Articles

Art as a tool in our Daily Lives/The Discussion Continues

by Charlene Potter

Charlene Potter is an Environmental Artist. She believes art is a powerful tool we can use in our daily lives. Through the creative processes of art Charlene believes we can problem solve, channel emotions, aid in personal healing and cure apathy.   Through the creative thinking process of art, new solutions for past problems often reveal themselves.   Inventions are created, and new uses for existing safe products and gadgets are found. How can this be? 

You may have heard the phrase “an ounce of prevention.”  Replace the word “prevention” with “creativity”.  In just one day of our lives we use creative thinking several times, and don’t realize we are in the creative thinking process.   Is this just problem solving or is it creative thinking?  If we begin to work in art on a regular basis our creative thinking process becomes fluid—on going and natural.   Problem solving can be defined as: the area of cognitive psychology that studies the processes involved in solving problems.   Problem solving and creative thinking can be taught without using art.  However, from an artist’s point of view, using art is a natural way to teach creative thinking. With creative thinking of art we can begin to use creativity, and thinking outside the box, in order to solve problems.

Technology and the Use of Creativity

Charlene is not a technological expert.  Today’s technology is wonderful for what it does for our daily lives and all that it does for different fields of study and practice-- especially so in the practice of medicine.  But without human creativity, how much would technology be able to accomplish?  If we do not teach the creative processes of art how will creativity continue to grow? 

 Creative psyches need to be nurtured so the learner will be able to tap into their own creativity very quickly and naturally.  We cannot expect technology to think for us.   This type of technology is not far off, if not here already.  For this moment in time, we are still in control.  Most jobs in the current market place do not include the direct use of human hands to accomplish a final product.  How can individuals experience feelings of accomplishment if they do not have a balance in their lives of work in technology and the work of using their hands to accomplish a task?  If youth are not taught to use their hands to create, to sew, to cook from scratch, to invent-- they begin life without basic daily living tools.   There needs to be an increase in awareness and acceptance regarding the inherent worth of all different types of work.  Without this acceptance and awareness, how can an individual believe they are a success?

In today’s society we see more and more people experiencing apathy.   Apathy can be defined as: an absence of emotion or enthusiasm.  If we are experiencing apathy as a society, then we begin to ask the reason why.  Here in the United States most people live with so much more than their parents and grandparents.   Charlene remembers how much less she had growing up on the farm and how much more her mother and grandmothers used their hands in creating quilts, a garment sewn, crocheted table cloths, and handkerchief edgings.  Everyone contributed to the effort of living.  Everyone contributed in creating beauty around us.  Everyone recycled, because her parents had gone through the depression.  Charlene’s parents repaired almost everything themselves.   If they could not repair something, a neighbor was brought in that could do the repair and a barter of labor was created.  In this way, all family members experienced work with their own hands and understood its value.

Charlene’s family created useful art for daily use.  Charlene remembers family art created as a garment that was cut and sewn, a table made, a box built, or a garden grown.   There is a feeling of accomplishment after one of these creative tasks is completed.   A pattern may have been used to sew and create a garment, but with the use of the creative thinking process the pattern is usually embellished. 

When a person is in the creative process they have no emotions, because they are focused on creating.  Charlene believes if a person uses the creative process several times per day, even if they have stress and problems in their lives, the use of working in the creative process channels the negative emotions until the emotions are lessened. 

Increasing World Population and the Creative Thinking of Art

 With the increasing world population, there are increasing problems that need solutions.  There are some old problems, some new problems, and some unknown problems yet to be realized.  Through the creative thinking of art, we can help solve these problems by inventing, creating, and educating.  People will learn to better use the creative thinking of art just to maintain their lives. 

Art uplifts a person from the very depths of depression to heights of a hope, a usable process, and a realization that all things are not negative.   Humans need art in their lives more now than at any other time period in history.  If we as a society uphold art and make it the norm rather than the exception, Charlene believes there will be a reduction of apathy in our lives.  More creativity means the possibility of hope for the future, hope of new inventions, alternative fuels, and past problems solved.  Through the creative thinking of art, there will be more ideas on how to build sustainable community.

Indeed, art is a tool in our daily lives, and the discussion continues…

 http://ezinearticles.com/?Art-As-a-Tool-in-Our-Daily-Lives---The-Discussion-Continues&id=6045836

†

-- FROM A LEARNERS POINT OF VIEW

by Charlene Potter

In this paper the author discusses the Inspirational Environmental style of teaching art, including teaching art through pure inspiration and exploring the student’s position in the art classroom.  The paper briefly touches on use of Inspirational Environmental style of teaching art and art therapy with seniors. The Author does not purport to be an expert in teaching, but rather is encouraging exploration of Inspirational Environmental teaching style as an effective teaching method.

Inspiration Environment style of teaching art

What is an Inspirational Environment classroom style of teaching art? 

It is a method of teaching that involves creating a complete and pure environment of inspiration.  No other style of teaching is included. 

What is the process of teaching art in an Inspiration Environment classroom?

