Thursday 9 April 2009

A very disappointing day

Although I am not surprised by what's happened today, I am nonetheless disappointed.

In my last post I told you all that I'd passed my Art Clay Level 1 Certificate. I was also planning to take Level 2 in June. I've had a phone call today to say that's not going to happen. The lady that I took my Art Clay certificate with has received complaints that I am taking the Level 2 so early after completing Level 1. Apparently there is a general agreement that students should have a period of at least 6 months in between certifications to gain experience and confidence. Is it a rule - no. However, because of the complaints she's received she has cancelled my level 2 and told me I'll have to wait.

I want to make it clear I am no way blaming the teacher concerned, I totally understand her position, and have apologised to her for any problems this has caused her.

I am really unhappy that there are people out there who felt it necessary to complain in the first place. I am NOT new to the world of metal clay. I have been PMC Levels 1 & 2 certified for 4 years and have been teaching for 2 years. The intention by completing the Art Clay certificates was just to give me a broader portfolio and also I get asked a lot about the differences between the two brands. The Art Clay certificates do not teach me anything I don't already know how to do. My skills are far more advanced than that.

It's not like me to rant about this in a public place, but that just shows how strongly I feel about this. I've made some lovely friends through the online communities I'm involved in, and its horrible to think that one of them has felt the need to do this to me (although I suspect it's more likely to be the lurkers who never actually join in). If you're one of the people who complained, feel free to email me and justify your complaint.

I have other exciting projects in the pipeline, which really are a stretch for me creatively and will challenge my skills. I will continue to concentrate on those instead and will be back tomorrow with a happier post!

10 comments:

Saffie said...

Becci I am stunned that makes no sense to me at all. If you were new then i would get it but not with your experience. Daft to say the least. Is someone jealous??? Chin up hun
xx

Rebecca Crabtree said...

Exactly why I'm peeved, I can understand it if you're new to metal clay. Could be jealousy or maybe that person was made to wait. I think it was multiple people complaining!! I don't think I'll bother with Level 2 now!

Mel P said...

Becci this really stinks, ((((((huge hugs))))))

Laura Johnson said...

Wreaks of envy! Keep doing your thing, your work is striking and lovely!

Unknown said...

Becci, don't let them get to you, I know what a fantastic teacher you are ;-)

Nicola said...

OMG that's awful, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to take level 2 when you already teach and work with the material so often.
Don't let it put you off though, you should still go ahead and do it!

Sue Doran said...

I'm an occasional lurker here but it wasn't me!! Sorry to hear about your disappointment but look on the positive side, it means you're making an impact. You don't need these pieces of paper - your work is beautiful with or without them - though I do understand why you'd want to have them.

Rebecca Crabtree said...

Thanks for all the well wishes everyone, I really do appreciate it. Don't worry Sue, I'm not about to hunt down any lurkers!!

Sharon said...

Goodness me. I've just found your blog and read this and think it's rubbish. Surely the tutor should decide if you have the skills for the second level. I agree. Jealousy and envy. Anyway, you obviously don't need a piece of paper to produce fantastic pieces as your work proves that :) x

CeeGee Jewellery Design said...

I'm gobsmacked that people could be so petty! Is it really any of their business when you took your last certificate? I think it's pretty poor that the teachers let themselves be swayed by interference like this - they should have stuck to their guns and gone with their first decision.