30 September 2017 –
It is very difficult to believe I have not updated this journal / blog in over a month! The beginning of the fall term was and is busy, productive and rewarding.
My ‘Abstract Painting’ class is going extremely well. It is so different because of the looseness of its structure (or lack of structure) and the intensity of the preparation, discussion, researching and process for these amazing students and their visual aspirations.
The topics for foundation and producing visual abstraction is widely varied and personal. Many in-depth discussions, especially on an individual basis, take place everyday, usually all day and is very demanding – physically (as I stand all day) and mentally. Every student has a different approach to their visual problem in terms of physicality of construction of their paintings and their individual interpretation and search to fulfill their visual objectives. I need to ask my students many, many questions of my own in order to accurately and clearly answer their questions. A challenge to be sure, but fascinating and rewarding.
I have been given a studio to accomplish my own work and I have painting continuously when not teaching. I have an extra unoccupied dorm room down the hallway and suits me just fine. However, this is why I have neglected this blog.
My students and I will have a very large and comprehensive group exhibition in December at a prominent art gallery. It is owned and operated by the Shandong Provincial Government. This will be a very important event. I am the first and only Foreign Expert to have been contracted for a full year. So the results of my teaching and the results of my students work is very important indeed. The gallery’s name is – Shiguang Yishu Zhicheng – City of the Sunshine Art. They are hosting the exhibition and have asked me to act as a liaison consultant to help bringing foreign artists to the gallery for exhibition and international exchange.
A book (catalogue) of the exhibition will be published and I have been asked to contribute a Liner Note about the exhibition, my students and my visit and teaching at Shanyi (Shandong University of Art) and my opportunity to teach in China.
I am also writing an article concerning my theory of art for a bi-monthly publication by Shandong University of Art called, ‘Qilu Realm of Arts. The journal is distributed to all art universities in China.
So, besides my teaching, painting, writing and all, it has been difficult to stay abreast with my blog. I hope to change this as I get started in writing it again.
This continues to be an amazing adventure. One that will change me forever.
What follows are 5 photos of my students at work (most working on huge scale) and 2 photos of the gallery space we need to fill with great stuff!
Stay Tuned………Still More To Come……….