how i became a mermaid warrior

by mccabe, dancing mermaid

Art has not always been the love of my life. I enjoyed drawing and painting as a kid...but somewhere between 4th and 7th grade, that joy got squished. Years ago I took an artists way class, and one of the first things our teacher asked was, "who told you that you were not good at art?" This was not to blame or point fingers, but more to pinpoint where the magic got lost. We are all born with the natural desire to create in some way... so where did it go?

Mine started to disappear in middle school. By then the "gifted artists" had already been established and everybody else was just ordinary. There was a particular incident in 7th grade where an art teacher used a piece I did as a "bad example." I was horrified, and did not attempt to do art again until my early 20s. People teach the best they can with what they know. It is interesting though how adults project on their own fears regarding creativity onto kids, without realizing it. I don't know anyone that does not hold some old belief that their work is not enough. It can be a lifelong process to finding your way back, to making art for no other reason than it feels good to make it.

It took me all through my 20s and halfway through my 30s to realize that I really am an artist, simply because I have a story to tell. The thought of teaching art to young girls as a form of empowerment has been a dream for 10 years, and yet it did not really come into full fruition until I started making the necessary changes I needed to make in my own life. To those who say, "those who cannot do, teach," I say bullshit. Teaching is one of the most powerful, beautiful exchanges anyone could ever experience, whether you are a traditional teacher or not. The most significant teachers in my life have been the brave souls who have walked their path with dignity and grace, and are generous enough to share their story~even the ugly bits. I think as students we need heros we can relate to.

My inspiration for the Mermaid Warriors Camp came from my own need as a child to be acknowledged and supported as a creative, unique individual. Times were obviously different 20 years ago....and I just don't think most of the adults around me had the tools to foster a child that wanted to color outside the lines. Their generation was all about following the rules and not rocking the boat too much. Our generation is more introspective and aware, and who better to pass these traits along to our young girls then the ones who went without.

Which brings me to the Mini Mermaid Warriors and our camps. I teach online (through video and email) and also in real life. These two mediums are deeply woven together because many of my students appear in the online videos. I don't tell them what to say or how to act when filming, its just real girls being themselves. Through art journaling, photography, and mixed media, we string together all the parts of ourselves without rules or limitations. Doing art as a tool for self expression is not something most of them are used to, and yet when introduced to this type of art they thrive in it. Its like their little souls were just waiting for the opportunity to be recognized in all its imperfections.

My hope for the online class is to connect all these girls from around the world with each other. We have such a supportive, inspiring, online community of artists...how cool would it be to gift this to the next generation? The girls will be able to post pictures of their work, ask us questions, and become penpals with other girls in the class if they wish. Another exciting bit about this e-course is part of the proceeds are going to our african mermaid sisters brenda and gloria in rwanda. (thanks to jen lemen!)

We are all teachers and students to each other. They need us to create the space to make brave art, and we need them to remember what we lost. I truly believe this is a team effort and we are changing the world together...one little girl at a time.

* register here for camp until august 1st!