individual relationships and critical encouragement nurture creativity and self-esteem

Beyond the Mirrored Veil - digital painting - 2005 - Dan Beck

If we are lucky, there is someone in our lives who opens up our eyes, forces us to see, and inspires us to be.

I have actually been lucky to have had more than one good teacher in my life. But I was also lucky to have one particular one - Allen Sutherland.

Last month, my high school teacher died. Though there were other teachers, he impacted my thinking abilities the most. Years after Shortridge High School we took walks together - sharing our understandings of the world and life.

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I always felt I had an individual and special relationship with him. But the wonderful thing is, I happen to know he made many if not most of his students feel special and unique.

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When I first knew Allen, I was not playing music or doing artwork. When I started again after that hiatus, most people thought I was barking up the wrong tree - I was a top student and a talented tennis player - how could I be an artist or musician?But Allen always took me seriously - respected my thoughts, respected my feelings. I hope I can carry out that attitude even half as well.

For it is this attitude which nurtures creativity and makes for a better world.

Thank you, Allen.

See Also

• Beyond the Mirrored Veil
  gallery page - enlargement - art print options
• Obituaries - IndyStar.com
  Just the facts - how little such a small amount of words can sum up someone’s life
• Hoosier Home - My Indiana Roots
  Brief history and early photo of Shortridge High

Relevant Tags:Allen Sutherland, critical encouragement, digital painting, good teachers, individual relationships, nurtures creativity, Shortridge High School, teaching