The Benefits of Instruction

On her blog, Hanna asked: "Is it better to have a teacher, or let your skills develop organically?"

 I think that a healthy combination of instruction and natural growth is important for a developing artist. An artist, of any type, needs to explore and grow on their own to develop his or her own voice and personal taste, but this does not negate the benefits of instruction. Teachers introduce artists to other aspects of their art that they may never have discovered on their own. These new discoveries may one day be incorporated into an artist's style. Teachers also show artists the weak points in their work, which they may not notice on their own, and offer suggestions for improvement. Conversely, they may also show artists where they are truly talented. Enrollment in a formal class forces artists to devote time to their art, which they might otherwise neglect.

In the same post, Hanna expressed her talent and interest for drawing. Personally, I am a writer. I'm aware of several other artists in our class. What do you consider to be your art?