doorstep. This is evidence that it can end very badly, but in my opinion, we should settle it by peaceful negotiation. It probably won’t be that easy.

Dear President Zelensky

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:23:59 UTC

Dear President Zelensky,

I have made a clay tank with a Ukrainian flag on it. The reason why I did this is to show the strength of Ukraine in this conflict! I picked a tank because tanks have long been a symbol of strength because they are so big and powerful. I wish I could do more to help you guys out in this conflict but sadly I’m only 12. I hope Ukraine still goes strong.

Sincerely, Aiden Meyer

Ukraine Vs. Russia Project; Stepan the Cat

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:32:32 UTC

ME!

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:36:31 UTC

I wanted to create this portrait of me because I used to be afraid to be in school. I thought the kids would laugh at me and I would feel sad because of my Hijab. We read a lot of books about freedom and I was inspired to do this self portrait and I named it ME, because I can wear my Hijab and be gorgeous. I like wearing my Hijab and I feel free and I am proud of who I am. I am free to be me.

Freedom Soup Banner Recipe

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:38:40 UTC

Freedom Soup by Tomi Charles illustrated by Jacqueline Alcantara: “Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the New Year by eating Freedom Soup. A tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. Freedom Soup is a celebration of family and history and passing down culture traditions from generations to the next.”

After listening to the story Freedom Soup, I was inspired by the colors on each page and how they made the pages come alive. I created this Freedom Soup banner recipe and these are the things I put into my soup, potatoes, ham,carrots, oranges, and lemons. I am free to eat my soup all by myself.

Freedom Soup Banner Recipe

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:41:12 UTC

Freedom Soup by Tomi Charles illustrated by Jacqueline Alcantara: “Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the New Year by eating Freedom Soup. A tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. Freedom Soup is a celebration of family and history and passing down culture traditions from generations to the next.”

After listening to the story I made this Freedom Soup Recipe Banner I thought about how my mom makes soup at home and I made this recipe banner. I put noodles,ham, cheese, onions, and some water. Yummy! This is my freedom soup.

Freedom Soup Recipe

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:42:58 UTC

Freedom Soup by Tomi Charles illustrated by Jacqueline Alcantara: “Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the New Year by eating Freedom Soup. A tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. Freedom Soup is a celebration of family and history and passing down culture traditions from generations to the next.”

I think Freedom Soup was a great book. I learned why it is called that. So I wanted to have some Freedom soup of my own and this is what I put in my soup. Pizza, tomatoes, carrots, and bread to get all the juices up from the bowl.

Nick

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:46:39 UTC

I like the projects I did during the Freedom Dreaming. I really like to be free and like to play a lot. I wanted to see myself as a nice and good person and who I can be when I grow up. Reading and listening to the Freedom Soup and how people got their freedom was amazing. The portrait of me shows that I like who I am and love my skin

What Makes Me Happy

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:47:56 UTC

Meeting the author Liz Zunon, I was inspired to make this beautiful collage with flowers and more flowers. It was fun to hear her read her book to our class. She shared her favorite book when she was little and she showed us how to make a project so I made up my mind with flowers. They make me happy and I like flowers because they are pretty and they smell nice too. Flowers make me smile.

What Makes Me Happy

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:50:27 UTC

I really liked meeting Liz Zunon and listening to her read her book to our class. She showed us how to make different things and to use all kinds of stuff. I made this collage to show that I want to be a fashion girl and I want my family all around me.

What Makes Me Happy

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:54:31 UTC

I had so much fun with Liz Zunon making this project because I know that I can make art in my own way and it will be beautiful. I love my family so I got these pictures of people and made it gorgeous! Like, Wow! I did this.
Freedom Dreaming is fun to learn about different people.

What Makes Me Happy

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 15:55:52 UTC

Freedom Dreaming is nice. I listen to all the books we read and we had the author Liz Zunon share with us her favorite book when she was little. I was inspired to make this collage with things that make me happy. I like shiny things and fashion. When my mom lets me dress up in a pretty dress everyone smiles at me and I feel good inside.

