When I studied art in high school (way back) and in uni for a short while (also many years ago), I was taught by some wonderful art teachers and met some great art friends. However, I do believe that some of my best art education and experience have been out of art school – from everyday life as I’ve realised. I’m lucky to have close and caring/loving family and friends who support, encourage and inspire me. Especially my amazing partner. (I love you bumble.) I’ve also met some great people online and on social media who give constructive feedback on my work. (You know who you are.) All of these people, along with myself taking control of my art life/journey (by making informed and intuitive decisions to the best of my ability) and going with the flow of my life, have created an incomparable/invaluable and enriching/fulfilling informal art education and experience that I’m very happy with and grateful for. (Basically, I’ve learnt to teach myself art by living/being and observing [and making decisions] and with the help from my family and friends.) And for this, I want to say thank you so much to all of my family and friends for helping teach and guide me on my art journey. You’re awesome. 🙏
I’m not knocking formal art education at all. In fact, I’m all for it. My point is this – from the moment that we’re born, we’re forever students/learners in life; from someone or something and whether we’re in school/formal education or not. And some of the people that we meet (on purpose or by chance, some of whom we least expect or not obvious at the time) can sometimes be our best/most important teachers/mentors/guides along the way. So be wise and listen and have an open heart and mind to the infinite possibilities that can come our way every day. Don’t judge or underestimate anyone or anything. Take on board the advice, guidance and wisdom of new/different people and be thankful for the blessings. Life is one big/wonderful education. And the world is our university. Love your life and have faith in your path and that everything will be fine. And be kind and ready/willing to share your knowledge/wisdom too when you can. Just do it. Because life is short.
David
Such a thoughtful post, Ngeun. Indeed, a formal education is so wonderful and important, but do continue to learn every day throughout our lives, if we are open to it,
Ngeun
Thanks David! Yes, life is one big learning experience and full of surprises.
Cynthia and Pet
How wonderful a journey life is Ngeun. Boundless wisdom to be obtained and unlimited possibilities to experience. What a gift!
Through staying true to your individualistic self, you shine and stand out from the crowd. Through the conformity of our education system, , many come out the process very similar to their peers and with their unique individuality ironed out (and their unique divine spark smothered through convention).
Yet, you are unique and different.
I/we have often thought that only way to obtain true wisdom is to be open to learn from everything and everyone, separate from and unrestricted by conformity and convention. That’s where the real creatives thrive. With the uninhibited expression of their divine self and with them in tune with their connection to the God force (that exists within all things).
You see the beauty in the smallest of creatures and you remind us of how magical, wonderful and exciting life is.
You are our mentor!
We cannot thank you enough for this Ngeun!
We love you eternally!.
Always. Cynthia and Petal ❤️❤️❤️
Ngeun
Thank you so much Cynthia and Petal! Very true, so much beautiful and wonderful things for us to see and experience in life. we just have to be open and willing to learn.