The Power of Presence
Art by @DCGraf
It has been a delight to share with my students the incredible resource of people. Over the years, I’ve had the great privilege of connecting them with inspiring individuals such as Lois Ehlert, Dave Nice, Gregory Martens, Colette Odya Smith, and—as seen in this “Behind the Professor” sketch—Dr. Gaylund Stone. There’s something powerful about the presence of someone who lives their craft with humility and depth. In moments like these, my students are reminded that more is often caught than taught.
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6 Comments
Slobodchikov Alexander (@KarodrimArt)
Dean, how long have you been a teacher?)
Dean C. Graf (@DCGraf)
I started in 1991 oficially. I taught in less formal settings - camps and programs and visiting artist type experiences before that. How about you?
Slobodchikov Alexander (@KarodrimArt)
@DCGraf I started working at the same time as I started my studies at the teacher training university ( in 2017 ). For the first three years I worked as a teacher in an art school. At the moment, I have been working for five years as a teacher of fine arts in a comprehensive school) (I apologize for my English. I don't speak it and I use a translator)
Dean C. Graf (@DCGraf)
Здравствуйте, Александр. Thank you for your thoughtful message. Спасибо за ваши слова. It means a lot that my words resonated with you—even through translation. I’ve been reflecting lately on Dostoyevsky and Kierkegaard. I find their honesty and depth compelling, especially in a time when so much feels shallow or chaotic. I wonder—are there authors, artists, or thinkers who guide you in your teaching? It’s encouraging to know that, even across language and distance, we can still find shared values through art and teaching. Очень приятно познакомиться. С уважением, Дин
Slobodchikov Alexander (@KarodrimArt)
@DCGraf Hello, Dean. When I was in high school, I didn't want to read Dostoevsky's works at all. They seemed very difficult. But later, after graduation, I became very interested in him. My favorite work of Dostoevsky was the story “Notes from the Dead House”. ( I advise you to read Stefan Zweig's work “The Three Masters”, where the author analyzes in detail the personal life of the writer, the heroes of his works and the works themselves) I have been interested in the Renaissance humanists and their ideas for quite a long time. (Erasmus of Rotterdam, Thomas More) Some of their thoughts seem very relevant to me today.) It's a pleasure to meet you too.)
Dean C. Graf (@DCGraf)
@KarodrimArt Thank you, Alexander—your words are a gift. Notes from the Dead House is such a raw and human piece… I’ll add The Three Masters to my reading list. I also appreciate the nod to Erasmus and More—timeless minds wrestling with questions we still face. It’s heartening to know that across languages and centuries, the pursuit of truth, beauty, and meaning still unites us. I look forward to learning more from your journey. До скорого, друг мой.