As we start to ascend from our 2020 work slumber, “the office” is now being seen in a slightly different way. It has all changed. Every. Single. Business has been turned upside-down and shaken to its core. My small business took an unexpected nose dive. It was hard to witness all but two, of my dozen active clients, fade away. Some due to no budget to advertise, while others permanently closed their doors, but all of us small businesses were effected by the wrath of COVID.
It forced me to stop at Life’s “fork in the road”. I had been sitting there for some time now. While Jumpstart suffered, my teaching remained afloat having taught two online classes for Asnuntuck Community College, in 2020. I had learned a lot about staying connected through Google Meet sessions and a multitude of online accessibility training, but I’m happy to go back to teach Graphic Design, in the fall. I missed the students. I missed the tangibility of Design.
One of my clients that fell victim to COVID was the Storyteller Cottage. It was here that I had the opportunity to teach art to all ages. It was a great experience, but the one memory that really resonated with me was seeing a kid light up during my art class. There is something magical that happens when a young person holds a pencil to start their first strokes. Their eyes would get wide. They would lean into their page, so they could focus more on the task at hand. Sometimes, their free hand would even press down onto the paper with a sense of determination. And then, they’d relax and smile. Will I get to see these wonderful observations again?
Recently, I had received a random text from the mother of my son’s friend that likes to draw. Among the back and forth of hang-out plans, was, “Hi, do you know of any art lessons or art summer camps for my sons?”
I sat back and thought about this for a moment. I then made a crucial pivot on that road…
I answered back. “I don’t know of any art camps, but I can give art tutoring lessons if your sons are interested?” After starring at what I wrote, for a while, I took a deep breath and pressed send. She then thanked me and asked when would be a good time and date to start.
Nathanael’s friend came over and I gave an art tutor session to the both of them. We worked on anime eyes. I worked with them on different shapes and styles of the eyes and then asked what anime character’s eye they wanted to draw. “Naruto!” The boys called out.
Before we knew it, the time was up and they continued to hang out for the evening. I then posted the fun we had on Facebook and Instagram. I thought I’d get a couple likes and comments of “Looks fun!” and that would be that, but instead I got a flood of questions from parents interested in their children receiving art tutoring sessions, as well! I have had one other art tutoring session with a girl aspiring to be an artist, herself, and more already lined up for the next two weeks!
I can’t wait to see where this unexpected turn in the road takes me.