Holm had a student last semester who is an accomplished artist and also teaches at evening class at Jiaotong University. I asked if I could sit in on her class, and Holm was able to arrange it.
The university campus is quite a ways south of town and away from the nearest Metro stop, so I got to metro through new areas of Shanghai, then walk through a new neighborhood. I passed this attendant-run pay-for-parking lot for bicycles and scooters, the first I've ever seen.
Loved listening to his practice while on my walk.
Mr. Cool in his teaching duds.
Holm gave me a quick tour of campus.
I enjoyed the joke of the pigeons sitting on the wingtips of this campus statue.
Holm's classroom building.
And his main classroom
Joy's watercolor-on-rice-paper class is held in the same building as where Holm teaches. The class begins with Joy distribution materials to each student, which she brings along herself. Here she's pouring black ink for a student.
Next came a short lecture. Tonight's topic is a beautiful bird.
Then Joy demonstrated while her students gathered round.
Her finished demonstration.
Students took photos of the finished demo, then worked from their photo photos.
When her students were all working, without warning, Joy came to the back of the class where Holm and I were sitting and began a new painting - just for me! She said the flower was the most beautiful in all of China. I looked up its name - peony.
It was such a wonder to watch her work. All in all, my painting took her about ten minutes to complete.
And then came the beautiful bird of happiness, wealth, and good health.
Joy's signature, best wishes, and title.
I'll add a photo when this is framed and on the wall of our home. What an amazing gift in every aspect this evening!
No comments:
Post a Comment