It is important to realize that being an artist comes after being an art student. Only when someone is satisfied with the goals they have set themselves can they then call themselves an artist. The image included is a self-portrait study in charcoal, in which investigation of value and mass are being explored. Drawing is to me, an investigation, as well as practice, and only with practice can self-development and achieve improvement come. Art is an evolving process in which making self-development comes with taking risks and manipulating media in different ways. It is through this exploration of manipulating media that improvement and skills develop, therefore I do not call myself an artist, but instead an art student. Being an art student while being a teacher of art keeps the mind open to change, and therefore to growth. Interacting with students and their ways of manipulating media in order to visually communicate or explore development with and open mind, as well as reminding students that each mark they make is progress and practice is my goal as a teacher.
Art is a way for people to visually communicate ideas, feelings, making connections and finding solutions in the world, as well as problem solving in the process of art making by using media and techniques to communicate their ideas. There are many different media that can be used to communicate messages and notion; therefore exploration to multiple media is a pertinent to education.
Students need to explore elements and principles of design to further their understanding of how visuals can communicate effectively. Use of line, color, shape, texture and composition are the elements that students should learn about through exploration, observation and discussion. Strengthening basic two-dimensional and three-dimensional skills done through practice, and then reflected upon is how students can learn to effectively communicate through visual means, as well as evaluate their artwork and the work done by others.
All academic subject matters have importance to be studied on their own and can also be taught interdisciplinary. Art has the history of recording events and acting as a tool to teach people about other subjects, therefore it can have many purposes. Art is important enough to be explored on its own as well. Whether the big idea behind art is based on community, self-expression, connection to other disciplines, or human emotions and lives, the artist and art student should explore different ways of using elements of art to communicate their ideas in a manner that they think is effective, as well as have the opportunity to explore strictly the process of making art.
In the classroom, students’ artwork, ideas, and observations are very important to share with the their peers. When sharing occurs, more points of view are heard and seen; therefore students have a better social understanding of how to communicate effectively. In order for people in the world to understand each other, and work together they must know how to communicate with each other. During art making students practice the skills of communication through critiques of their own work, as well as the work of others, and of big ideas. Verbal communication about visual communication enables students to listen and discuss art in meaningful ways. Using this as communication practice builds student skills for communication in life.
It is my job as the facilitator in the art class to scaffold students to inquire, form opinions, enhance skills, build their knowledge base and create artistic style in order to reach their individual goals. Success in improving their technical skills, understanding and application of media, and evaluating art by others in an age appropriate manner is how interpersonal communication can occur in the classroom.