Hi! I'm Lauren
And it's wonderful to have you here.
My journey as an art teacher began quite by chance, when a friend recommended me for a vacant position at her new school. Looking back, I am so thankful I’d decided to follow my heart that day.
I taught art from years 1 – 7 at an all-girls independent school in Johannesburg, South Africa.
I had been teaching other subjects prior, for a number of years, but it was in this position that I found the place that I knew I truly belonged.
Teaching the students new skills was one thing, but seeing their free spirits grow and flourish made an immense difference to their self-expression.
There was never any ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way of creating in my classroom, only ever that of the individual student.
Spontaneity and eagerness to try new avenues were the order of the day.
This playful rhetoric made the girls feel relaxed and uninhibited, and the artwork that emerged as a result was awe-inspiring.
Encouraging this free-spirited nature in my students was far from trivial.
Education 25 years ago, in the days of Apartheid, expected children to be seen and not heard. The young of all races were deemed mere pawns, trained to promote the political perspectives of those in power.
And this for me was wrong, on so many levels.
My own school education in the 70’s and 80’s, in the height of racial discrimination in South Africa meant my voice was never fully developed. It was only when I attended a progressive university, that my eyes were opened to new ways of creative thinking.
And so, I made it my mission to encourage my students to develop their self-expression, in any way they saw fit.
Emigrating to Australia and becoming a mum, meant I had to take a break from my art teaching.
However, the passion never left, and I have found myself circling back to my teaching days in more recent times.
Freedom of expression is vital for a person's well-being.
Not only is the freedom of expression important to a person’s well-being, it’s vital for the development of your own creativity and unique personal style.
In both my monthly in-person classes on the Gold Coast Australia, and my online creative art membership, I guide you to free your mind, widen your perspective, and rekindle your artistic spirit with the simple artworks we do together.
One thing I know for certain, attend any of these classes and your creative spirit will thank you forever!
See the links below for more details:
Another important influence on our well-being is social connection.
Connections can be just as important to physical and mental health as exercise and healthy eating, exposing us to new ideas and perspectives and helping us be more authentic.
Our relationships can also act as a buffer in difficult times. When things get tough, it helps to have the support of people who care about us – or at least know us enough to listen and empathize.
And I see social connection as an important nurturer of the creative spirit too.
Both my in-person classes on the Gold Coast, Australia, and my online Evergreen Membership are safe and welcoming spaces, where my community members come together once a month, to not only connect with their creative spirit, but also cultivate deeper connections with one another.
And have heaps of fun and giggles along the way!
Lauren's beautiful spirit and classes have been such a creative anchor for me. She's a sacred well of creativity and inspiration - the kind of teacher who helps you find your own voice (or brushstroke). I'm having so much fun practicing and remembering my kindergarten self with Lauren by my side!
Sheila Pember
