Today is the last day of winter and tomorrow Spring officially arrives!  That is an awesome place to be.  I'm heading into a 2-day workshop in Ventura (about an hour's drive) at Vita Art this weekend. That event plus the launching of Julie Prichard and my next online adventure "Complex Collage"  today makes me think about my years of teaching and how it comes into play now with my art.

Most of you probably don't know that I have a Masters in Education and spent an entire career teaching all ages and stages of people from 2 through adult.  My work as an artist is my "second" bloom so to speak.  Maybe not as glorious or energetic as when the first bloom of roses occurs each spring, but certainly more tempered and constant.  How & why  I got back to teaching through art is really what I want to talk about.  Being an artist is really quite lonely.  You work in a space without other people and with little regard for time.  It isolates you from social interactions that are pretty much necessary for our growth as humans.  I mentioned I'm headed off to France for an exhibition in early May.  It is exciting and I can't wait for the next few weeks to pass by.  When I first exhibited in France 5 years ago it was "pre-Golden" and pre-teaching.  But while I was there, the local art community asked me to share some of my mixed media techniques with them and I ended up teaching 3 sessions inside of 10 days.  Despite the language barrier ( of which there were many varied languages to deal with), it was an exciting experience.  On my flight home I decided I needed to be teaching again somehow.

As I sorted through 3 weeks of mail a small postcard from Golden Artist Colors floated out..."Looking for Working Artists in the Los Angeles Area"...was that serendipity?  Was it "be careful what you wish for?"  Anyhow, I contacted the appropriate people, sent in my work, met Patti Brady director of the program, and got trained.  These past five years have been amazing!  I've met so many wonderful people, written three books, taught scores of classes, and done 70 or so lectures.  Busy!

Each time I create a new class or tweak an old one I return to my early understandings about what makes learning effective, what do students really need to know and how can I teach them in a fun and exciting way.  Being a good artist doesn't make one a good teacher and visa versa.  I don't think that my personal art is going to hang in any great museum one day, but I do know how to share what I know about materials, techniques, and applications with you.  Active learning is how most people absorb information best.  Putting things right to use.  I find that if I talk too much people go to sleep!  Fair enough.  If you find a teacher who can put you right to work, grab your imagination, and build a language of operations that you understand you are blessed. 

When I am in front of a group that happens for me.  I understand people, can read when they are confused and when they are able to go on their own with support.  I can recognize when I need to slow down, review, or update.  You all tell me those things by your eyes, bodies, and demeanors.  I utilize what I know about sound educational practices to make our workshops together fun and jam-packed with info.  If I err it's always on the side of being too ambitious.  Those of you that know me will nod your heads.  I want you to get a lot for your buck!

When Julie and I decided to partner in Project deConstruction the focus changed because there is no "live" group of students for me to "measure" the success or failure of the lesson. I can't "see" students who have lost looks on their faces or who simply need more time.  We are both "over-achievers" when it comes to content.  You will get a LOT more than you thought possible.  But we need you to interact with us through the network.  This "network" thing is a way for artists to not be isolated and for artists to build and develop a rapport with other artists, regardless of their skill level.  Art is subjective, constantly evolving, and filled with perambulations that allow you to express yourself in so many wonderful ways.  Julie structured her network in a way that is brilliant for you.  Once you get in, you can stay and work as long as you need to.  By sending us photos of your work and participating in the discussions you can get the feedback you need.  The video doesn't go away.  How great is it that in this world you can acess personal learning at any time of the day or night, ask questions, and get answers as needed, get feedback on your progress?  Teaching has come a long way and I hope to be out there working with all of you for a long time to come!

Believe in the power of practice and diligence, recognize that work well done is worth doing well from start to finish, at every stage of the process.  Find a good mentor and grow yourself!  I hope you join Julie and I in Complex Collage!