Paula, Absolutely, I have been doing the same thing for 20 years and I
love originality and delight in creative responses. I have just been
considering that a majority of mankind has not stressed the
original--rather they stressed following the exact designs and patterns of
the ancestors. China has been around for 4000 years and their old artist
classes were supposed to constantly seek perfection in reproducing the
same drawings--the landscapes etc. They were discouraged from doing
anything new or different. Most African work, south sea island work etc.
stresses following the clearly defined lines that have existed for
generations--sort of a spiritual reconnecting with the past. Any of us
who teach Native Americans have probably been frustrated with great talent
which insists on doing only a few icons--eagle feathers, hawks etc.
It occurs me that is a further example of the Western European cultural
insistance on being right--white man's burden if you will. I'm not saying
that either way is right or wrong--I'm getting way more togerant in my old
age and I'm considering the possibility that I may have been all wet and
a bit arrogant all these years.
Sid
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# Sidnie Miller #
# Elko Junior High School #
# 777 Country Club Drive #
# Elko, NV 89801 #
# 702-738-7236 #
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