From the outset, I was quite deliberate about my decision not to gain a formal education in art. I wanted to learn in an informal way, gaining my confidence and finding my own style, through experience and experimentation.
I prefer, however, to use the term informally educated rather than self taught to describe how I’ve acquired my skills. Learning vicariously, I’ve been influenced by all the amazing and talented people that go before me. I’ve learnt so much from my artistic Grandmother; I remember vividly art lessons in school; and I have burnt into my minds eye certain pieces of artwork that still effect me and my work today.
The term “informal education” allows for this, and, acknowledges that I have learnt from others, though not in a formalised way with a certificate at the end of the journey. I have an education in art – not acquired in the traditional way, but acquired none the less.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I believe that you are exactly right, though not all that accurate. Learning, on your own, how to become creative is very effective, but what about the other aspects of school? How would you learn how to effectively write persuasive essays or learn about early America? Though learning on your own can sometimes have greater out comes it has its limits. Art is the exception, being artistic is mainly about creativeness and that is something you can’t learn, you must simply be comfortable with it. History is not something that can come naturally, on the other hand, you have to be taught and be able to absorb the information. It would be a good happy-medium if you were able to teach yourself certain things, but retain an education for the other subjects.
Thanks for your thoughts Mel. It seems to me though that you have missed my point. I *do* have an education in art – it has just been acquired in an informal way.
I also do think that someone can learn to be more creative, if they really desire that in their lives. However, art is more than simply creativity. There are skills to be learnt; technical information about your tools and your process; and art history can have a major impact on how you choose to express yourself. These are the things I have learnt informally.
And really, *all* learning is “by ourselves” or rather from within – have you ever tried to teach someone who doesn’t want to learn and who is closed off to the information being presented?? Just because a person is given an education, doesn’t make them retain anything, if they don’t have the desire within to learn.
I have had many wonderful art “teachers” over the years though few of them presented their lessons in a classroom. Most were the authors of the hundreds of art books I’ve studied or the artists who inspire and “teach” me with their amazing work.
And though I wasn’t exploring other topics that can be learnt in this informal way – I disagree with you completely that history or essay writing or math or any other subject at all can’t be learnt in an informal way. How else were these things passed on before the rather recent invent of the school system?
Natural learning or informal education works wonderfully well because the people involved are self motivated and passionate learners who seek out the information they need with the hungry desire to be educated.