In the pursuit of knowledge
Not long ago, I spoke on the phone to a lady enquiring about art classes. We spoke about location and I explained that my studio would be a fifteen minute drive for her, to which she said “Good heavens, that’s a bit too far away. It’s a pity you aren’t a little closer.”. I was wondering if she would have to come by bicycle, when she said she didn’t want to drive up the hill! The comment made me think back to some of my amazingly enthusiastic students from yesteryear...
Judy came to classes every week when she lived here in SA, then she moved to West Aust to live. She flew back every fortnight for her art class! I believe she became a fully fledged artist over in Perth. Luckily she had her own aircraft.
Mayse came to Adelaide from Darwin and became one of my students. She loved painting so much that she bought a home at Somerton, so that she wouldn't "have to go so far for lessons.". She gave me a copy of her best selling book “No Place For A Woman”, along with a very touching encryption for me. She was a wonderful lady and received an MBE for her services to the Northern Territory.
Joan came down on The Ghan from Pt Augusta every week, then stayed overnight at a Glenelg Hotel, and went home the next day on The Ghan again.
Cindy came across from Kangaroo Island weekly, and exhibited her work at the Artist's Collective Gallery on KI. I was fortunate enough to receive fresh Whiting from her too and stayed in her friend’s place at American River, when I gave tutorials on painting to the KI Art Group.
Helen joined our group the day after she retired from working at a strategic defence place up north. She came every week from Gawler, to my then-held classes at Panorama. A train from her home to the City then by bus, and never missed a lesson for fifteen years! God bless her.
Barry had never painted in oils before but I think he dabbled with an airbrush? He lived a lot closer, out past Tea Tree Plaza and most likely an hour and a half in peak hour traffic. He loved painting planes. He was and is a really fantastic guy. His enthusiasm, dedication and ability was astounding. I told him then, that one day, not too far away, he will become one of Australia’s top aviation artists. Guess what? He is. His website is worth a look; www.barryspicer.com
It really is amazing to think of the lengths that these incredibly passionate people have gone to in their pursuit of knowledge. I am inspired by them, these people who have not let distance, or any other obstacle get in the way.
