»Ihre Kunst ist bestimmt schrecklich!«
Educator’s responsibility: Fostering a culture where art and design coexist and thrive.
Let me share a little anecdote about my experience in the world of art and design.
Picture this: It’s 2002, I’m sitting nervously in an admissions interview for my design degree. The conversation takes an interesting turn when we start discussing art, and I proudly mention my participation in a couple of group exhibitions. Suddenly, one of the professors, a well respected design theorist, bursts out, »Oh, I bet your art is just terrible!«
Now at that moment, I reacted surprisingly confident, but let me tell you, that remark stayed with me for quite a while. It made me feel like I had to choose between pursuing design or embracing my artistic side because apparently, doing both was simply impossible or worth: wrong!
The dilemma was clear: striving to become a skilled designer meant sacrificing my identity as an artist, while pursuing an artistic path meant forgoing the opportunity to excel as a designer.
But guess what? Just recently, after a whopping 20 years later, I rediscovered the joy of »analog painting« again. And you know what? Art and design don’t have to be sworn enemies! They can actually dance together, hand in hand, and enrich our lives in countless ways. Let’s break those stereotypes and embrace the magic that happens when creative disciplines collide and intertwine.
This story also shows how educators, whether they’re teachers or professors, act as mentors. They don’t just guide students academically; they also help them see how their different interests can fit together. Educators can create a culture that supports trying new things and expressing yourself, regardless of whether they teach in a school or at a higher level. They are important in breaking down old ideas about what you can or can’t do, making a place where it’s okay to mix art and design, encouraging students to enjoy both.
In the world of creativity, educators play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and inclusive culture. Embracing the magic of intertwining artistic and design pursuits requires a community that encourages individuals to explore their diverse passions. Let’s cultivate an educational environment where personal expression is celebrated, dismantling stereotypes and nurturing a landscape where multipassionate-creatives can thrive.