Art is a critical and important part of humanity. It is simply within our human nature to be creative. Our creativity has no limits as we are constantly surrounded by our creations, whether it is an artwork for our own satisfaction or a design with a specific function.
My work as an artist and an educator is to awaken the creative sensibilities within us. As a painter, I am always looking at my surroundings with new eyes. I see paintings daily in my life; the way the light hits an ordinary object on a table, or the reflection of a color nearby on someone’s skin, and almost always in the sky at many times of the day. As an educator, I want my students to see the art happening everyday in the world around them. I want them to be aware of the possibilities for creative inspiration and not be dismissive. I strongly believe that anyone who has the determination to be an artist; can be an artist. It is not something that only a few gifted individuals can do. It is something that can be taught and learned. Of course, some learn how to successfully make art faster and with less effort than others; we each learn at different paces and in different ways. Certainly as a teacher, I recognize this and teach to multiple learning styles. I like to give my students direction, but I also leave room for them to bring something of their own creativity to it, too. Making art successfully requires lots of practice. I give my students the encouragement they need in order for their confidence to grow. However, I also have high expectations of my students and know they must be challenged to stretch and progress in their learning. I believe that students must first master their artistic abilities and skills before pursuing complex concepts and ideas. Therefore, knowing the art mediums and knowing how to make art from observation is essential. Developing the artist’s eye takes much time and patience. But once one can reproduce whatever is before them, the possibilities become endless. The artist’s ideas and imagination are set free to create whatever they desire.
Aside from actually practicing the act of making art, the bulk of the learning process comes from the art critique. Group critiques are best because students learn from one another and practice talking about art. This helps them to become more critical creative thinkers and in the process they discover new techniques and ideas. It also forces them to step back and reflect on their own ways of working. I hold individual critiques with students at the conclusion of a term for the purpose of assessing their artwork, giving them feedback, and for helping them in preparing a portfolio.
There is no substitute for seeing art in person and I encourage students to visit museums and galleries. I usually schedule at least two field trips a year so that students can actually experience the artwork that we discuss in the classroom. I also have taken students to visit my artist studio and the studios of other artists. Sometimes, the artists visit us in the classroom to share a specific technique or talk about their work. I believe it is important for my students to see working artists and to have a better understanding and appreciation of ongoing art practices. It is equally beneficial for them to see that I practice what I teach. I enjoy being involved in artistic activities, both within and outside of the school community. When art opportunities are presented, I encourage students to participate by sharing relevant information and offering guidance when necessary. It’s important that students get involved, have meaningful experiences, and feel connected to their community. Often art provides the means to bring communities together and to make those connections happen.
