RIGHT ON Jen! This is exactly what I'm talking about. You said it SO WELL! Thanks for explaining it better than I!! My elementary students already have complexes galore. Making them feel that they have to have "correct art" will only add to the problem. My first year teaching I was amazed at how upset my students would get when they made the smallest mistake. I even started doing a lesson with a book called "The Big Mistake" to explain to them how we can use our mistakes to make our artwork even more interesting. I feel it is soooooo important to encourage them to feel FREEDOM FROM PERFECTION!! I love your statement "Art isn't about making pretty pictures. It's about freedom of expression. Uniqueness. Ownership." I may even put that up in my classroom.....if you don't mind....LOL!
Subject: Re: Touching up Elementary Projects??
From: "Jen Ellis" <email@example.com>
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 10:09:24 -0400
What is correct and incorrect in art? What "mistakes" are these? Are
we trying to mimic a style of another artist and this wasn't done
correctly? Are we trying to draw in perfect proportion? Make the
Is art just about perfection?
Why are we "fixing" things=85.if they don't want to be fixed or need to
be in the first place?
Are we trying to prove something to others? We want "correct" art on the wa=
I think if help is asked for by the student or frustration is
apparent, you can work with the student to find the best method of
improvement. Whether it be by drawing an example, showing pictures,
talking, doing exercises, different techniques.
Art isn't about making pretty pictures. It's about freedom of
expression. Uniqueness. Ownership.
Art students are not trying to all reach the same place. The highest
score, the cleanest proof, the best research paper.
I don't think we should take that away from the individual. Find out
what they want first, then help.