The NEH “Literatures, Religions, and Arts of the Himalayan Region” has provided me with a whole new perspective about the people and cultures of the Himalayan Region. A new perspective that brings a richness of visual and spiritual inspiration, history, geography and literature, which will ultimately be reflected and implemented in the lessons I construct for my students as I foster their insight and understanding of other cultures and reinforce their ability to create unique personal visual communication.
For each lesson presented on this web site, the overarching goal will be to enrich my students personal experience with Himalayan cultures and to bring awareness of how all humans on our planet share common needs, desires and beliefs which are purposefully expressed in a variety of rituals, symbols and images. As students explore information about the historical development of the Himalayan region, they will become aware of how the geography of the area has had an impact on the formation of the Himalayan civilizations. My students will gain insight concerning the effects of the omnipresent Hindu and Buddhist belief systems that permeates all aspects of Himalayan cultures and influences the creation of their visually rich art.
For each lesson, time will be spent introducing my students to the geography of the Himalayan region and Buddhist and Hindu philosophies along with their traditional symbols and images. For all the lessons, images found on my web page will be used to inspire students to develop effective designs and a handout of appropriate symbols and images will be provided for enhancing their illustration techniques. |
