The Teacher and the Student

So I have to admit - I am not much of a student. I lose patience and become sort of a rebel at times. It is not that I think I have learned everything I need to learn. Good heavens, I am and will remain a work in progress. But when I get myself in a creative classroom setting, I get so inspired and something kind of bursts inside and I just flow. If the teacher is really good - it flows rivers. I just can’t help it. Creativity is the nourishment to my soul. It fuels me and releases me. I let go and enjoy letting in its happiness and beauty. I love taking other artists courses - I just don’t listen all the time.

So I have another story today. This one is my experience last Sunday. I am currently in a relearning phase of my creative journey. And I have just started my training in the Color of Woman class with Shiloh Sophia. I am loving it - yes as the student. I am truly enjoying the openness of where this is taking me. I can’t seem to get enough of what Shiloh is spilling.

So my story. She hosted an amazing event called MuseFuse. A five hour live stream where she went through her 13 step Intentional Creativity process. I got my canvas ready and laid out my brushes. She began and so did I. She continue and I continued. Slowly following along. But…..

Something happened. My creative flow set in. I turned on and the student left the classroom and explored on her own.

There you go again Christa, you are not listening. You are not following the program. You little rebel.

I admit I felt guilty and naughty.

Shiloh did say - take this experience and be the student. This was an amazing opportunity to learn how to teach others this 13 step process. But I just couldn’t stop myself. I was in my zone and loving every minute of it. Complete bliss!!!!

This was my first painting - the rebel

So how does the teacher learn and understand how to be a student? I will tell you I went back the next day and rewatched the replay. I opened a new canvas and following along as the student. It was a bit easier this time. I think I got all that inspired stuff out the day before. Many students or people that inquire about working with me or taking my class have immediate trepidation. They say “I am too scared to tackle this class.” “I can’t do that.” I hear it all of the time. “I can'‘t draw a face.” But 9 out of 10 times after they take my class, they are shocked at their outcome. Their work is not perfect (of course nothing really is) but it is beautiful. I shed several tears when I see my students post their work.

My second try - following directions

So should I set into a student’s mindset when I teach or should I give them all that I got? I can guarantee (I have over seven years of teaching at a local Paint and Sip where I taught kids and adults to paint. That’s another story) I can get anyone to paint a masterpiece. So no, I don’t change my painting style but I will be mindful of the words I use to explain. When I trained other instructors (at the paint and sip) I would tell them “teach like your audience can’t see you. Try your best to explain the technique in words and feelings rather than having them see it.” I definitely feel this - If you feel it - you can do it.

So back to my MuseFuse experience. I stared at both paintings for a few days and loved them both. I loved the stories they told and the experiences I received from both of them . I don’t feel naughty anymore - I feel like YES I CREATED AND I HAD FUN!!!!

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