What Makes Me Happy

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:03:33 UTC

The author Liz Zunon made learning about different things you can use for art was fun. I was so excited when she told us her favorite book was The Snowy Day. I was so excited I said out loud we just read that book, too. My pictures are all about cars and alligators.

Look Through My Eyes

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:05:27 UTC

When I was making this piece, I wanted to express and show how I view myself versus how I think other people see me. I decided to display that by drawing shapes and lines to create a piece that reflects my character. My inspiration for this was my English class where we did a project that expressed views of ourselves. The different colors and different shapes all have their own personal meaning to me. I wanted to capture my personality through colors and my feelings through the creative shapes and lines. Even though the piece might seem a little chaotic, I think it beautifully reveals how I think and view myself.

Self-Portrait

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:07:27 UTC

I was inspired by a book I read called Punching the Air. The book made me realize the different perspectives on ourselves that exist and depend on others. No matter how you view yourself, others will always view you differently. With what I created under “How Others See Me,” I was trying to express how different I am to everyone. Some see me as that quiet kid who doesn’t do much and others see me as jovial, funny, or that goofy girl. It honestly all depends on how much I show people. The heart also symbolizes me being a good person. “How I See Myself-” this is actually my favorite part of the creation I made because I truly know what it is to be me. I know what I am and what I feel. Among those creations, one stood out to me the most: the play button with the big “X” over it. It’s me wanting to do stuff, but my anxiety stops me. Anxiety is a really big deal to me, so I wanted to find a way to incorporate it into my work, and I feel like what I made was the best way to describe it. The arrows are symbols of indecisiveness, and the very bottom of the drawing shows how I allow people to take advantage of how soft-hearted I am, with my anxiety also playing a part.

Home

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 16:08:23 UTC

This piece invites a window into a safe space. An open door where flight is possible, color is vibrant, and the landing is soft. It is a metaphor and representative of the place that evokes a feeling of safety and possibility in me. I envision a world where each of us has a home behind a door we can close for peace and quiet, but that can be flung wide to share the serenity of a safe harbor with everyone else. It is in that spirit that a beloved community is built.

Tresses of Justice

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 16:09:15 UTC

This self-portrait was inspired by writing connected to my personal dreams for liberty and the connection from my own schooling experience to my work as an educator. At the heart of it, liberation comes when our vision for justice is about being who we are and being seen as ourselves. The tangled web of injustice is set free through the locks of my own natural hair, a style I never chose until middle age.

One-Pager

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 16:11:00 UTC

Life is Tough But So Are You

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:11:01 UTC

When people look at my self-portrait I want them to think life is tough but so are you. I was inspired by my mom and the book Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds. The colors show my family’s favorite colors.

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 16:11:50 UTC

Feel Free

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:12:41 UTC

I was inspired by my cockatiel, Eliot, for my self-portrait because he was very smart and because he flew on my arm if he wanted to. He got a lot of treats for doing it too. He’s like me because I’m smart like him, and whenever I feel like flying, I feel free like him. The colors inspired me because it reminded me of my stepdad, Pedro. He’s Ecuadorian. And the books (Change Sings by Amanda Gorman and Loren Long, Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle and Rafael López, Say Something and The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds) inspired me because the words are very perfect. The book that inspired me the most is The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds.

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 16:12:41 UTC

Life is a Book

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:16:27 UTC

I was inspired by my sister, Trinity, because she is always telling me to follow my dreams. I want people to feel that they can do whatever they want at any time or any age, just like me. The rainbow colors represent me because it shows me that I can do whatever I want at any time. I was also inspired by the books What Would You Do in a Book About You by Jean Reidy and Joey Chou, and Change Sings by Amanda Gorman and Loren Long because of the illustrations.

Mirror Mirror

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 16:18:14 UTC

I made this piece as a way of expressing what I feel, the vast majority of times, when I take a good, long look at myself in a mirror.

Fragmented intersectionality coming together to represent

Me.

