#4 "The arts teach children that…circumstances and opportunity change…" Elliot Eisner

“The arts teach children that in complex forms of problem solving purposes are seldom fixed, but change with circumstances and opportunity. Learning in the arts requires the ability and willingness to surrender to the unanticipated possibilities of the work as it unfolds.”Elliot Eisner

What does this mean to me?

In my experience of producing art, the finished piece is never exactly my original intensions. Available, previously saved, found materials usually dictate the look of the piece. I always have to examine everything in my studio throughout my art making process. With a vision of what I want to make, I can better chose elements and objects that fit. Depending on what I find, my vision could be altered a bit. While it is necessary for me to add things of interest to my collection of found objects, going outside and finding something specific is rarely possible.*

Students are often disappointed when their project didn’t turn out the way they wanted. I think this is great; now they have a reason to do the same project again with changes for improvement. Trial and error is part of the creative process toward innovation.

Time, size, tools, materials, and my preconceived vision dictates the focus of the project. This is a guide that helps to keep me on track, but I realize I have to stay open to those “aha” moments that I could not anticipate ahead of time. Within certain constraints, I have the freedom to explore some options. If I make my own rules, I can easily break them. 

Artists are often self employed, and free to change course in the discovery of new ideas for growth. It is different from executing someones idea for production. The original designer already figured out what they wanted. In the case of a private commission, new sketches need approval from the decision makers. Students with assignments need to speak to the teacher to determine degrees of flexibility. JA 

*(I write from the perspective of collecting objects and elements for collage and assemblage. If I was drawing or painting, those things would be arranged for still life. For my camera, I would also be looking for objects and elements of interest; but not limited to what I can carry home to my studio.) JA