Two years ago, a conversation with a friend sparked an idea in me about teaching Art Classes to children. It was a conversation with a friend who told me about how 7 year old daughter during one of those dreaded ‘Lockdown days’, decided to draw a Tea Cup – just like how I had taught her to. I recalled that ‘lesson’ with my friend’s daughter. It was at a Home Schooling Event with Home schoolers living in in different parts of Asia over a year ago. I happened to be painting when my friend’s daughter over. Curious, she too joined in and soon we were chatting about drawing tea cups. It was a precious moment connecting ‘over a cup of Tea’.
Two years on, I have a many memories of similar moments of ‘connection’ in the classes I have led. Some of these moments are spontaneous and unplanned. For example, yesterday, whilst kicking off our ‘Bear theme’, we did Pandas. I was soon informed that Pandas were not just found in China but also in Minecraft. These often makes me smile and quite often laughing over my ignorance. I love these moments. At the same time, I have come to value a different type of connection that takes place.
In preparation for my sessions, much thought is given over the children in my groups – their age, interest and ‘growth areas’ in their artistic journeys. One of the things I always include is looking at Creative pieces related to our topic – Paintings, Photographs, Illustrations, Videos, Social Media Pages by Creatives from around the world – past and present. The possibilities are tremendous through the tap of few buttons on the keyboard. It is amazing to think one is is able to do this without stepping out of the front door.
I will often select appropriate pieces to include in the session. Whether it’s ZOOMING into a painting or watching a Video clip about a famous Artist or looking at the Website of Contemporary Artist; there is something special about doing it together. It’s a moment of connection not just amongst ourselves but also with the Creative behind the Creative Content.
Johann Hari’s book Lost Connections along with his other book Stolen Focus has insightful perspectives on the need to reevaluate today’s lifestyle. We are beings that thrive on Connection. The creative media in all of it’s form is an invaluable platform for that. Whilst, I enjoy doing the research and incorporating it into a deliverable lesson; presenting it to the children in each group and engaging it with them – to me that is when creativity gets ignited. Listening to each other’s comments, allowing ourselves to be inspired and ultimately creating something in each other’s company; nurtures a creative spirit.
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