Hi, let me introduce myself. I’m Jessica Hart, the host of The Creative Conversation. I am an artist and educator based out of Tempe, AZ, and I am very passionate about creativity. I started this podcast as a component of my graduate studies capstone research, but my commitment to authentic creativity in the classroom began much earlier.

My career started as a studio artist. I mostly paint things but have since ventured into a more multi-media practice. It was really only after leaving school when the learning was not contained in a classroom, that I experienced contemporary art as a cross-disciplinary pursuit. Then, after taking a chance on an after-school art teaching position, I was hooked. Specifically, there was this magic moment where a room full of tough teenage boys broke into song, singing Lorde’s Royals, while constructing cardboard sneakers. They were just so focused and in flow that I could just stand back and marvel at their energy. That energy was nothing short of inspiring and honestly easily competes even with my most prolific evenings in the studio. So, I quickly pivoted my career to an education focus and started teaching in the public school system.

Contrary to the after-school art high that led me to teach full-time, it didn’t take long to realize that students were simply not confident in the ambiguity of creativity. They were easily frustrated and just wanted the quickest path to success. I mean, who could blame them? They are a product of the education system we have constructed for them. This frustration led me to the TAB approach, a teaching method that stands for Teaching Artistic Behavior and focuses on the habits of artists instead of the technical skills. TAB teaching is really cool. As a teacher, you get to witness students really grow in their creativity and intrinsic curiosity. The more I leaned into this pedagogy, the more I wanted to share.

This drive eventually led me to pursue my master’s in art education, where you will find me now, starting a podcast about interdisciplinary creativity. I will honestly talk anyone’s ear off who will listen about the value of creativity. Why not record it? I want to spur creative dialogue that builds bridges between content areas. I want to define creativity in a context that works for the entire education complex, and I want to share my experience as an art educator in transforming classrooms into environments of student innovation and discovery, and most of all joy.

So, what can you expect from this project? Every two weeks you will find a new episode, interviewing a fellow educator or professional who has something to share. They will make art, talk about creativity, and we will suggest practical approaches in the classroom that can serve our students. If you teach, tune in during your prep (I’ll try to make the episode under 50 minutes). Otherwise, join the discussion anyway, subscribe to The Creative Conversation, and maybe even go create and advocate in your community!