Creativity vs. Self Expression

US Delegates - Art Education - Photo taken by Laura Cuevas

Creativity vs. self expression was a topic some of the delegates discussed as we visited schools and explored the homes of a few well known Cuban artists.  Artwork depicting either or both - creativity and self expression could be found throughout Cuba. I invite you to form an opinion as to whether the following artwork demonstrates creativity or self expression.  

The following is the work of Alicia Leal and Juan Moreira. We were invited into their home to view their artwork.  

Alicia Leal

Juan Moriera

Juan Moriera

One of my favorite pictures -Juan Moreira

gi.ebay.com/JUAN-MOREIRA-cuban-art...WORLD-FAMOUS-ARTIST.

www.artscenecal.com/Listings/WestHwd/CouturierFile/

Alicia Leal

The open book has the word "Revolution" printed 1,000 times.
www.cubaabsolutely.com/articles/art/article_art.php?landa=19

 Both of artists exhibit their artwork worldwide -an opportunity that I had originally thought would not have been allowed. Their home was amazing - an old mansion with interesting nooks and crannies surrounding two courtyards. The love of art was expressed in every room. Which made me wonder whether or not home environment plays a role in creativity? I believe that creativity cannot be taught. However, having the opportunity to be creative as well as role models who are constantly exploring creativity, may possibly be a factor in what level a child develops their own creativity? I will write more on this later. 

The next stop was at the home of two sisters who are art professors at the University of Art in Havana.

These two paintings used soda can pop tops 

Tiles on the wall outside in their courtyard.

Large pieces

So, what do you think - creativity or forms of self expression, maybe both? Let's look at a few more, this time the art work was created by students at the college level. The art building was created to resemble a woman's body. I will let you use your imagination. I must say, it was very literal. The woman's body is almost an iconic image found repeatedly in Cuban art. Honor vs. object was another good discussion regarding the use of a woman's body in Cuban art.

Metal frame filled with garbage.

We were all very impressed with the innovative artwork created at the colleges level, however one of the teachers in our group was talking with a student questioning how long a piece had taken to create. He answered a very long time because they do not always have paint. The tubes we saw there were all new. Yet, when I look at the size of their huge paintings (10 foot by 8 foot) I can imagine paint would disappear rather quickly. (note: Cuba = big paintings = ?) Part of me still questioned, how much was "set up" for our arrival. Was everything we saw authentic?

I want to share with you, one last artist, Jose Fuster. This gentleman's home was amazing. His entire house and a large part of his neighborhood, was completely covered in mosaic. He is also well known for his paintings exhibited worldwide. 

Creative or Self Expressing?

Painting by Jose Fuster

Fuster created art from broken tile found all over Havana.

Jose Fuster is in a league all of his own. Check out his website. It is in Spanish - no big deal the art speaks for itself. 

www.josefuster.com

So.. what do you think.. which of the artists were simply expressing themselves and who do you think possessed the gift of creativity? The two are different. Anyone can self express but not everyone can be creative. Self expression in art for example, involves depicting your feelings, emotions, political belief or values in a visually image. (can also be done in other ways too) Many of the Cuban artists do this. 

But what type of art demonstrates creativity? Creativity is multifaceted. There are different levels as well as different modes. For me, creativity is linked with intelligence. (different from knowledge) A creative person has the ability to problem solve, they have the ability to take one thing and make it into something else, they have the ability to figure out how to represent a new or original concept into an original being. Self expression is about feeling. Creativity is about thinking. 

The people in Cuba are extremely creative in all that they do. They have been placed in a situation where problem solving is a life skill. For example, if they need a part to fix their car, they do not go to the store, they make it out of recycled material. The children make their own toys from soda cans and other found objects. The Cuban people are forced to be innovative. They might look at this as oppressive, however, I see it as a contributing factor for the creativity that I saw reflected in their art. When one is given the opportunity to be creative repeatedly it makes sense that this skill would be strengthened. I believe that the Cuban people are a very intelligent nation, a result of living a life which promotes continuous innovation.  The Cuban people are also a passionate nation. Their feelings of despair and frustration are often times expressed in their art. In my opinion the combination of innovation and passion found in the people of Cuba is the key to their amazing artwork.

So... does the living in the US promote more opportunities to self express or to be creative? 

Are we who our schools wants us to be?.

Children are children no matter where you go, but what makes art, "art"? One of my preliminary questions prior to this trip was to find out if the children in Cuba create and express themselves in the same manner as children in the United States do? How has living in Cuba affected what children create and how they create it? What I found out is that, what I really need to do is to spend another month in Cuba to throughly answer these questions. However, I will share with you a snippet of my discoveries.

