Creative ID: 224
I am available in North Canterbury and the greater Christchurch area.
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I am polymer clay Artist. I conduct classes for kids to learn how to use polymer clay to create individual Christmas decorations, nameplates or other pieces of art work. I am also a professional comedian and would like to work with children on how to do stand up comedy to combat bullying and raise self-esteem.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with
I currently run creative polymer clay classes at our co-op shop in Christchurch CBD. Each class fills rather quickly. Kids enjoy working with polymer clay to create. I have been a polymer clay artist for the last 20 years. I have taught classes in America, Japan and New Zealand. I participate in over 25 craft shows per year on average. I have owned and operated a Christmas Ornament Kiosk in a shopping centre for several years.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
- I have worked in the children ministry at Church for the last 25 years.
- I have taught classes to children in three countries.
- I taught ESOL classes in Japan.
- I currently run kids craft classes several times per year. I teach the children to explore art using polymer clay like play dough, except we bake and coat the pieces to preserve and take home. I allow the children to design their own pieces with very little input as this is the time to use their creativity and experiment with colours and textures. If a child is struggling to create I gently point them in a direction using a cookie cutter to help guide them into a creative solution. This class is 100 percent student driven. I am just a guide to help with techniques.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
I really feel that children have lost the opportunity to express themselves creatively. Most spend too much time doing what they are told and not experimenting with colours and textures and creating art. Children need more hands-on art experiences this helps with hand and eye coordination and creative problem solving. I enjoy watching children come alive when they get to express themselves creatively. I get inspiration from my children students they can create pieces that so are out of the box it is very inspiring. I am also more mature and I have no grandchildren or small children at home any more. I enjoy working with kids and being creative with them.