Karen Placke's Philosophy of Art and Art Education
Art is universal visual communication that functions without the barriers of traditional languages, and so the audience can be universal! Art is an aesthetic expression of one’s ideas or feelings. It is a bridge to thoughts and complex issues and concepts that sometimes cannot be described with words, but that we respond to deeply. Art teaches, persuades, entertains, and beautifies.
Artists are driven by their sense of wonder and curiosity. Artists combine imagination, observation, and skills in their craft to create beauty. Artists bring visual order out of chaos.
I believe the urge to create is basic and universal, as we have been formed in the image and likeness of God who is supremely creative. In studying art as well as in creating it, we are more able to appreciate God’s creation, and we see and develop in ourselves a tremendous gift from our Creator.
Wait, there's more! Consider that art also transmits the memory of civilization. Through art diverse cultures can be better understood. Art both shapes and reflects the values and beliefs of society, whether the art is utilitarian, fine or environmental. Making art and studying it can promote cooperation, collaboration and consideration.
Art builds a bridge between verbal and non-verbal, the logical and emotional, and helps us to witness as parts become the whole. In this field of study as in no other, intuition is trusted as a legitimate source of knowledge. Whether we are creating art or studying it, we expand our thinking, become more inventive. Art demonstrates that there may be multiple solutions to a problem – it exercises our divergent thinking, our right brain attributes: design, creativity, empathy. Creating art cultivates the direct experience of the senses.
An education in art helps students learn to appreciate and engage in the art forms of their society, including architecture, fashion, graphic design, and much more. Students of art imagine, create, modify and reflect. The intellectual requirements of this discipline help students develop problem solving strategies as well as skills in analysis, synthesis and evaluation. This is critical, because our nation competes in a world where the ability to produce continuing streams of creative solutions is increasingly the key to success.
Art encourages excellence. Students enhance their abilities to solve challenges with insight, reason and technical proficiency. Self motivation, self discipline, and persistence are qualities developed in an art studio, and can transfer to life experiences beyond the art room. And high standards are achieved through the habit of discipline.
Art can be a very powerful vehicle for motivating students. Art addresses alternative learning styles that transfer to other disciplines. The pleasure of learning becomes real, tangible. A ten year study of 25,000 American students revealed that students involved in the study of art scored significantly higher in math and reading – on average 16 to 18 point above non art students. A second ten year study showed that art students were also better equipped to use their imagination and take risks, and they were more cooperative and confident, as well as more artistic than their non-art counterparts.
The arts are a unique source of enjoyment and delight, providing the “Aha!” of discovery when we see ourselves in a new way, grasp a deeper insight, or find our imaginations refreshed. Knowing and practicing art is fundamental to the healthy development of our children’s minds and spirits, so it is very wise to make room for it in our lives!