SOMEHWERE, 14" x 11", charcoal, artist Gael Perry

THERE IT IS, 14" x 11", charcoal, artist Gael Perry

J: Yes. I see teaching as a mutual learning process. You know, it’s not so much me doing all the giving, and not taking. A student’s response, a student’s question, leads me to explain it a different way. Their response causes me to see things from a different perspective. 

In the expression of their own work – it might be a certain color combination, or it might be the way they use it, or even a certain technique that they use – I always learn something from that.​

And, {laughs} I warn students in advance: “I am stealing. I am stealing. You put down something that I can use. I got it. Just so you know.” So it’s a mutual learning process.

J: When I was working with the children at Open Doors and at workshops at the YMI, I only have a short time frame to work with them. It’s not enough time for the participants or students to produce something that they can take with them. It is not enough time for them to really get a solid working understanding of the process. ​

The main thing that I want them to take from it is to realize that they are artists already – regardless of what form it takes – that they already know how to draw. That started when they were little kids. The main thing I want them to realize is that it’s the importance of creative expression in itself, regardless of what form it takes. 
We emphasize drawing, because this is something you started with as a child. It’s in you already. So regardless of the outcome, it’s to process of making an effort. 

There’s a book called “Your Brain on Art.” It talks about how scientists have actually hooked up electrobes and other stuff to people’s arms, shoulders, etc., to actually measure blood pressure, and brain waves to show the positive benefits of people who are engaging in (and shortly after) the creative process. 

​So, regardless of what form that art might take, it’s to process of doing something. Make a creative effort. Express yourself.

GIRL WITH ORANGE  This painting was chosen for exhibition in the 110th online International competition sponsored by Allied Artists of America. Oil on Canvas “30x36”
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J: Well, art is my ministry. in that to minister means to "meet the need of" And art idoes that on so many level, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually. They’ve gotta go hand in hand. There are those who say, “art imitates life.” I understand that to a certain point. But to me, “art is life, since art ireflects and interpret who we are individually and as a peoples.

The way this plays out on a day to day basis, is: I’m living life, interacting with other people. My desire, my prayer to the universe for the beginning of each day, is that I be a blessing, both in word and deed, in some way, to everybody whose presence I come into. 

​And that, of course, translates into the art as well. So, on a day to day basis, living and acting in this state of mind is ministry..