Monday 29 July 2013

where is the creative hunger?

The very important issues of providing a well-rounded education to rural populations is close to my heart. It is inevitable that small communities may never have a chance to recognise or experience some of the ongoing opportunities of their city counterparts, but as technology and communications reach heights unimagined in the past, we can only hope to push the boundaries here in the bush. I believe that developing creativity is a vital ingredient in educating our youth. I have a deep conviction that there is a power in making art, music and literary texts that can turn back the tide of depression and delinquency plaguing our culture. Kids need a rich internal dialogue to keep out the boogeyman.Suicide is an issue in rural Australia. Too much external suctioning of the joy that should be inherent in our young people robs them of their creative life. In my classroom, I observe the amazing healing properties of using colour and form every day. So why is this not a priority in many homes? Do adults think they should stop being driven by the urge to craft stuff? Is filling a supermarket trolley the new flower arranging or embroidery? Is buying more clothes than we need a replacement for the tactile satisfaction gleaned from painting, drawing, sewing, knitting and spinning wool?

Portraits are friends......

Portraiture...always a way for an artist to 'talk' to oneself when the urge for deep conversation occurs.
Portraits are friends who can speak volumes or just be quietly present...