You can refer to someone's death as their passing, if you want to avoid using the word `death' because you think it might upset or offend people. After spending hours reading through thirty years of daily journals, I remember the people who have passed. Most, if not all my art teachers are dead. This is a strange realization.
My art teachers, from high school to remote on-line teachers to famous artists I did not even meet personally, have no physical body anymore. And one day, all of us will be in the same realm.
Sometimes, while painting I hear a voice from one of them, telling me what I should focus on or what I can do better. Thinking about my own role as a teacher I wonder how I will be remembered. Some current students expect me to teach differently, some students are happy with my approach. My goal is to get everybody over their limitation and restricted belief what art is and simply learn to draw.
One student told me the other day, “but I just want to have fun.” I am not sure what that means. Coloring books? Painting a big sun? Doodling? How about adding a skill so you can grow out your restrictions from the time you were three years old? It is not rocket science.
My autobiography is called True Colors, Independently published on January 11, 2024 in English,135 pages. ISBN-13: 979-8875809200.