All the parts that *don’t* feel like they fit, the parts that are missing, the parts that aren’t quite there yet, the parts that are there *now,* and always will be.

I should also note:

This is an entirely unfinished piece.

And I’m more than okay with that. ❤

Because I’m still an entirely unfinished piece.

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 16:20:50 UTC

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 16:21:53 UTC

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 16:22:37 UTC

Be the Change

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-01 16:24:14 UTC

Wildwood

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:26:56 UTC

My inspiration is Wildwood. It is beautiful there. I put sandcastles because I have seen them there and my favorite part is the beach.

The Rock

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:32:26 UTC

My inspiration is the place me and my family found. We call it the “rock.” There are trails and water to swim in.

Change

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:43:32 UTC

The quote makes me think of all the people who made change in the world. I was trying to achieve what makes them feel like they could make change.

Grand Canyon

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:44:31 UTC

I was inspired when I went to the Grand Canyon. It was so cool and gigantic. I had to make it.

About Me

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:45:51 UTC

During my English honors class my teacher asked us to create a drawing symbolizing ourselves. I choose to start off with the main image being a hand because I feel like all of the images are a “handful” of things that resemble me.

Cece, Italy

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:46:52 UTC

Similar to Ada, my artwork was originally made to represent a poem I wrote about my identity. In the poem, I discussed how I wanted to abandon my middle-school nickname, which I felt ignored both my true personality & my Italian heritage. In the artwork, You can see a golden tree sprouting from my ginger hair; on the left is the flourishing city of Siena, Italy. On the right, the scenery starts to fall apart, with unstable houses and watchful flowers. At the top of the golden tree are leaves made from material possessions. The unstable houses and noisy flowers were meant to illustrate how my own identity was being judged and abandoned by myself, which I regret now. Most importantly, the tree leaves are images you see in magazines, and each food item is edited to look delectable- similar to how I used to present myself

We Must Breathe

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-01 16:48:31 UTC

This piece’s purpose is to encompass the resilience of any minority or group that has been, and continues to be, oppressed. Each hand holds symbolism; the fist represents black power; the hand holding the Earth shows how we “hold” influence over any being on the Earth, simply referring to the question “Why do some still choose to act with hate in their heart?”; the hand holding the dove symbolizes the peace that each group deserves. The chain & padlock sprawled on the base show “breaking free” of close minded barriers. The friendship bracelets are meant to be a humane touch, breathing life into these plaster arms. Some bracelets have the color of pride flags, which I felt was important to include the injustice towards both different minorities as well as people who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I hope whoever looks at this piece can feel even a small sense of comfort knowing that they will have support while fighting for their rights and fair treatment.

With Unity Comes Formation

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 01:47:26 UTC

There are many major issues in our world today, including global warming, pollution, poverty, inequality, and more. These issues have been around for years, and many have even gotten worse in recent times. People in our society have become more divided, selfish, and spiteful, therefore forming these issues. When creating this piece, I wanted to symbolize the way that we can reverse this effect. If everyone came together, no matter our differences, we can create change and rebuild our world after tearing it apart for so many years. It is like a puzzle, assembling the pieces together to build a unified whole.

in front of the mirror

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 01:53:24 UTC

“Even in the falling rain, flowers bloom. -Hwasa”

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 01:58:42 UTC

This art piece shows someone looking at a bush of flowers under a street lamp. It’s not somebody in particular so it could be anyone. Whoever is crouching over there with the umbrella in hand, seems to enjoy and find comfort in what they are doing, even while being by themself. The rain might’ve just stopped. But many of us hesitate to be in that person’s shoes, because of prejudice and stereotypes on what we ourselves enjoy and love. Eventually, we are the ones that will determine how we will live.

So, when your life is cloudy, and there’s some flowers blooming in the rain, will you go and get the umbrella?

Pet

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:08:11 UTC

I worked to draw a creature, a mix of my own monster with the monster in the book. Also, I need a good grade so I can feel like a valid human being and so I can get praise from my mom. Also, if I don’t go to camp this summer I’ll spend all of it crying. When I went to the hospital back in September, I drew my demon over and over again. It looked safe, happy, and calm, but it always made me sad for some reason, maybe because I never was at the time…? I’m not sure. Anyway, that’s all. Thanks for reading.

