People come into the studio and feel an urge to make a confession....
"i can't draw a straight line"
"I have no talent, not a creative bone in my body"
After teaching adults for so many years, I have heard all the voices of the inner critics. I have witnessed the universal anxiety surrounding our discussion critiques. I have felt the energy of doubt and the surrender to acceptance. I have seen the courage each student summons as they walk the tight rope of trial and error.
There is a certain belief in the process that people have to have when learning a new skill, just doing it...and then you will believe later. Today I realize that one of the most important aspects of teaching, if not the most important, is to call forth people's confidence in their creative inner voice and the belief that they have a creative voice. This voice allows people to work independently of their critical thought, methodical, and factual thinking. This voice tells you what you think is beautiful. This voice tells you not to give up, and to keep trying as you learn a new artistic skill. Over the years I have come to believe that everyone has an artist voice.
This voice is like a personal center of gravity, always finding a balance once you let it sing. You have to give yourself opportunities to find that artist voice. Classes at Art Life reflect my personal beliefs about self discovery, the importance of good quality materials, simple design, and having fun working with familiar and not-so-familiar materials.
"i can't draw a straight line"
"I have no talent, not a creative bone in my body"
After teaching adults for so many years, I have heard all the voices of the inner critics. I have witnessed the universal anxiety surrounding our discussion critiques. I have felt the energy of doubt and the surrender to acceptance. I have seen the courage each student summons as they walk the tight rope of trial and error.
There is a certain belief in the process that people have to have when learning a new skill, just doing it...and then you will believe later. Today I realize that one of the most important aspects of teaching, if not the most important, is to call forth people's confidence in their creative inner voice and the belief that they have a creative voice. This voice allows people to work independently of their critical thought, methodical, and factual thinking. This voice tells you what you think is beautiful. This voice tells you not to give up, and to keep trying as you learn a new artistic skill. Over the years I have come to believe that everyone has an artist voice.
This voice is like a personal center of gravity, always finding a balance once you let it sing. You have to give yourself opportunities to find that artist voice. Classes at Art Life reflect my personal beliefs about self discovery, the importance of good quality materials, simple design, and having fun working with familiar and not-so-familiar materials.
Happy Creating, Happy Listening, Happy Art Life!
Juli Schumann
Owner/Artist/Teacher
Art Life Studio
Juli Schumann
Owner/Artist/Teacher
Art Life Studio
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