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.
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.
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
Tags: Art, creativity, music, painting, prints
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