Posted by Erich Shelton on Monday, October 19, 2009
Under: Poetry
I remember in 1991 walking on the white cliffs of Dover and thinking how fortunate I was to be there. It was a place of great hope for the men of the 1940s and became a popular war tune sung by Vera Lynn, and many others.
The wind began to lick at my face and run playfully down my back. I thought I heard in the clouds above me, the most lovely of melodies. The lilted song splashed back and forth against the ivory crag. I now realise it was the spanking breeze whirring about my head.
Looking out over the frothy waves, I gathered those memories tightly in my hand, put them in my coin pocket and agreed to save them for a rainy day.
I currently teach graphic design and illustration at the University of Southern Indiana. I really love teaching and the challenges which this provides me. It not only keeps me young, but forces me to be that ongoing learner; sometimes referred to as a life-long learner. This goal of continuing to learn as finally brought me back to the role as a student as well. Some years ago I started and MFA, but due to an automobile accident was unable to complete it.
I have just been accepted as a student at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and will finally be able to work on the MFA. The great thing is I can continue working at USI and will visit the AAU in the summer. The rest of the time I am able to take my courses online.
Like technology and life, it is constantly changing and evolving. What a joy to be part of it all!