Austinist: Austinist Interview: Celesta Danger, Photographer in the Tamara Hoover Case, Speaks Out

priscilla

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 13:06:31 -0600

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SmmithJazzArt

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 05:41:31 -0600

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Danielle

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 13:50:46 -0600

Unfortunately for Ms. Hoover, I think that society is extremely sensitive about the most recent improprieties that have taken place between teachers and their students. Ms. Hoover is an art teacher, and it is not surprising that she would participate in a particular genre of art in her personal life. I am fairly certain that a wood working teacher practices his/her skill in the home as well. If he/she is making erotic art, that is none of our business, and it is certainly his/her right to freedom of expression. When our children register for art history, are you concerned that they will be viewing famous nude works such as: Paul Cezanne's Pastoral Idyll, or Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights? What about the famous works of Boticelli, or Rubens? Famed photographer Paul Nadar was photographing nudes in the 1800's. Many actors and actresses rave of the work of Justice Howard who photographs nudes and has been likened to that of Movie star portrait artist George Hurrell. I'm sorry, but these high school boys have most likely viewed pornographic pictures from major pornography publications that do not qualify as "art". Parents need to also be aware of what kind of web-sites their children are viewing. It is unfortunate that these kids discovered the site, but these are not photographs of gratuitous flesh. It is obvious that the photographer is playing with light, the juxtaposition of the subject, shadow, etc. I am from Austin as well. Our motto is, "Keep Austin Weird". So....GET OVER IT! Let's take into account wether or not she has been a valuable teacher, and let her record as an educator speak for her.

Tony

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 05:08:30 -0600

excellent interview! nice work!!

Anonymous

Sat, 24 Jun 2006 06:46:14 -0600

As a high school art teacher myself, I have struggled with this situation. Puritanical as it may sound, I have felt strongly that as a teacher we have a moral responsibility to our students and that the majority of the adolescents I personally teach aren't mature enough to understand the type of art Ms. Danger creates. Yet as an artist, I feel even stonger that we have a personal responsibility to OURSELVES and our personal expression. After reading this interview, I must say I was moved by Tamara's comments to the lawywer when she pointed out the fact that she is a kind individual and the qualities which make her so, many of which I share. I personally know many teachers who are a bit on the abusive side in their classrooms, yet they aren't ever called on their behavior because it's viewed as acceptable (and I know of the art teacher Ms. Hoover had the run-in with...I won't comment her about here.) There are things that I witness everyday at my school that I feel are so much more detrimental to a child than viewing photographs that include nudes. If Ms. Hoover were to go back to work, I only hope she would be able to use this experience to educate her students, perhaps open their minds, maybe teach them to be more comfortable with thier bodies. For myself it would be a tremendous, seemingly impossible task given the nature of the students I teach. However, maybe someone like Ms. Hoover is the person who could do that. I wish you both the best.

-cant mention my name-

Sat, 24 Jun 2006 01:03:28 -0600

good for you .. good for anyone expressing themselves .. whats not good is this crap this far right regime is pulling trying to get the focus off this unjust war .. im not even gunna get into it .. tamara, celesta .. bless your young souls .. you are part of the reason why this is still the greatest country .. i know you are fighting and i know that this is not easy .. but this has to happen .. and you WILL WIN .. because it is the AMERICAN WAY.. you are part of the reason why i serve in the greatest military and help defend this awesome country .. i apologize that i can not share with you my name but i assure you that -cant mention my name- will help you win this battle .. BLESS YOU GIRLS!

Jooley Ann

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 16:31:05 -0600

Great interview. Thanks for getting Ms. Danger's perspective!