Experimentation and Discovery

2 CommentsBlog, , , , , ,

Photo Dec 09, 3 36 39 PMI shared some studio time with a little friend, 4 year old Adie. As she began painting and mixing paint she turned to me and said, “Look! Yellow mixed with red makes orange! I didn’t know that!” This happened several times as she discovered green, purple, pink, gray, and the most exciting discovery: brown! She continued painting switching brushes, sometimes her using her fingers, and sometimes a brush in each hand at the same time. The task continued for about 90 minutes until the canvas was covered. Of course her hands, clothes, and areas of the studio got some share of paint, but it was fun to watch.

Kids have the capacity to engage in a task without considering what people might think. Kids are not creating because they want to please someone or to show off their abilities. They create because it flows from within. They create for the fun of it. Their minds are free from prejudice. Kids are not concentrated on a future sale or market value. They just create.

Photo Dec 09, 4 39 44 PMDo you remember the last time you engaged in an art project just for fun? When was the last time you experimented and discovered something new for your art? Experimentation leads to discovery. Engage in experimentation as kids do. I can’t stop saying this: Renew your love for what you do. Pretend you don’t know. Pretend it is your first time and enjoy it.  Forget about production and time for a moment and just go with the flow of your creative process. Try something new. Watch a kid paint or sculpt. A kid follows imagination where it takes them. It is not about technique or perfection. They just flow with it. Expose yourself with the mind of a kid, experiment, and discover.

The Gift of Art

Blog, , , , , , ,

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.