Teacher/Student

A Jubilant Mr. Watt   watercolor   28 x 20

"My right hand is being held by someone who knows more than I, and I am the student. My left hand is being held by someone who knows less than I, and I am the teacher". I don't know who authored this quote, but I can't agree more.....for me, the notion of education is circular. Experience doesn't mean much if we can't approach new works with the eyes of a beginner. Repetition of past success leads only to life-in-a rut. My friend Pat Sargent retired from an outstanding career in arts education with the Akron Public Schools. She is a firm believer in educating yourself, in the search for self-knowledge. Formal education is indeed a mixed bag, as one is subjecting herself to the value systems of the teacher. Following one's own path allows the artist to accept some notions, and to reject others. The quest is the thing. And I believe that creative people are more motivated by learning than by money. I am inspired by teachers such as Pat Sargent and by Mr. Watt, the teacher of rocketeers.

Look to the skies

Mr. Watt's Rocket Day - The Spectators   watercolor   26 x 18 

It is an amazingly sunny and warm early Spring day here in northeast Ohio. Actually, we have more cloudy days here than just about anywhere else in the country. So, when it is beautiful, people really get excited! This is the time of year that Mr. Watt would introduce rocketry to his fifth grade students. And, on a day just like today, the rockets would be launched. Seeing my painting of the crowd pleases me.....I like the way the group of students plus teacher works and breathes as a single organism. It excites me. Perhaps it is because my children were the direct benefactors of Mr. Watt's enthusiasm. Perhaps it is because the scene evokes such wonderful memories for me. And perhaps it awakens the child in me, the one who would like to send a rocket soaring.