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Art professors creatively balance time
by Yvonne Teems While finding a professor pouring over a mound of research papers might not be an uncommon event, the Ohio University School of Art faculty members manage to use their free time pouring their expression onto the medium. For many of these professors, balancing the roles of teachers and artists is as much of a craft as their art. “That's what a university professor does. They do the research,” said professor emeritus of printmaking Abner Jonas. “You're not satisfied with a 40-hour week. Sixty hours is no big deal.” When Jones sees students working long hours on projects, he feels compelled to work just as hard. “The students work more than a 40-hour week as well,” Jonas said. “You can't expect them to do it if you don't do it yourself.” Professor emeritus of graphic design Karen Nulf also finds dedication to the school an important factor in her schedule. “It's not just a matter of money,” she said. “(The professors) have to really care about the students, program and school.” Visiting instructor of printmaking and drawing Benjy Davies had been one of these diligent students, working full-time while maintaining a 4.0. “I'm lucky I don't need as much sleep as some people do,” Davies said. “I drink more coffee.” Even without coffee, professors find they avoid the breaking point by injecting originality into their lessons. “(Professors) have to challenge themselves to keep it new for themselves so they don't get burnt out,” said John Roth, a technician and instructor for the school. “There are always things to invent; there are always things to do; there are always possibilities.” Associate professor of painting and drawing Robert Peppers also finds the momentum to move forward in his private work. “I'm thinking three or four artworks ahead,” he said. “I can't wait to get finished with the one I'm working on so I can go onto something else.” All artists seem to be constantly thirsty for more time in their own studios. Balancing the two acts of teaching and creating is key. Every artist is as good at creating time as he or she is at creating prints, paintings and photographs, an effort Nulf called a dance all faculty members must choreograph. “It's a matter of seeing those chunks of time and driving toward that with work,” Jonas said. Associate professor of painting and drawing Carolyn Cárdenas said she finds those chunks on the weekends. “I burrow away for long afternoons,” she said. Visiting instructor of photography Dan Meuse uses any flash of time he can capture. “I'm always thinking about what I'm going to paint, sketching here and there,” he said. While all artists manage to tote their hefty satchels of tasks, Peppers' load is a little lighter because of OU’s location. “Southeastern Ohio doesn't have that many
temptations,” he said. “I put a lot of time in the studio because
of not having distractions of any kind.” |