The squeeze…here we go! A chance to be honest once again…I knew it would happen, but just not so soon. Understandable…I’m back to work…then to the gym…dinner with hubby…return a call to my best friend…American Idol… …can’t find my sketchbook with the drawings intended for post number 12…the one I have on my computer looks like a child made it…actually, they all do…I spent too much time trying to doctor it up in Photoshop…didn’t work…I want to post… find myself fading…I miss the post… Day 12…
This is my world, a real world. So today you get two postings…a little honesty mixed in…and some of my tacky drawings in post 12. Being the perfectionist that I am, I cannot bear to break the chain.
Why do I enjoy American Idol? (I probably could have found the sketch book if I had not watched the show). Listening to all the contestants’ careers: hairdressers, waitresses, bartenders, factory workers, heavy equipment operators, unemployed musicians, teachers…real people living real lives…going to work and yet working to go… forward in their passion for singing.
This cultural insurgence of reality shows screams of the human need for significance, identity, and adventure. The chance to do what we love drives us. “So you think you can dance?”, “Dancing with the Stars,” “Survivor” (creative deception)…the list seems endless. As if a tsunami of artistry rises and covers the land.
The modern Renaissance, a rebirth: people no longer wanting to relate only by career but through creative expression. A “Golden Age” highlighted by an internet-facilitated exchange of creative interests and talents.
Yesterday, one of my students handed me his art book in the making. He studied my face for a reaction while his priceless treasure lay in my hands. One would never know the depth of this young soul merely by outward appearances: small for his age, hair overgrown and unruly, clothing disheveled. Yet his wit entices you to tease. Behind those twinkling eyes resides a brilliant mind. Reading deficient yet advanced for his years in terms of humor.
His artwork was unique, edgy. I immediately spotted a gift. I told him about the creator of The Simpsons, Matt Groening. I read about this artist in Ken Robinson’s book, The Element HOW FINDING YOUR PASSION CHANGES EVERYTHING. Robinson tells how Matt’s first grade teacher saved all of his paintings because she recognized a talent.
Matt was inspired by other artists “…whose drawings lacked technical mastery but who combined their distinctive art styles with inventive storytelling” (p.5). (Side note: I so love story telling and my drawings lack “technical mastery”…I felt better after reading that!)
The student nodded in agreement and then explained his intent for his book.
I ponder this youth’s longing for drawing. I gasp when thinking how easily I could have missed his talent had I not stopped to sit beside him and listen…or shared my tacky drawings so lacking “technical mastery”…or gone to work yesterday.
Once again I am reminded of why I am a teacher and must create amongst confusion. For in the classroom, some of my most inspiring muses sit…at least I try to get them to sit…most of the time. I guess that is worth a missed posting or two.
JoDee Luna Art 