Life is hard for teachers, and maybe a bit harder for art teachers who, in some instances, have to defend their relevancy in the public school setting. (More on that HERE).
I have found the best ways to refresh and renew myself is to travel, teach on my own terms privately, and to take an art class in something I know nothing about. In my case, I took a class in glass blowing with a former student of mine, Jessica Schimpf, who is now the proud owner of Mantra Glass in Denver Colorado. (If you're ever in Denver, try it!)
Jessica was one of those students who is someone I now call a friend, and I am very proud of her accomplishments. While in school she was fearless, taking welding shop class with "all the boys" and holding her own, and often besting them at their craft. She found her calling later in glass, and when I knew I would be in her area, I scheduled a class. Teacher becomes student!
I have found the best ways to refresh and renew myself is to travel, teach on my own terms privately, and to take an art class in something I know nothing about. In my case, I took a class in glass blowing with a former student of mine, Jessica Schimpf, who is now the proud owner of Mantra Glass in Denver Colorado. (If you're ever in Denver, try it!)
Jessica was one of those students who is someone I now call a friend, and I am very proud of her accomplishments. While in school she was fearless, taking welding shop class with "all the boys" and holding her own, and often besting them at their craft. She found her calling later in glass, and when I knew I would be in her area, I scheduled a class. Teacher becomes student!
It was a joy to be out of my normal element. To feel the excitement of doing something I have never done before and finding success. It's what we hope to bring to our students. We know "That Look" when they create a portrait that retains a likeness they thought would be impossible. Below is my student who found success in using the grid method to do a portrait of her sister. We have all, at some point, had that "wow" moment, but for many of us, it's been years.
My previous experience in trying something new was accidental. I had three windows in my home (first image below) that were arched on top. I knew I wanted stained glass to go there. I priced it out and my best quote was about $8000. I thought that was a bit extravagant, but around that same time I learned about a stained glass class. I decided if I really wanted those windows, I might as well make them myself. I had NO CLUE how to do it, but Beverly was an awesome teacher, going step by step with a small sample piece. Once I got the basics, I designed my three windows, and dove in.
If someone asked me to do them again, I would charge at least $8000 knowing the amount of time, energy, materials, etc. it took to do, but I have a sense of pride in saying, "I did that!" Once the windows were completed, several other projects followed, and that enthusiasm translated into my classroom as well. They were excited because I was excited. I shared my projects with my students, and assured them, there's always something new to learn!
If someone asked me to do them again, I would charge at least $8000 knowing the amount of time, energy, materials, etc. it took to do, but I have a sense of pride in saying, "I did that!" Once the windows were completed, several other projects followed, and that enthusiasm translated into my classroom as well. They were excited because I was excited. I shared my projects with my students, and assured them, there's always something new to learn!
I think we need to continue to give ourselves those "wow" experiences. To feel nervous, work it through, and then get excited by the experience. It's fine to take a painting class to hone your skills, but I think the greatest leaps come from jumping from an artistic ledge you have not yet tried. Find a media you think is fascinating but have never done yourself, and then seek out a class. If there is none, try contacting an artist who does that work, and see if they will let you join them for a weekend. Be ready to "invest" in your experience by actually paying for the class (or bartering) because artists do need a source of income. My glass class was not "cheap," but I do feel it was reasonable, and worth every penny.
Share your own experiences below. What class or experience has invigorated your artistic spirit?
Share your own experiences below. What class or experience has invigorated your artistic spirit?
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