I hope you struggle. [pause for dramatic effect] What? Did she just say struggle? Yep, I did. Struggle is part of being human. Usually, struggling is seen as negative, but it helps you grow as a person. Think of the struggles you've had in your life... They've all helped you become the incredible individual that you are. A good way to work through problems is to break them down into smaller more manageable pieces. That's a skill I hope to practice in class and one that you can use outside of the art room. |
I hope you experience failure. [another dramatic pause] No, I don't want you to fail art class, that would be terrible. I hope you have an art experience that bombs. Why? so you learn to try something different, follow a new path. Not everything you attempt will work out the first time. Thomas Edison failed 1,000 times before inventing the light bulb, but when asked about it he said, "I didn't fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps." But he didn't give up. |
The truth is, art class might not be easy. Yes, I do hope you have fun. I'm sure there will be times that we laugh in class. Or maybe I laugh and you roll your eyes or you laugh and I roll my eyes. Art class should be a challenge. You will need to THINK and PLAN and SOLVE PROBLEMS. That's how you grow as an artist. Maybe you don't care about growing as an artist, but that's also how you grow as a person. |
Here's another truth. You might get to the middle of a project and want to give up. Kanter's Law says, "Everything looks like failure in the middle." In the beginning stages of projects you are full of confidence and excitement but as you progress, you face challenges and doubts. The middle is where the hard work happens. You might have to change your plan or try a new approach all together. What's important is that you don't give up. It's all in how you look at it. Challenge yourself. Try the thing you never thought you'd do. Learn a new technique (screen printing!). Improve on something you like (potter's wheel!). Don't be afraid to take the big leap. |
Good luck.
Go Team.