Thoughts from a Photowalk and then Meet the Artist – Karen Nobel

 “A hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank…but the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the life of a child.” –– Forest Witcraft

I had a chance to participate in a photo walk in my old stomping grounds of Jupiter Florida this past weekend. It was coordinated by Mike Brown, a local photographer/artist/teacher that until the walk, I had only known in a virtual way. During the experience, and for a while after it, I thought a lot about the art of teaching and what a gift it is to share your passion. Our group leader started out the gathering by getting a handle on the expertise level of the group. For some reason, I had a preconceived notion that everyone that was there would have been advanced photogs and have not only the basics down, but also they would all be at the same level.

Lesson one, don’t assume.

Shortly after that, he divided us up into smaller groups while emphasizing the opportunity that we all had something to share with someone else. Again, another lesson….we all can inspire each other while we share our unique gifts with the world……no matter what level we are at. One hand up while reaching down to help someone along the way.

Simple, I know, but true.

Another realization…..I should have taken a few more images!

I think I had more fun watching my daughter teach what she knew than actually capturing the world around me. Who new she was such a good teacher 🙂  I guess seeing that and capturing the memory in my minds eye was better than any images I could have grabbed, but here is a quick one of the fading light at the end of the walk.

Getting back to teaching….

So one of my Facebook friends posted a link to this video below today. It’s a short but brilliant expression by a 13 year old artist / student about what his vision of happiness and education is and how important it is that there is a synergy between them.

Again, a 13 year old!

Or click here for the videoAs you might know from a few of my previous posts, I am quite passionate and opinionated about our current and somewhat flawed educational system. Seth Godin blogs quite a bit about it too actually. If I have learned anything at all from my own research, its about the importance of engaging and empowering the student to blossom into this world to share their own unique gift to the world. Again, heard from a 13 year old, its what they crave and desire to in order for begin their own unique journey dawn the path of life.

As a parent, I try to do the same. I’m not at all perfect of course, but I do my best 🙂

Although I have no real formal education into the art of education, I do have my own beliefs. For example, I ask you, is learning and memorizing an exact date that a war was fought and then being graded with a standardized test to see if all of those facts were remembered….a smart use of the child’s processing power of his brain? How about a free flow of ideas to discuss WHY a war was fought and what can be learned from it. Sir Ken Robinson does a better job of describing that thought, so lets listen to him for a bit….

Or click here for the videoLook, I’ve never claimed to be a teacher or one who has ALL the answers, but my heart tells me that as a country, we need to start nurturing the student and coaching them a bit more all while placing a lot more importance and investment into the gifted minds that are needed to engage and empower these young minds.

Seems like a good time to introduce someone who I believe shares some of the same thoughts here…..

 

Meet the Artist – Karen Nobel

When an artist shares their gift, they make the world around them a better place. When they give of their time and talent as they passionately teach, share, and inspire the student, the world around them becomes an AMAZING place.

I can’t come up with the words to adequately express my own gratitude for what Karen has done for our local community here in South Florida. My first introduction to her was at the Armory Arts Center where we enrolled our daughter in art classes over the summer. She has quite a knack for identifying talent in the student and then inspiring that student to share all they can with the world.

As I evolve in my own art and continue to share and grow as a communicator, I am lucky to take my cues and inspiration from amazing people like Karen.

Thanks for all you do!

Here is a little screen grab for the business she is now running…..Kids Need More Art

I have never seen a teacher work so passionately!

Check out here site and what she and her team do as well as a few other places to follow here at!

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