Monday, June 18, 2007

Studying art


Okay, I will get back to quilting or Japan or something someday but I hope you'll let me indulge in a little bragging.

When Leiya went to the States two years ago we were really concerned about whether she'd be able to keep up with the school work, but her school counselor suggested that she take some basic art classes just so that she wouldn't always be drowned in academics. Leiya had had an interest in graffiti as art and had always scribbled on her books and notebooks but none of us considered it "art". She signed up for general art during her first semester of high school.

Occasionally during the past two years Leiya would write about her art classes and about how she was branching into different genres of art but we didn't know until she came back this week, how specialized her art classes were. I think that high school art classes in Japan are teaching "Draw something you like. Draw some scenery. Draw an animal." type of art classes. (I don't really know for sure.) But I don't think the kids are taught techniques. What I'm getting at is that we are amazed at how specialized Leiya's art classes in American high school have been! "What?! You drew this? How?" and Leiya tries to get us to understand how she is taught in her perspectives class, her negative space class, her fracture space class etc. It sounds to me like she's an art major in an art school! She gone from drawing classes to different types of ceramics classes and even photography and developing classes. What a great high school and Leiya's love of art has grown. Her dedication has paid off and she won some awards within her high school this past year and was even invited to exhibit one of her drawings at the Ohio Capital Conference exhibit. I know she loves art, but I'm sure that studying under the skillful teaching of the art teachers has developed her talent.

Right now Leiya is trying to decide if she should go on studying art in college or go into some other field. She realizes that art may not be the most practical way to make a living so she wonders if she should prepare for the world in some other way. She has interests in international affairs, care-work, education, but for now her passion is for art and she has less than a year to decide on college.
    Isn't it wonderful to have all these possibilities in front of her for her future?!
    1. Thrown Vessel - Wind Full of Petals
    2. Pen and Ink Drawing - Close-up of Object Study
    3. Pen and Ink - Negative Space Drawing
    4. Pen and Ink - Drawing in Perspective

    17 comments:

    QuiltingFitzy said...

    What about art education? If she loves art, maybe she could teach children her passion? Maybe that's like "having your cake and eating it too?"

    It's hard to decide what to do with the rest of your life at such a young age. Heck, I haven't decided yet (and probably never will!).

    Tonya R said...

    Oh these are gorgeous. I love that close-up pen and ink study. Leiya is very talented.

    anne bebbington said...

    She is a very talented girl - but then she has you for a mum Tanya so it's not that surprising - I love the pen and ink drawing of the trainer shoes - you could almost pick them up and wear them

    rumi said...

    Leiya-chan, your works are so wonderful! I am really amazed how greatly you have made efforts and have been devoted to learn new things. It was fortunate that I could listen to your explanation directly about your works and how you learned in your perspecties class, negative space class, fracture space class etc.
    I did enjoy your talk. Thank you so much, Leiya-chan. I really admire you!!!

    The Calico Cat said...

    WOW - I thought the ceramic piece was from an art catalog!

    Nancy said...

    Well, she certainly has the talent to have a career in art. Finding the right job is another thing entirely. I wonder if -- with her strong capability for detail -- she might be interested in medical or biological illustration?

    Quilt Pixie said...

    Its such a hard time of life to be in -- deciding what direction to take one's future. Encourage her to remember that she can always "remake" this decision at a later time if necessary and take the path she didn't choose. Its not easy to do but no choice re eduction/job needs to be a "forever" :-)

    dee said...

    o my gosh-that is one talented young woman. Fabulous work-she should not neglect this gift. WOW-I'm in awe...awe. Does she have a daily journal? A nice moleskin journal for a sketch a day would be great. Get that portfolio going now-I speak from experience.

    Bellydancingknitter said...

    She is very talented, and might even explore other art areas like jewelry making. Perhaps learning local traditional metalworking techniques and applying them to original designs...

    Mary said...

    What talent - I've always wanted to be able to draw but am really bad at it. Luckily I can feed my creative soul with my quilting. My youngest son, Adam, is very creative too - I didn't realize before he went to culinary school how much creativity was involved in being a chef. Needless to say, my dinners were always served with the food just plopped on the plate.

    Ulla said...

    What a great artist your daughter is.We all hope she get the possibilities to go on creating because she is a great talenty woman.
    And a peacemaker too.Our children make our world more shiny.

    My best regards
    Ulla

    teodo said...

    She is very talented!
    ciao ciao

    Mrs. Goodneedle said...

    Indeed, her talent is amazing. I am so joyful, along with you, for this homecoming. Blessings abound! Leiya is precious, and so are YOU!

    meggie said...

    It would seem her talent is only equaled by her beauty!!
    She is just gorgeous.

    Simonetta said...

    Wow!!!Compliments, a great artist your daughter :)))Ciao

    Shelina said...

    Your daughter is very talented! There is a school here that is dedicated solely to the arts. Columbus College of Art and Design. You can do a lot of things with art - interior design, advertising, fashion design, architecture, etc. I'm sure she will find a good way to get a job that she will love to go to everyday.

    Nadine said...

    I'm in awe ! Such a talent ! Wonderful pieces of art, from a wonderful young woman !

    Hugs& smiles !

    NADINE