The Paradox of Creativity in Art Education by Kerry Thomas

Author:Kerry Thomas
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783030213664
Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Catching the Student

Sian feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Mr Porteous’ action unexpectedly offers her the right solution. Gaining the affirmation she desires, her confidence grows to proceed in the uncharted territory of resolving the final pieces. And yet with his recognition she also has to overlook how he appears to take what she has done for granted. In truth what he offers is what she desires. Yet, there are doubts to repress. Earlier research on different types of bulbs, which had at the time been spurred on by Mr Porteous’ suggestions, now needs to be overlooked. Another student might challenge him, but she senses the benefits. At the same time she has the grace to keep quiet.

Mr Porteous can reckon on his generosity being recognised by Sian, which because of its necessity, will also be recognised by others in the group. Paradoxically, with all the advantage on offer, neither declares the truth of their exchange because to declare the price would be to destroy the exchange. Their mutual trust is based on the ‘taboo of making things explicit ’ (Bourdieu 1998, p. 96).

He continues with instructing Sian about how the electrical wires will be soldered to the thirty individual panels and wired up to the transformers, maintaining his control and building on the credit of the encounter. The unrequited act is forfeited, its uniqueness becoming a further stage in their relationship and the creativity of the work.

‘What you need to do is set it up… where the transformer is… what height it is… so you’re going to have all of those central wires coming to the transformer’. Graphically imprinting his plans on her thinking, exaggerating his actions in broad sweeping gestures offset by more delicate movements where he apprises himself of the different components, all the while directing her in how she proceeds. Knowing that Sian has not done this kind of work before, he, all the same, entrusts her with what he proposes. The risk, excitement and uncertainty that his request generates causes Sian to feel elated and distinguished. No one else has been asked to take on such complex tasks. At the same time, no one else could fall so far if things were to go wrong. Still, Sian wants to submit to Mr Porteous’ domination, unable to refuse his power in taking on actions that are impossible without him.

Like Sian, Mr Porteous recognises the risks but calculates the benefits. Fuelled by this interest, he pushes her beyond what he might do otherwise but calculates with his protection what he proposes is not beyond her breaking point. The creative advantages that he alone can provide her compel him.

In the follow up interview, Sian reflects on the making of the work. ‘It is such an important work to me. I think that’s why I put so much effort into it’, she says, still making sense of the transformational nature of her experience. And yet Mr Porteous’s technical expertise, including the advice on wiring up the work, and the

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