Homeschool Diaries: Dorothea Lange

I recently stumbled upon the incredible photography of Dorothea Lange.  Dorothea, who apparently was molded by double tragedy in her childhood-- the contraction of polio at the age of seven left her with only one good leg, followed by abandonment by her father at the age of twelve-- gave up a more prestigious photography job to follow migrant farmers during the Dustbowl.  Her heart for the subject must have been apparent because she was able to take candid shots that were both brilliant and emotional in composition.

Her most famous photo is of this mother.  Lange stated later in her life that she did not remember ever explaining to this woman about her presence there with the camera, and the woman never asked questions.  She sat quietly while Dorothea took the pictures, and told her that they had been living on frozen vegetables from a nearby field and birds the children had shot.  Dorothea took her photos immediately to an editor of a San Fransisco newspaper.  She convinced him to publish an article that resulted in government intervention to prevent starvation in that camp.

I understand there is a lot about the Great Depression that will not translate to four-year-olds.  But these beautiful photos each tell a story... and young children can both recognize, and are drawn to sadness, pain and poverty when they see it.  They also recognize the adventure of it.  I have always been fascinated by the carnival culture of this time period... which was really fueled both by the hapless wanderer and the human need no matter the circumstance, for entertainment.

I talked with the boys about children who had nothing, and have nothing... How we should always be grateful for the things we've been given, but no matter how tightly we hold them they can easily be taken away.  I told them how important it is to share, and not be selfish with our things.



I think this is a lesson we will go back to several times during the course of their education.  It is one we can all learn from.  While I am not always as appreciative of photography as I am of other art forms, Dorothea Lange has inspired me greatly with her work.  {Look her up.  She also took images of Japanese-Americans who were forced to relocate to displacement camps after Pearl Harbor.  These photos were impounded by the Army, but later some were released to a museum.}

Making it real:

1. We discussed how a Dustbowl works, and looked, touched, and smelled different types of soil.  We placed a seed in well fertilized soil and watered it and watched it grow.  We placed the same kind of seed in dry soil without watering it.  Marigold seeds are some of the quickest to sprout.  We were able to compare results within two days.

2. We imagined having to carry everything we owned on our backs.  We practiced making old-fashioned knapsacks with  handkerchiefs, and tied up our valuable treasures, placed them on a pole and carried them about the house and yard.  I suppose we could have done this with food!  And stopped for a picnic when we were done.  Maybe making food that was most available during this time, like corn cakes and jerky...