The most rewarding thing of all................ the little people

During my career in art I have done many things and climbed various ladders, but nothing has been anyway near as rewarding as teaching a class of children in a Derbyshire school recently.

The children were of mixed abilities and I was particularly impressed with the children, with learning difficulties. Their work was very impressive, also the different approaches and teaching techniques for each individual child I really enjoyed very much.

Those of you who know me personally will know that I home educate my children, but am very fond of the Steiner approach to education, however this particular school, in Derbyshire is a real  gem of a school and a credit to the system. A team of wonderful caring staff, helping all the children, every step of the way.

Above you can see the children all working hard and my lovely assistant Andri. The aim was to help the children create an articulated character for them to animate, with stop motion photography.

Firstly I began with encouraging the children to draw their chosen character, then we moved on to creating a paper pattern, then an armature from pipe cleaners and wrapping it with newspaper, till desired depth, then stitching fabric over the top.

Here is a charming design below..

I love the free and expressive way children just get on with it, no fussing, pure creative energy.

and here we have the teachers pet, holding his pet :) , prior to the sewing.

I wish to thank all the staff and the children at that school for giving me so much joy and inspiration, its the most wonderful thing I have ever done and I look very forward to working with them again, in the near future, thank you all from the bottom of my heart    
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