I was grew up in Los Angeles, not too far from what was once Immaculate Heart College (IHC). Perhaps one of the biggest legacies of IHC is Sister Mary Corita, better known to many as Corita Kent, artist-activist and chairperson of the IHC art department from 1951-1968.
Do you know about Corita Kent? In her own art, she was primarily a printmaker who used film, calligraphy, folk art, and advertising to help her students think creatively and make the world a better place through art.
Her Art
To give you a little context on Corita’s aesthetic, you may be most familiar with her 1985 “LOVE” postage stamp, or if you live in the Boston area you’ve undoubtedly spotted this colorful water tank
Her Writing
I was first introduced to Corita by a friend of mine who directs the Corita Kent Art Center, located at Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles. Sasha suggested that I pick up a copy of Kent’s book, Learning by Heart: Teachings to Free the Creative Spirit.
At the time, the book was out of print and the almost impossible-to-find copies could be had for $50 and up. Gasp! Thankfully, I forked out the cash and my life was forever changed.
The book is full of ideas for new artists, artists who could use a little kick in the creative pants, and especially art students. I found my copy just before heading off to graduate school, and still enjoy flipping through it for nuggets of inspiration to this day. I would also recommend this book to any parent with a pre-teen or teenager who’s eager to soak up fresh ways to use art as a form of intervention or social justice.
Thankfully, the book is back in print again, and can be had for far less than what I paid (lucky you!). You can find a copy over here on Amazon.
And if that’s not enough, Corita Kent wrote up this list of Art Department Rules that is so fabulous, I know you’ll want to save it to your desktop, just like I have. Or pin it. Or tape it to your fridge. I just love it.
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A Question For You…
If you could pick just one of these rules to remember, which one would it be?
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note: this post contains affiliate links
#6! Mistakes are what make us who we’ve become!
Rule #6 is my favorite!
Looks great! Thanks again for your never ending inspiration!
I love that you can’t create and analyse at the same time, which is such a temptation sometimes. Her wording is fantastic- look forward to picking up her book soon!
I love these rules! First time I saw them I went and search for the author and learned of Sister Corita. Thanks for the book title, I’ve added it to my wish list!
For me, rule#9!
I love this so much! If my printer were working, I’d print multiple copies for my family! Love it… so instead, I hope it’s OK,if I link back to you as a great read. Thanks for sharing. Rules to live by. Happy Friday!