Nicole S. Herbst

Taylor T., Chains of Conformity, grade twelve.

The high-school art room is a safe place for students. It’s a space where kids can immerse themselves in a different world and disconnect from the demands of their busy lives. Here, new art techniques and processes become tools for students to express themselves. Experimenting, researching, planning, and applying all become part of the artists’ journey to create original works and contribute to art discussion and criticism.

The Challenge of Creativity
While the art room is a haven for many, it doesn’t solve every problem. Sometimes students feel overwhelmed by the expectations required of effective artmaking. Ideas don’t always become the amazing creations students imagine.

Doubt, second-guessing, self-esteem issues, anxiety, and depression can interfere with the process of creation. Students can become discouraged and throw out good ideas because they want nothing less than perfection; they often don’t understand that making mistakes and revisions are important and necessary steps of the creative process.

As teachers, we need to provide opportunities to help our students feel they can continually create without always judging outcomes. We need to meet students where they are and model the ups and downs of the creative thought process. We need to encourage students to hold on to their doodles, practice drawing, and make mistakes, and to treat them as the wonderful building blocks that they are.

Sketchbook Art Journals
So, after twenty-seven years of teaching art, I was thrilled to be granted permission to offer an art class based solely on the creation of a sketchbook art journal. The idea is for students to be evaluated on the beauty of brainstorming, playing with media, exploring ideas visually, and personal reflection.

During each class, I introduce 2D materials to students by demonstrating them on a large classroom screen. Students follow my lead, practicing techniques and applying them in various ways in their sketchbooks. As students develop a range of media and skills at their own pace, they gradually incorporate words and mixed media to create full double-page layouts that tell their personal stories.

Demonstrating the Process of Creating
The most important aspect of this teaching style is modeling the process of creating while using a document camera and large screen in class. Students need to see the art teacher creating art as well and intrinsically enjoying the process. My favorite part, aside from demonstrating different techniques while students are experimenting, is the actual creation of inspiration layouts. Art has so many answers for outcomes, and everyone can achieve different results at the same time.

It is liberating and inspiring for me as a high-school art teacher to continue to find ways to experiment and create with my students.

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