…teach. That’s the saying anyway, but I’ve never believed this. For a start comparing creating and teaching is like comparing apples and oranges- they are completely different mindsets and disciplines.
Sometimes you find an artist who’s a good teacher, sometimes a good teacher who’s creative in what they do. Very rarely, you come across someone who conveys how to be creative in an open, understandable and inspiring way.
There is the cliche of the inspiring teacher changing the course of a life- the truth for me, is that I certainly haven’t had any ‘Dead Poets Society’ moments. But solid, good teaching from individuals, without whom I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing- yes, half a lifetime’s worth of those. Their cumulative effect means I feel I’m doing exactly what I should be doing right now.
Worthy of mention is my High School art teacher, Mr Gardner, who procured a printing press, taught me to use it and encouraged me in printing (as well as providing a safe and inspiring haven- with Debussy and The Beatles on the record player as I recall!), Ian McCullogh, leader of the Illustration course at the University of the West of England, Jo Hounsome, who first taught me etching and drypoint (patiently and very well!) at Spike Print Studio, Nicholas Wilton, whose online course, Creative Visionary Program, re-invigorated my art making after lock-down, and Kellee Wynne, whose online Build it Remarkable course has set me off on my own, renewed, teaching path.
What makes a good teacher? All of the above teachers have created safe spaces to explore, given me tools to use and and have simultaneously got me excited about possibilities I hadn’t even thought of before- I hope that’s what ‘Hand Printing Happiness’ (my upcoming 10 week, online, course) will do for some of you too- perhaps my teachers over the years have infused into my own teaching.
I always wanted to teach- my poor sister bore the brunt of that, with endless ‘lessons’ forced upon her (there is a possibility that the urge to teach merely came from me wanting to boss her around), and I’ve found that I have a natural feel for putting together lesson plans, courses and putting students at ease.
I’ve also found that I have a kind of stage fright, when teaching face-to-face or live. Though this has abated with time and practice, I still find it quite draining.
The rise in online learning during lockdown helped me in so many ways- I took many courses I wouldn’t have before, and I finally twigged that I could teach online too. I could reach so many people, all over the world, and my energy levels and nervous system could stay fairly regulated.
So here I am, on the cusp of launching my biggest and best course yet- ‘Hand Printing Happiness’. I’ve spent a lot of time planning, filming, editing and refining- and I think it’s a great course- I hope you will too. I’d love to be one of the teachers in your life that makes a difference- however small.
Enrolment opens on May 3rd, through til May 18th. If you’re interested in joining me on the journey, take a look at all the course details- here. You can join the waitlist from there too- so you’re reminded when enrolment opens- and you get an Early Bird discount.