Anxiety 1 & 2

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:12:03 UTC

Jam

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:12:34 UTC

WOMAN!

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:18:13 UTC

When I created this piece, there was the main idea first—and how to execute it second. Since I am a quiet person, I think there’s a lot of joy in creating some kind of media where you don’t have to explain so much, that people can understand silently, and relate. As I am writing this, my art isn’t finished. In a way, no piece of content is ever fully complete. For the idea, I wanted to cram in as much as I can. The paper is small, but ideas can vary. If someone reading this is blind or has poor vision, my art piece is a photo of a plus size fat woman. The word fat is an adjective, not an insult–fellow fat person. There’s a hijabi girl with a rainbow flag on the shoulder–ish. I’m not a good writer. When I made this piece, I didn’t have an exact plan. I just went in and did whatever felt right. This is sometimes an obstacle, though I first began with a rough sketch and later refined it. I should’ve laid down base colors first now that I look back. This is because I taped down these magazine letters first. I wanted to add something to my work that is complementary and ties in with the idea. Maybe I went through hell trying to find all appropriate words,and cutting out the letters one by one. I flow with many ideas. In my life, I’ve tried many forms of artistic expression: pencil drawings, chalk, pastels, watercolor, video editing, composing silly graphic design stuff….acrylic painting is the most new to me. Things that help me a lot is taking inspiration from other people’s creations. Each style is unique and derived from the person’s favorite traits of art. It’s the same for me. In the art, I wanted to mash up the different styles. Colored pencils, markers, painting, magazine—those magazine thingies—BY THE WAY! All magazine cutouts used in my piece are from womanwithin.com and roamans.com, inclusive clothing for people, plus size and all (pricey though).

My artwork is to show that there are so many women, so many minorities that are ignored when coming to society standards. I want people to feel a connection to this human piece. And feel at ease with yourself because this world is temporary. I hope this catches the eye of an audience like the ones I’m presenting. I’m not dazzling in any of these talents, I guess, but I’m happy to try and do my best. Thanks so much. –fin

Speak 1

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:20:43 UTC

Speak 2

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:22:05 UTC

The Memory of Things

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:23:26 UTC

Four Lesser Known Heroes

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:27:31 UTC

In this piece, I was trying to bring more attention to some activists throughout our history that I personally believe are not talked about as much as they should be. I ended up drawing Ida B. Wells, Claudette Colvin, Lucretia Mott, and Mary Church Terell in a realistic style. I wanted to draw a section of each of their faces and put them together to show that they might have been different people, but they had all been fighting against the same thing: gender and racial injustice. I wanted to do those who are lesser known so that I could teach my peers about some new activists who they most likely have not heard of instead of repeating the same people that we hear about every year. I do think that the activists that we are constantly talking about are very important, but I wanted to bring some new people to the discussion. I hope that this piece encourages people to take some time and learn about some historical figures that we don’t usually talk about in the classroom.

Almeda

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:39:56 UTC

My Black Angel

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:42:10 UTC

The Forgotten Thoughts

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:45:16 UTC

When I created this, I thought about my school experience over the last year, from going from a small private school to returning to a large public school. My mindset surrounding school has changed drastically. At my private school, the goal of preparing girls for leadership was of the highest quality. Today, that same dedication to the education of girls as leaders of tomorrow still thrives and animates the school. This school believes that confidence and inner strength are the ultimate determinants of a successful, rewarding, and fulfilling life, but deep down I wasn’t feeling like this. Behind all the masks, I felt a sense of loneliness. I felt constantly bullied, put down, and other feelings I don’t know how to even put into words, and it’s not that the teachers didn’t care. It was just never brought to attention to just ask how a student was just out of the kindness of their hearts. It was almost as if they felt that the money and the integrity of their job came first. From all the rumors spread about being lied to, social media accounts being made about people, and continuously being put down by other girls around me who I thought were my friends, turned out to be one of the hardest years of my life. I don’t regret meeting those girls because some of them were my real friends and some taught me lessons, but now I’m someone who’s not the loud, funny person I used to be. Most days, I just keep to myself. Just like right now, as I’m writing this, I’m eating lunch by myself.

