有很多人都會覺得藝術家只享受創作，如果不是為了生活，根本不想教學。我知道有些藝術家朋友真的是這樣情況，為了生活別無選擇。
前陣子和一群藝術家朋友聊起近況時，大家問我其實是不是不喜歡教班？他們出奇地聽到我的回應：其實我好喜歡教學工作啊！
選擇去創作同時從事教育的工作是我當初經過深思熟慮的考量後做的選擇和決定，這一直是我想做的事情。在不同場合上過我的課的同學就會感受到我對教學的認真和執着，希望你們不會覺得我太嚴肅吧，我也承認較年輕時的確沒有那麼鬆容，多謝同學們的包容了。
我們好少公開去表達自己的教育理念，一來可能覺得要把事情做好太理所當然了，二來不太習慣好像賣廣告般推銷自己，感覺上也不是不需要，但真的沒有動力去處理這方面的事情，反正我們一直都是佛系收生，相信緣份到了就自然會來。
我的個性是我需要很清楚知道自己在實踐什麼，從來都不會強迫自己做自己不喜歡的事，也清楚要迫就做不好了。其實陸陸續續從事了八年教學和不同類型的教育工作，忽然之間回顧一下，也想分享一下這段時間的確會有心態上的轉變。以前一開始只喜歡教藝術學生或是成年人，因為覺得更容易溝通，輸出100%期望學生也能接收到100%；但現時發現自己原來也喜歡教小朋友，甚至是對藝術感到陌生的人，更讓我感到所有人都需要藝術。只要有一個人願意學習或是認為我的指導讓他受到啟發的話，我亦願意一直教下去。只是，教學是一條好漫長嘅道路，雖然被叫作老師，事實上我一直也保持着學習的狀態，不斷地更新自己才可以算得上是一位稱職的老師。
然而，我也會有不想去教學、拒絕分享的時候，原因是因為自身的狀態不佳；最近也感覺到正在經歷着創作難產的狀態，於是寫完這篇文章後我便會去參加為期十天的內觀課程，把自己閉關起來和清空一下，期望準備好自己去迎接2024年。在這裡預祝各位新年快樂！
Many people assume that artists only enjoy the act of creating and have no interest in teaching unless it’s necessary to make ends meet. And there are, indeed, some artist friends of mine who find themselves in such circumstances, where they have no choice but to teach to make a living.
During a recent gathering with my artist friends, the topic of teaching came up, and they asked me if I genuinely dislike it. Much to their surprise, I responded, “I actually love teaching!”
To pursue both creative work and teaching was a thoughtful decision I made early on and something that I have always aspired to do. Those who have attended my classes can attest to my dedication and passion for teaching. While I hope they don’t think of me as excessively strict and serious, I must admit that I was less relaxed in my younger years. For that, I am thankful for the understanding and patience of my students.
We rarely engage in open discussion about our educational philosophy. On one hand, we feel that doing well is an inherent responsibility, and on the other hand, we are not accustomed to actively promoting ourselves. It is not that self-promotion is unnecessary, but rather, we lack the drive to do it. At the end of the day, we have always embraced a more relaxed approach to taking students, trusting that destiny will naturally guide them to us.
I am someone who values a clear understanding of my engagements, and I never force myself into something that doesn’t resonate with me, as doing so would only result in subpar outcomes. Over the course of eight years, I have been involved in various forms of teaching and educational work. Upon reflection, I realized that my mindset has evolved over time. At the beginning, I primarily enjoyed teaching art students and adults, believing that communication with them was easier and that they would fully grasp my intended messages. However, I have since discovered the joy of teaching children and even those who are unfamiliar with art. This realization has deepened my belief that everyone can benefit from art. Whether there is just one person willing to learn or someone who finds inspiration through my guidance, I am more than willing to continue teaching. Teaching is a dynamic journey filled with twists and turns. Despite being referred to as a teacher, I maintain a continuous learning mindset and consistently update myself with new knowledge and skills to become a more competent and effective educator.
There are moments when I don’t feel inclined to teach or share, often due to my own personal state of mind. Recently, I have been grappling with a creative block. As a way to address this, I have decided to attend a ten-day mindfulness course, where I will retreat and focus on clearing my mind. My intention is to rejuvenate myself and prepare for the arrival of the year 2024. May I take this opportunity to extend my wishes to all of you for a happy New Year!
關於梨木製陶所
陶瓷作為媒介， 創作實用器物。器物創作存在於藝術與設計模糊的界線之間，二人以此作為切入點，重新思考自身對當代陶藝的理解與定義，創作出以生活為本、能經歷時間的器物作品。
About Toki Nashiki
With ceramics as the medium, we create practical ware/utensils. Such creation exists between the blurry line of art and design, where the two of us start to rethink our understanding and definition of contemporary ceramics, thereby creating practical ware that is grounded in daily life and stands the test of time.
