Why Art Classes?
"Sarah, you're not an artist. So, why start art classes?" It's a big question, and an important one, as I embark on this journey with Organic Edu. I believe in the power of what I'm doing, and I want this to become my passion. I want to excel. I want Organic Edu and this artistic dream to take me further than I could ever imagine.
But why? Why do I think art is so important? Why am I the best person for this job? What do I hope to achieve—for myself, for my students, and for the world?
If I had to summarise my thoughts in a simple sentence, it would be this: I believe creativity can change the world.
Humans are inherently artists. We have always taken the material world around us and shaped it in ways that far surpass any other creatures. Since the beginning, we've created, built, painted, and explored. Yet, in the confines of modern life, many of us have lost our creative spirit, our flair, our zest for more. Whether it's music, painting, architecture, science, or mathematics, creativity is at the core of our existence. We haven't stopped creating—think about our technological advances like iPhones, e-scooters, and VR. We're living in the future! But I believe many people have become disconnected from their inherent creative genius.
Venus of Willendorf, a small statue found in Austria and believed to be 29 500 years old.
What happened to our creativity?
I think the education system has played a role, dulling our senses and personalities year after year. It makes us compete against each other and criticises those who speak too loudly or act too differently. Beyond that, our economic position often shackles our creative hearts. It’s hard to connect with your creative spirit when you're preoccupied with securing shelter, food, and water.
So many adults almost proudly declare, “I couldn’t even draw a stick figure.” They don’t believe they’re artistic, so they aren’t. It’s like maths anxiety, something passed down generationally. Parents say, “I’m terrible at maths,” and so their children say the same thing. But art... Come on, people! Art is limitless. There are rules, but there are also no rules. There’s a type of art called abstract art, which doesn’t even demand a specific form. Art doesn’t need to look a certain way. The most famous painters are celebrated because of their unique take on the world. If your artwork is identical to someone else’s in every way, you haven’t created it—you’ve copied it. However, if copying someone else's art is how you express yourself, that's still valid.
Here's the thing: You CAN draw a stick figure. It may not be extremely detailed, and it may look different from everyone else's, but that’s the point. I don’t want to see you try to create someone else’s stick figure. I want to see what YOUR mind and YOUR hands can come up with. What innate part of yourself can you put on the page? You literally cannot mess it up. We might laugh at your stick figure, but that’s good too! Being able to create humour is a wonderful thing.
Lascaux Cave Horse: Created approximately 17,000 years ago, located in Lascaux Cave, southwestern France.
So, why am I starting art classes?
Because I want to inspire a creative revolution. I want us as a species to tune back into our inner voices and our inner artists. I want families to sit together in presence and draw and paint, just because. Because it's good for us. It’s good for our minds, our bodies, and our sense of self.
Sir Ken Robinson, in one of my all-time favourite TED Talks (which I will continue to encourage everyone to watch), says, “Creativity is as important as literacy.” We need to prepare our children for a future we can’t even comprehend, and creativity is the key. It expands our minds, builds critical thinking skills, helps us think outside the box, and teaches us to trust ourselves.
Humans are creative beings. We think, see, and build like artists. Technology has only enhanced our ability to create and share with the world. I want to help bring creativity back into the family because I truly believe it can help us connect deeply with one another, share our feelings and emotions, and understand how each of us perceives the world.
Famous Fantastic Mysteries, October 1942
Bringing Creativity to Life
Ultimately, I want to see children, parents, and even whole communities rediscover the joy of creativity. I want to witness the moment a child realises they can make something entirely their own, that their ideas and expressions have value. I want to see families laughing together, covered in paint, finding new ways to connect through shared experiences.
Imagine a world where every person feels empowered to create. Where creativity isn’t seen as a luxury but as an essential part of who we are. Where we all have the courage to express ourselves, to embrace our unique perspectives, and to share them with others. This is the world I dream of, and it starts with one art class, one brushstroke, one shared moment at a time.
So, I invite you to join me on this journey. Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, take a moment today to create something, anything. Draw a stick figure, scribble a doodle, hum a new tune, or build something with your hands. Let’s reconnect with that part of ourselves that knows no limits. Let’s bring art back into our lives and see just how far our creativity can take us.