On this beautiful breezy day, our group had the wonderful opportunity to visit "Nicolas Estevanez" Elementary School. Through my process of bus window observation, I noticed the children jumping up and down and yelling with excitement as our bus approached. They were dressed in matching uniforms. Their cute little faces portrayed sweet smiles as well as a few apprehensive looks.

View from Bus Window

As we walked up the steps, we were greeted with adorable faces waving small Cuban flags. I felt like royalty. 

Yes, Computers!

The children gathered together and sang a joyous song for us. The principle (red white and blue shirt) smiled with the pride of a parent. He introduced us to the two student leaders. These two students (one male and one female) are elected by the entire school. (about 300)  They are standing to the left of the principle. After a warm greeting and introductions of staff, we were allowed to see the classrooms and observe the teachers.

Traditional Classroom -A picture of Fidel and Che were in every room.

Lunch Lady

Lots of healthy veggies!

Games played outside.

Manipulatives

A girl who performed for us.

Outside play area.

Up until this point all appeared to be consistent with a traditional school found in the US. (maybe not food) However, upon further exploration we observed 4 children creating "art." The teacher informed us that these students were expressing their feelings regarding the embargo placed on Cuba by the US. Wow! Pretty deep subject for elementary students. In one of my classes on Curriculum, I learned about the importance of teaching enduring ideas. Well this certainly is an idea that Cuban teachers made sure endures (evident in other schools as well). Did the students really understood the meaning of their assignment? The one student was copying a poster. 

"My feelings about the embargo."

Our first response may be to think that these students are being told what to think. That may be so, but are we not also, in a sense, being told what to think? Who decides what to teach students in the United States? Are we a product of what other people think is important for us to learn? We may not have blatant political examples in our curriculums, however, many of our schools are focusing on teaching only what needs to be answered on standardized tests. Cuba holds art in high regards. In the US, art classes are some of the first to go when there is a budget cut. Are we what our schools wants us to be?

Another one of my preliminary questions, was whether or not the students in Cuba create (including levels of develpoment)  in the same way? I attempted to communicate with the students during their break. They were so warm and receptive. I asked them in my poor Spanish, to sign and draw in my sketch book. This was so much fun! One little girl even shared her crackers with me.

One of my favorites experiences -drawing with Cuban children!

This day was amazing! I discovered many similarities between students in my US art classes and students in Cuba. After reviewing the sketchbook drawings doodled by my new Cuban friends and comparing them with my US students I realized that the differences were small. Both children create in relatively in the same way. I think the chosen subject matter was far more reflective of how government can influence education than skill.  Which begs me to once again to reflect,

Are we, a product of the selective beliefs or skills taught to use by past teachers? Are we a product, whose knowledge has been censored by what past Professors deemed worthy? Is who we are today, a reflection of what was emphasized during our elementary years? 

If I answer these questions based on the amount of attention that the arts have received and emphasized in my past,  I guess maybe I am not who I should be. At least that seems to be the message I have "heard." 

However, I am not too worried that the arts will simply disappear and possibly be replaced by math and reading museums. In every culture, through every historical disasters, the arts persevere. The arts have remained an important aspect of society even when little attention is given to them. The appreciation of "beauty" will always be a basic human need. And if you doubt this, ask yourself: How many of you want to live in a junky home or drive a decrepit car? 

My take from this day is... children are children where ever you go. Art reflects your culture. You are who you are based upon whether or not you chose to follow your heart and become what you love or you followed your head and became what was impressed upon you to be important. Maybe you did both...

This trip is evidence that our National government is placing greater attention on the arts. They see the value in researching and exploring the diversity found in art education. To me that is a wonderful step in the right direction! 

One Question Answered

Monday, Oct. 3rd, Continued.



After our return from lunch we met with one of the Cuban organizations that worked closely with the US in the arrangement of this trip. Before I continue, I need to provide a little more information regarding the formation of this trip. In other words, how did a group of 25 professors and art teachers end up in Cuba? I have listed two web sites which provides some insight. Prof. Bob Sabol told us he was approached while in Washington and asked if he would like to lead a team of art professionals into Cuba to study their educational program as part of educational diplomacy. (I am not sure but Prof. Sabol thought that Hillary Clinton was one of the proponents/founders of this program.) To make a long story short they developed objectives and then invited art professionals who were members of NAEA to apply. Thankfully my application was approved.


blog.nafsa.org/.../a-victory-for-public-diplomacy...to-cuba
www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2000/11/22/12garcia.h20.htm


Considering that this trip was arranged between two governments, gave me a little peace and security. To me, it meant that our being there, was supported on a National level. 
It also meant that everything we saw and did on our trip in Cuba was mostly likely arranged by the Cuban government. I kept this in mind as we toured schools and met with professionals. We saw and did what they wanted us to see and do. This why I paid close attention to the things not listed on the itinerary -hence my trash research. I continuously observed people, city homes, and streets through the bus windows to gain a true perspective of Cuba. I also interviewed anyone who was willing to talk and that I could understand. The places we did go on the itinerary, I must say were very beneficial though. They allowed us to go into schools, our tour guide informed us, that they never allow foreigners to enter. 


