Nancy Chapin, Special Day Class autism/spec ed 3rd-5th grade teacher from United States

 

Nancy Chapin bio photoWhat Inspired you to do a Soul Art journey?

Laura Hollick! She makes everything so fun, brilliant, and exciting!

How would you describe your creative process?

Got home at 6 pm dragging, but had made myself the promise to be part of the journey! As a teacher, I’m used to transitioning quickly through “tasks” and I followed all the steps in the handout. Didn’t trace my body due to materials constraint and decided on simply using my heart and hands! Ripping out 5 themes from magazines was fun and applying one word images to connect to them was revealing! Then tying those all into a quickie story and finally producing my amateur art piece, I was so satisfied with overcoming all my hesitations! I use free form art with the kids I teach and they are such unique spirits that I’ve learned how to trust creating, like they do!

What insight did you receive from your Soul Art?

I must tell you that I brewed myself a cup of hot Good Earth tea when starting my 2 hour journey and was amused by the teabag’s synchronous message “Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who cannot attain it in anything.” Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863)! I am a beginner artist and so what?! I had such a blast just “being” and exploring. Had pastels handy, plus lately I’ve been flowdreaming, and recently just had my first grandchild, everything pulled together and I was pleasantly surprised by the resulting picture!

What is the most important thing you would like to share about your Soul Art experience?

I’ve put off creating, always sooooo tired after work. I intend to create at least once a week from now on, whether it’s writing, drawing, painting, or playing piano! Turning off the TV one night a week starting now and see what else I can express. And I slept so well last night!