A look back...12/31/23

Here we are on the precipice of a new chapter, I want to reflect on the profound symphony of artistic growth, friendships and opportunities that defined 2023. 

                                                                                                   Alicia Eggert

 I will carry forward into 2024 the lessons learned and the inspirations gleaned from this year. May the echoes of artistic growth continue to resonate, driving me to push the boundaries of my creativity and explore new territories. 

The support system built among kindred spirits has been a source of strength, propelling me to keep pushing myself. Being part of the School for Art Leaders is proving to be a rich growing experience.  Reminding me it is important to broaden horizons and grow my circles. 

 

In the crucible of collaboration ideas find new dimensions. The Artist Teacher Exhibition highlighted the many ways artist collaborate. It also provided delightful open studio time for artist teachers to come together to make art, laugh and dish. 

 I also had the pleasure this year to give closing remarks for a GMU Student Art Exhibition at NAEA headquarters in Alexandria. It was joyful and heartening to mingle with the next generation of art educators.

In the tapestry of everyday life, inspiration weaves itself seamlessly through the threads of mundane moments and social interactions. 

It is in the shared laughter over morning meetings and coffee, the subtle dance of conversation with strangers in elevators, and the quiet symphony of scenic views along the bike trail and all the other ordinary gestures that the extraordinary takes root. 

Each encounter, however fleeting, becomes a a source of fascination and prompting me to see the beauty in the ebb and flow of the human experience...like that time Elvis came to the dinner party!

Stepping into 2024, I will carry forward the lessons learned and the bonds strengthened in 2023. I look to continue collaborations, flourish friendships, and share more artistic journeys.

Cheers to the friends who stood by us, the fellow makers who inspired us, and the art that binds us all together.

As we bid adieu (was that your starter word for Wordle?) to 2023, let us carry forward the lessons learned and the inspirations gleaned from this remarkable year. Remarkable like Beyonce, Barbie, female voters in Ohio and Taylor Swift, demonstrating the ultimate girl power!

May the echoes of artistic growth continue to resonate, driving  the boundaries of our creativity and explore uncharted territories. This year I am proud that my artwork was included in several exhibitions around the DMV and throughout the postal system...so much mail art! 

Wishing you a year ahead filled with inspiration, creative triumphs, and the enduring warmth of artistic camaraderie. Here's to a future where the arts continue to thrive, shaping a world that values the profound impact of imagination.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Commitment to the Craft

The first days of school are upon us! This week I had the privilege to be part of the welcome week for our new art teachers. It was delightful to meet this enthusiastic cohort of teachers with a vast range of teaching experiences and life stories.  There is a magic about this time of year. We are so fortunate to have this week set aside to connect with our newest colleagues. The week's events relies on the leadership and expertise of our experienced teachers to lay a strong foundation for the school year. 

In art and education, mentorship is a beacon that illuminates the path of growth, understanding, and inspiration. Just as a skilled artist wields a brush to transform a blank canvas into a masterpiece, so too do experienced art teachers wield their wisdom to assist and support new art teachers. 

Untitled (Studio) (2014), Kerry James Marshall, is a monumental picture depicting an artist’s workspace—was recently acquired by The Met. A veritable catalogue of the genres of painting, it combines still life, portraiture, and landscape with trompe l’oeil and abstraction, and includes many references to the Old Masters. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art recently and happened upon this Kerry James Marshall painting. It really stopped me in my tracks. Immediately I was thinking about my high school art teacher, the eclectic studio classroom and the profound impact she had on my life. Then reading the wall plaque for more context it referenced Marshall's relationship with artist Charles White. So, I did a little digging...so pardon my bird walk for a moment...

Kerry James Marshall was introduced to Charles White's work during his early years as an art student. White's artistic approach and dedication to addressing social issues resonated deeply with Marshall's own concerns about representation and identity. 

Marshall admired White's ability to convey emotion and humanity through art, and this admiration extended to the way White used his art as a form of activism and social commentary. White's emphasis on storytelling, symbolism, and the power of representation left a lasting impression on Marshall's artistic practice.

Beyond artistic influence, there's a personal connection between Kerry James Marshall and Charles White. Marshall had the opportunity to meet and interact with White during his early years as an artist. White became a mentor figure to Marshall, offering guidance and insights into navigating the art world as an African-American artist. Their interactions allowed Marshall to deepen his understanding of the importance of using art as a platform for addressing social issues and advocating for change.

So all of that to give a heartfelt shout out to all the art teachers who embrace the role of mentorship: you are the architects of inspiration, the cultivators of talent, and the keepers of artistic heritage. Your mentorship is the masterpiece that keeps on evolving—a masterpiece that enriches the education landscape of tomorrow.

Mentorship is a collaborative creation, a space where skills are honed, insights are shared, and the craft of teaching is elevated to an art form in itself. This partnership benefits both parties in developing their teaching craft. 

As the welcome week is coming to a close, I know our newest colleagues are exhausted and feel like they are swimming in information, but I promise you this, they know they have a support system! 

April Showers...

March snuck out the back door, leaving all its dirty laundry...

Grateful to April for leaving the fools back at the ranch.

Wishin' those April showers would wash the pandemic away.

Hope you are healthy and taking care of yourselves.

Covid-19 is no joke.

#30dayartquarantine is still a thing....and now more than ever, STAY HOME.

Herstory: Hilde....Celebrating Bad Ass Women!

 This wild woman made her first trip to New York City this month!  Hilde is a performance artist, accomplished art educator and mother of two from the West...she took full advantage of her Big Apple opportunity!

Hilde even managed to find a quiet moment on the buzzing NYC subway!

 She kept a list of all the moments...so she would not forget with all the stimulation of the big city and conference offerings! Some of the list: Subway ride, cab ride, Chelsea, the Whitney Museum, MOMA, Meret Oppenheim, #art_leg, Irish pubs, Oliver Herring, Jeff Koons, Advanced Style icon & new found friend Deborah, potato in Arabic, thrift stores, Tin foil fascinator, SVA, steam punk goggles...that is just to name a few...

I admire the way Hilde absorbed New York City! 

This lady is a vision in creativity and curiosity! Her students will certainly benefit from her experience at the National Art Education Conference this year! Lucky kiddos!

Ground Rules

Today I had the pleasure of attending an artist talk at the National Gallery of Art.  

Theaster Gates was visiting the Gallery today in advance of his show: Minor Arts. He is an amazing person!  He is the 4th living artist to have a solo show at the National Gallery of Art!  He spoke so eloquently about his life's experiences and how that has informed his art. This man is an incredible artist, urban planner, advocate, story teller & teacher. 

Theaster Gates discussed learning at an early age that self-sufficiency rules. The ability to convert and utilize the skillset you have so you can survive makes for a very rich life. 

He elaborated on his observations on artists. Artists no longer need to be singular and specific...they should play with all modes and mediums...

Use of materials should not limit what can be created...and then use what you know to leave your environment better than you found it! Superb and sound advice in 2017.

I was so moved and enthralled by his life thus far, I am a fan and will continue to learn more…and grow with what he has inspired…

Artist Teacher Show

 

 

 

Artist Teacher reception is this Saturday night at the Workhouse! I have two pieces in the show! Both fully functioning pinhole cameras (see below)!

 

 

Pinhole camera made from a trash can, aptly named Trash Cam.

The other pinhole camera is ceramic hand built slab cam, named Moxie!

I am delighted to be included in this wonderful opportunity! It is so cool to show with your peers and the people you work with every day! Kudos to Adam Hatchl for having his photograph selected for the postcard!