Design Principles: Diversity
Structures #69 ©2007 8.5" x 15.5"
Some more thoughts on the design principles from my kids’ Expeditionary Learning school and how they relate to being an artist. I’m taking a bit of a break from moving activities.
[All my posts on design principles.]
Design Principle #7: Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion in all groups dramatically increases richness of ideas, creative power, problem-solving ability, and acceptance of others. Encourage students to investigate, value and draw upon their own different histories, talents and resources together with those of other communities and cultures. Keep the schools and learning groups heterogeneous.
The Quilt Ghetto
Many (most?) textile/fiber artists tend to hang out with only other fiber artists. I hear the same is true for other disciplines such as photography or ceramics. When I started as an artist working in textiles, I was stuck in that same trap. Groups form to share ideas and techniques, friendships are made, it’s a great way to grow as an artist. It’s also a great way to get caught in the quilt ghetto.
The past 3 or 4 years I’ve actively looked to expand my circle of art friends and have found, just as the principle states, that the diversity results in richer ideas, more create power and problem solving ability and the ability to be more accepting of others.
Blogging has been a tremendous asset in building a more diverse and heterogeneous community. Once I get settled in Denver I’m looking forward to building new relationships with more artists of a variety of disciplines. I encourage all artists to break away from the pack every once and see what you can learn from those working in a different medium.
Structures #69 - Moving Sale
This small piece was inspired by the piece of artwork selected by Quilt National 2007 and now on tour, Structures #55. Today is the last day of my moving sale. Originally priced at $250, it is $150 for the next few days (since I’m posting it so late).
If you are interested in purchasing Structures #69, or any of my available artwork please email me.
Structures #55 ©2006 33" x 74"
Posted by Lisa in: Being an Artist
Tagged: Art for Sale, design principles, diversity, group energy
Kim Hambric said,
June 17, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
Artistic diversity is very imporant. My blog list includes artists in all media (except ceramics, at this point anyway). I find it enriching to know what motivates other artists and see how it works into their creations. I need to see what others do with color and texture.
Susie Monday said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
I worked with an Expeditionary Learning School for 2 years. Alas, the programs were discontinued by a small-minded school district. It was a fabulous experience and I was lucky enough to coordinate a school museum program where a 5th grade class actually attended the children’s museum full time as their school for the year. This series of posts has been a wonderful reminder of that time and those young minds. It is truly an extraordinary curriculum. Hope your kids find an equally good program in the new location.
Delilah said,
June 19, 2008 @ 7:13 am
Very nice blog
Lisa Call said,
June 23, 2008 @ 8:47 pm
Kim - the list is definitely very eclectic. Good resource for those looking for art blogs!
Susie - I didn’t know you worked at an EL school - how cool! I bet that was a wonderful experience. They are amazing aren’t they! Fortunately my kids will not have not move as I am moving to their school. They will now be able to walk home after school - no more carpool! Yay.
Thanks Delilah.