My Asian American Dream School

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:46:30 UTC

I was inspired by the lack of diverse voices in the school curriculum, especially the lack of Asian and Asian American voices.

I was trying to express my frustration about the Asian American experience not being a part of the school curriculum or culture.

As an Asian American, this lack of Asian and Asian American representation makes me feel unseen, unheard, and left out.

In my 10 years in the school district, I have never read any books by an Asian author or about Asian people or Asian families.

I hope that, after reading my piece and looking at my artwork, that school districts are inspired to revise their curriculums to include more diverse voices so that no students have to feel unseen, unheard, and left out. Schools should teach about all people’s cultures and histories.

Perspective

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:48:11 UTC

Throughout this project, I asked myself who am I? I thought about what I tell people when I first meet them and the memories that come along with them. I have a collage where my face is covered in black and white photos. Ever since I could remember, I was at the library every Saturday reading and studying for school. I had a streetlamp because I remember all those days I played outside until I saw the street lamps turn on. I wanted to have bright colors to contrast with black and white. I used watercolor paints on my afro to have all the things people said about me pop out. I asked the people close to me what they think about when they see me. The ones that overlapped the most were the ones that I ultimately decided to put in my hair. How to put the words on was what I struggled with the most. In the end, I decided to put them on like strands of my hair and I used a metallic marker to write down the adjectives. There was empty space on the bottom that needed to be filled up with so I used my favorite lines from my “Where I am from” poem. I drew small drawings of the things I talked about in my poem to add some color. I think this project shows my identity from my perspective and others about mine.

Self-Portrait

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:49:29 UTC

In order to make this, I used the “Where I Am From” poem I created earlier in class. I took inspiration from something similar to a volcano for the drawing part. I had the silhouette made out of some words from my poem, and that was supposed to be the base of the volcano, while the things that I think are part of my identity are represented by pictures in the smoke. I tried to make a contrast of the black and white silhouette vs. the very colorful upper part of the image. I also tried to include more specific things that I liked in the drawings, while in my poem I gave more general and vague parts of my identity. I didn’t include all of my poem, but I included some of it because I actually enjoyed writing it, even though I usually dislike and struggle writing poems. It was interesting to write about my identity because I don’t think about it that much. In my poem I tried to focus more on feelings and things that aren't tangible, I tried to contrast that vagueness with more specific, tangible pictures of objects in the drawing portion of the self portrait.

Make Yourself Known

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:50:40 UTC

I had thought about some things that probably don’t seem much to anyone, but make up who I am as a person. The pattern is something I taught up on when I was younger and this specific pattern has stuck with me forever. Then there’s Garfield. I love Garfield. He’s been a favorite since I was little - his personality, love for pasta, and so much more. I usually always have an apple Snapple on my desk and it just became a thing about me. One of my favorite singers' nicknames was Peep. Their songs have always helped me through tough times and being connected with music I felt like this peep had to be a part of my piece. Then there’s my dog, DJ. He has comforted me everyday and he doesn’t even know it. Finally is the hair and the little heart. The little heart is an inside thing between me and my partner, which is self-explanatory. The words in my hair - whether it was quotes, places, colors, phrases, all the above - have something to join pieces of me together, hence the puzzle pieces on my face. I expressed myself through these simple odd things; it catches attention to make myself known.

Self expectations

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:53:01 UTC

This piece was inspired by the flurry of expectations and emotions I feel on a daily basis. The feeling of instead of enjoying hobbies becoming them. Like your personality is becoming just a collection of skills. It's the first self portrait I’ve done in a while and I wanted to illustrate both how I view myself and how others view me. For most of it I just did what I felt like since it's supposed to illustrate me. I added in the face hole both things that I like and what I’m good at. Everything is tossed around because I can’t pick one thing.

