Ok. It has been a while since I posted to my blog. A little over year, one year and three months to be exact! In that time a lot has happened and is continuing to happen. The latest life movement involves me going back to school.

My Senior Art Show at Azusa Pacific University Circa 1999 the last time I was in school!

I was recently invited to take part in a year long program through Fuller Seminary’s: Brehm Center , their graduate school of Theology and the Arts. This course is an invite only post-grad course, for 5 artists from across the US including myself. The course is an intensive 9 month mentorship program and is titled "The Culture Care Art Practitioner Cohort".

Culture Care is a thesis by artist Makoto Fujimura for the thoughtful stewardship of culture that seeks to bring theological, spiritual, and cultural formation through the arts. The course will be directed by Makoto Fujimura himself, a world renown abstract expressionist artist and Chair of the Brehm Center. Makoto was a presidential appointee to the National Endowment of the Arts from 2003-2009, has shown his work around the world, authored multiple books and assisted Martin Scorsese on his film Silence.

Fujimura believes that a healthy and thriving culture is impossible without the participation of artists and other leaders who are educated intellectually, trained experientially, formed spiritually and growing morally. Beauty is both a goal and a catalyst for each of these elements….a well-nurtured culture becomes an environment in which people and creativity thrive. Artists at their best help humanity with life questions by presenting an extensive view of life that reveals beauty in broad depths with an incredible opportunity to care for culture so future generations can thrive. (that's where I come in!)

The purpose of the program is for us to learn how to deepen our calling as artists in today's culture, using our work as a gift that can influence, inspire and gain traction in today's divisive and corroding community that exists within our own ecosystems. As I continue to expand my reach in the art world by showing at galleries around the country, speaking/lecturing at schools, galleries, conferences or art foundations this education will continue to build into my knowledge base and network for being a steward of Culture Care.

During the course we will be studying through an intensive digital curriculum that includes literature, writing of essays, creating art in different mediums, collaborative interaction as well as individual mentoring from Makoto and multiple gatherings across the US from Pasadena to Princeton.

It is an honor to have been chosen as 1 of 5 artists from around the world to take part in this course. Part of the course is for each of us to find patrons to support us. The cost of the course is estimated at $5,000 which includes $3,000 for the program, airfare/transportation to our course gatherings from Pasadena to Princeton, and the cost of materials. The word "patron" derives from the Latin: patronus ("patron"), one who gives benefits to his clients. Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings, popes, and the wealthy have provided to artists such as musicians, painters, and sculptors.

I would love for you to be my patron.

VISIT MY GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN

Fujimura envisions ‘Culture Care’ as any activity that provides ‘care for our culture’s “soul” . . . so that reminders of beauty—both ephemeral and enduring—are present in even the harshest environments.’ The defining characteristic of this kind of care is generativity—one might also say fruitfulness or the potential to catalyse further beauty, goodness, and flourishing. He proceeds to explore and define the concept of generativity through three G’s: genesis moments, generosity, and generational thinking. The three G’s characterize generativity because they point to a reality where freshness and growth are potential in every moment, where life and creativity are gratuitous gifts that we must steward and share, and where we can create work that endures for future generations through conversations with the past.

Your Patronage and generosity is a way to support my ability to take part in the course. I have created a way to return the love for those of you who decide to become a patron of my continuing education in the arts! This is a great way as well to get some art at a lower cost:)

$100 – 6x8” work of art on paper

$200– 8x12” work of art on paper

$400 –16x20” work of art on paper

$500 – 22x30” work of art on paper

$1000- 24x32” work of art on canvas

$1500- 28x36” work of art on canvas

*The original paintings will be created over the course of the 9 month program.

Recent studies on paper using vintage book pages with acrylic and graphite on paper.

If you feel led to give more, we can discuss a work of art to match your financial contribution.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask, I would love to answer them!

Much Love,
Ty Nathan Clark