Why I Opened My Own School

After 32 years as a professional artist and my 16th year as a teacher, I have reached some conclusions which have helped guide me in my direction and decisions in both my personal philosophy and teaching curriculum.

Creativity
Today, a large part of what people call art is based on “creativity” which in large part is the impulse to engage in creative activities. In almost all cases, this amounts to an unconscious urge which is basically: I do it because it feels good. My belief is that mankind has an inherent genius which compels him to build, construct, synthesize, express etc. in innumerable ways- and there are countless examples of amazing art as old as the Venus of Willendorf or the Caves of Lascaux spanning right up to the present time.

Today, it has become apparent to me that people generally have lost most of their perceptual abilities. The Bavarian system of education introduced at the beginning of the industrial revolution purposely created a system to make good, compliant factory workers, simultaneously molding and dumbing down the populace to behave and comply with the wishes of the elite. Today a version of this system (on steroids) now has taken over and created a populace mind controlled by electronic media, predigested data and the use of various symbols, thought forms, and overt propaganda replacing good old fashion observation, direct experience, critical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and a personal overview of reality devoid of group- think.
Unfortunately, children today know more about Mickey Mouse than real mice.

Perception
If the ability to “see” is compromised or reduced (it is the mind that sees), then art, due to the lack of discernment, inability to recognize visual systems, subtlety, universal commonalities, and other truths which “seeing” reveals only allows that which that is implanted or gleaned from second hand sources. This limits what is available to the artist and the resultant creative endeavors. The ability to perceive is always reflected in the creative response. Initially, if one cannot clearly perceive “The Creation”, how can you create with any authority or honesty? Only if you are greater than the CREATOR, I suppose. The main point here is that creativity is not necessarily perceptive.
In my opinion, GREAT art is made when both creativity and perception are highly developed and integrated.

Behavior Modification
One thing I find puzzling is that all so- called education today is the accumulation of data and compartmentalization. “Learning” in today's teaching establishments promote, I assume, that everyone is basically perfect and only information is needed. The learner can then go off and collect their rewards, fame etc. I have found that most people aren't willing to question the paradigm in which all of their beliefs and assumptions are based. People basically don't want to change how they ARE, or HOW they learn. That would entail questioning beyond the comfort zone and issues of ego, self esteem and thinking outside the box would generate fear and unhappiness. Lets not forget to factor in the curse of political correctness and that schools are big business. High level creativity really requires such a modification since by definition is: “controlled problem solving”. Painting for example, is a series of extremely varied mental processes, advanced cognitive functions, skill sets, non- repetitive protocols, unprecedented improvisations and logic/intuition integration which normal human every day functioning does not even remotely approach.
To be a really good artist, you have to constantly recreate yourself.

Craftsmanship
I believe great art has a large element of craftsmanship/technique involved as this is a layer of communication and expression which is what grabs and entertains the recipient as well as the creator. Manual dexterity and discipline train the mind in many ways including focus, responsiveness, endurance, professionalism, confidence, etc. Asian martial arts and musical training also prove this to be true. Even though they can be the same, it is good to differentiate craftsmanship from ideas, themes, motives, and concepts since all play various roles and are all different, applied on a case by case basis. Great art functions on multiple levels simultaneously.
Craftsmanship is not a substitute for the great idea and vice-versa.

Art History
There have been innumerable geniuses that have preceded us and besides immersing ourselves in what we can learn from them we must also try to understand the context of their time as well as understand how they and their work relate to the greater body of art. Gaining the broad overview is quite a daunting task. A practitioner's connection to historic mastery is a foundation that dissolves limits while enhancing one's enjoyment and ability to create.
A great artistic skill is to be able to differentiate personal style from content as well as from principles.

Our School
We address all of these ideas, concerns and more at the John Kilroy Fine Art Academy and at a reasonable price too. We teach all levels and ages. We include all the necessary fundamental skills as well as extremely advanced curricula unavailable elsewhere at any cost. We can rival or surpass any university training. To be a successful professional gallery artist, one must have training but does not need a degree since this is determined by merit alone. We differentiate between support and pampering. Making great art at any level will always be difficult. We are interested in and dedicated to excellence. If one wants a job in a museum or college, then a university degree is essential. Get in line behind three generations (thousands) of "qualified", unemployed folks with various art degrees. That will be right after you have payed off your astronomically high student loans.

Playin' It Safe

I was reading the other day a description of an adult- ed art class offered by someone and it said: "Friendly classes offered in a non- threatening environment". I took a double take to check and make sure that it was for ADULTS and not an ad for a preschool.

After thinking about the demographic this ad was supposed to appeal to, I wondered how this group could possibly handle the responsibility of driving a motor vehicle (especially in the aggressive, lethal suburban areas). Should they be allowed to have a drivers license? I also then realized a large amount of these same folks had reproduced and have offspring. In todays often terrifying world, how on earth can they HONESTLY shoulder the responsibility of providing for and raising sub- adults? Maybe it is just the actual difficulty of learning that is the problem here since being "arty" is supposed to be "fun" and work and effort might inhibit "self expression" and "freedom". Isn't it nice to be talented?

Great New Trend

I've just got to share this fantastic new trend that has become an absolute blessing for me. It was popularized on the internet and I think this will revolutionize art in the 21st century. It's simply called "A Painting Every Thirty Two Seconds"!

In our ever quickening world this makes the making of art much more efficient and allows me to get to the grocery store while still being able to bring the kids to soccer. Last Saturday afternoon alone, I was able to complete 32406 finished oils and several hundred watercolors and still be home in time to make dinner.

Now I know you probably thinking that ALL of those paintings can't be that good, but let me assure you that my galleries like the 1" x 1" paintings and they are selling like hotcakes! (Actually, more like donut holes). I'm sure you realize my framing bill every month is quite steep, but that expense has been easily offset with volume discounts. If you buy 1500, you will get a mail-in rebate for a free 250 more of the same. But wait - thats not all! As a SPECIAL gift to our loyal customers you will also get the complete set of 9000 postage stamp size embossed Giclée prints.

This revolutionary new approach is finally making my artistic pursuits incredibly more convenient and has created much more time for shopping and television. My new cell phone sized pochade box fits handily with my other essentials and is really quite stylish.