I teach workshops in Taos, New Mexico each summer and I LOVE IT!!! I love my students, I love teaching but most of all I love watching artists grow. When doing a five day workshop students live, eat, breathe and talk art for five fabulous days. They arrive from different environments, different countries, different thought processes yet they all come to learn, be uncomfortable, be inspired, while discovering their unique creative voice. To some it is a getaway to “just create”, to others it is a way to learn more so they can paint professionally. To each it is their dream.
Workshops require a commitment. Travel, money, time, and effort…..all part of the growth process. With this commitment comes the knowledge you are doing something for yourself. You are fulfilling a desire that has perhaps been dormant for years. In doing this you are honoring who you are. You are no longer going to wish…you are going to DO. This workshop may be in writing, quilting, meditation, painting, drawing or yoga. The key is what is screaming inside of YOU.
Here is my philosophy as a teacher:
My most important job is to provide a safe environment for the students to learn while failing….yes failing. As we all know, we must fail our way to success. The key is being able to create in a space where judgment and expectations are put aside. Workshops are for growing, being uncomfortable, trying new ideas, techniques and ways of applying the paint…… not repeating what we have always found successful. We seldom learn from our successes…..we learn from our glorious failures. They are to be cherished as they get us to the other side.
I always say at the beginning of each workshop….If I see fabulous paintings I will be disappointed. My reason for saying this is two fold. One: the students immediately relax..the pressure is off…they can now play. Two: to give my students permission to “get out of their box”. We can’t do this if we feel we must produce wonderful pieces of art. If great pieces come from “getting out of the box ” that is wonderful. Creating incredible pieces of art is not the goal….growing beyond where you were when you arrived is the goal.
Here is what I try, as a teacher, to offer during a workshop:
- Discover a new confidence in yourself
- Provide inspiration
- Present usable knowledge
- Artistic fear is normal and good
- A safe environment
- Create curiosity
- Freedom to explore new ideas, techniques and thought patterns
- Instill belief that your artistic journey is of utmost importance
- Give permission to go within and find that quiet place where courage lives.
My question to you is…….What do you look for when selecting a workshop?
What do you want it to give you?