“For you created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, Lord, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
–Psalm 139
Bruce McCorquodale intently, thoughtfully stands in the gymnasium at Willowdale Christian School. He’s surrounded by artwork and upper end students. It’s the day of the Fine Arts Evening. The gymnasium is slowly, meticulously transforming into an art gallery. Black cloth lines the walls. Student art is hung and displayed. Students bustle through the space, carefully placing names and descriptions above each piece of art. While Mr.McCorquodale (affectionately called Mr. M) is present and working, it’s the students who are directing. One student runs up to me. “Let me show you our artwork!” he exclaims. He proceeds to give me a tour of the space.
I view the soulful creations. Emotions well up. It leaves me wondering, how does one nurture a sense of intrinsic motivation within students? How can young lives be nurtured to tell meaningful stories through their artwork? Several days later, I meet with Mr. M to find out.
…
We congregate in a classroom for a few minutes over recess. I describe my impressions of the student artwork and Fine Arts evening. I ask the questions that were plaguing me and inquire about his job as the school’s Art teacher.
Bruce carefully begins to describe his work. He’s developed a curriculum that focuses on the elements principles and dimensions of design. During the first years, students focus on one dimensional art pieces. Over the years, they begin with the basics of elements and principles of art and progress systematically while creating two and three dimensional art. New mediums, sophistication, genres and Art History are introduced within the developing art modules . I ask Bruce how he ignites student motivation and inspires the creation of artwork that tells a story.
He leans in. “Psalm 139 states each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. I believe we were created to be creative. All art is an act of worship and should in some way point to the Creator. When I introduce a new concept, I like to share scripture and tell my story – my perspective on art. I tell students that art affects and informs my faith and life, and then I ask,’How does it affect yours?’”
He pauses, ponders and continues speaking. “When kids set out to work on a project, I become their coach. As students explore what art as an expression conveys for them personally, they plan out their piece and we troubleshoot together. Ultimately, the students make their own decisions and develop a strong sense of ownership over their piece in the process. Student’s create and then they tell their stories through the piece of art they’ve created. Art is an extrapolation of self. Allowing students a safe space to portray their inner metaphor brings a sense of wonder and self-discovery to their lives.”
As we close our conversation, I ask Bruce what his hope is for his Grade Eight students as they graduate from WCS. “I hope and pray that I have fostered a love for Art and their Creator. That they’ll continue to be curious about exploring the worlds of Art and that they would continue to express themselves and their own stories artfully.”
When young adults are given a safe space, careful guidance and creative freedom- incredible stories unfold.
Bruce McCorquodale obtained a Masters of Education from McGill University. He was hired to teach at Willowdale Christian School 22 years ago. He’s taught a variety of age levels and subjects but is currently teaching what he’s most passionate about: ESL, Art and Technology.