Wanderer

                      Operation Turtleblog!

There is a contest going on and you may be interested... read on to find out more details.... but hurry, it closes on December 31st. You could win a painting if you enter in time.

But first...

Who is your favorite turtle?     

What, you don't have a favorite turtle? I don't know why... there are so many turtles and tortoises around in our world, both living, virtual, and animated.

My students in elementary school have no doubt who their favorite turtles are...yes, that's plural. In particular, one class of third graders. These brilliant little kids are fortunate this year because their classroom teacher (not me) has chosen Italy as the country they will integrate into their studies.

Hmmmm, I thought as I pondered Italy, and all its years of history and culture. Yes, there are the frescoes, but there are no walls in our school that need frescoing. No ceilings to paint... thank goodness, I don't like climbing scaffolds. No marble to carve into anatomical wonders.

So... then... what could I do with a class of 3rd graders?... who would I teach them about? ...what kind of art medium and subjects might we pursue this year? These were the questions that guided me back in August.

The answers came easily enough: the Renaissance, the fashion industry, sculptures, glassblowing, frescoes, portrait painting, etc ...

And remember those turtles? You know, Michaelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo, and Raphael... yes, that's how the students remember the Italian names... as turtles. The teenaged ninja mutant variety.

This year, however, they are learning those names belong to some very famous Italian artists. As we study the Famous Four, we'll be looking at their art, and making our own art... with a focus on portraits, sculpture, and fashion.

But speaking of turtles... the reason for this entry, you see...

My favorite turtle isn't Italian at all. He is American, actually, and quite agile and speedy on his leathery little legs. At 27 years old, he earns a living as an artist, and lives with his housemate, Kira, also an artist. 

                                      This little guy is quite the charmer!

Here is a link to Koopa's and Kira's website. I first posted this video back in September in response to a Scalzi assignment. 

But the reason I am posting it again is to bring attention to the fantastic contest that his friend Kira is hosting. It's called "operation turtleblog." You can enter to win a painting by Koopa by going to the website and following the instructions. Simply put, you write an entry, leave a link to Koopa's website, and you can enter. 

But if you just want to visit Koopa's website and see all the details of his exciting work, click on this link to turtlekiss.com.

His painting of the week is called Alcatraz, and it's 18"X24".

Now considerthat Koopa is moving the paint around the canvas... not Kira.            

... which is covered in a pattern of color (selected by Kira, I'm supposing) with (turtle-safe) pigment, and little Koopa crawls across it... only, you must think like a turtle... this isn't just paint he's playing in... it's mud... glorious, squishy, wet, slippery mud.... oh the joy!!!!

Here's a detail of the above painting:

If you can't get enough of this talented turtle, I'm happy to tell you that Koopa even has his own website at MySpace!!!

I would love to have a painting by Koopa hanging on my wall... most especially because I could take it to school to show the kids that real turtles do indeed paint. So, Donatello, Michaelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo... make room for this new(relatively speaking) kid... er... um... turtle...  on the block!!! Koopa!

Kira and Koopa are fast friends,as you will see when you visit their website. The dedication Kira has for her art, and her devotion to her turtle pal are a testimony toher passion for life.

Among other roles she plays, Kira is a an advocate for the welfare of turtles, helping to raise money and awareness for turtle rescue. Yes, turtle rescue.

Have you entered her contest? I have! I want one of Koopa's paintings. If you want a chance to win a Koopa original, go to the website at turtlekiss.com right now and learn about the entry details. Now!!!

Operation Turtleblog deadline is December 31st.

                                  Hurry!

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• #11 Comment from helmswondermom
  1/3/08 7:56 PM | Permalink

  I remember that video.  He's a cool turtle!  I guess my personal favorite turtle would have to be a box turtle that Eler Beth had for a while.  His name was Spot.  His mate was named Jane.
  Lori
  http://journals.aol.com/helmswondermom/DustyPages/
• #10 Comment from libragem007
  1/1/08 2:33 AM | Permalink

  awwww....cuuute turtle!
  Gem :-)
• #9 Comment from carolelainedodd
  12/31/07 6:40 AM | Permalink

  I remember seeing this before.  I really hope you win. Good Luck.
  Happy New Year.
  Carolxx
• #8 Comment from jmorancoyle
  12/30/07 1:27 AM | Permalink

      That turtle's work is amazing.
      Thought crossed my mind as I was reading your explanation about your students studying Italy. Would the school spring for the cost of plasterboard? Think of the murals each class could make with their own plasterboards. They could plan this out to the tiniest details of what they would put on them. An object lesson in working together as well as what difficulties faced the rennasance (sp?) artists.
  Jude
  http://journals.aol.com/jmorancoyle/MyWay
• #7 Comment from cacklinrosie101
  12/29/07 6:13 PM | Permalink

  Hey Bea, I went to the site and saw your blog there.  WTG!
  
  Koopa and Kira, I think Bea would be the perfect recipient for a piece of brilliant artwork.  You would be the inspiration for many young minds in the world of art.  (Had to add my plug)  Chris