Faded Creativity

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I had the chance to participate in a great event called Minds in Motion sponsored by the Connecticut Association for the Gifted. This is an event that offers workshops for children from kindergarten to 8th grade as well as presentations for the parents. I was providing clay sculpting workshops to 2 groups of children: the first group was 5th and 6th graders, and the second 7th and 8th graders. I had about 15 kids in the first workshop and 6 in the second. These kids went through 100lbs of clay in 3 hours creating all kinds of things that came to their minds from dinosaurs, to airplanes, vases, bass-relief sculptures, princesses, cobras, and many other things.

IMG_5311.JPGThis event was a lot of fun. There were very talkative children and very quiet ones. I was worried the kids in the first group would use all the clay leaving nothing to the second group. Their creations were very imaginative and they produced one thing after another. Some challenged themselves creating large pieces. The girls created less and smaller pieces than the boys but focused on providing details to the pieces. The first workshop was very dynamic and entertaining. We talked about cartoons, movies, made jokes about out names, music,  and some of them were even singing at times. The second group presented a different dynamic.

The kids in the second group were very funny and nice but the conversations were more focused on books. They were very quiet in contrast with the first group. The conversations were less and shorter. Their creations showed faded creativity. Their pieces were fewer, smaller, and took them longer to decide what to create. They created pieces of more practical things like pencil holders. They also created books and an airplane, and a few bases, and something else with angel wings and a mermaid tail.

What does this mean? What conclusions could be reached from these observations? I am not certain it is enough information to reach definite conclusions but it is a good start for exploration of creative tendencies within the age differences, gender, developmental states, interests, and socialization. It could be interesting to see how they create in isolation in comparison with the group dynamics too. I guess my researcher mind was very present during the workshops as much as the artist and the teacher. In all, it was a great afternoon with wonderful children. I am thankful for the opportunity.

Sculpting Life

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scg2Sculpting clay is very therapeutic and fun. You don’t need experience. I have seen people in my classes, workshops, and sculpting parties who could not believe what they accomplished. All you need is to immerse yourself in the process. It is a unique experience.

scgForming the clay allows for a deep connection between creator and creation. Your hands will smell like clay and the clay will carry your fingerprints. Your fingers communicate with the clay as in a silent conversation. In the process the clay may get stubborn and hard to mold, but with water it becomes soft again. Sometimes little pebbles get mixed in the clay. You need to remove them before they ruin the piece. When the piece is complete you will be proud of the result.

scg1Your life is like clay. God is the sculptor. He is sculpting life in you. He is immerse in the process of forming your life and seeking a deeper connection with you. He is leaving his fingerprints on you and keeping your smell on his hands. Don’t fear or reject the tears that are softening your heart for him to continue working. Let him remove those painful pebbles of the past that left scars in your life. I assure you that at the end, no matter how imperfect you think you are, for Him you are his masterpiece.

The Gift of Art

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Here is a gift idea for you: bring someone to the sculpting party!!! Have fun together as you create your own piece. No experience necessary. Supplies, food and drinks are included. You need to sign up online: http://ivantirado.com/sculptingparty. I would like to stretch how much fun it is and all the benefits sculpting clay in such environment bring, but I’ll let the testimonials speak:

“The wine and art event with Dr. Ivan was very fun. It was a great way to relax after a work day, and I found myself lost in my sculpture, not thinking about or worrying about anything at all. A great release. This would be a great thing to do for a birthday party, or special event…learning a new skill, sipping wine, and becoming immersed in art and sculpture with friends. Dr. Ivan did a great job of teaching, but also allowing everyones own personality and design to be present.”

– Megan Micola

“Recently, I had the pleasure of attending Dr. Ivan Tirado’s Sculpture Class. I came to the lesson with some friends of varying artistic abilities. We were all able find our creative voice and enjoy the class regardless of our creative backgrounds. Many know Dr. Tirado is a gifted sculptor, but he is a masterful teacher as well. We learned about the proportions of the human form and how to use these new tools and techniques to explore them. No one felt the least bit intimidated on this adventure together with Dr. Ivan guiding the way! We all enjoyed this class and learned something new and are planning to set up another class soon.

– Michele Kelly

“Words cannot adequately express how much I appreciate Dr. Ivan Tirado, both as a teacher and as an inspiration. I had the good fortune to meet Dr. Ivan at a sculpture class where each participant created a torso.  His knowledge of the human body coupled with his encouraging teaching helped all of us to be successful!  Even if you had never touched clay before, his approach and techniques enabled all of us to walk away from his class with a piece we were proud of.”

– Leslie Alexander

“Oh what fun!  Dr. Ivan is a creative and talented artist with a flare of humor. He guides you through the entire process of sculpting and helps you make your own piece.  The best part is that you are completely in the moment, working with your hands. I would give five stars for one of these events!”

– Christina Roberts

 “I would like to take a moment to thank you for helping us pull off a surprise “sculpting” birthday party. We all had a blast and had something to show for the fun time we had. I must say, I truly thought my lump of clay had no hope! Ha ha Luckily, you know how to teach and guide a class of giddy mimosa drinking gals! We all left surprised at how well our “torso” turned out. Thank you so much!! Can’t wait to do it again!!!”

– Stephanie Pelizzari

“I would like to share my experience that I experienced with Dr. Ivan Tirado, an amazing sculptor and teacher. A specialist in his field. I attended an evening class. I had the most amazing experience! I had never sculpted anything in my life! It became beautiful and memorable evening of learning and being taught about the body! Dr. Tirado was very kind, patient & very knowledgeable! Without question I would highly recommend an evening discovering and participating in the Arts. I am very proud of my piece!! Thank you Dr. Tirado! I thank you for bringing light to my creative inside!!”

– Marisol Marty Valentin

“I recently began attending the BYOB sculpting class at the Milford Firehouse Gallery… and I can simply say money well spent! The atmosphere is relaxed and nonjudgmental… No matter your artistic skill level you are leaving with work of art.  Ivàn is patient and takes time to answer questions and guide each person.  You can immediately find a friend if you come alone; everyone is friendly and down to earth.”

– Jennifer Sandholm

 “The sculpting party was fantastic. Dr. Ivan is a very knowledgeable teacher and artist. He met you where you were at artistically and helped your work evolve. I went with a  group of people that varied in ability and he made everyone feel at ease. As an artist I would recommend going. It was so much fun!”

 – Brit
“Great! When can we do it again?! Totally enjoyed class and Instructions were clear and helpful; location was perfect. Couldn’t believe the finished piece. A nice escape from the norm!”
– Patty

“I thought it was an amazing class and was an awesome way to unwind the mind and not focus on anything else but the clay. Ivan was an awesome teacher who made you feel comfortable and made you feel like you knew what you were doing even if it was your first time sculpting. I would definitely recommend this to anyone and would absolutely love to do it again!”

– Kaity

I hope I can see you there and have some fun together. sign up online:

http://ivantirado.com/sculptingparty

If you want more information contact me.