Eileen,
What do you do for the student with creative thought abilities but no artistic
talent for production? I could teach degrees of drawing(or painting) skill
and still not see "talent".
I've nurtured a few that went on to photography ( had the "eye" but not the
drawing
talent), and several who can produce on a computer , but again lack realistic
drawing abilities. We have to give them the self-confidence to go on and not
to quit. When they compare themselves with other talented students they
become discouraged. There are some very creative, inventive students that
will never become formal artist's. But they might contribute to the world of
invention, design,
architecture, photography, theatre, entertainment, or culinary arts, just to
name a few!
If I only gave high grades to the "talented" few, our Middle and High classes
would be barely full ! I'd rather have a class full of untalented art
appreciator's , than teach to just the talented few.*****Fortunately, we have
both, don't we?*****
Don't get me wrong.....my life would be easier if I had only talented
students, but that's not the case .If they follow the instructions, see
examples, demos,
do sketches, research, show originality , complete rubrics , show progress
and give me the best craftsmanship possible.....do I need to see talent too?
Granted...they won't be going on past Art I and II, but I'll have someone who
remembers the impact and significance it made on their life. And they'll
remember they had success and were part of the artistic process.
That's why I teach............... :)
Patti
