We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stacey Hammond a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Stacey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I started my creative journey over 30 years ago in an uncreative way. I was teaching 2nd grade in public school. I wove art into everything I taught, even math. I loved it, I was happy teaching there and making my art on the side. I was 26 when the county went bankrupt, and they began massive teacher layoffs. I had always wanted to start an art program and this hiccup was the perfect opportunity. The teacher who taught 2nd grade across the hall had an Ed master’s in computer science and we decided to leave and start an art and computer school. We researched the left/right brain learning experience, got a loan, leased 6 Macs, bought a kiln, and built an amazing creative space called FYI-For Your Imagination. This was before the “home computer” was the norm, as they had just been introduced in the schools, so it was all very new. All art programs had been cut from the schools, and I wanted to offer that experience. The students did an hour of art and an hour of computer weekly. The parents loved it, and we ran that for 16 years. We offered classes for ages 4-6 during the day and after school classes. We also taught adult art and computer classes. We displayed ceramic art exhibits throughout the area and felt a strong sense of community. We loved being entrepreneurs and never looked back.
Stacey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was a sociology major, with a minor in art. I studied in Florence, Italy, and fell in love with all of it! I travelled at every opportunity and soaked up the cultures. I tried, unsuccessfully, to work as a ceramic artist, but needed to make a living. I received my teaching credential and a master’s degree in education and began teaching kindergarten. I found art to be the universal happiness in my classroom. We focused on process, not product, and got dirty. I’ve always worked well in organized chaos, and my students responded beautifully to that element of teaching. I have been teaching art since 1996. I took a break from owning my own business to teach at Harbor Day School in Corona del Mar. It was a wonderful experience, and they encouraged me to create my program from scratch, without boundaries for 11 years. I reopened my space in 2021 and kept the original name, FYI-For Your Imagination. I am now teaching my second generation and enjoy my former students as parents. My projects project my vibe. I incorporate artists that inspire, vibrant literature, culture, tons of clay, printmaking, collage, digital images, and music. I continue to be energized by my travels and plan projects as I roam. I have taught art in other countries and these adventures bring me so much joy. Throughout my studio and teaching, I draw on all of these experiences.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I want to see kids use their hands, make mistakes, get dirty, and enjoy the process. I feel like the screen has changed our kids. Of course there is a time and place for technology, but not in lieu of making. I offer “free art” time and the students transform. There are no rules, just supplies and paper. They instantly relax, giggle, chat, and brainstorm. The children are missing this. Making art on an app is not the same. There are endless lessons to be explored while creating. I’ve been offering 3 hour workshops for my older students, and they crave more time to sit and draw. We have been diving into Neurographic art, and the students love it. Art allows them space to breath and be free.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
We can teach children that there are countless opportunities in creative fields. As a society, we have to keep art in our schools and scream from the mountain tops about the importance of these experiences. Making art and learning about artists teaches conflict resolution, patiences, empathy, improves test scores, introduces mindfulness, and so many important life lessons. We need to prioritize art in our schools as a base for a thriving creative ecosystem. It starts with exposing young people to the power of creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fyiarts.org/
- Instagram: @fyi.foryourimaignation