At this meeting we discussed everything from the embargo to the five men who are involved in a political battle between the US and Cuba. The spokesman spoke passionately about his country and our political differences. He was very respectful and had good intentions. As with all people in Cuba, they wish to reestablish a working relationship with the US. At times he appeared almost maudlin. The average Cuban seems to blame the US embargo for all that is wrong with Cuba. Listening to him speak, I could not help but feel sympathetic. He spoke from his heart allowing us to assign a face to the casualties of politics.

Meeting with political leaders at a government building.

Government owned art studio. Artist do their "social service" here.

The artist of the artwork I bought. I am not sure how much the government tax was. This is when, I wished that I had brought more money.

Printing Press

Other artists performing social service.

Very beautiful antique printing press.

Feeding frenzy! Art teachers buying artwork.

This picture answers one of my preliminary questions. 

Does the artwork in Cuba portray creativity?

YES!!!

   

Curriculum and Coral

Monday - October 3, 2011 -continued.

Our meeting with the leaders of art education in Cuba was most interesting. Cuba has an excellent school system. Their literacy rate is 99%. Truancy is unheard of. Everyone goes to school through high school and many on to college. The arts are held in very high regard. There are 15 “Arts” schools in Cuba at the elementary level and numerous higherlevel art schools through out Cuba. The elementary schools would be comparative to our magnet or charter schools. The students have to pass a test to get into the arts schools. The curriculum focuses on visual arts, dance, drama and media (technology -TV etc.) in addition to their core subjects.  Art is integrated into the curriculums and taught by classroom teachers at the traditional elementary schools. The teachers are trained at a four year Cuban college. (we visit it at a later date) All students in Cuba are required to perform their “Social Service” at age 16. This is basically 2 years of volunteer work for the government. They do not get a choice, they are told where to go - which just might be overseas in Venezuela. (for example Cuba traded with Venezuela 100 Drs. for 200 barrels of oil.) I think this “social service” explains the high teacher to student ratio in the classrooms we visited. There were many teacher assistants. Another side note -everyone works in Cuba. The students start at age 16. The special need students start at age 18. The average Cuban makes about 20 pesos a month -comparable to US $20 dollars a month. I will discuss economics in a later post.

Staircase at restaurant

After the meeting we went to a restaurant for lunch. The restaurant was located in a very large mansion on the water. My first dining mistake occurred here. I want to share a little background knowledge. Our hotel, all restaurants, schools and cultural events that we attended were government owned. In fact, the people of Cuba are not allowed to own a business. That is until just this year, family restaurants are now allowed - but a very high tax is paid to the government. We did not see any family restaurants but were told of this.  So, the same dishes and uniforms were seen at each restaurant, as were the selection of drinks. With every meal we had the choice of a Cuban made beverages. Wine, beer mojitos (rum, lime juice, "Sprite" and mint leaves), bottled water and Ku Cola were our choices. Today, I noticed a can of “ginger ale.” I pointed towards it and the waitress filled my wine glass. My first thought was wow this ginger ale has a lot of foam. After tasting it I realized it was beer. The Cuban “Cristal” beer is in a green and gold can that looks remarkably like our ginger ale cans. I drank most of it because once again, knowing how little the Cuban’s have, I felt guilty wasting anything. By the way, I have nothing against beer, it just gives me a headache and I prefer not to drink while conducting research. 

As I mentioned, this restaurant was located on the water. After lunch we ventured out to a garden built into the water’s edge. The pictures will have to speak for themselves. This entire garden was made out of coral reef. It was absolutely fantastic. A perfect place to read a book or play hide and seek. The only negative, was the polluted water surrounding the paradise. This pollution had a bright side. It allowed for me to study a culture from a “trash perspective.” My final day, I returned to this exact spot to conduct my “trash research.” What I found was not only informative but lead to a few treasures that only created more mysteries.

Bob Sabol - Pres. of National Art Education Association (NAEA) and our leader.

Note the size of people inside very large, gold roofed gazebo.

Whether it be curriculums focusing on art or art made from coral, Cuba's considerable attention to beauty and aesthetics is undeniable.