How to measure impact outside the studio classroom
The university art studio can be a bit of a "bubble". This insulation from an indifferent, sometimes market-driven, sometimes hostile, world is important, of course, so that young student artists can develop their craft, build their vocabulary, and ultimately learn to survive on their own. As an instructor in the university setting, it is my hope that every student I teach will love Printmaking as much as I do, and that they will all go on to form a larger community of peers that will benefit us all. This is not usually the case, but when the "right" student (or students) come along, it is important to foster their development such that they are as prepared as they can possibly be to make their own mark. It is a lot like being a parent, watching your child learn to walk. There are plenty of things one can do to set the child up for success, but the tense and uncertain moment when they finally let go to take that wobbly first step is absolutely exhilarating.
Student success profile: Articulate Ink
Articulate Ink is an environmentally conscious print collective, operating in the Creative City Centre in the heart of downtown Regina. Founding members Michelle Brownridge, Caitlin Mullan, and Karli Jessup (and Amber Dalton) are all graduates of the BFA programme in Print Media at the University of Regina. In a very short time (less than 2 years after they graduated), the Articulate Inksters secured studio space, acquired equipment and sundries for a fully-functional Printmaking studio (etching, silkscreen, and typography), and eventually opened their doors to other artists in the way of facility rental, as well as having developed a prolific "outreach" programme of workshops, events, and lectures.
Articulate Ink developed a love of Printmaking while at the University of Regina, under my instruction and supervision. Even before graduation, they decided that they needed a place for themselves, and a wider art community to engage with Printmaking, and they have been remarkably successful in doing so.
I have remained a loyal supporter of Articulate Ink since its inception almost 10 years ago, following their progress with eager anticipation as each new piece of equipment was purchased or bigger commission won. More than that, however, I have served as a mentor and guide to these young and ambitious artists, helping them with practical matters such as deciding what types of materials to buy and how to trouble-shoot equipment and processes, or preparing statements and proposals for funding and exhibition opportunities. I am extremely proud of their achievements thus far, but my interest in their success is also a little selfish; the city of Regina lacks – or rather, was lacking a Printmaking community outside the university studio, and in seeing these artists achieve their goals, my hope for the perpetuation of the field that I love, in the community that I have chosen, grows daily. To see all of the fantastic things that Michelle, Caitlin, and Karli are doing, check out their website.
The following is an excerpt from a statement by Articulate Ink, attesting to my role in their successes thus far:
"Rob Truszkowski has played a pivotal role in the establishment and success of Regina’s first artist-run Printmaking Studio, Articulate Ink. Indeed the impetus of the organization was the desire to re-create the atmosphere of mutual respect, creative enthusiasm, and community that the four founding members experienced as undergrads in his Print Media Classroom.
The most lasting impression that Professor Truszkowski has left on these four former prodigies is his deeply rooted passion for the medium, and his unwavering commitment to his students. He continues to be an invaluable resource, both as individual artists and as directors of Articulate Ink.
Rob, we salute you!" Articulate Ink wrote this in 2011, but I don't have the heart to remove it, despite its age!
Read the entire statement here.
Articulate Ink developed a love of Printmaking while at the University of Regina, under my instruction and supervision. Even before graduation, they decided that they needed a place for themselves, and a wider art community to engage with Printmaking, and they have been remarkably successful in doing so.
I have remained a loyal supporter of Articulate Ink since its inception almost 10 years ago, following their progress with eager anticipation as each new piece of equipment was purchased or bigger commission won. More than that, however, I have served as a mentor and guide to these young and ambitious artists, helping them with practical matters such as deciding what types of materials to buy and how to trouble-shoot equipment and processes, or preparing statements and proposals for funding and exhibition opportunities. I am extremely proud of their achievements thus far, but my interest in their success is also a little selfish; the city of Regina lacks – or rather, was lacking a Printmaking community outside the university studio, and in seeing these artists achieve their goals, my hope for the perpetuation of the field that I love, in the community that I have chosen, grows daily. To see all of the fantastic things that Michelle, Caitlin, and Karli are doing, check out their website.
The following is an excerpt from a statement by Articulate Ink, attesting to my role in their successes thus far:
"Rob Truszkowski has played a pivotal role in the establishment and success of Regina’s first artist-run Printmaking Studio, Articulate Ink. Indeed the impetus of the organization was the desire to re-create the atmosphere of mutual respect, creative enthusiasm, and community that the four founding members experienced as undergrads in his Print Media Classroom.
The most lasting impression that Professor Truszkowski has left on these four former prodigies is his deeply rooted passion for the medium, and his unwavering commitment to his students. He continues to be an invaluable resource, both as individual artists and as directors of Articulate Ink.
Rob, we salute you!" Articulate Ink wrote this in 2011, but I don't have the heart to remove it, despite its age!
Read the entire statement here.
