Regenesis

autonomy

The real vocation of a teacher is to enable the pupil to learn for themselves. As an artist myself, I am continually aware of how useful it is to be able to rely on yourself in difficult situations, both professional and general.

Culturally, we appear to be moving in the opposite direction. When life does not conform to the expectations we have been taught, we automatically seek help. We have no difficulty in finding it - doctors, specialists, therapists, coaches and clairvoyants are all on hand to give us the answers we desperately crave. This is a natural human instinct, and in the case of serious medical illness is of course absolutely necessary.

The urge to help yourself and find your own way out of difficulties is, however, also innately human - an instinct clearly visible when watching small children solve problems. It is my belief that, particularly in the industrialised countries of the world, this instinct is being gradually eroded. The unfortunate sufferer of complicated problems runs from teacher to teacher, and with each new attempt  feels further away from themselves and understanding the roots of their condition.

My work functions pricipally through constructive self - reflection, gradually piecing together the disparate but connected strands of technical, physical and psychological behaviour that has taken us to this point. The pupil stands at the centre, slowly building an understanding of themselves that will enable them eventually to function with more autonomy and self - reliance.

Date: 22.12.2007