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Lesson Plans


Re: talent

From: Larry Seiler (lseiler@ez-net.com)
Date: Mon Jun 26 2000 - 08:36:33 PDT

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    I don't think talent is something to be avoided. It does not have to in the
    end create chasms. Michael Jordan's talent is unquestionable. It does not
    stop many youths from shooting basketballs, nor imagining their own
    attaining of great things. In fact, seeing such talent encourages them even
    beyond their own inadequacies.

    What is the point of "art appreciation" or of history if not to point out
    those that succeeded in reaching certain recognition and a place in history?
    Such studies infer a lasting valuation. To minimize talent in the art room
    is to shoot ourselves in the foot, IMHO, because it devalues what things
    artists of the past accomplished. It sums up to equal- NO BIG DEAL! That
    accomplishes nothing but cynicism, and makes taking art a joke. The
    potential for that attitude already exists in art being only an elective or
    a place to assign kids no one else wants. After all, its only art class!

    At the same time....it has to be understood that the value of having art
    classes goes well beyond the notion that we exist just to crank out starving
    artists. There needs to be a balance between those being prepared to enjoy
    art...and, enabled to enjoy art of those being prepared to make it.
    Thus...while I positively promote talent and the development of talent, I
    positively promote the status of being empowered to appreciate art. Part of
    learning to appreciate art will be at times to come to grips with its
    difficulties. The transference of respect at a later time in the student's
    life toward the artist will fall back upon remembering that art was not
    ALWAYS easy to do...and, that for some greater success came by degree of
    some talent.

    I don't think we have to do away with talent to provide pluralism and
    diversity. I think as is often the case, we simply need to understand there
    needs to be a balance. The classroom also is a place for experimentation,
    so there exists also a time and a place where the process is emphasized over
    the results. Again....balance.

    Larry 

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