Untitled

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:54:35 UTC

This piece explores the many things that make my identity as a person, such as my qualities, traits, and things/expressions that characterize me. The piece encompasses the authenticity of me as a person with bold letters and colors that show a story in an almost lyrical way. The self-portrait has a very simple design yet it includes very bold lines that creates emphasis on the drawing whilst having words along-side it. This piece sheds light on my personal identity rather than my social identity, and that's what gives it such raw and thoughtful meaning to the piece in both an artistic and thought-provoking way.

Identity in Illustrations

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 02:55:50 UTC

I wanted to make my project a reflection of myself using objects from my everyday life. I bowl for school, so I painted my bowling ball on the left. I tried to capture all the details of it, and I added the yellow streak behind it to make the ball look more energetic and also to give it sort of a superhero effect. Below that, surrounded by clouds, is my name in Hebrew, since I often speak Hebrew at home. Above, in the top left corner, is a hamsa, a common symbol in the Middle East and North Africa, paying homage to my family there. Next to that, is my cat Dreidel. When I wake up in the morning or when I get home from school, Dreidel is always there to greet me. Below Dreidel, I added some flowers and leaves, which remind me of these cups that I have at home which are decorated in oranges and pinks with a similar pattern. I put my first initial, Y, on the right, drawn in my favorite color, pink! In the end, I drew sparkles over the entire piece for extra appeal.

Tree

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 03:00:14 UTC

This one-pager was created after reading the chapter “Tree” from Torment: A Novella by H.D. Hunter. It includes one quote that showcases imagery and one that highlights characterization.

Words that are me

vanessia_gooden — 2022-06-02 03:01:55 UTC

The figure is me, with its big blonde hair and brown roots. It’s not a silhouette but more if my skin was completely in shadow, where you can’t see any key features except my jawline, collarbone, and necklace. The words in white are a projection of who I am, from words I like to what I’ve been called, words that have a meaning to me, and words that I think are a pretty accurate representation of my personality and my actions. The entire piece is supposed to be me but in a more vivid and bright way where nothing is confusing and everything is clear and colorful. Some words may be negative but they are who I am and what I think of a lot.

Playground Buddies

kellywissman — 2022-06-03 01:17:41 UTC

Connor Newton, Grade 1

Friends on the Beach

kellywissman — 2022-06-03 01:20:57 UTC

Self-Portrait

kellywissman — 2022-06-03 01:22:55 UTC

Anonymous, Human Development

Appreciation

kellywissman — 2022-06-03 12:46:48 UTC

My whole life I’ve never truly have felt appreciated. I’ve tried looking in many different places to fill that void but nothing has worked. Nothing worked until I met someone. Someone who I didn’t have to beg for them to care for me nor love me and most importantly ask to feel appreciated because that person makes me feel everything that I’ve been looking for. This draw is trying to express how one single person can change everything and give you so much more than what you were looking for. During drawing this I realize that sometimes it just takes one person to feel supported, loved, belonged, accepted, respected, cared for, and most importantly appreciated.

Connection

kellywissman — 2022-06-03 12:48:45 UTC

I was inspired by how I met someone over snapchat and we were really close friends. They lived in Greece and we were both fascinated by these pictures we would send of the city and it being so different. They were one of my closest friends, they supported, trusted, and accepted me. We both could easily stop talking to one another but we didn’t. I was trying to express that even though the phone isn’t the best way to meet someone it is possible to find someone to connect to, even if you never met them in person.

Wheels for Everyone

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-03 16:07:35 UTC

My project shows that everyone could do stuff that they think they can’t. I chose a quad because someone I love has always wanted to ride one but can’t for medical reasons. Everyone should get to do what they love.

The Girl with the Violin

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-03 16:08:53 UTC

My self portrait project shows the silhouette of a girl playing the violin. One of my big dreams is to become a professional violinist with my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, which is embedded into the project as well. In this project, I opened up my horizon of words and that I myself can describe myself in many different ways.

