Reciprocity: Learning from, giving back

Reciprocity is a word that resonates with artist-teachers. They continually learn so that they may give back: to their students, to their community, to their art, and also to themselves. English teachers may write novels, but are not expected to do so. Likewise, teachers in other subjects may or may not participate in their chosen discipline outside of their school responsibilities. This does not detract from their perceived value as teachers. Most art teachers enter teaching expecting to maintain their own practice, hoping to use this to add depth and breadth to their students’ experiences.

Those who have an active practice are often seen by schools as being valid representatives of their profession.

Participants in this exhibition responded to the need to hone their technical skills. They acknowledge that part of this stems from the requirement to teach these same skills to their students; however, another component, one that is a vital link to our exhibition theme, is the urge to renew their own practice. The exhibition is a focal point not only for their personal art making but also for their interaction with their peers. Working as a visual artist tends to be a solitary occupation, with little input from others. The sharing of ideas with one another allows for growth, not only in social networks but in creative practice as well. An exhibition such as this also encourages the teacher to allow the artist within to emerge and to re-invigorate the whole person. It is a way of giving back to themselves: Reciprocity.