Art Workshop - By Paul Whitehead
Artist & his Dragon
We are all born with a beautiful creative spirit within but for various reasons that spirit is usually repressed, ignored and
even discouraged by our siblings, parents, or schoolmates.
Not everyone is born with the burn to be creative. We all remember classmates at school who were
obviously more inclined to be creative, while others were more motivated by sports.
There is an artist in everyone, but perhaps your parents- who may, themselves have had that
artistic spirit repressed, discourage their children not to follow creative pursuits out of altruistic motives; believing that their children will face financial hardship and a difficult path through
life. There is some truth in the latter.
"Only 1% of those who complete an art school education make a living in the creative
fields. Also our heroes today are rarely artists, and seldom on the “100 Most Wealthy” list.
So why is creativity necessary to life? How do we know if we are repressing the creative artist in
us? Our art classes begin with a short talk about creativity, its valuable force in our world and how it affects practically everything that we see and handle.
We will discuss how the brain is made up of both the Creative
Right side and the Analytical Left side. In school, academia is taught to strengthen the intellect. However the arts in most school do not exist, so the development of the right side or
creative side of the brain is neglected.
Most could argue, as it is stated earlier “So
what difference does it make if a person has or uses creativity anyhow?” This question is answered in the classroom.
Children are brought to school to be educated to the fullest, and that means developing both the left (analytical) and right
(creative) sides of the brain. To neglect the creative side is perhaps to leave the student lopsided and not complete.
It is through making art that we connect with different aspects of our selves. To make art you become more and more in tune with
yourself, your inner voice.
Students are also given a brief historical perspective of some of the most dynamic artists from the past; through the telescope of art history we will show the world to them. These talks will also touch on the universal language of art and how art can bridge eras, religions, people
and continents.
Through repeated efforts in art: the artist grows more confident. Thus the budding
artist gains confidence through his efforts. These art classes hope to show each inherent artist the window of his own creativity. As mentors, we want to
encourage each person to open that window; and let the breeze of inspiration lead them on their journey of self discovery.
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