I don't think it's possible to teach a person to be an…
“I don't think it's possible to teach a person to be an artist. But yet, I'm here, and I suppose this is what I'm expected to do. I teach a course called graphic narrative and one called digital studios, but no matter the topic, the basic principle underlying my "method" of teaching is that a properly prepared artist/creator must simply know everything. Not just how to draw, but how to see. Not just how to use a computer program, but what the word "penultimate" means. And the shape and orientation of a goat's pupil. And where Kentucky and Chile are, at least approximately.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Effective teaching requires artists to master both technical skills and broad, interdisciplinary knowledge, fostering deep perception and contextual awareness.
In simple terms: Artists need wide knowledge, not just technique.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate curiosity across fields.
Themes
education
creativity
interdisciplinary learning
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
pedagogical
motivational
When to use this quote
- art school
- design workshops
- self‑directed study
Key Concepts
visual literacy
contextual awareness
holistic education
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you integrate diverse knowledge without diluting core skills?
- What strategies help students see connections between unrelated subjects?
A Different Perspective
May overwhelm students if breadth isn’t balanced with depth.