Teaching artists are translators of wonder, working creators who carry the spark of imagination into classrooms and community spaces. They don’t just teach technique; they invite others to see, feel, and express the world in new ways.
Our roster of amazing teaching artists expanded this year, and we couldn’t be more excited! In our latest Teaching Artist Spotlight, get to know visual artist and storyteller Linda Brant-Malm.
Let’s start with your art. What do you make or do, and what drew you to it?
My vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa has driven me in a new direction as a designer. I create interactive storytelling programs with handcrafted objects about my journey of going blind. My art is tactile, so I can share it with those who have blindness.
My background in theatre design taught me to work with a vast selection of materials, therefore my media varies from traditional to non-traditional materials and techniques. Each of my pieces vary greatly in materials used.
What’s a memory from your childhood that made you realize creativity was important to you?
I was painfully shy in elementary school. On days that I had been stressed by feeling uncomfortable in my own skin, I escaped into happiness by creating art. I recognized that making art was my way of coping. It was empowering for me.
What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found creative inspiration?
I would say it was within my world of going blind. I worried that losing my vision would take away my ability to create art. As time progressed, I became acutely aware that all of my ideas were formed inside of my head. I could envision them in detail from the very first moment. I don’t know where they come from. They appear like magic. As my vision loss declined, my creativity continued. This made me want to advocate for inclusivity of the arts for people with vision loss. It became my calling to create tactile art, because with blindness, we see art by touching it.
What do you love most about teaching your art form to others?
I love the intimacy of being in arms reach of each other, so we can touch and interact with the art. People say that I am the first person they have met who is willing to talk about blindness. I am honored to be there in their hour of need.
Is there a song, book, or piece of art that changed how you see the world?
PURE IMAGINATION
Come with me and you’ll be
In a world of pure imagination
Take a look and you’ll see
Into your imagination
We’ll begin with a spin
Traveling in the world of my creation
What we’ll see will defy
Explanation
There’s no life, I know
To compare with pure imagination
If your creativity had a motto, what would it be?
Make a difficult journey fun.
What do you hope people (like the students you teach) walk away with after working with you?
I hope they are grateful they came, enlightened to have met me, and believe, those who didn’t come missed out. They have found inspiration to face their next trying situation.
What do you wish people knew about creativity?
Creativity comes from deep inside of you. If you find inspiration in others, that is your key to unlock your own creativity. Imagination is your friend.
Learn more about Linda and book her as a teaching artist here.
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