At the end of May I had the opportunity by being an assistant to take the five day class “Painting from the Intuitive” taught by Pat Wheeler at Oregon College of Art and Craft. In class we created six or more piece of art using limestone clay on handmade wood substrate’s and explore experimental techniques of scraping, where bits and pieces of prior, erased markings and vernacular are exposed. One of the substrates that each student received had a niche they then filled with bundled objects, found items, or something personal. The artis, in the class used everything from stenciling, collage, found objects, Xerox transfers, fabric, photographs, and text. All these elements were combined intuitively and pulled together with a selection of acrylic paints used as stains and finished of with a layer of cold wax that protects the exterior and at the same time brings out nuances in the surface the recall primordial spaces and allegorically reflect ourselves and the connections we all share. Pat’s personality and teaching style make it possible for her students to let go, open up, and experiment in a safe environment. I was impressed how each artist created something unique to themselves and how talented everybody participating in the class was. I have a new respect for the teaching profession and teachers. I am personally still experimenting with the tools I learned from Pat’s class and digesting all the reading and information we received. Here is a quote, and a list from many that I liked from the class material. “The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition”. (Alan Alda) The following list was found among the papers of the painter Richard Diebenkorn after his death in 1993. Spelling and capitalization are as in the original. Notes to myself on beginning a painting 1.attempt what is not certain. Certainty may or may not come later. It may then be a valuable delusion. 2. The pretty, initial position which falls short of completeness is not to be valued — except as a stimulus for further moves. 3. Do search. But in order to find other than what is searched for. 4. Use and respond to the initial fresh qualities but consider them absolutely expendable. 5. Dont “discover” a subject — of any kind. 6. Somehow don’t be bored — but if you must, use it in action. Use its destructive potential. 7. Mistakes can’t be erased but they move you from your present position. 8. Keep thinking about Polyanna. 9. Tolerate chaos. 10. Be careful only in a perverse way. If you get the opportunity to take one of Pat’s classes. It is pleasure to get the opportunity to open up, explore, create, play, build, be corporeal, and get grubby in a safe environment were creativity and discovery are encouraged. http://www.patriciawheelerart.com/