This was my first painting. Actually, it’s what is termed mixed media. It is painting and drawing, some on the surface and some on cut paper. The class was Design 1. The teacher was Derby Ulloah. The school was Florida Junior College at Jacksonville, in Florida. The assignment was to paint a self-portrait.
Does it look like me?
I began college as an adult. School was a strange, stressful and fascinating place. I always wanted an education. But instead of going to school, which I deemed impossible; something for other people, not me, I floundered around in the world, trying to make my way, working all kinds of jobs and never quite getting my feet on the ground.
Once I did start school, I dreamed of it being a means to a new life. I wanted to walk out of my life and into a world of sun, surf, peace and solitude.
And that’s what happened.
It wasn’t so much having the degree, as earning the degree. Such as, showing up and doing what I was supposed to, starting and finishing projects, dealing with beaurocracy and jumping through hoops. I had to meet and deal with new personalities . I had to learn to get along, even when I didn’t want to.
This might sound like every day life for most people, but for me it was a super- challenge.
The exception ~ was ~ I didn’t end up in solitude.
I met people and made friends. I have friends from all over the globe.
Paradise is no longer in the distance.
It’s the ground that I stand on.
The H.S. is for Hurricane Sandy. Ryan Hammers is the surfer.
Fish Eye Farm 