tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post2625195193905297942..comments2024-03-08T00:12:34.350-08:00Comments on Art and Quilts, cogitations thereon: The Value of Workshops vs the Love of LearningElizabeth Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13928615247903165719noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-30047601263605764712016-01-31T07:50:21.211-08:002016-01-31T07:50:21.211-08:00As a former educator, I find that your thoughts in...As a former educator, I find that your thoughts in this post are so "right on"! The current approach to teaching by testing for facts is so out of whack. <br /><br />I take online classes mostly because I can't focus in an onsite class. There is too much going on around me, and I continually re-evaluate my progress and change to keep up with the others. I've now taken all of your online classes, and of course, I have gained new skills. However, I have also gained work skills and organization approaches - perhaps in just doing the work and learning what "work dance" makes the process easier for me. I always hope to gain new skills, but also to gain artistic abilities and interpretive approaches. The last two can only be evaluated by me... they will never show up on a test. If I feel like I haven't gotten my monies' worth, it is always because I didn't do the work. But I love the reasons you give for others who take classes.... escaping from family pressures, enjoying the company of classmates, traveling to a new location ... all esoteric and definitely worthwhile for those people. When I consider taking an onsite class again, I will allow myself to just absorb what is offered and not be so focused on being able to complete the task at hand! Thanks for thinking and writing!Mary Ritterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09707881623986621335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-65438635117828571702016-01-23T12:27:06.627-08:002016-01-23T12:27:06.627-08:00I think you're right, you get out what you put...I think you're right, you get out what you put in...and also sometimes you find out that what they're teaching isn't for you after all...it's all knowledge though.<br />I must admit I agree with you Kris R about teachers who just sit there doing their own work - UNLESS it's for a demo of course. It is difficult knowing what is the most helpful thing for the class, if you've been round everyone twice and helped them as much as they wish, and now they all want to get on with their own work! You do feel at a loose end. I try to sit there looking extremely approachable!!Elizabeth Bartonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13928615247903165719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-30063855362584330722016-01-23T12:21:25.113-08:002016-01-23T12:21:25.113-08:00I always learn something - or take something away ...I always learn something - or take something away from classes whether online or in person. <br /><br />My only negative from a workshop was a visiting teacher/artist who wasn't 'present' for our weekend. For whatever reason - she kept to herself, did her own work and only interacted with the students on occasion. However - other students didn't seem to mind this and seemed content. Perhaps it was because of who the teacher/artist WAS and not their teaching - I'm not sure. (Star-struck?)<br /><br />I also think that sometimes I sign up for classes with expectation and excitement but by the time the class actually comes around, my interest has waned somewhat. That's more a reflection on me though! I struggle to stay focused on one area of creativity and bounce around frequently.<br />KrisRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16329097418939443256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-45617829406631282762016-01-21T18:21:38.116-08:002016-01-21T18:21:38.116-08:00learning is never wasted you never know when you w...learning is never wasted you never know when you will use it. Sometimes the things learned in a workshop are not just from the teacher.....but others around you. I like to learn because its fun.....Deb s.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-31861666424514338142016-01-19T11:33:54.515-08:002016-01-19T11:33:54.515-08:00Sometimes what I learn in a workshop is what I don...Sometimes what I learn in a workshop is what I don't want to do. And that's perfectly valid for me. <br /><br />I can't remember a workshop where I didn't learn something -- whether from the teacher, or from observing other students, or observing my own work from a new perspective.<br />amyfibrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01089380287307928974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-14359321994858567312016-01-19T11:19:16.233-08:002016-01-19T11:19:16.233-08:00The value I get from a workshop consists of severa...The value I get from a workshop consists of several things, all which are a direct result of the work that I put into the workshop. I get value right after a workshop from seeing, listening, writing, and doing the exercises the best way that I can. I also benefit by preparing for a workshop, gathering the ideas and photos, perhaps some sketching, so that I get more out of it while there. And then there is the long term value from what I assimilate and internalize from the exercises. It may come out a year or two later, in a different form because I'm expressing it in my own way. And that benefit takes effort, because I have to do the work to truly assimilate the learning.Connie in Alabamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00326006203761665176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-3264786364183368032016-01-18T05:24:19.248-08:002016-01-18T05:24:19.248-08:00Great comments! And thank you so much everyone fo...Great comments! And thank you so much everyone for sharing your thoughts....I agree with so many of them. I didn't realise how much I loved learning too until quite recently, but looking back I was always doing it - one of those perennial students - that should have given me a clue! A choice between a beach and a classroom is EAsy!<br />Re the dyeing class, yes my classes with the academyofquilting.com rotate constantly...I add a new one about once a year, but so far have not dropped any.<br />I do run a private master class which focusses on design and composition, not surface design. A class where the students can dictate the timing of the lessons would be an interesting prospect and I could certainly discuss it with my "boss" at the academy...the only problem I see is that the students would not all be at the same stage and so that might well cut down on discussion between them. Do email me privately about that: there's a link on the side bar for emails.