The Aegean Center hosted its student show last night. It was a huge success with a large attendance and some excellent work to be shown. I was grateful to have a couple of pieces on the wall and a hefty flip-file of matted work for the populace to look at. Downstairs in the courtyard a slide show of the past three months ran on a computer screen. It made me a little sad to watch. Not because of any emotional tie to the school or friendships I may or may not have had during this time, but for the simple fact that, as a whole, I am not in it. Sure, there are pictures of me on the hikes, grilling, and a couple during a dinner (I have not been invited to many, perhaps one or two…) but overall it seems that I have attended a much different school than the others. Many of the images seem to be from nights in the bars and birthday celebration for one of the students I was not aware of and not invited to. In short, I was working most of the time–which is, of course, what I came to do. I already know how to stay out all night and drink with the locals. It is not an appealing prospect for me. Still, it would have been nice to have been invited to dinner once in a while.
I busted my ass this session and it shows. I have 45 pieces of finished work, most of which are all but gallery-ready. They only need proper mattes. For now the simple overlay matte works well for transport. I’ll be mailing these home next week instead of trying to carry them on a plane with me. Last night I received some lovely compliments from people whose opinion I respect: my teachers and also a couple of art experts. These are people older than I and more knowledgeable. They are the ones I turn to for counsel and guidance in things both artistic and personal. They have wisdom I do not.
I have learned important and unfortunately cynical lessons this session: do not offer assistance to anyone but if they ask for help, give it freely and walk away. It is their choice to follow. Also, do not give gifts to those who you feel are trusted friends. They will betray you, turn on you like rabid dogs and poison your relationships with all the other people who you come into contact with. Perhaps I am being dramatic, but this has been my recent experience. This is the wisdom I offer. Take it or leave it. I will not apologize for saying these things. My spirit has been crushed this session and has turned me into a darker version of myself.
More to come…
JDCM
Hi, I have been googling the Aegean Center for the Fine Arts in order to determine if I should attend the Fall 2011 term (or another term if it is full) and came across your posts. It seems you have attended at least two terms there and might be a good person to question about the experience? (I would rather question someone I found than someone they might provide me with, for a candid no frills view.) If you don’t mind sharing please email me at camouflagedmailbox@gmail.com. By the way your photographic work is stunning. Thank you. Jessica