Teaching Is A Two Way Street

Why do I teach?  I was asked to write about this for the upcoming Winter Wax workshop at the EncaustiCastle this coming January 2018. Details about the workshop are found in the workshop link on this blog. I hope you will check it out. Winter Wax is a deeply restorative experience and really taps into your creative vision and goals. I am so looking forward to being a part of their unique experience again. 

So, why do I teach? I ask that very question all the time, almost daily in fact. I actually have to switch out the word teach, to the word share. After all, sharing is what I am doing and teaching is not really what is happening when in workshop with me. What is happening is something that I can not predict at all. 

At first, I was really uncomfortable with the not knowing, and now, it is the only real way I know to be with the act of sharing. 

Sounds maybe a little loose and unstructured, maybe even a catch all or cliche, but I am being as honest as I know how to be. 

Yes, I write out reminders of what I would like to focus on, because I need some sort of anchor. I do stand in front of a group and make statements about how I approach things, knowing that there are many ways to approach anything. Often times I offer a guided exercise to get you going, because I believe that it is in the excavating that we come to know what we really want to bring to life. I have a wealth of knowledge about pigments and paint making. I understand the principles of employing certain techniques. I’m confident in many ways, and have come to know the value added of having had years of experience in the art industry and as a practicing artist. 

All that said, it means nothing in the scheme of things because ‘You’ will bring something that will be completely unique. There in lies the real quest. 

Why do I want to share what I know with you? The best way I know how to answer that, is because I know that in order to successfully share what I’d like to share, I also need to open to receiving what you will be offering. 

I learned a valuable life experience a few years ago that speaks more to a life style. That is, when two or more people come together a separate and distinct other entity co-arises. That entity is full of potential and is very organic. That entity is idea, visions, creative power, untapped potential. I never know what will come out of my working with another person, but I am willing to bet that if we both remain open enough, that we both will learn from it.