Monday, October 08, 2007

I think I've finally got it
.
Now that I have finished teaching my very last workshop, I think I have finally reached the place I have been striving for, as a communicator. It is not enough to be able to recognize good design, one must be able to explain why it is good, and how to achieve it.
It took great students asking the right questions to get the brain to formulate the right stuff to explain it correctly. In other words, it didn't just erupt from my brain on its own. It was a collaboration with the participants in that Great Search for Great Design.
It wasn't any easier for me than it had to be. I didn't go into teaching with all the answers and it must have been disappointing for those who thought they could get all the answers in a six hour class, or even a five day workshop. But I am here to tell you that we all arrived at the finish line yesterday with a lot more than we started with.
I felt like I got to the top of the hill and got to see the path I took and a glimpse at the path before me. It was thrilling.
The biggest thrill in teaching is the student who is convinced that she doesn't have 'it' and then having her find 'it' as a result of the class. We both get something priceless.
On Saturday I had a student who claimed she had no 'artistic ability'. I told her she didn't need it to do what we needed to be doing with the work at hand. If she could get dressed in the morning, that was all she needed to make this art. It worked. By Sunday she was bowling me over with her designs, and she was dancing around the room with happiness. Her creative door had been locked and all I did was hand her the key. The riches were all inside just waiting to be uncovered.
I will definitely miss this kind of interaction.

9 comments:

  1. THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! YEAH!

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  2. Anonymous2:01 PM

    Congratulations on reaching this turning point in your career!
    As I read this post, I am wishing that I could have been in that class. I, too, feel that my design skills are in need of improvement, and your class sounds phenomenal.
    So...I have noticed that so many teachers have put their classes on DVDs lately. Would you at least consider that, in lieu of the book that you don't want to spend time writing? It may take a lot less of your time to do that, and many, many of us would be interested in buying such a thing.

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  3. Thank you for unlocking my creative juices another step. While I had no art training I was able to make something special in your class.

    It was a pleasure to be at the end of your teaching journey and the beginning of moving one step closer to figuring out what my own "voice" should be.

    I had a blast in your class and was happy with what I took home!!

    Thank you from a fellow displaced Illinoisian!! GO CUBS!!

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  4. Anonymous6:48 PM

    What is this talk about last class etc.??? Me thinks you are aging fast...have ye forgotten that ye is teaching at Mancuso Show in Schaumburg Illinois, November 2007 ?
    I realize that the classes are sold-out but if you aren't going to teach, what wilt thou do there?
    Liz A.

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  5. Anonymous10:12 PM

    Have you decided not to teach at Art Quilt Tahoe in 2008?

    I second the request for a DVD!

    hilary

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  6. When that inevitable day finally comes when you can look forward to no more classes, no more students,
    Here I Will Be....

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  7. All of us lucky enough to be in this class had a stupendous time, learned lots, and are grateful for your time! Thanks so much - Candy in California

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  8. Thank you, Melody, for this special class - especially for the inspiration and empowerment you provided. I can't wait to get started on my next creations using some of the your beautiful silks! Blessings to you and yourl hubby in your new home.

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  9. Anonymous3:50 PM

    What a great post about teaching.

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Hello,
So nice of you to drop by. I love your comments, and if you would really like a reply, please email me at fibermania at g mail dot com