Deborah G. Rogers The Weight of my Thoughts, 2017 Air-dried ceramic, mixed media Courtesy of the Artist

For more information or to book a tour contact Rebecca Davidson, Manager of

School and Educator Programs at Rebecca@VirginiaMOCA.org or 757-425-

0000 x323

RESOURCES *Teachers, be sure to check the appropriateness before

showing to students.

• Article about Deborah Rogers: http://shelleyfolkart.typepad.com/

folk_art_carved_and_paint/2010/11/guest-artist-deborah-g-rogers.html

• Article about Deborah Rogers: http://www.thenewyorkoptimist.com/

DeborahRogersMarch21_2013.html

• Interview with Deborah Rogers: http://www.larkandkey.com/guest-artist-deborah-g-

rogers/

Virginia MOCA celebrates regional artists with Small Works, Tall Tales. This is an exhibition of narrative sculpture

presented on a small scale. Each featured artist is a storyteller. Their works are a witty and complex interpretation of

our world. The different materials and styles of the artists result in a wide variety of work. Yet, all the works are of a

personal, approachable size which draw you into their world.

2200 Parks Avenue | Virginia Beach, VA 23451

757-425-0000 | www.VirginiaMOCA.org

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Self-taught artist, Deborah G. Rogers, creates her narrative works

using a material familiar to most students, air-dry clay. Through her

unique process she brings the clay to life, creating moments of a

story. Deborah G. Rogers started her career as a children's book

illustrator. She soon grew tired of working on other people's ideas, and

began to focus on her own. Her works start with an idea. She then

figures out the title for the work. From there she creates her

sculptures.

Deborah Rogers. Photograph by Fresh Look Photography.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• How does the piece reflect the title, The Weight of my Thoughts?

• What could the owl represent? What about the eyes? What about the smaller figure

at the top of this piece?

• When you think of the phrase “the weight of my thoughts”, what comes to mind?

How would you depict that in a work of art?

MINI LESSON

• Think of a saying or expression that has meaning to you. What images come to

mind when you think of that saying? Sketch some of those images.

• Using air-dry clay, try to sculpt some of those images. How can they go together?

• Once you have put your pieces together decide how you will add color. Will is be

with paint? Markers? Colored pencils?

“… a touch of my

insanity from the

weight of my

thoughts, the

expection [sic] of my

thoughts, the value

of my thoughts with

the whole world

waits and watched

with curious

anticipation.

-Deborah Rogers