Space for creativity

YEAR AFTER year, students are offered the same old platter of combinations churned out of the limitations and rigidity of our approach towards learning. In spite of all the available resources, our educational system remains a breeding ground of misery.

Except for the 'clever' and the 'ambitious' lot, the rest are left to fend for themselves for no fault of theirs. Says a concerned Tarit Bhattacharjee, a teacher in The School, KFI, "It is sad. Our society labels the so-called "clever" as "intelligent" - those who excel in Maths and Science - and rejects the rest. Creativity of an individual is completely ignored. Only the skills of examination seem to count."

"Why have we failed to recognise the role of art education? Our system does not give Art a place in mainstream education, little realising that it can be extremely disappointing for a student who fails to fit into its norms and ways of functioning. While Maths, Science or even a little bit of Humanities is essential for a school leaving certificate, Art fades into obvilion."

The School is currently engaged in evolving a system that can bring learning of Art into focus. As an art teacher, Tarit is brimming with ideas and enthusiasm.

"Ignoring something near us, we tend to look for something beautiful outside. We tend to see beauty in sophistication. A stimulation based on ideas shakes the innocent mind, it takes away energy - innocence creates energy. This energy is spontaneous. This is the beginning of creativity."

Tarit goes on, "A child explores and creates because he has an inner energy. Creativity is not linear learning but an observation and exploration. Line, form, colour, texture, tune and words are the tools for expression. Everyone has the basic sense of aesthetics. When one is learning or listening carefully, one is also creating an empathy or a relationship out of appreciation. But somehow our educational system is taking away all our energy. There is no space for aesthetics. Too much importance is given to memorising. It is time to address that education which is innovative, not rigid. The need of the hour is participation and involvement, a space that does not reject but invites. A space for design."

Tarit Bhattacharjee has a Diploma in Arts and Crafts and a Post Diploma in Graphic Art from Shantiniketan. He has exhibited his works in Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. He has conducted many workshops and participated in various artists' forums in India and abroad. He also has to his credit a book titled "Child Art with Everyday Material" brought out by Tara Publishing.

He has been a teacher for more than 16 years. According to him, being with children and teaching them Art has been a rewarding experience. Their innocence and spontaneity influence him.

"The course considers a wide range of facts, including capabilities and interests of the students, availability of resources, activities involved, syllabus etc. We have many resource persons involved. Art should be available for those who are inclined. It should have flexible options, useful as well as productive, at once broad-based, focussed and unlimited. Our universities should accept it. Art has always been part of our existence. Besides, creative utility plays a big role in our society today. It is a globally accepted phenomenon. It requires the study of our environment. A course in Design demands that. We have a rich source of local resources. It is just a question of learning to utilise them effectively. That will be the creative endeavour leading to learning."

The room is filled with objects created by children. "We have used only local resources -- clay, grass, paper, straw. Children are very imaginative. They express their ideas creatively. They are fresh, uninhibited and natural."

"The understanding of life is an aesthetic experience. With a proper environment or system, it can take its own course. This basic instinct of man can take a place in mainstream education. Utility and Art can merge together -- a non-verbal space beginning with the learner -- combining skills and aesthetics. Then there will be less rejection, less neglect and more acceptance."

What can one look forward to, in the end? "A lot. It is easier to understand if you can follow Krishnamurty's teachings. There are famous cities and temples designed by artists, not engineers or architects. Any product has an aesthetic aspect to it besides being scientific or technical. You don't have to pick up a brush and paint to be an artist. One can apply one's creative ideas in any chosen field. It can be scientific and practical as well. Therefore, a course in design or art can incorporate geometry and other technical subjects while focussing on Art. The angle changes but Maths ceases to be a burden."

GEETA VARMA

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