Being Artist & As a Teacher

The voice that made Academicians Think!

A small article based on my teaching/thinking methodology that was posted and published by my student-Ashfaq Ali Ahmed -a very vibrant student, now an aspiring journalist and photographer, on his demand to pass this message to all, on unconventional education as he had experienced being a student with me in my available academic limitations of nature and possibilities year ago. I am at least contented for a moment that my students still values the importance of this intuitive, lateral thinking approach even after so many years.

Though this was the concept that early Indian education especially Nalanda and Takshashila practiced and followed with hands on practical experience and theory based on the practical application, in fact this same concept is now derived by many educationalist throughout the world, and the same is now immediately implemented in USA and UK as well, one amongst a leading personality working for it is Sir Ken Robinson [1].also Dr. Abdul kalam too has stressed enough to implement this methodology. Thus this is concept having its original roots dating back to early civilizations, is been now practically applied by many in various manner in different sectors , here I tried using this concept in such a manner wherein it doesn’t tamper the existing academic system making it a possibility by illustrating, experimenting and expressing it to all.

[1]Sir Ken Robinson-refer to his TED videos and youtube links for his talks.
Below is a feedback article, based on the reactions on my thoughts and methodology, asked to few other academicians of the education institutions-

Animation express article page link

http://usanx02.indiantelevision.co.in/index.php?file=story&id=3831

Animationxpress.com > Editorial > Unni Krishnan K wins gold medal ...
Toonskool Animation Academy faculty member Unni Krishnan K has been awarded with the prestigious honor of gold medal certification for Masters in Fine Arts ...usanx02.indiantelevision.co.in/index.php?file=story&id... - Cached - Similar

Article of Animation Express

Unni Krishnan K wins gold medal in Masters in Fine arts 31 January 2008 03:45 PM
By CHAITRA SHETTY -Animation Express
(31 January 2008 12:20 pm)
Toonskool Animation Academy faculty member Unni Krishnan K has been awarded with the prestigious honor of gold medal certification for Masters in Fine Arts with Applied Arts at the hands of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam recently at Bangalore University. Speaking to AnimationXpress.com, an elated Unni expressed, "I always thought that these things went to people who are politically influential and had recommendations. So getting the gold medal came as a surprise to me because I had neither of them. I have come all the way by sheer hardwork. This award is very special for me because my dream of receiving an appreciation as a blessing from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam who has always been my Guru and idol has come true with it."
This award was conferred on Unni for securing the highest marks in Master of Visual Arts and especially for the thesis – research done by him. Speaking on the same, he said, "I did masters only because I wanted to do PhD. The research and work that I have done for the same would help in my ongoing PhD."
Krishnan is currently working with Toonskool as a lecturer and Academical coordinator for BSC and Diploma in Animation. He teaches subjects ranging from Foundation Art, Theory and practicals, Art History, Art criticism to Movie Analysis and Art Direction. He has also contributed to the syllabus preparation and documentation for the academics.

Unni, who graduated from Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath has been earning and learning since college days. He has worked at Wigan and Leigh College and some government colleges as a visiting faculty for fine art and applied art faculty, teaching art and advertising history with practicals in the initial stages of his career. He has also worked with leading media firms like Udaya Vani, Times of India, as Illustrator, Cartoonist and Stringer.
The credit for my success goes to my teachers of Chitrakala Parishath especially Sri Nanjunda Rao, founder and father of Chitrakala Parishath by whose blessing I am what I am today, and of course all my guides," added Unni.