Testimonials
From students, teachers, principals, foundations
Helen Pollock, ONZM
New Zealand Sculptor/Artist
“What a fabulous presentation! The children’s work shows how successfully you led them into their work and engaged them. I loved the originality of the inventions – and their text.” (Set of 5 Art Sessions, 2017)
“You clearly offered something that touched the participants profoundly.” (Art & Emotions, 2018)
Intermediate School Teacher
Year 8
“Lesley presented a session on innovation and inventions with my Year 8 class. It was a fantastic introduction to our topic, derived from the question ‘What causes Change?’ She encouraged students to consider the development of technology and change throughout history by spotlighting significant historical figures in the fields of art and science. The students were exposed to the mindsets of these figures through examples of their inventions, dialogue, and art. She also shared an innovative product from her work. Lesley was very knowledgeable and inspired the students’ to begin thinking up inventions of their own. She was extremely accommodating and flexible – willing to adapt her session to meet the needs of our students." (Change & Invention, 2018)
Intermediate School Teacher
Year 8
“It was very clear that Lesley was speaking about one of her interests – leading to engagement from the class. I really liked how calm and softly spoken she was, yet passionate. This is something that the students respond well to. The content of her presentation was informative and linked to relevant quotes that inspired some students. I still have a couple of them talking to me about imagination and how they want to invent something that they have thought about in-depth. Something that resonated with the class was the slide at the end where she spoke about drawings and diagrams. They were stressing a little bit about not being ‘good drawers’ but she relaxed them and they now feel confident in drawing their invention, not worrying about their skills. One of the students still talks about Lesley and references some of the things she mentioned while completing his project." (Change & Invention, 2018)
General Manager
Foundation for Youth Development
“We had the great privilege of being joined on the camp by visiting speaker Lesley Kahn, who added her passion and knowledge of art to the broad learning mix our students enjoyed at camp. Lesley really put her whole heart into introducing our students to the colourful world of art. She showed how famous artists had used the hardships and struggles in their lives to add depth and passion to their work. Then Lesley gave the students the opportunity to create a painting that expressed something about themselves and the way they were feeling. These evening Art workshops were a lovely contrast to the bustle of the day and there were real breakthroughs for many students, as they put their feelings onto paper often for the very first time. Students wept as they looked at their paintings and realised how much feeling they put into them, others had never picked up a paintbrush before, but are now determined to nurture a hidden talent. Thank you Lesley for fostering an atmosphere of creativity, respect, and safety for our students to find a new side of themselves.”
Intermediate School Teacher
Year 7
“Lesley was extremely generous to engage in our term’s topic by preparing lessons for our team, exploring the theme of society through art. She spoke passionately about iconic artists and their work, shared her own artwork with the students and guided an interesting and meaningful painting session. The experience exposed them to various painting styles and expression and they were captivated the whole way through. We would love to have Lesley return!” (Art & Society, 2017)
Students, 11-12 years old
Year 7
“Lesley’s lesson was inspiring in the way she gave us a go at creating a piece of abstract art. I enjoyed the way she showed us pieces of her previous artwork for inspiration and examples. She also taught us about previous artists from all over the world to show us different styles. It was a fun lesson and would be great for other schools and groups of kids to participate in.” (Art & Society, 2017)
“Lesley was very informative and taught me a lot about styles and artists. I really enjoyed learning about why people drew things a certain way and found it very interesting. I also learned how important it is to find your own style and the importance of being original, but also getting inspiration from other artists. I would have loved to see more artists' work! I found making our own pieces of art really fun, and the enjoyment of others trying to figure out my abstract art. Overall a great session, hope to do it again!” (Art & Society, 2017)
“Lesley showed us amazing artwork. There was a big range of artists and their paintings. It was very exciting painting my artwork and I loved experimenting with different colours and techniques.” (Art & Society, 2017)
“I really enjoyed the lesson as I learned new things about art that I never knew before. I also think that Lesley is an amazing teacher and her artwork is fantastic. She taught the class very well.” (Art & Society, 2017)
“I really enjoyed how we could express ourselves with art. I loved Lesley’s art so much and it inspired me a lot!” (Art & Society, 2017)
Students, 12-14 Years Old
Year 8
“Creativity is probably the most important part of innovation.” (Change & Invention, 2018)
“One of the key points I found to be really important was about how dreams, creativity, imagination, artistry and curiosity cause change. Additionally, the question of – could your invention change something in the future?” (Change & Invention, 2018)
“That our designs or even just imaginations can exist in the future (Wizard of Oz).” (Change & Invention, 2018)
"I really liked the formatting of her presentation and she made it easier for us to understand. I also liked the explanation of invention and how she told us that even if we fail, we still have an outcome.” (Change & Invention, 2018)
"It really motivated me with the quotes and the stories that she told about seeing a need, then finding a solution to that need." (Change & Invention, 2018)
“Your past does not have to stop you from inventing things that other people may think are useless.” (Change & Invention, 2018)
"I realized that normal people can also create amazing things, so even if I am not creative, I can still change the world for the better. I felt it was a great presentation 🙂.” (Change & Invention, 2018)
“How it doesn’t have to be a huge thing, just has to be good.” (Change & Invention, 2018)
“I learned a lot about how to believe in yourself and create your own ideas. This would certainly inspire me.” (Change & Invention, 2018)