Ribbon Cutting - " forever Young " - August 26th 2017- Michael Gaudet

The mural "forever YOUNG" faces the busy #2 highway just south of Young, SK. Photo Credit - Michael Gaudet

There are three attributes in an individuals personality that I believe to be essential in life in order to not simply survive but to thrive. These attributes are persistence, trust, and prayer.

I have a friend, who is a very gifted artist, whom I've known from many years back, when attending the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in the 70s. In my opinion Michael Gaudet strongly and consistently demonstrates the attributes in his personality that I've mentioned.

I wanted to share this post because I greatly admire my friend Michael, for both his talent and ability to thrive as seen in his blog post about his endeavors and accomplishments in life.

This stunning photo shows the massive scale of "forever YOUNG" as the panels are installed. Photo Credit- Michael Gaudet

Robert Pirsig - Telling His Own Story

Robert M. Pirsig - 1929 - 2017

 
I was very saddened to learn yesterday of Robert Pirsig's death, who wrote Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I was first introduced to his book back in the early 70s, at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, in one of my first official Summer painting classes.

I can say Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was the most influential book I'd ever read providing me with the foundation to my art education and completely coloured my perceptions about creativity, balance, values and the importance of quality, and to this day I'm so very grateful that Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was a required reading.

Robert Pirsig described his book as being a culture-bearer not necessarily a good or bad book and that he was simply telling his own story. I'm so grateful he did.

When Did You Know You Wanted to be an Artist or Why Go to Art School?

  

Ann Rea - Artists Who Thrive

 As far as the first part of my question regarding, when I knew I wanted to be an artist, consciously it was probably around the age of 10, when I knew I wanted to learn how to draw in the way that my drawing would match reality, especially when it came to drawing portraiture.

Before writing this blog post today, I happened to come across an article that vehemently and rather cynically made the point, that if you want to be an artist, don't go to art school, and this person was of the opinion that you can learn whatever you need to independent of University, minus the debt.

 And so my topic changed and the post I read bothered me, because going to University to learn about art and critical thinking among my peers, was one of the very best experiences in my life. I love being in a learning environment, and I love learning about art, and I'm in love with art.

Personally, if I go to a doctor, lawyer, mechanic, or any other professional, I want to know that they have attended University and are qualified to work in their professional field. Why should it or would it be any different for artists?

In regards to the money investment, if a student can at all avoid debt, I would strongly advise to do so, however I would never discourage any one from going to University to study and to learn critical thinking. Yes there can be the debt, but unfortunately there is debt everywhere, with most folks being credit rich and cash poor.

Attending the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in the early 70s at the age of 21 and then being unable to finish in my last year due to the death of my young husband, eventually lead me back to return years later at 56, to complete my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Mount Allison University. This is something I will never ever regret.

Attending University expedited my growth as an artist and as a person, in leaps and bounds, in a creative and fecundate environment. I had the wonderful opportunity to learn among my peers, to network, and increase my skills and confidence as an artist within the art community. It was where I was helped to develop my own voice. The professors excelled as artists and teachers with integrity and never fed me bull shit. They knew what they were talking about.

I now see being an artist from two perspectives. One, there is having an art career, and second there is having a business. We sell emotion as artists unlike any other business. Selling art in the art world can really suck and will mostly gobble you up, spit you out, and you'd better be prepared to bleed.

Starting an art business is the most practical approach for an artist I believe. The most important lesson for me has been to find my creative purpose and create value above and beyond my art. 

Learn about art, create, be diligent, work at your art and educate yourself about art as a business, and you can sell you art without selling out. You will be your own boss, setting your own rules within the creative class that Ann Rea speaks about on her site Artists Who Thrive.

 "A plan to do business without a plan, is a plan to do no business.” - Unknown

Harold Pearse - A Fun Loving Spontaneous Guy

Dr. Harold Pearse

"I change my philosophy everyday". This is what was said by a fellow classmate in, Introduction to Art Education, course in the early 70s at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. This statement had been made by this student after my Professor Harold Pearse, told us that one of the best things we can do as student art teachers, is to have a philosophy.

His statement really struck me as being so wise, and was a very much welcomed one, by a rather naive young woman such as myself at the time, who had a philosophy, but really didn't have a clue how to apply it to my life for a myriad of reasons, at the tender age of 22 years. I was relieved to hear Harold say this, and I knew I was definitely in the right class.

Years after, I realized this was one of the very best things Harold Pearse could have said to a bunch of green horns wanting to become art teachers in a public educational system that seemed devoid of any real tangible philosophy.

