Cassie Gibbs - my journey
My Journey to Becoming an Artist and Art Teacher
Art has always been a part of my life, but the journey to becoming both an artist and an art teacher was anything but straightforward—and that’s what makes it all the more meaningful.
Art in My Blood
Growing up, I was lucky to witness creativity firsthand. My dad was a muralist and sign writer in the 80’s-00’s. I spent countless hours watching him bring massive murals to life with sweeping brushstrokes, bold colours, and unwavering focus. he always had a brush and a stick with a rubber on the end (I later learnt this was a mahlstick- used to hold your hand steady for large works)
When he wasn’t painting buildings, signs and walls, he’d sketch us kids—simple pencil drawings that captured our personalities perfectly. I’d sit and study those sketches later, completely in awe of his talent. I have vivid memories of techniques he showed me growing up. To me, art always felt like magic, and I was convinced that it must have been running through my veins too.
The Early Days: Pencils, Paints, and a Lot of Scribbles
Yes, it was in my blood, but an artist isn’t born knowing how to create meaningful art — it takes practice, making mistakes, experimenting, and learning various mediums and styles along the way. From doodling in my school book to taking opportunities to infuse my personal flair and expand my knowledge, the world was my oyster and I was going to take it on, one art piece at a time. From primary school to high school to post secondary education, everything I did had some creative flair.
Over time, art grew into something far deeper—it became a way to explore the world, share ideas, capture moments, and tell stories that words couldn’t.
Studying Art:
When I began studying visual arts more seriously, it changed the way I view art and also art teachers. I noticed that the good teachers took an a huge task - the teacher needed to teach these fundamental skills and ensure they stuck, but also ensure the student didn’t lose their individual creativity in the process, to me, this was phenomenal!
Through my studies I also noticed I started viewing the world differently - I had a new heightened awareness of not only what I was seeing but what it was made up of - I would look at a field or distant mountain and knew what colours were needed to create it, what values were making the light and shadow play together. I would look at a dingy ally in the city and see how there was beauty in the mundane. Colours held weight, perspectives felt layered and moments seem to carry stories waiting to be told. Just like authors, musicians etc. it was about reimagining the world through my own unique perspective.
All this learning and understanding became the foundation for my future as an art teacher.
Teaching: From Nervous Beginnings to Finding My Groove
Deciding to teach art was both exciting and intimidating. On one hand, I wanted to share the magic of art with others and I knew I had a mountain of knowledge to share. On the other, i had that pesky voice saying. . . ‘what if. . .’
Those fears quickly melted away during my first class. Seeing students discover their creativity—especially those who were convinced they weren’t “artistic” and watching all these artists connect - is a feeling I’ll never forget. I knew that teaching was about showing my students the skills while still encouraging exploration and growth and you know what? I was in absolute awe with what my first class (adults who hadn’t painted since high school) produced. . . I was good at this teaching and it was showing in my students work.
(Thank you to those in my first workshop, I know my voice was shaking when I started but I know you were all very pleased with the outcomes of your work, which speaks volumes to me)
What Teaching Has Taught Me
Teaching has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has taught me adaptability and the value of understanding that each student is unique. Watching them develop their own artistic styles has deepened my passion for art. Thank you my amazing students!
One of my guiding principles in teaching is to let students follow their creative paths. I’m not here to tell them what their art should look like, what would be the fun in that? - I’m here to guide them, encourage them, and remind them that mistakes often lead to the best discoveries.
Art: My Lifelong Companion
Art has been with me through every stage of life, from sketching in the shadow of my dad’s murals to guiding students as they create their own masterpieces. It’s been my outlet, my inspiration, and my way of connecting with the world.
So, here I am: an artist, a teacher, and someone who still believes in the magic of a blank canvas and the endless possibilities it holds.
If you’re someone who dreams of creating art, my advice is simple: just start. You don’t need fancy tools or a perfect plan. You just need curiosity, a willingness to try, and the courage to embrace the mess.
Thank you for being part of my journey—whether as a student, a fellow artist, or someone who loves a good story.
Here’s to all the art yet to be made!
