Teaching Artfully

“Drawing is a way of seeing and thus a way of knowing,” writes Vancouver art educator Parker, whose comics are her “field-notes” on teaching and learning. Following an introduction by Nick Sousanis, Parker delivers a thesis that balances artist’s statement and teaching philosophy in chapters that cover topics including line, color, shape, space, and value. Loosely outlined panels, elastic illustrations, clear watercolors, and hand-written text suggest napkin doodles and storyboarding, a work-in-progress quality in line with the message of self-discovery. Parker’s copper-coiffed avatar, Meghan, cautions that “this work is not exactly linear”; while establishing chapters feel organized, meandering prevails as Meghan transforms herself into iconic portraits by Barbara Kruger, Andy Warhol, and Bill Watterson, extolling artists’ shape-shifting social roles. Educators will appreciate heady musings about art-as-process and prompts to “design a new home for a snail,” though creative young readers may prefer passages on self-expression, identity, and inclusion, in a book that will be at home beside Molly Bang and Lynda Barry’s how-to titles. Ages 13–16. (Apr.)