I think it's time to introduce myself properly.
Hi everyone, my name is Lara Coutinho, I'm Portuguese and I work at an International school in Brussels, Belgium. I was born in Mozambique and studied in Portugal, Germany and Austria. I am graduated as an artist (whatever that is) and as a teacher.
The idea of Art 2 U Online was born during the confinement (2021). While trying to create more digital content for my students, I though on making it accessible to everyone.
I was working hard (and fast) to prove I didn't know what to whom, but suddenly, a turn of events forced me to stop.
For me it wasn't the confinement that affected me, it just helped. Truly limiting health problems made me see where I was and where I was heading and I wasn't sure that was what I wanted for myself.
Adding to that, one day, as I was leaving the house, I noticed that the daffodils were in bloom; the birds continued to sing at my window in the late afternoon, and moss grew on the branches.
I started drawing and painting again. Not for the purpose of preparing a lesson or doing some commissioned work. Just for the pleasure of the lines and colors. It sounds like a cliché, but that was it. So simple.
And I rediscovered in the nature that surrounded me a way to nurture my creativity, connect with my intuition, giving me a new perspective that what seemed like a challenge could become an opportunity.
Naturally, in the last months this project changed course and today, as you can see, it is a place where I share my artistic work. Interestingly, Art2 U Online was intended to be an art room where everyone would be welcome. But I am of African origin and I know that a "room" is not important.
In Africa we often teach under a tree. (It´s also the place where we make the most importants decisions, not only for us, but for our "tribe".)
We are the ones who make the space: with our initiative and energy.
That's why I'm renaming Art2 U Online to Lara Coutihno.
I hope you will continue to come and meet me under the tree.s or around the branches.
Comentarii