| The Creative Expressions of... Bill Vivrett |
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| Updated 12.10.04 |
| THE EXIT INTERVIEW Page 4 of 6 G.B., �Let�s move on. Is there one significant thing you tell kids about art materials?� W.V., �Yes. Don�t touch me.� G.B., �Anything else?� W.V., �Don�t chew the art gum.� G.B., �Through all the years teaching art, what was your most recurring daily annoyance?� W.V., �Being mistaken for Cary Grant.� G.B., �Some favorite admonishments for art students?� W.V., �Yes. One was to learn to spell admonishment. Another was �Don�t keep waltzing around the room when you know I�m playing a tango.� This was to get them back on task. Usually most of the guys stop dancing together�but not always.� G.B., �Some other teaching gems?� W.V., �Yes. �Never erase, �mister��it�s a sign of weakness.� I learned that one from John Wayne, you know. He and Elvis still come through art class sometimes, but they refuse to pose together.� G.B., �What are some traditions you have established in your art classes?� W.V., �Well, I always wear black on quiz day�to keep up the �bad guy� image. Others are� �extra credit for grand entrances�carrying a piano. �most outlandish costume contest on Fridays (but not in MY chicken suit).� �and no dancing on the tables (unless music is playing). �First artist to learn the third verse to Amazing Grace gets an A. �AND on special occasions, we all dress up in funny pantaloons, wear cute little hats, use lots of hand gestures�and call each other by first names like Raffaello, or Cravaggio.� W.V., �Mind if I ask YOU a question?� G.B., �Go ahead.� W.V., �Just what was so amazing about Grace anyway?� G.B., �Let�s get on with this nonsense.� G.B., �Other art class traditions?� W.V., �Yes.� G.B., �Well, what ARE some?� W.V., �Never show your best work. Your viewers will come to expect it. �(In the 70�s) Never wear just beads and sandals to class in winter. It�s too cold. Wear your headbands. �Never keep drawing after they cut the lights off. �Use both hands to make darker lines. �Don�t draw my caricature on the walls (with permanent markers). �Stop bringing big names like Leonardo and Rembrandt into Art History class. They charge too much for guest appearances. �Don�t shave your head for spring. It will scare your dog when you get home. �Don�t chew the kneaded erasers. It makes them soggy and hard to work with.� |
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