December 4, 2012 In appreciation, art, communication, craftsmanship, creativity, history, inspiration, skill By Patricia Saxton

Tuesdays with Chris: “The Art of Teaching “

Chris Staley

Chris Staley

“Teaching is a work of art.”

In this week’s video, Chris describes three types of teachers, and how a sense of ownership and involvement comes alive in a classroom when the lines of engagement become fluid ~ and his students tell us what characteristic they find most important for a teacher to bring to a learning experience. And at the end of the day, it seems the whole teaching/learning process is most effective not by how much you know, but how much you care.

All of which reminds me of a favorite quote by François Rabelais: “A child is not a vase to be filled, but a fire to be lit.”… something that, I believe, goes for all of us, at any age.

(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.)  Enjoy!

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November 27, 2012 In appreciation, art, communication, craftsmanship, creativity, history, inspiration, skill By Patricia Saxton

Tuesdays with Chris: “A Woman’s Perspective “

Chris Staley

Chris prompts a discussion among three phenomenal women art professors that in 6 short minutes speaks to the heart of teaching, self-confidence, engagement and passion. Really terrific.

(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.)  Enjoy!

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November 13, 2012 In appreciation, art, communication, craftsmanship, creativity, history, inspiration, skill By Patricia Saxton

Tuesdays with Chris: “A Search for Meaning”

Chris Staley

“What are you trying to say with your art?”  Back when Chris was a grad student brimming with enthusiasm for his craft, he was deeply struck when asked this question. Perhaps needless to say, he has some answers now.

Consciously or unconsciously, the art we create has social meaning. Within the context of boxes, twin towers and clay, Chris gives us a personal glimpse into what makes some of his own work tick, then segues gracefully into a fresh explanation of Maslow’s 4 stages of learning.

(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.)  Enjoy!

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November 6, 2012 In appreciation, art, communication, craftsmanship, creativity, history, inspiration, skill By Patricia Saxton

Tuesdays with Chris: “Art & Life”

Chris Staley

How the life we live influences what we create, and how art may influence the way we live..  This is one of my favorite videos in the series. Chris’ stories and insights about artists, students and teaching (with a flourish of psychology mixed in) make me wish there’d been a class like this when I’d been in school. Great stuff.

(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.)  Enjoy!

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October 30, 2012 In appreciation, art, communication, craftsmanship, creativity, skill By Patricia Saxton

Tuesdays with Chris: “Creativity in Sports”

ChrisStaley / Snowfall At Night / 16x15x15

This week’s video shows Chris interviewing Penn State Head Football Coach Bill O’Brien. How, one might wonder, do you relate a game like football with the arts?

Chris manages to weave the two worlds together quite remarkably, within the context of perceptions like illusion, deception, sculpting your medium, and discipline … and it all makes sense. (If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.)  Enjoy!

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October 23, 2012 In art, craftsmanship, creativity, imagination, presentation, skill By Patricia Saxton

Tuesdays with Chris: “Throwing a Snowman”

Chris Staley

“Everything an artist makes is a metaphor.” This is the overriding theme in this week’s video from Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate. With disarming style, Chris recreates a snowman, a flower, a bent can and sticks in snow, inspired by a classroom visit with young children. (If you missed my introduction about Chris, you can read that here.)  Enjoy!

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October 9, 2012 In art, communication, creativity, inspiration, life and the universe, presentation By Patricia Saxton

Art and Life: Perspectives from Chris Staley, Penn State Laureate 2012-2013

For the next 7 Tuesdays (maybe more), I’ll be sharing some superb videos created by Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013.

In these intelligent, thoughtful sessions, Chris explores the relationships between art, life, humanity and, in the video below, technology. Maybe we’ll call them “Tuesdays with Chris.”

After earning his masters degree from Alfred University, Chris began an illustrious career of teaching, lecturing, showing in countless one-person and select group exhibits, and has been the recipient of numerous grants and honors. His resume speaks for itself, as does his extraordinary craftsmanship.

On a personal note, Chris also happens to be a fellow grad and old friend from my college days at Wittenberg University. It’s been inspiring to reacquaint with his work and see where his talent and gentle perseverance has taken him. His insights are wise and genuine ~ I think when you watch this collection of videos, you’ll get the sense that you’re talking with an old friend yourself.

Note: This is actually the 7th in the series, but (as I sometimes do) I’m going out of order because I think this is particularly relevant to our modern culture. Enjoy!

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