"Playing Naughts and Crosses"

This is a most recent interest for me: Learning British vocabulary and socially acceptable conduct, I mean. I already know how to play naughts and crosses (a.k.a. tic-tac-toe)

I am brushing up on my British vocabulary in anticipation of moving to London this fall for graduate work. I am going to study Art History, the history of visual language among people from various times and cultures. I am most passionate about the gift we are given in creative arts. But art has an importance that reaches far beyond an aesthetically pleasing Van Gough, or an oversized clothespin by Oldenberg. Art exists as the expression of the deepest part of ourselves, and thus reveals the depths of humanity. As art communicates, inspires and challenges, it also invites the willing observer into an open dialogue. That which is left up for interpretation reveals sometimes more about viewers than the artists themselves.

I am extremely interseted in the opportunity to study under a diverse faculty of teachers from Britain, Italy, and Germany. It is a small program (approximately 5 students!) so I will enjoy learning in an intimate circle of students and teachers. I am hopeful travel will play a part in our learning curriculum, although trips to local museums will be sufficient sources for studying a variety of artworks from many European origins.

All this to say, I am getting very excited. I have spent only a few days in London on a survey trip of Europe, and I am quite curious about the culture and the busy city which will greatly contrast the flat west Texas land I have lived in the past 5 years. I have enjoyed Abilene, Texas and the education I have received here, as well as the relationships I have built. With many great opportunities ranging from art shows, to assistant teaching, to freelance designing, I have thrived here in my passion for creativity. My recent experiences have only inspired me to move forward to the next step.

Tour De London! I am anxiously anticipating this upcoming journey. I dream at night about the beautiful scenery, the museums, the artists, all the challenges I might face, and the experience as a whole. I don't promise to be riding a bike the whole way, but I expect British wheels to be quite a new experience!