The Uncreative

The other day in class we stumbled upon a picture of a clay pot. I asked the kids how would you make such a pot and they exclaimed, "A machine, Teacher!". I laughed and then asked them if they had ever made a clay pot in art class. They all looked at me with puzzeled looks. I think started to describe the four ways I learned how to make clay pots, wheel, pinch, coil and slab. Still more puzzeled looks... I moved on to the next topic but I asked Michael about it. Many times over the past few months being here I have been amazed at the kids knowledge but discouraged by their lack of creativity. As Michael describes it, Korean schools do not cherish creativity like American schools do. Many eastern artist go to art school in the west to learn to be creative and think outside the box. Where we clearly lack in discipline or pure knowledge we may make up for it in someway with creativity. If you asked a Korean student anything about the history of Asia they would certainly have an answer. If you asked them about why a painting is beautiful, you would get a blank look. I think we can both learn a lot from each other.