In addition to working on revitalizing my wholesale collection, in the last week or so I've been getting little nudges to get back into teaching. Thing is - it's been a loooooooooong time since I taught anybody anything - a couple of private instruction gigs here and there, but that's it. I used to have fun with the mixed media/Artfest approach, but I'm totally out of touch with that genre. I've done the whole beginning PMC thing and don't really want to go back there + there's lots of peeps out there doing a fine job of teaching metal clay, not to mention they actually keep up with what's going on in that world.
Bottom line, I'm seriously out of touch with this big wide world of teaching and I don't have a clue where to start. I do what I do and live in a very insulated community. What I do know is there's been serious changes to all the teaching models and venues that I knew way back when I stopped teaching in '06.
So here's my question for you. If I were to get back into teaching, what would you like to learn from me? Techniques, methods, project or process oriented, online, teaching retreats, private parties ... this inquiring mind is really curious!
And hey, I should do a drawing to encourage feedback - one of the new pieces for my wholesale collection - a pebble wrap bracelet. It's 21" on hand-plied cocoa nylon, so it can be worn 24/7 as a necklace or bracelet - a $98 piece of swag.
... I'll give this a few days and draw a name on Sunday, the 18th. It would be lovely if anyone feels compelled to shop this idea around to your own circle of peeps.
Can't wait to hear what y'all have to say!
Thanks in advance.
liga - kvk
When I take a class I like to focus on learning techniques that I can apply to my own style. My preference is on line courses as it is more cost effective but when teaching a class such as PMC, tools can become an issue if you don't have access to a kiln, etc. In person classes are great to meet & learn from others, ask questions and to use tools you may not have tried before. Love the necklace/bracelet & I hope I am picked.
ReplyDeleteI understand you are coming at it from a practical stance, I can offer no practical advice. Your work and creativity itself are beautiful and boundless. Teach what you know and be inspiration. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback! Not a lot of peeps weighing in here and FB, which is interesting in itself ... means a smaller pool for the drawing!
ReplyDeleteKathy- this piece is lovely! Your Etsy shop filled with such awesome and unique designs. If I could take a class with you, I would love a bit of technique, a bit of inside tricks of the trade, and learn more about you as an artist. Altho, a weekend retreat would be awesome too! Will share on my FB page...
ReplyDeleteI would love to learn how you make your cord and why. I think it's a unique touch. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI took an online class recently and it was wonderful. It was interactive, had great videos and was available to us for 6 weeks. I learned a lot from the other students as well. I would try to take any of your classes, Kathy, whatever format you use. I live in the FL panhandle, so sometimes travel cost are prohibitive. I also am interested in techniques and methods...then I can get my creative juices flowing. I do love retreats, if they are not to expensive.
ReplyDeleteYour designs are beautiful and your talent is amazing! I've never taken a class before, but I would just like to spend a day with you at your bench just soaking it all in! Love love love the bracelet!
ReplyDeleteAngi Mullis dj2isme@aol.com
Your jewelry is amazing - simple but beautiful. Although it would be a real treat to take a class with you in person, you would certainly be able to reach more students with online classes. Whatever way you decide to go I'm sure it will be a success. Love that bracelet (and every other piece of your jewelry).
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, thinking I might look into doing some online demo's. No idea how that would work, but lord knows there's plenty of info floating around on the world wide web.
ReplyDeleteI'll be drawing a name tomorrow ... stay tuned and keep those comments coming!
Believe I'm with the consensous so far, online. I live on the west coast so travel is not really an option. Love your work ever since I came across a simple, lovely bracelet that enchanted me in Port Townsend, WA. I didn't just purchase it....I wanted to know who's mind created it. Did my research and have followed you and your work ever since. Whatever you choose to teach, if I have access to the class, I would be there.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of an online class - I'd like to watch you do some of that hand work with the cords. They always look so great and set off your gorgeous handmade silver work.
ReplyDeleteI have also wanted to take a class from you since I first saw your jewelry in Port Townsend. I love the idea of an on-line class because traveling is not always an option. Like others have suggested, your cord techniques would be a wonderful class. Also, even though there are many PMC instructors out there, I love the wabi-sabi simplicity of your PMC designs. That pottery background has given you something special to teach about hand-building, strength, and simple beauty. I also am interested in the different types of metal clay and when to use which type.
ReplyDeleteSuch great feedback and so much to think about. Thank you everyone! I'm going to draw a name and will be back shortly ...
ReplyDeleteShucks, missed the drawing but thought I'd put in my two cents anyway.
ReplyDeleteKathy your work is great - I've done some teaching at the Beadfest venues and love doing it but I agree with others. Sometimes the best way to reach a larger audience is to offer a variety of experiences. I'd do a three-way - (1) PDF for Etsy what you can teach via a tutorial (or consider offering a kit that includes the tutorial). I have a popular Viking Knit Kit that I've sold that way. (2) Offer an on-line class for everyone who prefers a video experience. (3) Offer about the same information in a class format which contains all the material and the personalized experience of your instruction - and an additional thing or two. If you offer instruction out this way it will additionally help to brand it as the "original" and so on. You've covered all of the formats available and popular yet you are primarily working off of variations on the same theme.
As to what to teach - I'd die to learn the plying for my mixed media and lampwork. I've children in the Asheville area and if you ever offer up a class I'm there! Etsy tutorial - I'm there!
Whoo Hoo! You go girl...
Sharon - apologies for the long delay in responding ... been consumed by all that redesign stuff. Anyway - thank you so much for your thoughtful response ... such good suggestions. No idea if or when I'll pursue teaching again, but you've given me some good food for thought.
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