Who am I as an Artist?

and
How are the Arts a Part of My Life
by
Mahasen Katoush
Spring 2019
My Strengths as a Dance Artist

There is not much to say about my experience about dancing. While growing up I
never had any dance classes whatsoever. The only dance experience I can recall
is during weddings and parties. I enjoyed the dance with my classmates during the
F2F class. I understand that dance can deliver a story to the audience and they
will enjoy watching it. I never thought that there are so many names for dances
and movements.
My Goals as an Artist and Arts Educator

My goals as an arts educator is to implement art into my classroom, allow the

students to enjoy the learning experience,and use visual arts into my lesson plans.
I also, want to learn all the techniques and strategies using arts as an extension to
any lesson presented. Arts can be fun and powerful tool to be used in the
classroom. Especially, when I integrate Zumba dance into PE.
Steps to Meet These Goals

My future goals are learning and observing from

my instructor, mentor, friends, and classmates. I
am planning to create lessons that involves arts
and integrate it into my lessons to make the
learning experience more fun and engaging.
 Artifact #1
My Homeland Poem

This poem I wrote about my homeland in previous semester.

This poem tells a story about the struggle of my people for over seventy-

Years, and how the occupation affected our lives and lands around us.

This poem talks about the profits ascending to heaven from the holy land

according to the Quran, and how the profits went back and forth in one night? Is that possible?

This topic is very important to me and my people, this is my first time writing a poem in English in my life.

The image I provided is an outline skitch for my country map in a unique Arabic calligraphy designs.

Continue for the poem

In Palestine, and I mean where the holy land and the ancient walls

I travel between times to recall memories in ancient history

The memories of the ascending prophets to heaven

traveling back and forth in one night is a miracle

world scientists refuse to believe it, But the verses of the Quran made them think!

How those people from ancient history learn about the galaxy?

I wonder, after reading all the Qur’anic verses.

Are they convinced, that God is the greatest?

Continue ⇢
How those people from ancient history learn about the galaxy?

I wonder, after reading all the Qur’anic verses.

Are they convinced, that God is the greatest?

God who created this earth can ascend his prophets back and forth in one night.

The holy land is wailing, all religions are wounded and treated with contempt.

I keep dreaming, reminding myself is it my imagination or I am still dreaming.

Seventy years in counting isn't time to obtain my freedom.

I wonder does humanity exist.

The world is becoming crawl and evil day by day

I really wonder!
 Artifact #2
Handmade Embroidery

I choose this image to give you an idea

about the traditional clothing we wear
during weddings and parties. I actually
sewed my own wedding dress similar to
the one in the picture (the pattern), it is
part of my costume. And also, it is part of
arts too.
These images bring back so much
memories, when I use to be a child
wearing one of these dresses was an
exciting experience. Trying to choose a
dress from so many unique designs was
challenging.
 Artifact #3
Traditional Palestinian Songs

Part of my culture is traditional songs, hearing

these songs and the rhythm brings back so much

memories. These songs talks about the sun, the

trees, the brides, the cities, and so much more.

That’s why I will be sharing some of the music to

give you an idea about our music. This image for a

girl singing the traditional songs wearing a

traditional dress. Click on the link

Self-Assessment For Who Am I As An Artist?