I arrived here on Paros a few days ago. The weather has been alternatively sun, wind, some light rain and clouds but overall very pleasant. The new group of students is smaller this spring, but they are an enthusiastic bunch, very bright and ready for the challenges the school will put before them. Having been through this process three times already I can attest to these challenges and will admit freely that once through does not mean that anything should be taken for granted or assumed. We are all in for a wonderful and exciting time!
Today was the first official day and we have spent most of it in orientation and introductions. The assorted work spaces have been visited and already people are eager to sign up for as many courses as they can handle. I am helping out Liz Carson in the Silver Darkroom but I have also decided to take the painting classes. As a third formal course I am going back to Creative Writing and will try my hand at some personal essay. This is a heavy load, but I can manage the time and work required of me. The Painting course means that I will be also attending the Figure Drawing, Basic Drawing and Free Draw sessions. In total that is 15 hours of class time. The Creative Writing is another 4 hours per week in workshop. I will consult with Liz for probably another 2 hours per week. On top of this I will be attending the Art History lecture (1 1/2 hrs), Classical Literature (1 1/2 hrs), and maybe Photo History (1 hr). This is my official week of class time. That’s 25 hours. Top that off with the time I will be spending in my studio painting, working in the darkroom, writing and reading and I am looking at about 50 hours total per week working. I am hoping to get some time in for Greek language classes so let’s just say that is another 2-3 hours total. The Friday hikes will be a much needed breather for me and, I imagine, the others.
I am very excited about the days and weeks ahead. Right now dark clouds are rolling in and I hear thunder nearby. It is supposed to rain tonight and I am looking forward to this as it means more green things in the hills of this lovely place I am beginning to call home.
JDCM
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