Amid the pandemic, give yourself “permission to explore art”
So says Talya Weinberg, who has been teaching art virtually for nearly a year.
I chatted recently with Md.-based artist and educator Talya Weinberg about what it’s like to make and teach art during the pandemic:
Rough Sketch: For an adult who hasn’t made art since grade school, is it a wise move to take up making art for fun and/or therapy during a pandemic/in isolation?
Talya Weinberg: 100 percent! It’s the best time. Many people make excuses as to why they can’t tap into their creativity—they are too busy, it’s not for them, etc. Now is the perfect time to give yourself the time and “permission” to explore art and be creative. You do not have to have any talent or skill to have fun making art.
RS: What are some of the greatest potential benefits, and what is your advice about foreseeing and mitigating some of the frustrations?
TW: So many benefits. Art is so cathartic. But just to name a couple of benefits they would be: enjoying spending time with yourself and allowing yourself to let go of your cares and responsibilities for a set time as you immerse yourself in the art. Whenever someone is apprehensive about creating art, I remind them it doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, a little lopsided wonkiness is good. It adds to the character and style of the drawing, painting, or collage.
RS: What are some of the advantages for young people of coloring in posters, like your Purim one, compared to creating their own drawings from the start? (The Jewish holiday of Purim, codified in the Book of Esther, is celebrated this year from the evening of Feb. 25 to the evening of Feb. 26.)
TW: Sometimes art is for learning a skill or technique, and sometimes art is just to have some fun, let go, and color to relax and enjoy.
RS: What do you hope they will learn from the experience?
TW: These posters are big enough for the entire family to contribute to. I hope they will learn about collaboration. If your baby brother or sister scribbles on one part and you are more meticulous, it’s ok! It’s all about creating and coloring together. I also hope they will become inspired while coloring to continue exploring art and colors way after they finish the poster.
RS: You’ve mentioned art connecting people—of all ages—with heritage. Can you say more about how you see art playing a unique and/or special role when it comes to heritage?
TW: Whether it’s one of my holiday posters or even the community or winter wonderland poster, there is a unifying feeling when coloring them in. The images and designs are inspiring and hopefully evoke feelings of that specific holiday/sense of community/seasonal warmth.
RS: How exactly can art bring a holiday alive?
TW: I have seen and heard about families playing holiday music while eating holiday-specific foods with the family gathered around the coloring poster coloring it in. It brings families together, and definitely helps get them all in the holiday spirit.
RS: Young people (as well as older ones!) spend a lot of time on digital devices these days. Do you see that as something that they can bring with them into artmaking, or do you see making art as an oasis to which one can escape from one’s computer, phone, etc.?
TW: I see it both ways. In one way, I’m grateful for our technology and digital services these days, as I am able to teach all of my art classes for all ages virtually. I am able to reach people near and far—as far as South Africa!—and I love that that is something I can continue to do.
I hope, though, that after I teach the classes that both kids and adults alike continue on with their art, no digital devices needed. Except for playing music, of course.
RS: I imagine there are many benefits to teaching art in person. Are there any unforeseen advantages to doing so digitally—that you think you might continue after the pandemic?
TW: There are many benefits to teaching art in person, including access to more materials, and having that social connection you get in person. However, as I stated above, I am now able to teach kids and adults all over the world, and spread my creativity and happiness to more people than just locally.
I am so grateful that I am able to do that. I definitely plan to continue teaching and creating with people all over the world even after the pandemic.