By Lance S. Wilson, Alvernia College, Class of 1980
Vincent Van Gogh said: “If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” I heard that voice telling me I could not paint until my first year at Alvernia in 1976. Thankfully, that negative self-talk was silenced by my good fortune of taking a painting class taught by Sister Mary Theodorette Zebrowski, who joined the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1934 and eventually became an Assistant Professor of Art, Artist-in-Residence and Professor Emeritus for the College. Why this Criminal Justice major selected an art class as an elective is still foggy to me. Whether providence or just plain luck, this obscure decision has had a remarkably positive influence on my life for almost 45 years now.
This long overdue article is to thank Sister Theodorette for blessing me with a love of painting. I am also pleased to share some of my memories of classes with the good Sister and what painting has meant to me since graduating from Alvernia.
I knew early in my first class with Sister Theodorette that I would be taking many more classes from her. A main reason I felt this way was her calm and relaxing teaching style. I can still hear the Sister’s soothing voice as she explained to a frustrated student (usually me) that there was nothing they could do which could not be fixed. During my four years of classes with Sister Theodorette, I never once saw her get upset or frustrated with a student. Her sole desire was to always help students succeed - a noble goal for all teachers.
Another reason I valued Sister Theodorette was her mastery of technique and her ability to share those skills with others. She would almost always be working on a painting when I entered the studio. Just watching her create a new piece was mesmerizing as she had a gift of making painting seem easy. I still see her magically using her finger to properly blend a glob of paint I had on my canvas. She would do just enough to show the student how to do it properly and then encourage him or her to take over.
Sister Theodorette had what some may call a traditional style of teaching painting - which I consider a good thing. The rear of the art studio housed several file cabinets filled with clippings from magazines and calendars. Students would select something to replicate. Sister Theodorette would then provide guidance on perspective, mixing colors, shadows, and how to make your painting look like the subject matter. Some may say this approach of copying other’s work does not foster creativity and imagination. While I understand this sentiment, I argue that one needs to master technique before branching out and creating their own style.
My appreciation for Sister Theodorette’s instructional style was reinforced as I took classes from other art teachers later in life. Many of these teachers took what I am jokingly referring to as an “anything goes in art” approach to teaching. They did not take the time to teach new students the fundamentals of painting. Yes, originality and experimentation needs to flourish in art. However, one must first have a grasp of basic techniques to be able to do “whatever” effectively and with pleasure. Unfortunately, I saw many beginning students struggle with their art due to not having the type of detailed instruction I received from my college instructor.
A side benefit of taking art classes at Alvernia was the pleasure of spending time in this wonderfully unique art studio. The lighting was perfect and the atmosphere cozy. After my freshman year, Sister Theodorette gave me a key to the studio so I could go paint at my leisure. I recall several cold, blustery days trudging through the snow during blizzards to spend the day in that inspiring structure. What a blessing.
I have continued to paint for a variety of reasons. One of my motivations to paint is that it is an excellent form of meditation for me. I have tried more traditional forms and struggle with the whole sitting quiet thing. Painting gives me a similar benefit to meditating - that of being able to totally immerse in something I am doing for pure enjoyment. After I get lost in a painting for a few hours, I feel both exhausted and refreshed.
I also love sharing my art with others. I have lost track of the number of paintings I have given to friends or donated to non-profits for silent auctions or raffle prizes. I have sold a few paintings, but, I do not actively try to market my work as this is not why I paint. I would rather give my artwork away than profit from it. Well, I should say “profit from it financially” as I always receive rewards from giving a painting away.
Along these lines, permit me to share a story behind the above painting titled “Chockie’s Painting”. Shortly after completing this piece, my friend, Chockie, wound up in the hospital fighting cancer. She had previously told me that she loved the energy of this piece as the little boy appeared to be working so hard to fill the bucket with water. To cheer her up, I took the completed canvas to her hospital room, hammer and nail in hand, and affixed it right into the wall across from her bed. I told Chockie the painting was hers to keep. She refused to accept it, and, after friendly negotiations, we agreed it was on loan to her.
Fortunately, Chockie recovered from that bout with cancer. Unfortunately, as is true with even the best of friends, we lost touch with each other. We reconnected some 15 years later. Despite being in the final stages of her life in hospice, her first words to me were that she was so happy I got back in touch with her as she was worried about how to get the painting back to me. Of course, I stressed that was not why I was calling! I did get the opportunity to visit her before she passed and she insisted I take back the painting. With tears streaming down my face, I left with the painting in hand as she was adamant me doing so would help her with closure. She said the little boy provided her with much hope and strength over the years. The moral of this story: you likely have heard the saying “if you love something, let it go and if it was meant to be yours, it will come back with stronger meaning” Well, here is a perfect example of the veracity of that quote. Chockie’s painting now hangs in our living room and holds a very special place in my heart.
I am also pleased to share the story behind this painting titled Swim On, John which was done for the widow of the Honorable John M. Roll. Judge Roll was tragically murdered during the Gabby Giffords’ shooting in Tucson several years ago. I had the privilege of calling Judge Roll a friend and my early morning lap swimming partner as we shared that passion. Judge Roll was the Chief Judge for the United Stated District Court for the District of Arizona. In addition to this awesome responsibility, Judge Roll made time to swim a mile every morning and to attend Catholic mass almost every morning - not just on Sundays. Judge Roll truly lived a well balanced life as he made time to take care of himself spiritually and physically.
I believe we all need a hobby or past time we do purely for fun. An escape, if you will. Art has provided this outlet for me. As a picture is worth a thousand words, I will close with this painting of mine with one of my favorite quotes attributed to, among others, Bertrand Russell.
In closing, Sister Theodorette gave me a lifelong gift. A gift which has provided me with peace and tranquility. A gift which has given me countless hours of pleasure. A gift which has afforded me the opportunity to share art with others. Thank you, Sister Theodorette.
