Art ReEducation

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.  ~ Pablo Picasso

Bill Hendricks’s studio, upper-right-corner is the traveling studio

I earned my MFA (Master of Fine Arts) from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). It was a wonderful experience; I was lucky to have a teaching position at Minneapolis Community Technical College (MCTC). I taught Graphic Design and Web Design as a 3/4-time permanent faculty member and attended MCAD part-time as I earned my MFA. 

After graduation, I was ready to launch a career as a full-time artist. MCAD prepared me well by providing me with great instructors and an environment. 

Still, after graduation, I immersed myself in design, typography, the web, HTML, CSS, and associated software for the next 10-12 years for my students and job. I retired from teaching last year, and although the wonderful education MCAD provided. It was apparent; I needed to work where I left off after completing my MFA. So I am sharing and documenting my journey. Mainly for me.

Hey, did you hear the joke, “What do the acronyms BFA and MFA stand for?

Answer: BFA stands for big f—ing attitude and MFA for major f—ing attitude.”  I know it is an old joke.

Anyway, I added one new category in the sidebar titled, Inspirational and Technically Instructional–YouTube Channels. These sites, amongst others, re-educated and reminded me of some of the skills I lost.

Author: Bill Hendricks -- Shadowmason

I’m a Minneapolis-based artist working in watercolor, gouache, oil, drawing, and mixed media. After teaching art and design for many years, I returned to making art fully. These days, I spend my time drawing, painting, experimenting, and paying attention to what shows up. I often work small. My work moves between observation, memory, and imagination. Some pieces lean surreal. Some stay close to what is seen. What interests me is what begins to emerge when I stay with the work long enough. On my blog, you’ll find both my artwork and my reflections. I’ve come to see they are connected. What I learn in the studio often changes how I see my life, my relationships, and my community. In that way, art has become more than making objects — it has become a way of understanding and being in the world. View all posts by Bill Hendricks -- Shadowmason