Lesson In The Lesson

We saved the fun stuff for our last study unit in Keaton's junior year homeschool program - Self Expression Through Art and Poetry. 

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  Because homeschool, especially in the upper grades, allows for flexibility in how a student contributes to the content of the learning curve, Keaton declared he wanted to try his hand at more realistic art. He's been doing abstract art since he was four so stepping outside of his comfort zone seemed like a sign of growth.

  
  

  We discussed the subtle differences between Realism and Impressionism and the basic fundamentals of all art, contrast, color combinations and movement, Then we got down to the point of why art is one of many ways to express an idea, just as is writing, regardless the form. Ancient cave drawings represent a  human's compulsion to record his ideas in some way more permanent than the spoken word.

  
  

  In this assignment Keaton had to consider an idea captured both in art and type keeping in mind a theme that could be represented in paint on canvas as well as words in a poem.

  
  

  'Twas definitely a learning curve and an experience out of his familiar art form.

  
  

  Once he settled on a theme of 'On Becoming', he narrowed it down to the idea of what it is like to be on the brink of leaving childhood behind with what he perceives as the light at the end of the tunnel just ahead but being so much closer now.

  
  

  As he began his art, he felt the discomfort of not knowing where to begin and was not nearly as daring and confident as he has always been when throwing paint all over the place (as my basement floor can attest). He made a sketch then began with small hesitant strokes and then stepped back, frustrated with the results. He asked for help. He needed a reminder that art is a process of trial and error, just like life. Sometimes you choose the wrong color or make the wrong stoke so you back up and admit the outcome wasn't what you had visualized. But you don't give up. You don't quit just because what you started with fell short of your expectations. 

  
  

  You keep working it and reworking until you believe it is as good as you can make it. 

  
  

  And sometimes you have to pause to clear your head before you  think you are done.

  
  

  On the day he decided it was finished he let it be known that he was disappointed. Then an interesting thing happened two days later when it was time to add his initials to the dried image. He saw it again, hanging on the wall and he was surprised.

  
  

  Human perceptions are often reordered when we see something in a different context. I have a lifelong habit of walking away from something I have created to give my brain a chance to process input and to reset. Most usually I find I was too judgmental or critical of a project in the creation process being too myopic and too determined for a specific outcome. Revisiting it some time later somehow softens the expectations and inspires new perspective.  

  
  

  I think this technique works in all areas of the human condition as well. Context matters.

  
  

  There are always hidden lessons to be gained in the process of attempting to learn. If nothing else realizing that not expecting perfection on the first try keeps us headed to the light at the end of the tunnel instead of disabling us in a stand still. 

  
  

  And what is perfection anyway? Only God is the creator of perfect. The best we as flawed humans can do is to give what is in front of us our all and then be content that we, at least, tried.  Sometimes we don't even realize that innovation is only birthed by  doing differently. I've always adhered to the old adage - those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the one doing it.

  
  

  We will never know if that ancient human who carved stick figures on the wall of the cave he lived in was pleased with his efforts to express himself.  

  
  

  But that he was willing to try remains a lesson for us all.

  
  

  For Him,

  Meema