My love of creating has brought me to teach; it allows me to sit and relax with children and explore. I can be at ease, aware of what is happening and sensing how people are feeling. When children are completely involved in a project, they are content. At times, they might need guidance or attention. By allowing these experiences, the students feel responsive and creative.
There exists a beautiful and delicate balance in fostering creativity in others. I have found that a simple framework and the space to create offer balance. A framework provides security; direction, clarity, and a known. Space builds trust; in the process and in your instincts. After experimenting with different ways to create this balance in the classroom, I have experienced that a simple project, with a few clear examples and some open-ended options, creates this even space.
I integrate my knowledge of classical drawing and painting into our lessons; skills in rendering, color mixing, value, line, and spatial relationships. I have a deep respect for the technical acumen you develop from studying these methods. It provides a sense of confidence and assurance which helps you create more freely.
My intention for aligning art and nature stems from the similarities that exist between the two; beautiful patterns you see in a flower; shapes witnessed in reflected light; growth from planting a seed. These phenomena mirror one’s own experience in the art world while one defines
color, creates shape and senses proportion. Both experiences leave you with a deep resonance of your own body, the outside world and how you feel.
