Hopefully, each of us have had significant people in our lives that direct our journey and point us in the right direction. This is a picture of my Art / Photo teacher Mr. McIlwee presenting me an award (circa 1985) for the poster directly behind my head. I won 3rd place for a poster contest that represented the theme "Enjoy Life Naturally". Jay Mac (as we called him) was the only teacher that had any influence on me in High School. He understood me and didn't judge my appearance. He encouraged me to to do my best in art and in life, a practice I continue today. Most importantly he directed me (and Becker) into photography! My journey since then has taken many turns, however two things remain constant. I still like jewelry and being in the sun.
It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. -Albert Einstein
joe, thank photo is priceless! that guy is responsible for me becoming a photographer as well and i usually go back and speak to his photo class once a year. i always admired him because he teaches out of love and not because he had to (most of his students never knew he was independently wealthy). he's thanked right at the begining of the acknowledgement page on my website (right after the good Lord!)
Posted by: [ b ] e c k e r | January 24, 2007 at 05:46 AM
Niiiiiiice!!!! ... your hair was ROCKIN'!!! Thanks to Jay Mac for inspiring such wonderful people to share their passion with others!
Posted by: Anne | January 24, 2007 at 09:43 AM
Thought I was looking at Larry Bird shaking hands with Joe Elliott of Def Leopard at first glance! Any plans on bringing that old skool look back? Seriously though, it's great that Jay Mac was able to inspire you to find your talent. Wedding photography wouldn't be quite so rockstar without you.
Posted by: Alex Hill | January 28, 2007 at 11:16 PM
I am a teacher and I want you to know it is AWESOME that your teacher made such a difference in your life and really cool that you acknowledge and share it. I teach 8th grade and LOVE it!!! (I also have a small phtography business which I love as well) Reading what you wrote about your teacher reminds me to do the write thing by my students, to teach the whole person, not just the statistical element that the state evaluates. Thanks for the reminder that teachers do make a positive difference sometimes.
Posted by: Kathleen Hethcoat | January 01, 2008 at 10:46 PM