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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

student creativity, art education, China, Thailand

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Department

Art

Abstract

My purpose in designing a comprehensive art curriculum is an attempt to elicit and foster creative thinking, and creative art production. This project was inspired by two months that I spent in China and Thailand studying their art education system. I observed their techniques, based mostly on repeating the styles of old masters, and concluded that their style of teaching produces great technical artists, but these students also lack creative direction. Upon reflection of my studies abroad, I realized that my education in art was not vastly different from the methods used in the Pacific rim. A contemporary, creativity based curriculum would be considered “radical” both in China and in the rural Oregon town where I grew up. These communities expect their students to make traditional studio pieces such as still-life paintings and figure drawings, but place little importance on enhancing creative thought and production. My goal is to develop a curriculum that will push and nurture student creativity but will also be acceptable in a traditional society.

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