Be An Inspiration

Often times, as an art teacher,  I tend to reflect on my career. Am I effective? Do I inspire my students to push forward in the arts? What can I do to make my classes better so that I can continue to motivate them? Hmmmmmm. The questions seem never ending, but the answers to these questions are not too far away.

In my life I have had several people that have inspired me to create. From my family, primary/elementary and high school teachers, right on up to my teaching colleagues. These people have shown me the importance of using my gift. Mr. Simmons, my art teacher in 1st grade, taught me that there are no boundaries in art, the sky is the limit; Miss Quinn, my high school teacher, taught me to pursue my dream of becoming a professional artist, and above all, my family gave me the emotional, spiritual and financial support that I needed to develop what is 'my gift'.

So, where am I going with this? We need to be inspired. The inspiration that we receive and thrive on serves as a model of how we can inspire others. For me, the two art teachers mentioned, were a huge inspiration in my art life. A reflection of their personalities and teaching techniques helps to keep me grounded and focused on my teaching craft. 

You reflect. Who inspired you along the way? Are you an inspiration to others as others were to you? 

Inspiration can breed courage, confidence, creativity and self-esteem. And, it is often through our own creativity that we inspire others. Lets create!

Okay, so I have these art supplies, how do I use them?

There are many different types of art supplies/mediums on the market. For sketching, I choose to use graphite pencils (#HB), and a kneaded eraser. However, my medium of choice shouldn't be treated as gospel. Choose the tools that are best suited for you; tools that you may feel more comfortable with using or are interested in trying out.

So, you have an idea of the supplies to use and/or you have them in hand and are ready to start, but are unsure of how to use them. Don't fear, the internet is here!

The website,  "Art is fun", gives an in-depth look at 6 common art supplies/mediums: acrylics, watercolour, mixed media, coloured pencil, ink and pastels. There are links to the 'how to's" of using the selected mediums, as well as visual examples. But wait, there's more! You have the option of joining an artist community...oooooooo... how's that for getting inspired to create? '

Anyway, take a look, explore the site and see if it can work for you.

Link : Art is Fun

Using a Sketchbook? 5 Tips to get you started.

Okay, so you've found or purchased your very own sketchbook, and now what? Here are 5 sketchbook tips that can help you to jump start the creative process.

1.  Think of your sketchbook as an old friend.

A sketchbook should be a place where you are able to comfortably share anything from your most private thoughts to your most innovative ideas without judgement or criticism. Something motivates or inspires you? Get it in there.

2.  Keep it in an easily accessible spot.

It's as simple as this...If it is not seen, it won't be used. Also, make sure to keep a pencil or a pen attached to it at all times. Be prepared because you never know when inspiration will strike!

3.  Treat mistakes as opportunities.

Remember that in art there are no mistakes, just opportunities for growth. So, take the pressure off of yourself. If you are unhappy with an area, don't rip out the page, it will show progress.

4.  Explore different media.

Use different media; pencils, pastels, watercolors, pen and ink, paper scraps. If you have it or have an interest in it, use it. You will be able to compare and contrast the media's properties and discover techniques to using them.

5.  Focus on the process, not the end product.

It's okay to be messy if need be. It's all about the journey to getting to the creative destination.

Where do we go now?

Okay, so we've all had some time to 'be' and to think about what we may want to do on our journey. So, where do we go now? Let's visit an old and familiar place. Our art studio or drawer... you know, the place we used to go to when we would find the time to 'tune out' and make art. Well, lets make a quick stop to dig out and dust off our old art tools.

What art tools do you have that you would like to start off with? I've chosen to dig out my sketchbook, pencils and an eraser, but, I've come across a slight problem. My art spot has become more of a storage spot for stuff, making it a challenge to get to my supplies! So, I have to make a slight detour. Mission - Clean up stuff! It has got to be done before I can go any further, so here I go.

Activity#2 - Do you have a space to create? Artists need a place/space to do their craft whether it be a formal studio, a room, a corner or a couch. Make this area your special spot. If you have one, make sure that it is clutter free. If you don't have one, find one. You'll be glad you did!

See you shortly...

  

Creativity

Do you believe? Take a look at this inspiring video on creativity.  

The Beginning

"Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better." 

- Andre Gide

How should I start my journey? This question has surfaced in my mind for the last few days. Is there a mini art project that would help me to, shall I say, 'loosen up' and get ideas flowing? And, if so, what? Hmmmm.

I am a wife and a mother of two beautiful children. One 2 1/2 years, the other, 3 months. Life has gotten really busy in the Ratteray household, leaving what feels to be little time to just be. So I think, what can I do that would help me to reconnect with myself. The answer... exercise.

This past week was the first of many weeks to come, where I will spend at least 45 minutes, 5 times a week, either walking or doing Cardio Kickboxing. That's right, kickboxing! I love to exercise, and before children, found cardio kickboxing rejuvenating (I think there's something about punching and kicking a bag that is therapeutic). However, I am proud to say that I have fulfilled my exercise goal for the week and I'm glad I did because I feel good!

But, there is something to say about time spent in nature and its ability to take you to a place of inner peace. I had an opportunity to experience that inner peace during my walk this morning. As I pushed my children along in the stroller I thought, wait a minute, my journey has begun. I have begun to take the steps needed to help to renew my mind, my body and spirit. In turn, this balance will help to nurture my creativity.

Activity #1 - Engage in an activity that you love. Commit yourself to doing it whether it be 10 minutes or 60 minutes at a time. Use this time to 'be'. Your creativity will begin to flourish.   

  

Welcome to Destination: Creation!

Would you like to go on a journey? Not just any journey, but an art journey where we will explore, discover and nurture the artist inside of us.

My name is Nicole Ratteray. I am a primary/elementary art teacher who, along with her students, loves to get her hands dirty and create, create, create. However, with the pressures of teaching, and the busyness of family life, I have been finding it more and more difficult to get lost in my own art.

This blog is for those of you who would like to get a jump start, reconnect and rekindle your love and passion for art. Come and take the journey with me with the final destination, creation.
Nicole