Last Saturday morning my sister and I did a duo-mini-workshop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. http://www.artassociation.org/ I've given a few talks and firing demos but never sat in front of group of people and made pots for their viewing pleasure. It was a fun experience for sure though..and it was a good time to make fun of my sister- but I kept it clean, mostly, and we both had a good time. Everybody was totally awed by Emily's line decoration and cupcake holder she made and everybody seemed to learn a lot from the cups, bowls, pitchers, whacky bottles and the large platter I made for the three hours before lunch time. Afterwards a local guy, Dean, (who took the pictures) thanked me for the great demo and that he learned a lot. He asked if I taught anywhere professionally..and I had to say nope. He said, "you should definitly think about it..you're really good at it." I learned from some really good teachers since Highschool: Nathan Eckman, Karl McDade, Mark Messenger, Scott Parady, Bob Brady, Dan Murphy, Trevor Dunn, Tony Clennell, and John Neely... and not to mention all of my close friends who spin clay for a living or those whom I went to school with. Nice group of guys I'd say.
I guess it takes just one comment like that to get you pointed into the right direction. Gradschool could be in my future..but I feel a lot like I did after highschool.. I can't believe I made it... and I never want to go back to school again. Maybe I'll be content with teaching community classes.... I don't think you need a masters degree for that, right?
Your comment about "never wanting to go back to school agian " was exactly how I felt after highschool. I did take a year and did some other stuff and then I went to Art College and never wanted to leave - I felt as though I had found my clan. But ya know, if you get your teaching certificate you will never regret it. There will never be a better time in your life than NOW to do it. If you use it great - it will open many doors... if not, so what.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any credientials to teach anything other than community classes. I taught night classes and afternoon classes and weekend classes for 21 years, put my heart and soul into it and met alot of really nice people. A handful got hooked but it was a satisfying distraction for most from their real jobs and families. After awhile that gets to you, and working when most people aren't gets old after 20 years or so. Theres also the fact that by now, I could have a pension and could have had work related benifits all these years - there were times that my paycheck for teaching went straight into the dentists bank account.
You'll know when/or if the time is right. Grad school can be done, even with a family:)
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