Art Masterclasses Interview Video
Nancy's in-depth interview with Peter Stanway about Art Master Classes.....
Interview for The Wordsmith Journal Magazine
February 23, 2014 at 3:02pm Interview with Mary Nichelson....
Mary - Tell me a little about Masterclasses and how you conceived the idea for them?
Peter - The bible tells us that God made mankind in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, since God is the creator of the whole universe and everything in it, I am convinced that God put a deposit of His creativity within us when He made us. It’s there waiting to be released and it is my intention, through these Masterclasses to release the artist that is within each participant. Together, we will discover what that creative gift is (visual, musical, writing, etc...) and let is loose!
Mary - There are two weeks of classes - Spring and Autumn and four in Summer. Do they build on each other as in a series, or can you attend just one of the sessions independently and learn the full curriculum?
Peter - Obviously the longer any participant participates in these Masterclasses the deeper they will go on their creative journey of discovery however, after only one week the journey will have begun and I will do all I can to continue to encourage everyone who has participated in Masterclasses for any length of time.
Mary - Are the classes aimed for new and aspiring artists, accomplished artists, or both?
Peter - The Art Masterclasses are aimed at everyone regardless of how they perceive their own artistic ability. The point of the Masterclasses is to discover the treasures of artistic talent that are with in us all and release them. To push boundaries and change mindsets, to tap into the huge creative potential that is within us all.
Mary - I love the way you formatted the class. “As well as spending time in the studio, we will go on inspirational walks, visits, talks and much more.” Why is it important to you that the student ventures outside of the classroom during this experience?
Peter - These Art Masterclasses are not ‘how to’ sessions. Of course, my team and I will do all we can to hone the creativity ability of each participant but the point of each week of Masterclasses is to expose each participant to the vast array of creative stimulation that surrounds us; to immerse each participant in a multi-sensual experience that will change their life forever.
Mary - I have seen your artwork and it is a multi-dimensional experience when viewing. How has your work changed from your pre-conversion artwork? Has your spiritual experience influenced your work and will you be teaching your students any spiritual elements?
Peter - As I have matured and my life experience has grown this has undoubtedly had an influence upon my own artwork. I believe that my artwork is inspired by the Holy Spirit and I am sensitive to His leading asI work. While the Art Masterclass participants spend time with me and we get to know each other, it will be obvious to everyone what my beliefs are and I will happily share my faith with anyone who wants to know more.
Mary - Artist, author, former professional photographer; you’ve managed to monopolize on many creative outlets. Do you have a favorite way of expression?
Peter - I enjoy each form of creative expression equally, however, when two or more elements of creative output come together in one piece this heightens my excitement and pleasure. For example, when I am involved in multi-creative events that include music, poetry, dance, theatre, painting.... this gets my creative juices flowing more than anything.
Mary - How will you encourage your students to “think out of the box”?
Peter - By example! We will all spend a lot of time together, rubbing off each other,learning from one another. They will see how I think out of the box and when others are doing the same I will highlight it. I will expose the participants to creative thinking as often as I can.
Mary - What is your advice for someone who may have a desire to pursue painting, but may feel that they do not have the experience or talent to exhibit their work?
Peter - If their heart’s desire is to paint then they will paint! The key is not to think of painting as having to conform to any rules but to be free to express themselves with no holds barred. I can help them with the craft but they have full control over their own creative expression. Pablo Picasso once said: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up.”
Mary - Tell me a little about Masterclasses and how you conceived the idea for them?
Peter - The bible tells us that God made mankind in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, since God is the creator of the whole universe and everything in it, I am convinced that God put a deposit of His creativity within us when He made us. It’s there waiting to be released and it is my intention, through these Masterclasses to release the artist that is within each participant. Together, we will discover what that creative gift is (visual, musical, writing, etc...) and let is loose!
Mary - There are two weeks of classes - Spring and Autumn and four in Summer. Do they build on each other as in a series, or can you attend just one of the sessions independently and learn the full curriculum?
Peter - Obviously the longer any participant participates in these Masterclasses the deeper they will go on their creative journey of discovery however, after only one week the journey will have begun and I will do all I can to continue to encourage everyone who has participated in Masterclasses for any length of time.
Mary - Are the classes aimed for new and aspiring artists, accomplished artists, or both?
Peter - The Art Masterclasses are aimed at everyone regardless of how they perceive their own artistic ability. The point of the Masterclasses is to discover the treasures of artistic talent that are with in us all and release them. To push boundaries and change mindsets, to tap into the huge creative potential that is within us all.
Mary - I love the way you formatted the class. “As well as spending time in the studio, we will go on inspirational walks, visits, talks and much more.” Why is it important to you that the student ventures outside of the classroom during this experience?
Peter - These Art Masterclasses are not ‘how to’ sessions. Of course, my team and I will do all we can to hone the creativity ability of each participant but the point of each week of Masterclasses is to expose each participant to the vast array of creative stimulation that surrounds us; to immerse each participant in a multi-sensual experience that will change their life forever.
Mary - I have seen your artwork and it is a multi-dimensional experience when viewing. How has your work changed from your pre-conversion artwork? Has your spiritual experience influenced your work and will you be teaching your students any spiritual elements?
Peter - As I have matured and my life experience has grown this has undoubtedly had an influence upon my own artwork. I believe that my artwork is inspired by the Holy Spirit and I am sensitive to His leading asI work. While the Art Masterclass participants spend time with me and we get to know each other, it will be obvious to everyone what my beliefs are and I will happily share my faith with anyone who wants to know more.
Mary - Artist, author, former professional photographer; you’ve managed to monopolize on many creative outlets. Do you have a favorite way of expression?
Peter - I enjoy each form of creative expression equally, however, when two or more elements of creative output come together in one piece this heightens my excitement and pleasure. For example, when I am involved in multi-creative events that include music, poetry, dance, theatre, painting.... this gets my creative juices flowing more than anything.
Mary - How will you encourage your students to “think out of the box”?
Peter - By example! We will all spend a lot of time together, rubbing off each other,learning from one another. They will see how I think out of the box and when others are doing the same I will highlight it. I will expose the participants to creative thinking as often as I can.
Mary - What is your advice for someone who may have a desire to pursue painting, but may feel that they do not have the experience or talent to exhibit their work?
Peter - If their heart’s desire is to paint then they will paint! The key is not to think of painting as having to conform to any rules but to be free to express themselves with no holds barred. I can help them with the craft but they have full control over their own creative expression. Pablo Picasso once said: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up.”