Teacher, is that “Art”?

I’ve taught a couple of Art Summer Camps again this year. Well, taught is perhaps too formal a word. I have found that, at least to some extent, it’s best to “go with the flow”.

That was certainly true when, what was nominally a portrait session evolved into a celebration of abstract expressionism. One camper finished his work quickly and asked whether he could make something up. This quickly evolved into an exploration of pure abstract painting, dripping away à la Jackson Pollock. Others joined in and we quickly had an impromptu collection, drying all over the floor.

What was perhaps most fascinating was that there was easy agreement on which ones were the best: I think it’s interesting that there is a common feel for what is pleasing and effective,

Then I was asked the question that I was not expecting: whether the school’s tables were art in themselves. As with most art schools, ours are covered with a colourful history of paint splotches and spills.

An excellent “post modern” question I thought, and so I started my reply ..”well that all depends…”

What do you think?