Beyond the sketch pad

CHENNAI: In school, art classes entailed copy figures and abstracts, from one page to another, or from the board to paper. But over the years, this ‘textbook method’ has changed for the better. Art education has become a creative process that triggers open dialogues and liberal views,” says Susan George, who along with Sandra Vincent, from Sir Mutha School, Chetpet, won the National Award for promoting the ‘Best Artistic Process in Classroom’. The two-day event was organised by the Indian Art and Design Educators Association (IADEA) to recognise excellence in art teaching in schools across the country.

“It was an amazing experience to teach children and brainstorm ideas with them about different art interpretations of the theme — futuristic cityscape. To have won the award is such an exhilarating experience,” says Susan George, who taught students from Class 9 about one-point perspective and radial perspective.

Buildings inspired by imaginary cities like Metropolis and Gotham became their point of reference and the students were even taught to illustrate their own view of a cityscape. “Giving them such themes and relatable references like Gotham city, made the work all the more interesting,” she shares.

Students had to complete the artwork in just 90 minutes. “We submitted six art works for the conference and were selected for the award,” she says pointing to the illustrations, made with Indian ink and black gel pen.

Recalling how art education has transitioned over the years, Susan shares, “When I was a kid, art was about copying what was on the board... now it has changed. We introduce them to different elements, artists, explore mediums, relate art with stories and bring out different techniques of both art and design. You cannot teach the same technique every year. As educators, we should keep innovating, and think more.”

Concurring, Sara Vetteth, founder, IADEA, says that across the country art education has been recognised and is gaining more importance in schools. “Many schools are starting to realise that art also helps children in developing critical thinking skills and life skills. It teaches them to collaborate, innovate and also think out-of-the-box,” she shares.

Susan and Sandra were chosen as winners by judges RM Palaniappan, and Barcelona-based art educator, Harry Hancock. “The art projects were ranked under a rigorous selection process. We encourage such submissions and post it on our Facebook page. These also enable you to come up with an innovative curriculum,” says Sara.

Susan doesn’t believe in ‘colouring book art’.”To teach children artistic expressions is important. It gives them a platform to showcase their own unique style...there is no point in asking them to work within a pre-constructed model.”