The instructor creates an environment of complete inspiration through demonstrations, presentation of other artists’ work, and hands on experiences for the students.  Included in this method is positive feedback that inspires and encourages the student to explore and present their own ideas through their art.   The instructor’s role is to provide creative stimulation that sparks the student’s creative thinking.  How can the student excel in art if creative thinking is not developed?  The instructor provides a safe environment filled with inspiration--free from competition. 

How can the process of teaching art in an Inspiration Environment classroom benefit the student? 

The student benefits because they are freed from the stress of competition.  The student is not concerned about how well they are doing compared to other students, they are in the inspiration mode of thinking and taking action based on inspiration only. 

How can the process of teaching art in an Inspiration Environment classroom benefit the instructor?  Student success and enthusiasm are the instructor’s benefit in this method of teaching.

 Competition Environment classroom style

What is a Competition Environment classroom style of teaching art?

In this style of teaching art, students are forced into a competition in order to demonstrate or to improve their skills. 

How can the process of the Competition Environment classroom style of teaching art benefit the instructor? 

It is questionable whether or not this style of instruction benefits the instructor.  The goal of providing the competitive learning environment is to motivate students to artistically achieve at a greater level than other students.  But, does it?  In our capitalistic society have we taken competition so far that it even influences the art we create?

How can the process of the Competition Environment classroom style of teaching art negatively affect the student’s ability to learn? 

A learning environment based on competition can inhibit students’ creativity.  Creative thinking is blocked so that the student is impaired in working the process of art in an effective manner. How can the budding artist psyche grow if it is snuffed out by the stress of competition?  A competitive environment results in no creative thinking, no development of the artist psyche, and no creating art--or creation of art that is not appealing.  Students who experience learning disabilities or who are socially introverted find a competitive classroom environment uncomfortable at best and hostile at worst. How many students in an art class may have learning disabilities or might be an introvert?  For these students, fear of failing can impair artistic ability.

This brings up the question is the competitive style the best style of teaching art? 

Competition is best embraced after a student’s budding artist psyche and creative thinking skills have been well developed. The student can choose to compete in arenas outside of school, or after they have graduated. 

Inspiration Environment classroom style art instruction and art therapy for seniors

The author points out the positives of Inspiration Environment style of teaching art to seniors and its promise for effective use in art therapy. 

The Inspiration Environment classroom style of teaching art provides an environment which is safe for students.  Everyone is in a different place in their own creative journey of learning art.  For seniors who may have believed all their life they could not learn or create art, this type of environment allows them to move into the creative thinking side of the brain and to begin working the artistic process.  Once the senior has begun to work the inspiration process of art, their pain level may lessen, they may experience less stress, and achieve a good feeling of success in accomplishing something that is appealing.

*In this article the author has explored a different style of teaching art in the classroom.  This article has been written from a student’s or learner’s viewpoint.  The author is not an educator and does not profess to be an educator.  She is merely opening the topic up for discussion. 

‡

A Softer Side of Art

by Charlene Potter
   
The Softer Side of Art is an artist movement that includes delicate lines, movement, form, and design.  Some, but not all, gentler art designs may have natural content and may be described as feminine--softer in line and form.  The art may take the form of a massive mural that tells a story or be small in size and contain elements of beauty.  The message may tell about a community, plight of a people, a message of hope, or simply inspiration and beauty.  Often female artists bring a delicate element and a nurturing emotion to their art.  This type of art can replicate the gentler side of nature--the process of nature.  It does not include the violent side of nature.  At the same time, a gentler art is not weak but rather conveys a strong message often provoking emotion including inspiration and a sense of beauty.   The gentler side of art moves the viewer to a sense of “awe”. 
This gentle side of art is not religious in content.  It is pure inspiration.  It embraces beauty and exquisite design that creates an environment of inspiration.  

 Art doesn’t have to shock, frighten, emit egotism, or overwhelm the viewer in order to provide inspiration.  The gentler side of art has beauty, design, flowing form, and movement.  It can take the viewer to a peaceful place, or move the viewer to action.   Art can be beautiful just for beauty’s sake. 

It is not to say that there are no male artists that do not inspire, create beauty in their work, and leave the viewer awe-inspired.  One of my favorite is Andy Goldsworthy.  But, with this said, Goldsworthy’s work lacks that delicate touch that the some female artist bring to their work.

For centuries, man has dictated what type of art is created--what style, design, and form.  Statistics tell us that more women are attending universities today than ever before.   Therefore, it would be logical to say that more women artists are creating art today than ever before.  Is this statement true?  Is it too difficult for women to blaze the trail and become recognized artists by creating art in their own style--without conforming to the style of art which is popular today?  In this way, the female artist faces the decision; create art within the guidelines set up by the constraints of male artists or branch out to establish her own style--which may not lead her to success.  

Female artists are blazing this trail. Lead artists in this movement include Meg Saligman, mural artist, out of Philadelphia, PA, and Anne Nye, glass and mixed media, out of Omaha, NE.

In writing this article on the Softer Side of Art, it is not the intent of the author to insight controversy and pit male artists against female artists.  In this article the author is merely expressing her viewpoint of the emerging artist’s movement that, for a change, is a breath of fresh and new air that’s blowing on the art scene.  It’s the Softer Side of Art movement that is making a statement and will not go away.  The Softer Side of Art has arrived.