Monday, April 19, 2010

Making an effort

This blog is programmed to appear on line whilst I am away in Peru. I shall be checking whether it has worked when I get home!

One subject which is dear to my heart is self-learning or auto-didacticism. I have not had a formal art training, this never being an option for an average lass way back in the 1960's. At times I have regretted this, but mostly I consider this to be an advantage (I am sure I would have been a failure anyway because I dislike being told what to do in favour of my own concepts).

Over the years I have attended many individual workshops, and indeed taught many workshops (this gets one learning). I have been very selective in my choice of direction and returned to my own studio and put my slant on what has been seen/done.

I have always made a special effort to attend the many lectures and artists' talks that accompany exhibitions at art galleries and museum. I find these fascinating, the more so if the topic/art is not what I do, ie textiles.

To keep abreast of such events I am a member of the Friends of TheNewDowse, Expressions and Te Papa, all within my local region. Pataka also offers a great lecture programme. If you don't want to become a Friend of these institutions, they all bring out monthly programmes which are available on their websites, e-newsletters and handouts.

My events diary tells me I have been to six of these since the beginning of 2010. I always walk away inspired with what I have seen and heard. Sometimes I have not understood, or liked, a particular exhibition, and an artists' talk puts a new perspective on the work. Occasionally I can't be persuaded to like the work but at least I have a greater understanding.

Learning is our responsibility. Making that effort should become a matter of routine. The insights learnt can be very beneficial, as well as most enjoyable.

Try it!

4 comments:

  1. Hi Diana
    I hope your trip is going well! Aren't you clever programming your blog to come up while you are away?!
    I agree with you that learning is our responsibility, and I also think it is all the more exciting if self directed. As one who didnt really try until my mid 30s I now regret all that time wasted NOT learning when I could have.

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  2. I was so surprised to find your blog post on my sideline today! Clever is right....that is definitely you! Hope you are having a marvelous time in Peru and come back energized and full of new ideas.
    I agree that it is important to continue to learn and seek new information in all areas. Being open minded is the key, isn't it?
    Take care Diana.

    xo

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  3. Hi Diana,

    You are so right - no amount of 'teaching' makes a difference to a person unless they become their own teacher too. In Reading Recovery the criteria for successful Discontinuing of a child is that they are a "SELF-IMPROVING reader and writer" - that is one who gets better every time they work because they have developed a self-extending system, and take responsibility for their own learning. . .
    likewise we won't get far as textile artists until and unless we do the same.

    Enjoy your time away,

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  4. Hi Diana,
    Was excited as always when I received the NZ Quilter in my letterbox here in Singapore, but was even more excited when I saw the article about your work! Congratulations. Hope you have a great time in Peru, no doubt there will be plenty of inspiration for your future work!

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