Today our class enjoyed a visit to the art gallery where we explored an exhibit by B.C. Binning titled, Across the Province, followed up with a hands-on exploration into abstraction art, inspired by the featured artist. I found this visit educational, freeing, and even transforming. It amazes me how accessible art really is, and that the fears that had I experienced (especially in my high-school years) regarding art, are really unfounded.
All through high-school I avoided art classes because I believed that I was not capable of producing anything of quality. But, with each visit to the art gallery, as well as opportunities in class, my confidence is increasing. I know it seems silly, but I always thought art was a talent that you either had or didn’t have. I didn’t realize how open, freeing, and transforming art really is. It is like you can escape into the canvas, into almost a dream-like state, with a stroke of a pen. It’s awesome. .. I am most definitely looking forward to Thursday’s class where can bust open those art boxes and continue creating our next masterpiece.
4 comments:
You know, I always love it when people come to this realization! There is a lot that is learned in art, just as there is in music or in drama. While, there are people born with natural talent, it doesn't mean that the rest of us can't participate. This is such an important thing to know when you are teaching art to children! They can be so easily frustrated. I remember a grade 5 boy I taught who was very troubled and socially awkward. He was frustrated and crying huge tears because his painting didn't look like mine. I sat and talked with him and reminded him that I was a lot older and that I had taken years of art classes at university and that I had lots of practice! I then showed him hand over hand what sort of brush pressure and movement he needed to make his look more like mine. He didn't know the technique of manipulating the brush before I showed him!
His painting improved so much that other students were asking him to show them how he did it. He calmed down and was able to feel successful artistically and also important in the eyes of his peers.
Hi Sherry,
I can hardly wait to open our art boxes too!! lol.
I know we'll all learn a little bit more this year about the arts, but I think it's good that we don't know it all. I will be able to grow artistically with my students and we will learn together. (besides when you do something you put your whole heart, soul, and mind into it, so I know once we have time you will be able to explore any type of art that interests you and do it well :)
Sherry,
I know how you feel! I felt the same way. In grade 8, all of the students were required to take all of the electives. Visual arts was the worst for me because I lacked the confidence (and the natural talent)! I decided that I couldn't do it and that I wasn't going to take visual arts again (and I didn't). Now, after visiting places and having to instruct art during the practicum, I am also realizing that art is more than a talent and that it can be a freeing and transforming activity. Thanks for your insight!
Hi sweetie. :) You are such a beautiful person who radiates such love, care, faith and creativity. I believe that each one of us has creative talent within... we just express it in different ways. You are creative in the way you love... making sure everyone feels welcomed and appreciated. :) So yes, you are artistic and creative! Hugs and love! God bless you!
Post a Comment