Today, I am thinking about the word “inspirited” helps me think differently, after reading the text, “Spinning Inspirited Images in the Midst of Planned and Live(d) Curricula” written by Ted Aoki. I am reminded of an intricate spider’s web, fastened between this and that. I included in this post a photo of a spider’s web that I took in Cape Scott, and the web is fastened between the arms of a piece of driftwood.
Aoki brings in the term “inspirited” and describes an example using painting, such that “inspirited painting as that generative creation in that space between painting an object and painting as living experience.” (Aoki, p. 422). He is referencing the space between, and notes that such spaces are “spaces of generative possibilities,” (Aoki, p. 422). If I envision a spider’s web as a generative creative space that is between, I see how there are infinite options for creation and growth, much like there are boundless patterns for the web to be spun.
The word inspirited is defined as “to put spirit, life, or energy into; to quicken, enliven, animate; to cheer, encourage; to incite, stir (to something, or to do something)” Oxford English Dictionary. I am reminded that Aoki notes that words change their meanings over time, and that there is more than one meaning to each word, so take this definition lightly.
If I think about the space between curriculum-as-plan and lived curriculum, and see this as a space to put spirit, life and energy into, my view changes again. I see a positive and creative realm that is filled with beauty and light. If I think about myself as a photographer, the inspirited space becomes that between the photograph and the lived experience one’s view. In a world that is fast moving, and moving fast, I see value in the inspirited realm that encourages creation and deeper thought.
What do you spend time on in your life that recalls the idea of being inspirited?
Photo by Kylie Van Eaton.
Curriculum in a New Key | The Collected Works of Ted T. Aoki | Ted T. (n.d.). Retrieved July 4, 2024, from https://www-taylorfrancis-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/pdfviewer/