<br />I do agree though, progress is always the result of a mix of desire, good teaching, commitment and hours and hours of practice. Thank you all! ElizabethElizabeth Bartonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13928615247903165719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-42659221524578943882016-01-18T05:06:52.055-08:002016-01-18T05:06:52.055-08:00No regrets but.. if I could go back to kindergart...No regrets but.. if I could go back to kindergarten I'd enjoy it more because I have learned to love learning. I 'had' to go to school; now I want to. I did a lot of classes when I began quilting but I've since learned I get more understanding when I am home alone surrounded by my supplies and minimal 'noise. Moving into mixed media art I have learned that everything influences everything, especially life. Thanks for sharing your own learning!!!ellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15188791638739872773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-40165501402021793322016-01-18T04:42:09.832-08:002016-01-18T04:42:09.832-08:00The classes I take are for the sheer enjoyment of ...The classes I take are for the sheer enjoyment of learning. The ultimate goal is to become a better artist, but that's up to me and the amount of effort I put into it, and not the teacher. If I can learn just one new little thing, be it an obscure fact or a whole new technique,the time and expense of taking the class has been worth it. For me, online classes are preferable as I can work at my own pace (in my jammies if that's what I want to do), and if life intervenes I can at least download the materials and continue when time permits.Mollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04224378050325148250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-46255415755264473002016-01-17T22:37:03.390-08:002016-01-17T22:37:03.390-08:00Thank you for addressing this topic. I'm fed u...Thank you for addressing this topic. I'm fed up with people questioning the value of my City and Guilds course. You won't believe how often someone has said "what are you going to do with that?" As if the certificate is the aim of the course!! Apart from the sheer enjoyment and escape from work and routineI have been able to try out lots of new techniques and processes, often using equipment and resources that would be costly to buy. This has meant I need only buy items I know I will use in theu future. Sew Jacky Ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13878249003905816421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-25845768328776302512016-01-17T20:39:44.544-08:002016-01-17T20:39:44.544-08:00the classes I like best have a social component. w...the classes I like best have a social component. whether online or in person. I really like it when there's someone in the class I know.<br />Katie Stein Satherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05102858513652583602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-14039488792748795242016-01-17T20:12:12.159-08:002016-01-17T20:12:12.159-08:00I take classes for techniques that I can use in ot...I take classes for techniques that I can use in other areas. I choose classes based on whether I can get the teacher locally or not, what they're teaching, etc. I have discovered that I get the most out of the class if I have a specific goal going in AND I set aside time after the class to practice. That is the hardest. It's easy to be done with class and re-enter life's rollercoaster and not get back to the class info for a month or more often way more. <br /><br />I hope you will be teaching the dye class again. I too, had no setup, didn't hear about it in time to get anything together and didn't have time to commit to more than one lesson - busy weekends and a f/t job. Time is precious. Anyway, I hope you'll be able to do it as an at-your-own-pace class or similar. My other option is going to be Color by Accident, and then Color by Design and just work through those books. Any other suggestions would be welcome. Leigh in Portland (we are not burning down)https://www.blogger.com/profile/06372544021604211747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-59359588972179419302016-01-17T17:22:44.614-08:002016-01-17T17:22:44.614-08:00I love to learn -- online and off! Will a single ...I love to learn -- online and off! Will a single class/workshop/course make me an expert? Gosh, no! But...everything adds to everything else. I've recently finished your Master Class. I've even more recently created a small-ish (15" square) piece using a) layers and b) lost edges...incorporating a new-to-me technique (mono-printing) from an online tutorial...I got two miniature pieces out of the samples. I'm in your online dyeing class...with no space in which to set up a proper dye studio and no time to 'finish the assignments'. No matter! All will be stored away for time and space (when I can work outdoors) to arrive. I'm saving all the lessons as pdf files and will have a library to look at...and might even be brash enough to e-mail you with a question, possibly months down the road. It's a great 'pot' of knowledge, and I feel blessed to be able to dip into it as time and energy permits. Thank you for your contributions to the artistic learning stew! ;-)Margarethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04472013513744969837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-32319750914459426892016-01-17T16:25:10.402-08:002016-01-17T16:25:10.402-08:00As you stated sometimes learning for learning sake...As you stated sometimes learning for learning sake. Sometimes a new technique. Sometimes to be social. Sometimes to find out if I like something. The only true way we can improve is to practice what we learn. Take in the lessons and use what we feel will move us forward. For me it is to bring myself some joy because I love learning. <br /><br />Online classes allow me to take courses I could not take due to costs of travel and expenses. They also let me work from home where all my stuff is. <br /><br />In person classes are more social and interactive. I learn a lot from others and can share different perspectives. <br /><br />I would love to take more in person classes as it would be a fuller experience. More interactive but for now I do online and read a lot. I also like a good technique dvd to have something to refer back to. I love rewatching my DVDs. <br /><br /><br />I do like your books Elizabeth and have enjoyed making notes as I read them . Maybe even some day I can take one of your classes. <br /><br />Thanks for the thoughtful blog posts. It is inspiring to a relatively amateur artist who is trying to apply what she learns to improve her work <br /><br />JoJo Vandermeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07387737331055177779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210759514036256082.post-59283701277766636462016-01-17T14:25:51.701-08:002016-01-17T14:25:51.701-08:00Oh I couldn't agree more - talk about measurin...Oh I couldn't agree more - talk about measuring the measurable and ignoring the rest! The thing I love most about quilting in the widest sense is the feeling that I'll never run out of new things to learn about - whether that is about technique or process.<br />How can you measure self-esteem, companionship or the act of learning itself? <br />The only commercial measure you need is whether people sign up or not - and that's a measure of the teacher, not the pupil!!!Linda B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05490436237080230938noreply@blogger.com