My Art Education teacher Harold Pearse, is a man of great integrity, intelligence, commitment, spontaneity, kindness and generousity. Not only is he a wonderful artist and person, he is teacher of exceptional quality dedicated to art education in all it's forms. He is also a dedicated and disciplined artist.

A cliche you often hear is " Those who can't do teach. " In the Annie Hall movie, Woody Allen said those who can't do teach, and those who can't teach, teach gym.
Harold is an artist and a teacher and excels at both. He is and has always been truly a very fine mentor to both students and artists.

Harold writes in his blog "Never ask your students to do anything you would not do yourself." "The other old adage of course is that teachers should “practice what they preach”." Harold walks the talk.

I have to tell this story that I never will forget, and have told it a number of times through out the years to some of my artist friends. It is a very fond memory that always makes me laugh.

While I was a student of Harold's, he decided our art education class would have a parade and our route would be up the hill to Scotia Square, a shopping Mall closely located to NSCAD. We all got dressed in various costumes and outfits and a way we traversed up the hill. One of the students was wearing a Joker outfit I believe, and proceeded to make the same noise like a siren of some sort which I'm sure drew attention, but none of us thought anything about it and we were all pretty excited, having way too much fun to worry about it.

 Upon our arrival we were not long there, when the manager of Scotia Square appeared and greeted us in a very disgruntled, annoyed manner, stating emphatically. "How many times do I have to tell you people? Let us know when you are coming!" Harold very politely, innocently and humbly told the manager. " Well, we didn't know we were coming, it was a spontaneous thing." Then the manager promptly shot back. "well don't ever be spontaneous again!"
         
I still laugh about it, but that was Harold, a fun lovin' spontaneous guy, who was serious about his art and his teaching.

I am so grateful to have had the privilege of being one of his many students so many years ago, and I am also very grateful that we have reconnected after all these years.

Harold knew how to make learning come alive.
And now I will never, ever not be spontaneous again! Thank you Professor Pearse!               

The Art of Michael R. Gaudet: Saskatchewan Government Awards Mural Contract

 I am going to date myself when I say I've known my good friend Michael, since way, way back in the 70s from our days as students at NSCAD, playing in a crazy band called the Suedeens. He is still the same soulful spirit who has a great passion for living life creatively to the fullest, with a big heart full of love and laughter.

I am grateful and proud to call Michael Gaudet  my friend. I want to wish him every success and blessing in his new creative adventure! I hope you will do the same in visiting his website. He's a pretty darn remarkable artist and human being!

The Art of Michael R. Gaudet: Saskatchewan Government Awards Mural Contract: About three months ago I got the head's up from a good friend that Saskatchewan Government Employees' Union (SGEU) was in the marke...

Graham Metson

Graham Metson, Renacer, Clorado, 1969

When I first arrived at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 1972, my first drawing class was with a stylish and handsome Englishman. Of course being in my early twenties, terrified and intimidated to be in art school in my very early twenties, I never thought about how attractive he was. I did know there was something very special about Graham Metson, and I never forgot him.  It was exciting to be in his class, and he expected us to work as disciplined young adults independently on the particular projects he had assigned to us. We didn't all do this, most of us tried, but he clearly confirmed my belief, that it was important I know how to draw.

The first time I saw Graham's paintings, I remember how much they impressed me visually, with their vibrant colour, imagery, and narrative genre. They completely captured my young imagination. Specifically I loved a triptych he did, that I saw at the Anna Leonowens Gallery. I'd never seen any work quite like this and it touched me.

Graham was very different than other instructors at NSCAD in that he was schooled in England and had a free spirit that made him very approachable and down to earth. I did not really get to know him so much personally, but I do remember very well going to his apartment with a friend where we met his wife. She was a lovely woman and did the most beautiful applique work, and if memory serves me, I think she'd made a jacket for Graham that was exquisite.

I consider myself to have been extremely fortunate to have had Graham as my first drawing teacher, because he gave me the structural foundation to build upon my drawing skills. He was an energetic, engaging teacher.
I am very happy I have been able to reconnect with him after all these years, and I am excited to learn that he now has a website grahammetson.com that I wanted to share.

There is a wealth of information on his site that I am certain people will find compelling. Graham has had such an interesting life. I greatly admire his intellect, talent, and his dedication to his art. He is a philosophical, visionary artist and writer.
I was particularly interested in his book about Alex Colville Dairy of a War Artist, whom I have admired greatly.

Graham is truly one of a kind, and I am a better person and artist for knowing him. I am grateful that he was my first drawing teacher. 

