Jemma takes on an artistic journey

If art is so beautiful to look at, imagine the splendour of creating it all teaching others the skill to do as well.

Sharing not only her love of the arts but also of her fellow teachers at Lillian Gray Art School is Jemma Sander.

Here is what she had to say:

Art is life-changing, I see it in all our teacher’s and students’ lives, how they transform when they walk into our studio. Art is not only an expression of our feelings, experiences and inner thoughts it has a far greater purpose.

Yes, art teaches vital life skills as it counters perfectionism and teaches us to value the process just as much as the finished product. Creating art trains, us to look at mistakes differently, either fix them or go with them.

We get taught lots of patience and perseverance and gain so many skills like creativity, confidence, and decision-making, and it strengthens our problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

The school provides a creative and safe space, and its goal is to how accessible art can be. Its founder, Lillian Gray created a space where a group of strong diverse women can not only do what they love but encourage each other and anyone who comes into our studio to do the same.

As we have the opportunity to teach them these skills, but also to bring joy and happiness into their lives.

Adelle Jansen van Rensburg, our co-founder, believes that every person has their own offerings in creativity and their own way of changing the world through sharing themselves.

Our youngster’s teacher Patience loves working with the little ones, and she makes a difference in their lives. Patience said art gives her a feeling of joy and boosts a good mood. It encourages self-expression and creativity and can build confidence as well. It also lifts my spirit whenever I feel down.

Jaylin our teen teacher makes a huge impact on our teens each day. Jailyn shared that art has played a huge role in her life and believed it gave her purpose. As a child and student, she was never very sporty or popular, the only thing she could do was draw and paint and she’d often disappear into that world for hours.

Art has helped her through a lot of difficulties in life and given her the confidence to be and express herself and express. For her, being an art teacher is a huge privilege and she sees herself in a lot of my students.

Teaching her students how to express themselves and grow confidence through creating is very important to me. She loves seeing their ideas and creations come to life and the joy and pride on their faces when they make art.

Art is an emblem of hope. It makes us less lonely and reminds us that every good life has confusion, suffering, loneliness, and stress within it. All of us have our stories that were created on this journey called life, art helps us to tell them and to inspire others.

Personally, I am privileged to be in a creative work environment where I am surrounded by art 24/7, I get reminded each day how much art has had an impact on my life, and now I have the opportunity to empower our future artists through art.

They can express themselves, capture, and showcase who they are in a safe environment away from the darkness of the world out there.

Don’t give up when life feels like it is falling apart, stand up, pick up a brush or pencil, and put all of your worries onto a blank canvas, believe me, it works!

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