soap box: I value the Arts

I wanted to take some time to put aside everything else and really think about why I do what I do and why exactly I'm doing it. I sometimes feel like I don't know what direction I'm going in, like I'm on this path that will eventually lead to no where. I work really hard and will continue to work harder to achieve the goals I have set for myself. I drove by a building for sale the other day and immediately thought to myself, I need that building- I'm off my rocker right? Let me take a second to explain my impulse.

 I don't want to live under standards- more clearly, I don't want to make standards under standards with whom have standards too. I couldn't possibly say that word any more. I just despise it, though only in situations where they play into our children's education. Our school systems should be under the implication that our future generations are being turned into zombies by standardized testing. Teachers aren't teaching what the want to, they are teaching what they have to for the sake of scores at the end of the year, as they are told to do. They are teaching for "standardized tests". It has nothing to do with the teachers themselves but more so with the school system. What is wrong with you people who have a say? Why not just let our teachers teach them and test them on what they have learned, rather than stuffing them like turkeys and testing them with EOC tests?  And what's with discouraging our children not to use the right side of their brains? Destroying creativity? Talking down on subjects if they aren't "math" "language arts" or "social studies". Who do you think you are? This is why I want to stand up, whether it's by myself or with others and say "HEY! you can't do that!" yeah right, like what I have to say matters. But it's worth a shot. 

this video is sheer genius and boy is it ever true. 

 It talks more closely with what the point I'm trying to get across.

 not just about the arts but about education in general.

Bottom line: I don't want to be put into a classroom and given rules, standards and a calendar saying, here's what you have to teach, teach it the way we want you to and make sure your kids pass. I want to make my own rules. I don't know that being a "school" teacher works for me. I've been thinking and listening to myself more. The more I do, the more I want to open my own business.  I want that building I saw and sculpt it into a place where the walls become the art, where when you open the doors, you feel freedom and creativity. You don't even have to be good at art, or anything for that matter- you can just come observe, or read or play. It can be a place where kids of all ages can come and paint, sculpt, photograph, be creative and let their right brain do all of the talking- even if it's for 30 minutes a day. I want to be able to have that outlet for kids, if need be. I want to be able to help kids build portfolios and learn technique as well as fundamentals if they wish to. I want to let them have the creative, undivided and uninterrupted time to be who they are without anyone telling them they are right or wrong and listening to them as I would want someone to listen to me.  Mind you, I wouldn't undermine the teacher of today nor would I tell them what they are learning is wrong- I would just teach them what I know, whether it be the history behind a painting or helping them with an art project or anything of the sorts. I would be there as a creative mentor. I would have classes on certain days, if the kids wanted to come and learn and do hands on projects. There would be easels everywhere, clay stations, pottery wheels- anything they wanted to do, I would and could have it there so that they could explore and grow. That's what I ultimately want. I don't even care if it is a thriving business, as long as I know the kids are happy and thriving.

Sure, there will be rules set;

 one: always respect those around you!

 two: always be creative!

 three: don't be afraid to be who you are!

four: don't let anything hold you back!

 five: always believe in yourself!

 six: dream!

pretty simple right?

 those are rules I would want to follow. 

It's allowing someone to help you follow your dreams

 and having someone believe in who you are and what you're about-

 it's what I always wanted as a kid at least. 

 

 I'm in school because I want to finish with my BFA. 

 I want to be able to say, I did it. I beat the system- I did it!

 but I am doing much more than that. 

I am taking from my most beloved professors
what I have learned throughout the years. 

 I can honestly say, I have learned more throughout
my college education, than I learned in any of my
K-12 classes and I really do believe its because of standardized testing. 

 You cram for the test and forget the rest. 

What the heck is the point?

 I want to share what I have learned with the world

 and who better than with those who love art too. 

 call me an idealist- I just want to make education more of a reality for

 kids who aren't as fortunate or are told they can't do it, or can't make it

 as an artist whether it's a dancer, painter or musician. 

 They can come to my studio and be who they are.

 I will further my college career in education

 soon thereafter making sure I have taken what I would need 

 in order to start a business of my own to teach young minds. 

 I want to teach future generations that the arts will not disappear

 but instead thrive through each and every one of them. 

I want to make a difference and someday soon, I will.

really.

 how original.

I stand down from my soap box now.

but only momentarily.

related articles and sites about the arts

 why support the arts? ten good reasons!

Americans for the Arts

the EOC underground