Learning Through Passion
Guest Contributor — Joanna C. Bevis
Learning through passion, what does this really consist of?
I ask myself frequently what it really means to be an artist. What inspires one to create, and then still, to continue and create farther?
Through a series of events I found myself having the opportunity to further educate myself via the classes offered through Opus. This has been an extremely rewarding experience.
The first classes I enrolled in were to study more of the technical skills, which as so far, I have been a self-taught artist and this proved quite challenging. I started in the basic fundamental classes at Langara College to understand more about working with my chosen medium, acrylics. The instructor, Linda Findlay, was very thorough and I believe it has benefited me immensely to learn from the 'beginnings' even though I have been painting for years.
This was just the start of an onward progression of instruction. Having completed the acrylics workshops then left me still wanting more and I found myself once again searching through the Opus website, hungry for knowledge. The next encounter of learning really has brought me to a whole new level.
This phase has been a more hands on approach. Through attending classes with James Picard, I have been given the gift of self-discovery and an enhanced awareness of techniques to enhance my skills. His classes are an unbelievable awakening to the potential that lies within. This has been a turning point in my evolution of knowledge.
The freedom to express and create through passion is a fundamental aspect of learning and I believe one that all artists share. It is so important to continue expanding our minds, no matter what we have accomplished thus far; this truly is the birth rite for all. After some meditative moments I can now answer these questions. To be an artist is to live, learn and grow through our passion, to wholeheartedly immerse ourselves in the process of what we are and do. As we continue to develop, we continue to create. Our fuel is passion, our vehicle is imagination and our destination is knowledge. So I encourage anyone who seeks to challenge their mind or explore their creativity to go in search of knowledge. It really is the key to success.
Thank you Opus for your database available, there is something for all who seek to educate themselves and go beyond.
Sunshine & Soulshine, Joanna C. Bevis 'OJO'
Photo Caption: Abstract technique study by Joanna Bevis with instructor Linda Findlay.Interested in learning more about Opus' Workshops & Classes database? Select the Community Workshops button at the top of this page!
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