Class Description
In this 11-week Phoetry course, students will explore the integrated art form of “phoetry” – combining photography and poetry to create powerful visual and written narratives. Students will develop skills in both visual storytelling through photography and poetic expression in Aaniiih, Nakoda, and English. Rather than creating simple captions or illustrations, students will learn to create works where text and image interplay with one another, each medium expanding and reimagining the other. Through hands-on practice and creative exploration, students will develop their artistic voice while connecting to their lived experience at Fort Belknap. This course emphasizes personal expression, cultural storytelling, and the unique perspectives of Indigenous youth.
In this class, students will learn:
- The fundamentals of photography, composition, and visual storytelling
- Poetry writing techniques across multiple poetic forms
- How photographs and poems can interact to create new meanings
- The art of peer critique and giving constructive feedback on creative work
- How to integrate Aaniiih, Nakoda, and English in creative expression
- Opportunities and potential resources on career pathways in visual and literary arts
- How to prepare, present, and share creative work for various audiences
Equipment
- Digital cameras and smartphones
- Tripods
- Lighting equipment
- Computer/tablets for digital compilation
- Printer for physical prints
Software
- Photo editing software (Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop)
- Google Docs for poetry writing
- Digital layout software (InDesign)
Deliverables
- Weekly photography assignments demonstrating progressive skill development
- Weekly poetry writing exercises exploring different forms and techniques
- Participation in peer critique sessions
- Exposure to and discussion of contemporary Indigenous and established poets and photographers to understand diverse artistic approaches and professional standards
- Collaborative brainstorming and conceptual development of photograph/poem pairings
- 3-5 completed photograph/poem pairings that demonstrate interplay between visual and written storytelling
- Final digital collection (PDF or web-based gallery)
- Community showcase event presentation
