The Method
Not everyone can draw, but everybody has imagination to ‘read’ one or another painting, to ‘see’ its hidden messages and to ‘understand’ the artwork in their own unique way. Thus, the art helps us discover that specific code through which we could better understand and express ourselves and our inner world, and at the same time – connect with others.
Of course, we could do this with our hands – by drawing a painting, making a small sculpture, jewellery, origami, or a collage. But we could also try to ‘narrate’ the painting using our own words and from symbols, forms and colours we see, to solve the puzzle of our own emotions and things which are truly important for us.
How many times looking at a well-known painting, photograph, sculpture, installation, or other artwork, suddenly have you ‘seen’ it in a brand-new way? And something completely new has come to your mind, which previously you have not thought about?
Art Inspired Education
This is indeed in the heart of the Art Inspired Education. Through it, we combine different games and other amusing learning approaches based on art appreciation, and learn how to look inside, how to analyse things, and how to make new connections and associations beyond the ordinary events.
This way, we not only provoke learners’ curiosity about different movements, artists and works from Classical, Modern and Post-modern art, but also learn how to ‘talk about’ them, how to experience them, how to connect them with ourselves, with our daily activities, with our lives and work, and also – with the world around us.
And through this, we take the role of innovators and discover new ideas and approaches. We learn to ask questions, to break with stereotypes, and to provoke ourselves. But also – to listen to others and to ‘open up’ our senses for their opinions and perspectives.
How do we achieve these? – through combining contemplation and self-reflection over works from Classical, Modern and Post-modern art, short intros and lecturettes on different art movements, artists, and works under discussion, game-based exercises, which link the artworks with learners’ inner worlds, with their daily activities and personal interests, and by using discussions, puzzles and other games we learn how to take a critical approach, to be innovative and to think out-of-the-boxes and usual routines.