A Gift Given in Much Deserved Appreciation

 

“I Learned to Dream”

The boy in the forefront of this piece is my Grandfather.  I have a few photos of him as a boy, all of which are very inspirational.  This particular picture brings to my mind those things we take for granted today. Not the least of which that he had to quit school after the 8^th grade to help support his family.  Those of us who are not faced with such an oppressed situation take education for granted.  We seem to believe that today this is just something we are entitled to. I look at this picture and wonder what would have been different for my Grandfather if he were able to complete school.  Would he have had that one teacher that saw his potential and inspired him to act on it?

Do you remember that one teacher?  The one that for some reason noticed what you had inside of you before you even knew it was there?  I had such a teacher, actually, I was lucky enough to have two of them.  They came a few years apart and in different schools. I am sure you will not be surprised to learn that they were both art teachers.  They both fostered what my parents knew was there.  I remember my Mother’s appreciation of both of them.  I now understand the excitement and pride she unabashedly expressed.

I know now what it feels like when someone with so much potential to influence and change a life recognizes what you see inside your child. 

This piece of art is for an amazing teacher, no not an art teacher, but a teacher that encourages imagination in much the same way, a teacher who, when he met my daughter, saw her for what she truly is, an extraordinarily intelligent and imaginative individual.

I often have trouble finding words in conversation...  I am shy and insecure in this most common form of communication.  I am rescued by the means to express myself through my art...

I can't imagine a better way for me to make known my appreciation.

This piece was created on a 9 x 7 x 1.5 inch masonite cradled panel.  It began on my journal page where many of the elements were transferred to it's final substrate. 

I plan on including a copy of the journal pages with the collage pieces that are created from them.  I like to give the new owners a little bit of the inspiration behind their new piece of art. ( I am not ready to share them with the world though... I am feeling a little shy about posting them here.  That will have to be a fear conquered someday I am sure.)

Were you too as fortunate as my daughter?  Have any of you had the privilege of such a teacher?   Were you inspired, directed or redirected down a path due to this person.  I would love to hear your story.  Please share.

Thank you all for visiting,

Brandie

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Comments

[regina]

what a wonderful and thoughtful way to show your appreciation. I'm sure it will inspire this teacher.
I don't think that we need to or should reveal all that is behind our work. When we hold something back, the viewer can insert his/her own story. That happens to me so often when I see your work & it is part of why I love it so much. Even though the people in your works are strangers, I often see my family.
As for teachers who have inspired me, my vocal music teacher in high school kept believing in me and giving me chances to prove myself even when my nerves got the best of me over & over which caused me to perform poorly. By the time I was a senior, I learned to push down the nerves & I reached goals that eluded me before and had only dreamed of. What a wonderful lesson Ms. A taught me.

[Gaye]

I have only recently discovered your blog and just wanted to say how much i love your art and words!!

[Donna Cook]

I love it! i love your grandfather's photo, and I especially love your motivation for making it. I know that your daughter's teacher will be moved by the gift and will treasure it always. As a teacher, you don't often know the impact you have on the lives of your students.thank you for sharing your appreciation so openly with the teacher.

I don't know that I had contact with a teacher who dramatically changed my life, but there were so many that I think of today, that just modeled kindness, caring encouragment and acceptance. I think of them often. Thank you, Brandie!

[Denise Steim]

An amazing piece, Brandie. The photo of your grandpa gave me chills, the expression on his face and what must have been going through his mind at that moment (the photographer in me :) You can see the responsibility on his face.