Individuality is encouraged in my classroom. I want students to be original. Never do I want to find my students copying my work or the work of other students. Part of the problem solving in art is how to infuse yourself into your work. When you copy you are denying your voice within your work. However, there is a time & place for imitating others in art. I try to model for my students proper technique, focus, and creative processes. I will work along side them once they are busy on their projects. I feel it is important for them to see me creating with them. By doing so, I can reinforce technique, proper posture (kids will often work with their face laying on their arm on the table..inches from their pictures), work ethic, and I'll verbally process through if I encounter issues so they can witness me dealing with problems.
Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Discipleship is key for Christian growth. We need to find people that we can watch, question, interact with, and be a part of their lives. Not because they are the "perfect" example of what a believer is, but because they live a life that imitates Christ, humbly seeks him in all they do, and strives to bring honor & glory to the Lord. They are people that walk with integrity, and know the Word of God. Having these type of people in our life to model the Christian walk is incredibly beneficial. Seeing those who are imitators of Christ, as we too seek to be imitators of Christ, helps us to navigate this world we live in with a reference point from someone who is a bit further down the road. In turn..we can be that for others. We can not live this life on our own. We were meant to be in relationship with other believers. God designed us that way! Who do you have in your life that is someone you desire to imitate? Who do you have in your life that would want to imitate you & your walk with God?