This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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The rigidity of rules may be hindering creativity for young artists.

 

Jim O’Donnell didn’t take his first art class until he was almost graduated from high school. Jim is proof that you’re not doomed if you didn’t learn the technicalities at a young age.  Listen to him share his experience with how his art painted its way into his life and, in return, has done the same for his students. Jim shares his pedagogies of inspiring and teaching future Elementary Education majors, the importance of failure, and how to get find balance with a school system focused on a grade letter. 

 

Show Highlights:

 

• How Jim traded Advertising for Art
• Jim explains the idea behind his blog Kill Your Color Wheels
• How assessing art in the classroom isn’t as easy as a multiple choice test
• Why perfectionism is the enemy of creativity
• Why it’s important to encourage kids to fail more
• Learn how art teachers can find the balance between imposing letter grades and nourishing growth
• How art teaches us to slow down in a fast and furious society
• The non-academic way of grading that’s difficult to measure
• Jim talks about how he handles the difference between naturally talented artists vs. those who work harder
• The importance of relaxing into what’s uncomfortable
• Impactful artwork for Jim: Abbott H. Thayer Winged Figure, 1889 - http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/59798?search_id=1

 

Links Mentioned in the Show:

 

Kill Your Color Wheels

Walking on Water by Derrick Jensen

Why I Hate the Elements and Principles of Art

Stephen Krashen, Linguist

Sheila Kriemelman

Grading on Standards for Achievement - Brookhart

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