Suggestions For Art Students

Lauren Purje - Artist

Well I think I will always be an art student in the sense that though I am no longer attending University studying Fine Art, I still am always learning and intend to do so for the rest of my days.

But I do remember well, my early youth as a 21 year old art student at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax in the 70s. To say it was a wild time would be an understatement.
Although I wanted to learn all about art, I can't say I was the best student because my motivation wasn't the most well intended.
I was preoccupied, with wanting to escape my small Nova Scotia town, for the city. I was interested in boys and parties; not good way to start off University life and studies.

Upon returning to school in 2009, at Mount Allison University, in Sackville, New Brunswick, as a mature student at 56 years of age, needless to say my perspective had  profoundly changed. What hadn't changed was that I observed the same kind of behaviours that I displayed, when I was first a young art student.

I am not one to give advice but I will give suggestions, if asked. I've not been asked, but I will speak from my own experience if I had it to do over again, and ask, what would I say to my young 21 year old self? Here's my list.

1.Wait until you are really ready to attend University.

2. Don't go to University for the wrong reasons.

3. Don't drink excessively.

4. Don't abuse substances.

5. Stay clear of getting emotionally involved with boys.

6. Make sure you are disciplined or know how to apply yourself without getting distracted by the social life,     especially parties where there is lots of booze and dope.

These cartoons simplify some important suggestions to those who are either thinking about studying art, or who are about to begin their studies in the coming Fall.

I don't believe in luck, so instead of wishing all those young art students luck, I'll say, I will pray for you!
And for those of you that are looking to Grad school...you need some serious prayer!

Michael Gaudet - Artist

I wanted to post this interview from  LIT Happens, a Shaw Cable Systems cable broadcast from Saskatchewan. The interview is with my dear old friend Michael Gaudet. We knew one another at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax during the 70s.

Michael is not only an amazingly talented artist, but is a remarkable human being, with a big loving heart, and has a great conviction and passion to and for life and his art. I am proud to say he is my friend.

You can find Michael's blogs at the links listed .
http://gaudetart.blogspot.com
http://trinity2011.blogspot.com

Lovers Lane - Michael Gaudet

Serene Path - Michael Gaudet

Here's The Thing

 

I was on line looking for something to listen to, and found this great interview that Alec Baldwin had with Eric Fischl.

Eric has recently written a new book,  Bad Boy: My Life On and Off the Canvas


The interview was mostly serious, very honest, candid and insightful, into the artist's creative process and life, but in part, laugh out loud entertaining.

The Art of Michael R. Gaudet:Near-Death Experience Fuels Quest for Immortality

I am very happy to be able to share this post with my readers. It is about a fellow artist and long time friend from my days at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
Michael Gaudet has a poignant, inspiring and I believe an important story to tell, and that people need to know.

I first met Michael in the early eighties and immediately loved his infectious  personality, his enthusiasm and love of life. At the time I didn't fully comprehend what he had overcome in his young life. I had struggles of my own.

Many artists  struggle with obstacles in our lives. We make decisions around how we will cope with them. We can survive, in spite of the wounds life inflicts, or we can thrive because of them. Michael has thrived and I am proud to call him my friend.

The Art of Michael R. Gaudet: Near-Death Experience Fuels Quest for Immortality:...: Today I was excited to hear that my guest post " Near-Death Experience Fuels Quest for Immortality: An Artist's Story " is pu...

Higher Art Education

Over the past months since my graduation, I have been seriously ruminating about, what now? I'm not the typical young graduate, is taking off for unknown parts in order to spread my wings, sow my oats and the like. No, I am a soon to be a sixty year old crone, which I am happy to be, however my situation causes me to carefully consider the pros and cons of my next steps and the direction in which I choose to head.

I've been thinking about returning to University my old Alma mater, NSCAD, where I first started my art education, in order to pursue my Masters of Fine Art. I have been asking myself all the questions, and make statements to myself that perhaps many would ask them selves, when considering this kind of rather daunting decision.

Mainly my biggest concern is monetary. I don't expect to be a better artist upon completion of an MFA, as I don't believe this is what makes or breaks what it means to be an artist. The bottom line is that I love going to school and life long learning.
According an article I read in the Huffinington Post the unofficial and unscientific research done on this matter seems to be is quite clear, receiving an MFA degree doesn't assist or enable an artist more exposure in galleries or give more opportunity for employment.

 This is an interesting debate and ARTFagcity has lots of opinions regarding important factors to consider what may or may not help me to come to a conclusive decision about obtaining my MFA.  After reading lots of posts on this topic online, I am much further ahead in deciding, but I do know I will have to turn to prayer in seeking my answer.

