I was excited as I walked across the grass to the little studio in the woods, an hour early, to my first sculpting class at Saint Gaudens National Monument, in New Hampshire.
It was thrilling to view the famous sculptures by St. Gaudens under the tutelage of an expert artist, Bill Williams. But it was even more exciting to make a daring attempt to form a human head from a live model out of dark red clay. As the mosquitos nibbled on my ankles I repeated a mantra to myself, “You absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks”
I have had the good fortune to be a professional potter for my whole adult life, however, I never went to art school. Consequently, I am always looking for opportunities to add to my artistic experience.
Over the years what seemed like a magical secret skill perfected only by those who were “born with talent” has unfolded piece by piece. Art is like anything endeavor, ten percent inspiration and ninety percent perspiration. It helps though to have a good teacher, and I was lucky enough to find one in Bill Willaims, sculpter in Residence at Saint Gaudens National Momument.
Quote for today: Teaching is a work of heart.
