We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelsey Thueneman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelsey below.
Hi Kelsey, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Amidst surgeries for congenital leg deformations, I found solace in art during long, lonely summers of recovery. Drawing became my escape, paralleling my body’s recovery. I realized art mirrored my resilience – overcoming failures, forming my identity. I learned setbacks were stepping stones, not endings. Art fueled my courage to face life’s challenges. Now, I defy doctor’s expectations while also defying my own creative limits. With each approach to my studio table, I know I can overcome, heal, and thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in art education, with a focus on the fascinating “Strange Tools” program in the digital futures lab. My passion lies in exploring the emerging field of neuroaesthetics and understanding how art impacts cognition and learning. This journey has been incredibly exciting as I delve into the intersection of art and neuroscience, seeking to unlock the secrets of creativity and its impact on our minds.
As I continue my studies, I’m also working on custom art commissions to support my education financially. This not only allows me to express my creativity but also helps me grow as an artist while contributing to my academic pursuit.
One aspect that excites me the most is using the latest research to advocate for creative education and arts-based research in schools. I firmly believe that art plays a crucial role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, and I am eager to share this knowledge with educators and policymakers to enrich learning experiences for students of all ages.
Moreover, I’ve recently started offering private tutoring sessions for both adults and youth. Through these sessions, I aim to help others discover the benefits of the arts and nurture their creative skills. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or digital art, I am passionate about guiding individuals in unleashing their artistic potential and finding joy in the creative process.
In the ever-evolving world of art and education, I am committed to staying at the forefront of research and innovation. I look forward to sharing new insights, discoveries, and experiences through social media as well as on my personal website, which has grown beyond offering only custom commissions to offering educational information on the topics I am most interested in.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Embrace a sense of playfulness and curiosity in everything you do. Approach challenges with an open mind and a willingness to explore. Let curiosity drive you to try new things and experiment with different techniques. This mindset allows you to stay engaged, continuously learn, and discover unique solutions to problems.
Cultivate a consistent self-reflective practice. Take time to evaluate your progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. This introspective approach helps you understand yourself better, refine your skills, and set meaningful goals.
Embrace failure as a gift and an opportunity to learn and improve. Rather than fearing failure, see it as a stepping stone to success. Failures provide valuable lessons and insights that can guide you towards better outcomes.
Remember, you can start anywhere – don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect opportunity. Take that first step and begin your journey. Each step forward, no matter how small, will lead you closer to your goals. Stay curious, embrace failure, and be open to learning from everyone around you.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The book that has changed my trajectory recently into the field of neuroaesthetics is “Your Brain on Art” by Ivy Moss and Susan Magsamen. The book highlights how engaging with art, whether creating or experiencing it, can activate various areas of the brain associated with creativity, memory, emotions, and problem-solving. It reveals how art can enrich our neural connections and lead to enhanced cognitive abilities. The authors encourage readers to embrace art as a lifelong learning and exploration process. Engaging with art, whether through active creation or passive appreciation, can lead to continued brain plasticity and cognitive enrichment throughout life. It is a super accessible book for anyone wanting know more about how the arts are overall beneficial to your health and well-being. If you are an educator, “Dancing about Architecture” by Phil Beadle played a very important role in my teaching career. I have gifted the book to every educator I know who are willing to implement creative play, student centered learning, and fun juxtapositions into their classrooms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kelseymariemakes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymariemakes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063681241614
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-downie/
