"Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards is a seminal book in the field of art education that aims to teach individuals how to draw by tapping into the creative and intuitive capabilities of the right hemisphere of the brain. Here’s a summary of its key concepts:

The Role of the Brain Hemispheres: Edwards explains the difference between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. The left hemisphere is analytical and logical, while the right is more intuitive, holistic, and artistic. The book emphasizes that many people struggle with drawing because they are predominantly using their left brain.

Perception vs. Interpretation: One of the main themes of the book is learning to see like an artist. Edwards argues that most people are trained to interpret and label what they see rather than truly observe. She provides exercises to help readers shift from an interpretive mindset to a perceptive one, allowing them to draw more accurately.

Upside-Down Drawing: One of the techniques Edwards introduces is upside-down drawing, where students draw a picture that is turned upside down. This method helps bypass the left brain's interpretive processes and engages the right brain, allowing students to see shapes and lines rather than recognizable objects.

The Importance of Trusting One's Intuition: Edwards encourages artists to trust their instincts and inner vision. She believes that everyone has artistic potential, and overcoming self-doubt is crucial for creative expression.

Development of Skills: The book provides practical exercises and assignments to develop fundamental drawing skills such as line, shape, proportion, and perspective. It covers key concepts like contour drawing and negative space, which foster greater observational skills and artistic confidence.

Beyond Technique: While technical skills are important, Edwards also discusses the emotional and psychological aspects of art. She emphasizes the value of personal expression and the joy of creativity, suggesting that drawing should be a source of pleasure rather than pressure.

Overcoming Creative Barriers: Edwards identifies common barriers to creativity, such as fear of failure and societal pressures. She provides strategies for overcoming these obstacles, encouraging readers to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.

Overall, "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" serves not only as a guide to drawing but also as an exploration of how to unlock artistic abilities through understanding and engaging the mind's broader capabilities.

Betty Edwards is an American art educator and author, best known for her book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain," which was first published in 1979. This book gained significant popularity for its unique approach to teaching drawing, emphasizing the importance of using both parts of the brain; the analytical left side and the creative right side. The book's methods focus on developing observational skills, enabling even those with little artistic experience to learn to draw.

Other Books by Betty Edwards:

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook (1999) A companion workbook that provides exercises and activities to implement the techniques from the original book.

The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (1999) An updated and expanded edition of the original book, including new insights and techniques developed since the first publication.

Color: A Course in Mastering the Art of Mixing Colors (1985) Focuses on understanding and mixing colors effectively.

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain for Kids (1999) A version specifically tailored for younger audiences, making the principles accessible to children.

The Complete Colored Pencil Book (2003) A guide to using colored...

"Stop Signs: Immigration Politics and the Interruption of the Globalized Labour Force" by Yves Engler explores the complexities of immigration policies in Canada and their interplay with global labor dynamics. Engler critiques the restrictive immigration measures and presents a compelling argument for a more humane and equitable approach to immigration, emphasizing the need to acknowledge the contributions of immigrants to society and the economy.

Key Themes:

Globalization and Labor: Engler discusses how globalization has influenced labor migration, creating a demand for flexible and cheap labor. He points out the contradiction in how countries benefit from the labor of immigrants while simultaneously imposing strict immigration controls.

Political and Economic Factors: The book delves into the politics behind immigration policy, highlighting how economic interests often drive decisions that affect the lives of migrants. Engler argues that policies are often designed to serve capitalist needs rather than human rights.

Human Rights Perspective: Engler advocates for an immigration system based on human rights rather than on economic utility. He stresses the negative impact of deportations and temporary work permits on immigrant communities.

Activism and Response: Engler encourages activism and public discourse around immigration rights. He suggests that recognizing the contributions of immigrants to society can lead to a more just and inclusive immigration system.

Conclusion:

"Stop Signs" serves as a powerful critique of current immigration practices in Canada, urging readers to reconsider the policies that restrict the movement of people across borders. Engler calls for systemic change that prioritizes the well-being of individuals and communities over economic gain, fostering a more inclusive society.

Yves Engler is a Canadian author and political activist known for his critical views on Canadian foreign policy and social justice issues.

