Where Do We Draw The Line?

Posted: May 24, 2012 | Author: Paint Is Thicker Than Water | Filed under: Mapping |Comments Off

By: Jennyann Carthern

www.paintisthickerthanwater.com

Between you and me, I’ve noticed a want for creative skills in Teaching and Education. Teachers and Recreation Leaders want to Teach Art, but the why often starts with, I’m not creative, or I can’t even draw a straight line. When in reality we make lines every day. We cross the t’s and dot the i’s. The question is; is that Art?

Yes! A matter of fact it is, and it’s in how you see it. I believe Art is about concept, storytelling, and culture, and about hundred other things! What if I took the concept of t’s and i’s, and I repeated that sequence a thousand times. Is it Art? Or what if I repeated that sequence a thousand more times, in each state across the U.S. Is that Art? Or What if I filmed the entire process, across the United States. Is that Art?

This is the missing piece, the core, the amazing find in the middle of a Tootsie Pop!

There is more to Art Education than skill, and technique. It’s about opening the door to what’s around us, and creating a picture of our world. Art is supposed to tell the story of humanity, documenting our history, battles, and showcasing the amazing wonders of the world. How can we teach that in public schools?

So my question today, is how we can transform Art Education in public schools by changing the credential maps. Art History, Theory, and Technique are very important, however these are just tools and structures that help Artist get their point across.

Think of that moment when you gazed at an amazing work of art. Your heart slows, and your thoughts silence. You stand there wondering why; you can’t take your eyes off of it. Maybe it’s beautiful, or maybe it’s disgusting and makes you angry! This moment is the moment of connection. Art isn’t Art without this connection. It has to speak to someone, not everyone, but the one who’s supposed to connect to it. Technique and Art History can’t do this. It starts with the Artist, and there message.

This is especially important in schools, because it can teach students to communicate without violence and bullying. How can we do this, and where do we start the line?