83 - SEARCHING FOR LIGHT

During my freshman year at UNL, the art department

was located in the dark and dreary Morrill Hall. It

emitted strange, musty odors and did nothing to inspire

my creativity. Classes were held on the north side of

the third floor; the dark rooms felt heavy. I longed

for the southern sunrays that had permeated our

farmhouse. When classes were finished for the day, I

rushed to the stairwell. Sun flooded through this west

window as I left the building. My heaviness vanished in

the penetrating, warm light. I dreaded the prospect of

four more years in this dark building.

Upon reflection, even then, the contrast between dark

and Light was a tangible struggle that I could see and

feel. As I became more aware, I learned that it was

necessary to experience the dark before I could fully

appreciate the Light.

Contrasting light and dark now defines my art and a

lifetime spiritual journey.