Last week I joined Sammi Cox’s Weekend Writing Prompt Challenge on whim. After all it was only 17 words. This week it’s 91. The word is ‘Foundations’ which stirred a memory for me.
For the rules and to join the fun CLICK HERE
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FOUNDATIONS
It was the required course at the Kansas City Art Institute. In 1971, three instructors, Al, Steve and Jim presented freshmen with new ways to think about art.
Foundations.
I found Jim austere and intimidating.
Steve, who had an easy smile, bummed cigarettes from those who smoked.
In one memorable class, Al stripped before his stunned pupils. Straightaway he redressed. To this day I’m not sure what I was supposed to learn from the experience.
In retrospect, I don’t believe I had a clue. I’m not sure I have one now.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Ah but the painting it produced is wildly wonderful!
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Thank you, Miranda. How sweet of you to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was quite a time in our young lives. The self portrait was so typical of your look and I feel lucky to still have it hanging in our living room after all these years. Memories….
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Glad you liked my story, Dear.
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You have such a way with words. I’m not sure about Al either. Ha!
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Dear Linda,
Al was an interesting little person. I really did like him, but this memory sticks with me.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Art- new ways of thinking about art – younger you looking quizzical – love the way you bring all these things together, haiku like, to ponder on. A joy to read.
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Dear Francine,
I actually painted that self-portrait the following year in painting class. I remember having fun doing it. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Your painted smirk says it all. Quite the art class, indeed! The important thing is, it didn’t hinder your creativity!!
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I actually did the painting the following year, but the expression does fit the story. I don’t know that I ever agreed with the faculty when it came to fine art. I do have some fond memories, though. No experience is ever wasted, is it? Thank you, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I knew you painted it but that it was the following year says much 😊😉
I’m sure you have all sorts of memories!
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I’d say that class was a jumping off point more than a foundation…
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Dear Violet,
Well put. After two years I decided to jump in a different direction. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great snippet of the life of a art student, very much liked the self portrait
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Dear Mike,
Thank you for comments on story and self portrait. Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely snippet and painting of your younger days. I like the smirk as well. Those classes make impressions on us, we don’t always understand fully how much until later.
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Dear Brenda,
I’m glad you enjoyed both story and painting. This week’s word just put me right back ‘there.’ Thank you so much for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful painting! As for the strippy instructor … hmmm .Eccentric with an itch in a place he couldn’t reach? 😉
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Na’ama Y’Karah,
That could very well describe Al. He was quite the character and one of my favorites in actuality. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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I’m sure that is exactly how you looked… Say What? That is a very cool painting, btw.
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Dear Ted,
I pretty much looked like that…a lot of the time. One of the things I could agree with my art instructors on was that we didn’t agree. I actually painted that one my second (and last) year.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely painting. Such great writing also!
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Dear Antonia,
Thank you for coming by to read and for leaving such a nice comment. Much appreciated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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