Design 101 @ Iversity.com #MOOC

I haven’t picked up a paintbrush in over 30 years (brush to canvas) but was motivated to try my hand again by taking this course. I knew as a filmmaker and writer that drawing/painting would stimulate creative impulses of artistic expression. What I didn’t count on was being overwhelmed with a burning desire to transmit images in a non digital manner. My sense of visual acuity has sharpened immensely and I am proud to announce that I’m producing some hangable art. I had a stroke last May and have been struggling with my own sense of mortality and purpose. I’ve come to accept that even simple gestures like, offering a classmate a homemade biscuit or my professor a hand painted paper rose, can change someones day from dreary to hopeful.

Mostly I am reminded how fortunate I am to live in peace and relative safely. I know that many students who share the magic of online collaboration with me are much less fortunate. I feel hopeful for all our futures and trust that through open communication and sharing of ideas and knowledge we are growing closer as a race of humans. Here we connect through our love of design and desire to learn while we realize how similar our needs and desires really are.

Feeling grateful and inspired. Thanks everyone!