studio

“Quite an experience to live in fear, isn’t it? That’s what it is to be a slave.” – Roy Batty

My parents took me to see Blade Runner in the theater in 1982. I was thankful that my folks did because the artistry and message influenced my life. That is what art does. I believe that creative expression is a means to communicate on a higher, deeper level. I encourage and challenge my students to use art and media to define an ideal of a world they want to positively inspire and execute it in an esthetically pleasing way. To imagine this ideal world, that it already exists and to live in it as a responsible citizen while sharing what that exceptional life can be. While at the same time to define themselves as unique contributors who have the freedom to be themselves and express individual perspectives. Is this delusional behavior? No, your ideas and actions can create a better world. Aware without fear.

I visited the studio of my friend Ryoko Toyama today. She is a wonderful watercolor painter who delights in color and flora. I am honored by Ryoko’s talent. Ryoko is working on a series of paintings of me that she started as a part of her class work during Christopher Schink’s workshop in October 2009. She also shared with me about Japan and what she enjoys there when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Thank you very much, Ryoko!