My Musings on Process vs. Product

by Sydney Gurewitz Clemens

Sept. 18, 2001

When I paint I get stuff out. That's good, and it happens if I'm allowed to do it my way, and it happens much less if others tell me the right way.

As I'm painting, I see what comes out. This may matter little, but there is a product. At some point in my development I may (likely will) come to care about how that product looks. If I have just enough help to make it look that way, I am delighted and go on. If I get too much help, or help of the wrong  sort, I am sure the whole thing isn't at all worth while for me, and give up.

My teachers must be sensitive to my situation. They must be aware that mostly this is my business, and not ask me "what is it?" or tell me, unasked, that my horse needs another leg. But when I ask them, or when I'm frustrated and look stuck, they should ask if I'm stuck, and if I say yes, they can offer a small suggestion.

Like anything else, it is helpful when I want the help, and not when I don't.

E-mail:  sydney@eceteacher.org, www.eceteacher.org • (C) Copyright Sydney Gurewitz Clemens, 2007