"Surface Research" is fancy terminology for "2-d Design." I guess my art college decided that boring names for courses just didn't cut it. I was the unfortunate recipient of a hard-ass teacher, Robert Meganck, whose expectations are through the roof! We were assigned usually two projects per week, sometimes three. Class time consisted of critiques that left everyone in shame by the brutal tongue of our professor.
I came to college wanting to do really well and exceed everyone's expectations of me. My surface research teacher grades with such high standards, it's nearly impossible to get an A in his class. He told us on the first day that even if we came to class every day and completed all our assignments on time according to the instructions, it would still be possible for us to get a C or D, if our projects weren't made well, or weren't interesting.
He offers us no instruction, mostly assuming that we already know the material covered. His "teaching" method consists of merely assigning projects and letting us attack them. Of the entire semester, he's only lectured twice, and then not thoroughly enough that his students fully understand the content. Many students are even as in the dark on the basic principles of design as when they began.
I think that since he's normally an upper-level teacher, he's used to teaching high-concept stuff, and may find basic principles below him, or thinks that we've all come to art school knowing these things already.
Since I've always been an all A student and really want a 4.0 in college, I've busted my ass to make the grade in his class. Sometimes, my work for other classes gets pushed aside or postponed because Surface Research takes up all my time. My poor, neglected, boyfriend often comes home to find me hunched over one 8 x 8 inch painting for more than 12 hour streches, just praying that my professor will find it deserving of an A. I'm mildly obsessed with A's.
Even if I didn't care about making an A in this course, the workload is such that C students can still spend upwards of 30 hours per week or more simply trying to complete the assignments on an average level.
I must say that even though the workload and harsh critiques have made me less enthusiastic about making art, I do see the value in the process. It has made me perform at my peak ability, but not because I'm inspired to do so, just because I want an A.
I came to college wanting to do really well and exceed everyone's expectations of me. My surface research teacher grades with such high standards, it's nearly impossible to get an A in his class. He told us on the first day that even if we came to class every day and completed all our assignments on time according to the instructions, it would still be possible for us to get a C or D, if our projects weren't made well, or weren't interesting.
He offers us no instruction, mostly assuming that we already know the material covered. His "teaching" method consists of merely assigning projects and letting us attack them. Of the entire semester, he's only lectured twice, and then not thoroughly enough that his students fully understand the content. Many students are even as in the dark on the basic principles of design as when they began.
I think that since he's normally an upper-level teacher, he's used to teaching high-concept stuff, and may find basic principles below him, or thinks that we've all come to art school knowing these things already.
Since I've always been an all A student and really want a 4.0 in college, I've busted my ass to make the grade in his class. Sometimes, my work for other classes gets pushed aside or postponed because Surface Research takes up all my time. My poor, neglected, boyfriend often comes home to find me hunched over one 8 x 8 inch painting for more than 12 hour streches, just praying that my professor will find it deserving of an A. I'm mildly obsessed with A's.
Even if I didn't care about making an A in this course, the workload is such that C students can still spend upwards of 30 hours per week or more simply trying to complete the assignments on an average level.
I must say that even though the workload and harsh critiques have made me less enthusiastic about making art, I do see the value in the process. It has made me perform at my peak ability, but not because I'm inspired to do so, just because I want an A.
12 comments:
Wow, that guys sounds intense. There’s a big part of me that wants to dodge his class. Did you say what his name was? I looked but couldn’t find it, but I bet its right there and I just couldn’t see it. Looking at the paintings you did, the last one you posted really appeals to me. Landscapes are hard to get right and I admit to never having made one that looks right but you pulled it off. . It must have taken hours to make and I could see you hunched over it working on it for days like you said. It looks fantastical and I kind of want to walk into it.
You are so amazing. I love your paintings and must have one.
I agree with Steven. Your stuff is amazing! I love the dress and the books. And they all look so realistic!
I really would like one indeed. I can pay too. :)
poor Charles. He doesn't get any attention because his honey bunny is always working. Loves the dress. Is that a drawing or a painting? Im thinking a drawing. :)
MAN I HOPE I DON'T GET SIR GANK
YOU ARE AWESOME
AND CHARLES IS A SMART MAN
your paintings are amazing
YOU CAN PAINT....i wish i didnt have to take that class...i might of touched a paint brush once or twice in my life haha...and that was for the walls in my house
if they ripped you up in crit then i'm sure a lot of us would be a lot worse. you have awesome control on that paint. oils or acrylic?
i have to say again i just looked at the glass in the 3rd one down thinking that the water makes me want water.
Thanks everyone! The support is overwhelming. I wish I had you guys in my class for Surface! To answer the questions: Katie, the dress is acrylic paint as a base and chalk pastel layered over it. Jay, the paint is acrylic, although I really, really prefer oils. Acrylics are MUCH harder to blend and tend to crap out on me if I try to blend them too much. Thanks again!
you have amazing drawing and painting skills! i just love the one with the cereal bowl.
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