Book Release:

"Stop Signs: Cars and Capitalism on the Road to the Future" was released in October 2021. The book argues against car culture and examines the broader implications of automobile-centric planning on urban life and society.

Other Works:

Yves Engler has authored several books, including:

"The Black Book of Canadian Foreign Policy" – A critical examination of Canada’s role in international affairs.

"Canada in Africa: 300 Years of Aid and Exploitation" – Explores Canada’s involvement in Africa through colonialism and foreign aid.

"Left, Right: Marching to the Beat of Imperialism" – A critique that looks at various Canadian political parties and their stances on imperialism.

"The Ugly Canadian: Stephen Harper's Foreign Policy" – An analysis of the Harper government’s foreign policy.

"A Propaganda System: How Canada’s Government, Corporations, Media and Academia Sell War and Exploitation" – Discusses the relationship between Canadian institutions and propaganda.

"The Trouble with Canada: A Canadian History" – A critique of Canadian nationalism and its impacts on various social issues.

Best Editions:

While opinions on which of Yves Engler’s books is the best may vary depending on the reader's interests, "The Black Book of Canadian Foreign Policy" is often regarded as one of his most significant works due to its comprehensive analysis of Canada’s historical and contemporary actions on the global stage. With its insightful critique of government policies, it has received notable attention and can be seen as a seminal work in Engler's oeuvre.

"Stop Signs" by Yves Engler is a critical examination of Canadian foreign policy, particularly its impacts on global socio-political dynamics and its alignment with U.S. imperial interests. Engler...

"Mae Among the Stars" by Roda Ahmed is an inspiring children's book that tells the story of Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel in space.

The narrative follows young Mae, a girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut. Despite facing skepticism and discouragement from others regarding her aspirations, Mae remains determined and persistent in pursuing her passion for space exploration. She is fascinated by the stars and constantly imagines herself among them.

The book highlights Mae's ambitious spirit and resilience, as it showcases her journey through childhood, her dreams, and the importance of hard work and believing in oneself. It addresses themes of ambition, diversity, and breaking stereotypes, encouraging readers, especially young girls of color, to reach for their dreams regardless of societal expectations.

Illustrated beautifully, the book not only narrates Mae's dream but also serves as a motivational tool for children everywhere, emphasizing that with dedication and belief, they can turn their dreams into reality.

Roda Ahmed is a writer and children's book author, known for her engaging and inspirational stories. Her book "Mae Among the Stars" was published on September 10, 2019. This beautifully illustrated book is inspired by the life of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, and aims to encourage children to pursue their dreams.

In addition to "Mae Among the Stars," Roda Ahmed has written other children's books, including "The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family" (co-authored with Ibtihaj Muhammad). This story celebrates cultural identity and the bond between siblings.

While Roda Ahmed is relatively new to the children's literature scene, "Mae Among the Stars" has received widespread acclaim and is often considered her standout work. The book has been praised for its vibrant illustrations by Stasia Burrington and its empowering message.

In terms of editions, the hardcover edition of "Mae Among the Stars" is generally regarded as the best, given its quality of illustrations and the tactile experience it offers alongside its important narrative.

Theme:

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed explores themes of ambition, perseverance, and the importance of following one's dreams. It emphasizes that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their aspirations, regardless of societal expectations or limitations imposed by others. The book celebrates diversity and the pursuit of one's passion, encouraging young readers to dream big and believe in themselves.

Main Chapter Content:

Mae's Dreams: The story introduces Mae, a young girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut. It highlights her fascination with space and the stars from an early age, showcasing her wonder and curiosity about the universe.

Support and Encouragement: Throughout the book, Mae's parents and her mother, in particular, provide her with encouragement and support. They instill in her the belief that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to, reinforcing the idea of familial support in pursuing dreams.

Facing Doubts: Mae encounters skepticism from others, including peers who question whether a girl like her can reach the stars. These moments of doubt highlight societal barriers and biases, but Mae's determination pushes her to overcome these challenges.

Learning and Growth: As Mae learns more about space, she faces various challenges that test her resolve. The narrative emphasizes the importance of education, curiosity, and resilience in her journey toward her goal.

Achieving Her Dreams: The story culminates in Mae realizing her aspirations as she sees herself in space, symbolizing her success and the fulfillment of her dreams. The...