I was at Evan Summer’s opening. The first part where he brought everyone around to talk about all of his work was pretty boring. He was practically telling his life story about when he made his various art pieces and then he’d talk about the bugs.

Once he finished and the majority of the people left to talk or eat the cheese and crackers, the conversation became more interesting. The people that remained asked him more detailed questions about his process – whether it was about the lighting he chose or the kind of ink he used for specific pieces. I believe that I learned a lot more from that short session than I did from the initial tour because it was about his art more than about him as an artist.

I unfortunately missed his lecture Monday at 12:40, but I was able to attend his workshop with the printing class and I feel that it was the most beneficial session I had with him. This workshop began with him showing his portfolio to us and we were able to see a number of his pieces in various stages. He talked a little bit about how his experiences outside of art has had an influence on his work and he talked about the working relationship he’s had with a good friend for several years. The last thing he did was show us how to make a collograph and I thought it was interesting that the thinnest layers were used to make a print. I believe that Evan’s visit has taught me many things that I can apply to my own work and I am glad that I was able to attend the opening and the workshop.