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Bringing art to the children of the Los Gatos Union School District
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In January, the Art Docents of Los Gatos were treated to an Artist Talk with Quinn Peck!
Julie Jenkins (owner of JCO’s and fellow board director for the Art Docents of Los Gatos) opened up her ArtHaus for the first time to introduce us to the dreamy and ethereal photo-based work of Oakland-based artist, Quinn Peck.
I feel honored and delighted to be highlighted as an Art Docent. This organization has been, and continues to be, a source of inspiration, learning opportunities and just good fun for me.
Now I’m thinking… “Where and when did my interest in art begin?”
I had some amazing teachers, the first being my Mom. She always encouraged us to make things. With whatever we had around the house. And she would drop whatever she was doing to help us find the materials we needed. And then gave us the freedom to just “go for it”. She also led by example, sketching, painting and taking photos. And, my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Graf, in her class we would work hard to earn points. These points added up to a ceramic green ware piece of our choosing that we got to clean and glaze. I worked so hard for that tiger figurine so I could give it to my Grandma for Christmas.
Learning how to appreciate art came a little later. In Jr High we took a field trip to an art museum in San Francisco. It was there that I encountered modern art. I still so vividly recall the very large rectangle, solid and glossy lavender leaning against the wall. Thinking, “This is art???” Not in a disparaging way, but curious. I just did not “get it”. Some Art Docent lessons would have served me well back then! Fortunately, I met an amazing woman and dear friend, Anita. I was living in Japan at the time and she took me under her wing. Anita loves and lives art. She taught me how to visit an art museum. Before, I had felt an obligation to stop and look at and try to understand… EVERY. SINGLE. PIECE. It felt heavy. Anita said, “Lilli, just look at the ones that catch your eye.” And then she gave me my first lessons in art appreciation. She taught me the vocabulary of art; she created a historical context for the art and the artists. My art light bulb was turned on!
Many years later, back in California, I was inspired to learn pottery making. I love working with clay. The heavy coolness, the “moldabilty” and the forgiving nature of the clay, appealed to me. Not to mention the anticipation during the wait of the final glaze firing. Having a general idea of how I hope the piece will turn out and yet, the letting go of expectations, knowing that it is out of my hands and the intertwined reactions of the clay, glaze and heat of the kiln will do what they will. Sometimes disappointment, but mor
e often than not it is more than I expected.
As we all know, “Things change.”
I was so lucky to marry my wonderful husband John. And we were blessed with our lovely children, Zach in 2004 and Julia in 2008. Free time to work with clay would have to wait. Life was chugging along.
Then, in July of 2010, I had a stroke. I could not use my right arm and my legs did not work properly. But the biggest thing that changed was my vision and perception. Walls that I “knew” should be straight were now arching over my head. My left eye was paralyzed. It was surreal.
During the most intense time of healing and rehabilitation I also had the luxury of time to simply reflect. Quite honestly, it was a gift. My life today is richer because of it.
Art fully entered my life again in 2013 when I was introduced to the Art Docents. This incredibly generous, warm and well organized group and the beautifully thoughtful people in it, have contributed so much to my own personal growth. Not only my ever-growing understanding of art, but also my confidence in public speaking and digging a little deeper to understand myself. A special “Thank You” to my training class and teachers!
And once again I am playing with my clay. I make little rocks out of clay. They are called Lillistones. Each handmade and unique I leave them out in the open as gifts, a little unexpected find. They have traveled the world. These little stones bring me such joy! From their creation, to their distribution, to hearing a story from a finder. Every single one of them has these words pressed into them, “say good, do good, be good”. Why these words? I believe they are powerful, simple and concrete. They cross all borders and need no explanation. They are my North Star.
Thank you for letting me share my story.
Sincerely, Lilli
Art Docent Class of 2013
We are pleased to announce that we have confirmed the Guest Artists who will be presenting to the students of LGUSD this year — Scape Martinez and Holly Van Hart. Both offer unique insights into the world of art, and are excited to be part of our annual program. Below is some more information about each artist.
Guest Artist for FISHER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Scape Martinez
http://www.scapemartinez.com/
Artist Bio:
SCAPE Martinez is an accomplished multidisciplinary artist and writer who has been involved in graffiti art since the 1980’s. Since then he has pushed the boundaries of graffiti and street art, bringing this urban style into fine art, public art, and the educational arena.
Scape’s fine art paintings combine elements of graffiti art and abstract expressionism to create large scale, rhythmic, and expressive compositions that transcend mere technique. Scape Martinez is also an advocate for the arts, frequently doing graffiti orientated workshops and lectures for both teenagers and fellow artists and educators interested in understanding graffiti as an art form. Over the years, his passion for art has transcended beyond walls and canvas to include: public art, writing, and art education.
… Scape Martinez is an advocate for art education for young adults, especially in the areas of self exploration and creativity. He works with kids of all backgrounds to help them explore their own language through Graffiti Art. He executes workshops and presents speaking engagements to young adults and professionals alike, sharing his unique perspective on graffiti art and creativity. His insightful, and thought-provoking lectures inform, inspire, and are equally uplifting and motivating.
Guest Artist recommended for LGUSD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Holly Van Hart
http://hollyvanhart.com/
Artist Bio:
I paint abstract nature paintings that surprise us with unusual colors and textures, and ignite new excitement about a particular slice of nature.
I’m absorbed and inspired by the idea of the limitless opportunities we have in our lives. This theme runs through my work.
Silicon Valley, in northern California, is the place I call home. Silicon Valley has a really cool culture of creativity and an ‘anything is possible’ vibe.I was raised in New York City by my artist Mom and police officer Dad, and have always loved art. As a girl I painted and did ceramics, crocheting, and calligraphy. Later, while working in high tech, I pursued painting passionately as a hobby – taking many classes, reading hundreds of books, forming an art critique group, and painting every spare minute.
My work is now widely exhibited, and has won awards such as Grand Prize at the California Statewide Painting Competition, Award of Merit at the California Fine Art Competition, and Best of Houzz service award. It has been featured in the Huffington Post, San Jose Mercury News, Examiner.com, Saratoga News, Santa Clara Weekly, KTYM Los Angeles Live Radio, and Silicon Valley ‘Talk Art’ TV.