I introduced a beginning version of Emergent Dialogue I practice at the Monterrey Bay Meditation Studio with Marianne Rowe. Engagement with natural and art materials through correspondence and interiority prepares artists to join this process. I asked them to begin with a few deep breaths. Then, wait in silence until inspired to contribute to the group. Expect periods of silence.

There are a few simple guidelines.

Begin with a state of not knowing.

Be present.

Be curious.

Listen deeply.

Contribute one idea or short thought to the group and then stop.

Respond to the ideas contributed. Let the dialogue build on a few early ideas.

After speaking, let everyone else contribute before you speak again.

Notes from the dialogue

I will share notes I entered into my notebook after the workshop. I did not videotape or audio record the session, photograph it, or take notes in a tablet or notebook.

The teachers began sharing their thoughts about their teaching practices during the workshop. They recognized experiences they wanted to introduce in their classrooms.

• Slow down
• Take time to engage in the assignment. This is pre-art making. Making time to experience nature in silence, to correspond with the source of the engagement with the materials.
• Artwork that connects the artists with the task and draws on inspiration. Deepening their context within and with the content (experiences) that nourish it.
• The sensation of possibility in the array of materials. Choices. Like being in an art store only you are able to try things out.
• Stitching with thread – a contemplative state.
• I will give my students time to engage – to enter into the assignment and to connect internally.
• Interior – the condition for the artist – no talking – stay in the interior state, because talking breaks the connection.

Interview with Kate (Retired high school art teacher)

These are my notes made during an in-person interview a day after the workshop.

• Importance of quiet – It is good for kids not to be on the phone or thinking or talking. It is a counterpoint to the busy, doing, doing, doing.
• In school, kids are rushed over everything. It is overwhelming. Art Class is a quieter experience.
• A way of integrating the process into the artist’s context along with reflection. Going hand in hand with process and reflection.
• Allow kids time.
• Making decisions, having choices. TAB is an open studio model of Teaching for Artistic Behavior. You need to roll it out slowly and be trained. There can be too many choices. Fifth graders would take one of everything with too many choices.
• Artists usually specialize in one media vs. discovery – what would you like to use? Experimentation. Exploration instead of Specialization.
• The time factor for teachers to cover all the Curriculum. It is rushing that does the special education kids in.
• Take kids to camp. It used to be part of elementary education for fifth graders or seventh graders to attend camp.