“Imagination is more important than knowledge. “
-Albert Einstein
At Emily Carr, I learned that art has the power to communicate a variety of perspectives. I discovered that the medium itself has the ability to convey, translate, and expand on concepts and perspectives. I came to appreciate the importance of the postmodern perspective in the development of academic thought, and the importance of multidisciplinary integration. All of these discoveries led to an enhanced appreciation for and ability to carefully observe and listen which in my opinion is central to being a successful teacher.
Through the fine arts I became intimate with the creative process, with the beauty of taking chances, getting messy and making mistakes. I also learned the value in looking at life from many different perspectives, and seeing truth as both elusive and being present in every individual.
I explored my interest in the process of learning, and built one of my final projects around the idea of learning as being ongoing and never complete. This seemed to contradict what I had learned in school from specific goals and grades. I inquired into the nature of knowledge and ability, not as an end but as a dynamic, ongoing development. It is important to me to emphasize an attitude of growth rather than fixed traits in teaching. My thinking was informed by Carol Dweck and her research on the fixed mindset versus the growth mindset.
I have spent seven years as an art teacher at several community centres and giving private lessons and workshops. During this time I have developed extensive lesson plans in the area of fine arts, as well as a deep understanding of the creative processes that students go through.
In order to build the local arts community, I developed vanartconnection.com, an online gallery for local artists.
My practicum placement was in a Fine Arts school, so I was able to utilize my extensive arts background to support this initiative.
I see the arts as an incredible tool to enhance learning in all areas, integrating subjects through a variety of methods and mediums. In particular I see the fine arts as a celebration of creativity in all forms, which can be applied in all areas of our lives.
During my practicum, through Roots & Shoots, I was able to bring Fana Soro to my school to provide two extensive drumming workshops for my class, as well as a presentation at the Chan Center for my entire school with his ensemble.
