Time or Space?

"Man transcends space, and time transcends man... We all take part in a procession through its realm which never comes to an end but are unable to gain a foothold in it....Space is exposed to our will; we may shape and change the things in space as we please." - quote from The Sabbath, Abraham Joshua Heschel.

I think it is because man has no foothold on time that he becomes obsessed with shaping and changing things from 'time' into 'space'. When I create, I want to capture, preserve and shape a moment in time. By changing from time to space, I am able to do that. It is a similar desire when sports fans with a remote hit replay. Or when the 5 year old who loves the funny face you just made says, "do it again!" Or when we take photos. These are all ways in which we convert time into space. This has become a common exercise for people in the western world as they somehow have attached proof of their existence to things in space rather than ideas in time. My question then is, if time is eternal, and space is not, then shouldn't we be leaving a legacy in time rather than space? Through my art, I can work out ideas about relationships, life, longevity, morals and values. Art can be a catalyst, the way to open the door to more meaningful thought, especially thought about what meaning our lives have when we can only hope to occupy space for 80 to 90 years. I like to think about converting my existence in space to existence in time through a relationship with the Creator of all. How about you?

Where have I been?

I apologize for not being able to blog recently. There has been a lot of illness in our family. We are on the mend now.

to learn, or not to learn

I have been thinking about what defines a person as a good learner. I thought if a person had the right tools or reference, a good setting, aptitude, and an interest in the topic that the rest would fall into place. But since I have been teaching, I have realized that it is more than that. Attitude can really decide whether you learn anything at all. No learning situation is ever perfect whether it be in a classroom or through life experience. A bad attitude can be the biggest barrier to learning, whether or not we have the best tools, instructors, or resources. The most wise among us have learned what they have through an attitude of humility and willingness to consider anything that comes their way, even if it is outside of their comfort zone. In my opinion, this is the key to mental, physical and spiritual growth. If a person is to ever reach there full potential they must master humility, the most difficult virtue of all.

sob...I'm so confused!

Have you ever tried to do business through email? If you have, you'll be able to relate. I have been working on Freelance illustration projects with my good friend Angela of Angela Chan Design for more than 10 years. Angela lives in Vancouver and I live in Prince George, a physical distance of at least 1200 kms. Creating via telephone and email has always worked for us. We joke that we work faster now than when we lived in the same city and relied on courier service. This last week was different. After 4 phone calls, copious emails and 3 rounds of drawings I had to admit that I was confused. Confused about the content for the drawings, confused about the deadlines and confused about my work relationship with Angela. But then I also find myself entering a room with a pencil that needs to be sharpened, and leaving the room carrying a sock. And occasionally I'll stop whatever I am doing and just scratch my head as if stirring up the dander will some how complete those synaptic whatevers that happen when one thinks. Maybe I have too much going on, or... maybe it's mental-pause.

the human need for control

We've been taking a beating from the weather here for the last 3 weeks. The rain came down so hard that it ran down our steps and under our basement door. There it proceeded to spread out and make itself comfortable in warm pools on my floor. Nothing turns a sleepy Sunday morning into a state of emergency faster than a battle with nature. A sump pump and several hundred dollars later, things were under control. Looking back over the preceeding 5 days, it seemed as though no one was in control. City and school buses were canceled, residents were warned not to travel, even the university in this town closed it doors. Parents of elementary aged students were asked not to send their kids to school as there was a chance they might not be able to collect the kids at the end of the day. Several high school students spent a night in their school as helpless parents had no way to reach them. One letter to the editor of the Prince George Citizen, lamented that in today's world there should be no reason to keep children home from school. This individual scolded the district for a shoddy attempt at occupying the few children who arrived. Has society become obsessed with the idea that people should be able to control everything in their environment? It seems to me that attempts are made through legislation, and civic law to prevent any *bad* event from happening. Seat belts, helmets, knee pads, shin pads, chest protectors, vaccines for everything, inquiries into every accident are examples of this obsession.
Even as I listened to broadcasts about the mudslide in North Vancouver, individuals were saying, "Will there be an inquiry? How can we prevent this from happening in the future?" Well, you can't. Nature happens. Our grandparents worked with nature, rather than trying to control her. One thing is for sure, they weren't stressed out about their kids missing a day of math in the middle of an ice storm.

use whatever you have...

Teaching the first two classes of digital art and media, with obsolete machines (older Mac G4's), and software that is 3-4 versions old has definitely not been easy. It has been next to impossible to find reference books, enough for 20 students to buy, and online help just doesn't cut it. Since the college will not be upgrading the software or equipment anytime soon, I have really had to think about this class and what of relevance I can teach the students. Approaching this as though it were a drawing or painting class has been the answer. It cannot be a software class, therefore it will be an art class who will learn to make art with whatever software they have. Hasn't that been a tradition for students all along? When I was an art student, I could never afford stretched canvas to paint on and ended up painting on cardboard out of my mother's panty-hose, masonite, or whatever scraps of wood I could find at the local lumber yard. Why should life for a digital art student be any different?

that stale feeling

It's amazing how pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone can create growth. Every so often I do that to relieve the stale feeling that comes over me. I guess accepting this teaching job is one of those times. As I worked on the curriculum, I spent the day checking out art history resources, actually digital art history resources of which there are very few. I did come across two very interesting sites I'd like to share. Check out Paul Brown's work called Chromos at www.paul-brown.com.I also found this site for the Museum of Bad Art. There is some really bad art out there! Good thing someone is keeping track.

One Giant Leap

On January 10th I will start a new job. I'm having the usual new job jitters, mixed with excitement as I have taken a step in a new direction. For more than 14 years I earned my keep as a Graphic Designer. Now I will teach in the Fine Art program at the local college. This represents a huge step for me as I have always wanted to teach art. Sometimes the thing we want most is that which we avoid. I am happy to say that I am no longer procrastinating. Well, for those of you who know me, I'm no longer procrastinating about teaching...

Year End

I am not in the habit of making resolutions that I can't or won't keep, however, I do like to take inventory, make sure all my personal accounts are up to date, and forgive any bad debts. Tomorrow I will write a new number on all correspondence; 2005. This symbolic act gives the illusion of a fresh start. This year, I have decided to concentrate on keeping a good balance with all that I do, stay in the black, and even put a little away for emergencies, if you know what I mean. Whatever you do to on New Year's eve, may it be every bit as refreshing.

Easy Start

This is my first post. I have no idea where this blog will go, I just have a sincere desire to express in another medium. It is part of a new year resolution of sorts.

For everyone out there enjoy your holiday. Think about all the blessings in your life. Mine are the love of God, family, friends, a purpose...and a home in this country of Canada. It is a blessing to live here.