I would very much welcome and appreciate any feedback, comments or opinions surrounding this subject.

Robert Pope

 After a phone call this afternoon to my good friend, we were discussing art and she shared her recent experience of seeing a show at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, of the late painter, Robert Pope She asked if I knew who he was, as he'd attended the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design around the same period of time that I did. Unfortunately I did not and I believe we attended during difference years and just missed one another, as he was ahead of me, as was Alex Livingstone, who had a studio just across the hall from me. I did a search of Robert's name and found this profoundly moving documentary about him, his art and his life. It moved and touched me very deeply, and his story is a real testament to the power of art and the artist.

 I am sorry I never had the privilege of meeting Robert, however I am very grateful to my friend for telling me about him and his work.

Gary Neill Kennedy " The Last Art College "

Today I heard interview on CBC Radio, Information Morning, with Gary Neill Kennedy , the past president of  NSCAD. He has just released his recently published book, The Last Art College - The MIT Press
Listening to Gary Kennedy talk and read, I felt nostalgic for those days during the early 70s at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. I also felt proud to know I was a part of this great school during this time like no other.

Perhaps because it was that particular period in history, when so many of us were questioning the meaning of art and that significant sociopolitical changes within the world where taking place, this translated into our art making and greatly contributed to the iconic myth of the 70s, that was and is still very much NSCAD.

I don't know if we didn't make any more boring art, that the great John Baldassari had students write out on the walls of the Anna Leonowens Gallery , but the Art College was definitely not boring. It was one of a kind experience, where you could make any kind of art, our imaginations were unlimited and the relationship between faculty and students was egalitarian. You knew your professors and they knew you by name.

 

 Coburg Road Saint Andrew's United Church Hall Building

When I first started out in 1971- 1972, the "Art College", which it was mostly referred to back then, was located on Coburg Road, in the large four story Saint Andrew's United Church building, before we made the big move to downtown Halifax, in 1978.  It was an intimate space, with a tight knit community of artists and  about 600 art students. I missed out on this protest by three years!

I remember the first day I walked in to the building, having so much anticipation, nervousness and excitement . I knew it was going to be something special I would remember for days to come .

You never knew who or what you were going to see or do and that made it very exciting. It was the best of times and the worst in many ways for me, but I don't once ever regret my four plus years there. I learned an immense amount, had some incredible teachers, wonderful life long friends and memories. I met some great artists and saw some great art.

Feminism, The Second Wave, was at it's height in the 70s and most of the female artists there had a fight on their hands. It was an education in and of itself!

NSCAD Downtown Location

Anna Leonowens Founder -Victoria School of Art

 
I like to believe that the passion and commitment we all felt toward art is still a deeply embedded within NSCAD students, the historical walls, beyond buildings and conceptual or traditional art but is an essence and spirit that continues to thrive not in spite of, but because of our NSCAD history.

 
Sadly I am afraid NSCAD is under threat and may very well be the canary in the coalmine in a culture obsessed with money. Lets hope not and if so we need to know Nova Scotia needs NSCAD.
                                             

Second Day of School

I am not planning on writing about each and everyday at school but I wanted document and share what my new classes  are about, that I am scheduled for this year.

I am extremely tired as I was awake at the ungodly hour of 3 a.m., much earlier than I expected as four was when I need to get up if I am going to gt a ride first thing in the morning with the only ride that will get me to Amherst at 5:10 a.m. to connect with the Fine Art Department Administrative Assistant, who picks me up in town and we head to Sackville. I am aiming to get into the habit of daily journaling and to get my homework done before I get horizontal.

Hopefully I am going to get a much needed second hand vehicle within the next few weeks as soon as my student loan dough arrives. I've been without a car for over six months now. Needless to say it makes for very long days having to dig out of bed shortly after I get into it! It's hard on the head not to mention my 58 year old body! I know how the Zombies feel and by the end of the next two weeks before I get that car, I am also going to know what they look like, when I look in the mirror.

So today we had Contemporary Art from 1970  up to present day. Anne Koval is our most excellent Professor and it is going to be a dynamite class, involving journaling, miniature art, a review of an art exhibit of our choice, and "Conversation With The Artist" interview of our own choice and lots of visiting and guest artists. Finally, last but not least, no exams, no tests, no essays, which is miraculous in my estimation.

When I was a student, back in the day, at the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, it was all about the exam, the tests, the essays, the memorization. 

I have to say, I love change, change is good, and I am so grateful I got to experience those changes! It makes learning so much fun, just the way it should be. I would say that if you aren't having fun while you are learning, chances are you aren't learning much. If nothing else at least you should be enjoying yourself!