The Griffon News

 So the saying goes, those who can, do; and those who can’t do, teach. That saying couldn’t be further from the truth here at Missouri Western. In all actuality those who teach do spectacular work, as well as inspire.

 At the faculty art exhibit that opened on Feb. 7 in Potter Hall’s art gallery 206, this statement becomes reality. Several members of the Missouri Western art department came together to display works of their own that they feel will both impress and inspire their students. One member of the art department faculty who exhibited work was Geo Sipp, associate professor of art. Sipp is in charge of the paint section of the art department, and he makes that obvious with his brilliant pieces done with vibrant color.

Sipp believes that with art you have to find yourself in the art.

 ”The idea is that they see this art and they become inspired to push themselves,” Sipp said. ” You have to discover what you can do and what your special niche is. It’s one thing to reenact someone else’s style and work, but finding your own kind of medium style is what will inspire others.”

Sipp said that sometimes students can go completely outside the box and do something totally extraordinary that will inspire the teachers themselves to try new things.

 The art on display came in many different mediums. Jim Estes, professor of art, is in charge of the ceramics department, and had a few exceptional ceramic pieces on display as well as one amazing piece of carved wood.

 Along with Estes there was Jeannie Harmon-Miller, professor of art and head of photography, contributed her display of outstanding or pictures and prints. Teresa Harris, graphic design artist and professor of art, had an array of graphic design with house hold decor as well as print ink works, which will also be displayed at the Albright-Kemper Museum.

 Art can become very labor extensive, as can anything. Beyond the labor comes the pressure of impressing students by showing them what faculty members are capable of creating. By putting their art on display they have put themselves out there to be critiqued by students and other faculty members. Geo Sipp believes that good students can inspire and influence teachers to grow just as teachers influence their students.

 ”Part of this program is teaching students to be professional,” Sipp said, “it’s finding the dividing point between working hard, networking, as well as just diversifying yourself.”

Working hard is the first establishment of anything and Sipp believes that the first step is drawing.

 ”You have to be a good draftsmen,” Sipp said. “After that you have to find your own style and go from there.”

 As a teacher he believes you have to help the students set limitations, then grow to know themselves and get to know the kind of artist that they are. There is a basis for everything. Whether it is getting good at drawing or sculpting your first masterpiece, you do what you love. For Geo Sipp, it’s his paints. It can be oil paints, or resin and packaging tape.
 Whatever the case may be, the art you will see on display is his life and his love.