88 - EISENTRAGER’S ADVICE

EISENTRAGER’S ADVICE

12 ¾ x 17 ¼ inches

(Mr. Eisentrager, my college advisor)

My rural background created many life challenges that encouraged me to push myself to explore even more. Like so often happened, the difficult times were ultimately transformed into blessings. Most of the freshman art majors at UNL had enjoyed years of art training in their high school, but art was not offered in my little high school. The learning curve to catch up with the other students often felt daunting. Many of the instructors were insensitive to my neophyte apprehension. Mr. Eisentrager, however, recognized my talent and persuaded me to move forward full steam. I credit him with my choice to continue with art.

Not only did he build my confidence, he helped me secure a job teaching advanced high school art. It seems fitting that Mr. Eisentrager was the first to introduce me to “chiaroscuro,” the contrast between light and dark. Now the metaphoric dark moves me toward the Light.