The Power of Hands-On Learning: Exploring Creativity, Culture, and Education

The Power of Hands-On Learning: Exploring Creativity, Culture, and Education

In a world dominated by screens and digital interactions, the value of hands-on experiences cannot be overstated. One such example is the colourful exhibition by artist and designer Katie Schwab, titled "The Seeing Hands," currently on display at the City Dome at Edinburgh's Collective until March 5, 2023. Schwab's exhibition serves as a "touchable library" for both kids and adults, inviting them to experiment, develop creativity, and engage with society.

Katie Schwab's artistic practice encompasses various mediums, including installation, textiles, furniture, and moving images. Her work delves into the personal and social histories of craft, design, and education. Schwab's hands-on approach involves collaborating with other artists and makers, resulting in adaptable sculptures created from remnants and recycled materials. Through collaborations with individuals such as furniture maker Simon Worthington, graphic designer Maeve Redmond, fabricators Scott Associates, and sculpture and design upholsterer Izzy Thomas, Schwab creates a rich tapestry of textures and colors in "The Seeing Hands."

The exhibition draws inspiration from diverse sources, including Baby-Lonia, a set of educational sculptures produced by Italian avant-garde collective Studio 65 in 1973, Boardrobe, designed by former Memphis designers Daniel Weil and Gerard Taylor in 1991, and a 19th-century stitched Leporello workbook created by US kindergarten teacher-trainer Ella Steigelman. These references highlight the importance of historical and cross-cultural influences in Schwab's work, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for visitors.

"The Seeing Hands" aims to provide tools for expression and communication for both children and adults, encouraging them to manipulate the space and explore different forms of learning and play. Drawing inspiration from Bruno Munari's Tactile Workshops for children, the exhibition empowers individuals to engage with contemporary art and fosters a diverse and inclusive future for the art sector.

The concept of hands-on learning extends beyond the realm of art exhibitions. It finds its roots in educational theories such as the "loose parts play" theory. This pedagogical approach allows children to follow their interests and take charge of their own learning by using everyday objects instead of traditional toys. The objects used in loose parts play are typically open-ended and recycled materials with interesting properties, such as unique shapes, colors, and textures, sparking children's imagination and creativity.

The idea of hands-on learning and exploration can be traced back to cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead, who was a prominent figure in the 1960s and 1970s. Mead's work focused on documenting and understanding attitudes towards sex in traditional cultures of the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. Her research and writings played a significant role in influencing the sexual revolution of the 1960s, advocating for the broadening of sexual conventions within the context of Western cultural traditions.

Mead's academic journey began at Barnard College of Columbia University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1923. She further pursued her studies with influential professors Franz Boas and Ruth Benedict at Columbia University, obtaining her master's degree in 1924. Mead embarked on fieldwork in Samoa in 1925, which became a transformative experience for her. This fieldwork laid the foundation for her groundbreaking research on cultural differences and challenged prevailing notions about human behavior and sexuality.

In 1926, Mead joined the American Museum of Natural History in New York City as an assistant curator, solidifying her place as a leading anthropologist. She went on to earn her Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1929. Mead's work as a communicator of anthropology in modern American and Western culture made her a controversial figure within the academic community. However, her ability to effectively convey complex ideas to the general public through mass media platforms solidified her reputation as a cultural icon.

The common thread that runs through the work of Katie Schwab and Margaret Mead is the power of hands-on experiences and their ability to shape our understanding of the world. Both Schwab's exhibition and Mead's anthropological research emphasize the importance of engagement, experimentation, and exploration in fostering creativity, cultural understanding, and personal growth.

In conclusion, hands-on learning is a powerful tool for individuals of all ages to explore their creativity, engage with society, and develop a deeper understanding of culture and history. To incorporate more hands-on experiences into your own life, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace experimentation: Allow yourself to explore different mediums, materials, and techniques without fear of failure. The process of hands-on experimentation often leads to unexpected discoveries and new avenues for creativity.

• 2. Engage with diverse perspectives: Seek out opportunities to learn from different cultures, disciplines, and time periods. By broadening your horizons, you can gain insights and inspiration that will enrich your own creative journey.

• 3. Create a tactile environment: Surround yourself with objects and materials that inspire touch, interaction, and exploration. Incorporate open-ended and recycled materials into your creative space to spark your imagination and invite hands-on engagement.

By incorporating these practices into your life, you can tap into the transformative power of hands-on learning and unlock new possibilities for personal and creative growth.