Examining Traditions through a Fresh Perspective
In the bustling world of graphic design, Jill Mott stands out as a photojournalist, artist, culture connector, and passionate instructor. Her unique approach to teaching, particularly in the Cultural Anthropology course for the BFA in Graphic Design program, is transforming the way students perceive and create art.
Mott emphasizes the importance of setting aside personal beliefs when trying to understand other cultures. This approach allows students to hear and internalize what someone from another culture is saying or doing without bias.
The course encourages students to delve into the rich tapestry of various cultures, creating visual representations of cultural symbols or rituals, ethnographic posters or infographics expressing cultural narratives, design projects inspired by indigenous or local craft techniques, and multimedia presentations documenting cultural artifacts or traditions.
Kylie Welsh, for instance, explored Germany's culture in the course, creating a bewitching collection of ancient German ruins using a polyurethane medium. On the other hand, Kristin McKellar researched traditional Irish embroidery for her assignment, blending it with her graphic art style in her final creation.
Mott's teachings are not just theoretical; they are grounded in her real-life experiences. Having worked for a media company in Zimbabwe, she developed friendships and mentors that helped her understand Zimbabwean culture. She realized that many people don't feel the 'happy shot' resonates with them or the way they want to be represented.
The course aims to provide students with tools to be more compassionate observers, helping them interpret cultural differences and similarities. Mott believes in getting out into the field to talk to real people for effective cross-cultural collaboration. The first step to understanding Cultural Anthropology, according to Mott, is to be curious and open.
Art and design students can create work that has a great impact on a diverse cultural audience when it is well-researched, sensitive, and authentic. Mott's students are encouraged to create physical artifacts as part of an assignment, making their learning a tangible and memorable experience.
For those interested in learning more about Jill Mott and her work, her website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel are great resources. Additionally, Peter Menzel's book Material World: A Global Family Portrait provides an intimate look into people's lives and what they value and believe in, offering further insight into the world of Cultural Anthropology.
In conclusion, Jill Mott's Cultural Anthropology course is more than just a course; it's a journey into the heart of diverse cultures, fostering empathy, understanding, and creativity in graphic design students.
- Jill Mott, in her BFA Graphic Design course, promotes the exploration of various cultures, encouraging students to create authentic visual representations of cultural symbols, rituals, or narratives.
- Mott's approach to teaching fosters a cultural understanding without bias, emphasizing the importance of setting aside personal beliefs.
- Artifacts created by Mott's students serve as physical evidence of their learning, enhancing the tangibility and memorability of their educational journey.
- Beyond her teaching, Mott's real-life experiences, such as working in Zimbabwe, provide insights into different cultures that she imparts into her course.
- To delve deeper into the world of Cultural Anthropology, one can refer to Jill Mott's online platforms or Peter Menzel's book Material World: A Global Family Portrait.