Days

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-03 16:09:51 UTC

One half of this project is my good days, and one half is my bad days. They show how on my good days, my happiness is a whole lot, and I feel like I can achieve more. On my bad days, I’m pessimistic and resentful, sometimes pushing down other people (the flowers). The hope tree on the side shows its roots extending into the bad day, a little worse for wear, but still there. The blue represents serenity and calm.

The Next Chapter

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-03 16:11:18 UTC

My project shows a black silhouette of a girl reading, as I am an avid reader. My goals and dreams show up in the words as well the fiction stories I read.

The Storm Inside of Me

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-03 16:12:43 UTC

In my project I appear in the words on the rays of the sun and the raindrops on the cloud. I am also in the puddle looking at myself at the bottom of the cloud side of the picture. My dreams appear on the ocean side of my project because when the bad things overcome me, I think of all of the things that are the rays of the sun and those will help me through all of the hard times. The fish represent all of the people in my life who help me through challenging times.

A Change of Life

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-03 16:13:58 UTC

In this project, I learned that I could show myself with words. The butterfly represents how I have been through a lot and how I have changed through those events. I have a goal that I can show differences and that it is okay to be different.

Hope Above the Stars

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2022-06-03 16:15:07 UTC

My project is based on me and how I’ve grown as a person. In my project I appear flying above the stars to show that I am dreaming. The reason for this is because I love the night sky and I hope that I can go to space at some point because I want to be an astronaut to visit space so we can expand our world of knowledge. I also drew the sun because I dream about beautiful days and I wish the entire world was like the bright sun, happy and peaceful. I cut out the leaves and the trunk of the tree and glued them together. I then put the words on the leaves that represent me.

My Life in a Bubble

kellywissman — 2022-06-08 16:34:39 UTC

Self-Portrait

kellywissman — 2022-06-08 16:38:38 UTC

Seen

kellywissman — 2022-06-08 16:41:28 UTC

I created this with the experiences I’ve had as a student with depression and anxiety. This piece is my “dream school,” and in this, it represents students being top priority, students being listened to by everyone. I went into this not putting in my full effort artistically, but still having a meaningful thought behind it. It’s simple and honest. I hope this will be a reality one day. When I made this piece I also thought about how the classes of the future will have to deal with these issues.

Mind and Soul

kellywissman — 2022-06-13 01:57:08 UTC

A vast land without boundary, chaos and confusion are swarming around. This is my mind. It’s subjective, complex, explosive and ultimately my own. When I created the mind portion I wanted to portray my mind and how it works. It’s freedom in the form of creativity, while the heart on the other hand is dense, filled with emotion, it’s honest. It’s human, fresh, and whimsical. This piece makes me feel. The colors were deeply thoughtful, representing anger, malice, sadness, love and joy – all together, because that’s the truth. I hope the person viewing this piece opens their mind and soul. Seeing it as a mirror, letting them know they’re not alone in how they feel. Think. Live.

Love Yourself

kellywissman — 2022-06-13 02:07:20 UTC

Justice

kellywissman — 2022-06-13 02:08:46 UTC

Self-Portrait

kellywissman — 2022-06-13 02:09:44 UTC

Self-Portrait

kellywissman — 2022-06-13 02:10:31 UTC

In Pieces

kellywissman — 2022-06-13 02:11:39 UTC

What Are YOU Moved To Do?

kellywissman — 2022-06-13 02:13:52 UTC

Scars That Don't Heal

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2024-05-10 13:42:56 UTC

My Perspective

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2024-05-10 14:31:58 UTC

Isabella Cafarelli, Shenendehowa HS, Grade 11

Blooming

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2024-05-10 14:39:03 UTC

Anonymous

Untitled (Rise)

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2024-05-10 14:45:41 UTC

Camille Ramos, Touchy Family Fellows Program

Proposal Postcard

freedomdreamingcdwp — 2024-05-10 14:52:45 UTC

Fatima Shah, Capital District Writing Project