The annual faculty art show, an exposition that displays various mediums such as sculpture, painting, and photography, took place in Sept. to present the work done by the teachers of Germantown Academy. Artwork from Nicholas Wynia, Sara Krupnick-Ritz, Dainis Roman, Karina Slapinsky, Romy Burkus, Elizabeth Buckman, Jessica Killo, Alia Tahvildaran, and Kaitlyn Fabiani were displayed in the Art Center.
A striking, multipiece series designed by the Upper School’s Visual Arts Chair, Mr. Love, was titled It is better to Light a Candle than to Curse the Darkness. To Mr. Love, showcasing faculty and student art is “The one way of bringing out into the world the work that happens in these studios.” Mr. Love’s creative process begins as he journals down his thoughts and compiles the sketches he created throughout the school year. He expands on these ideas throughout the summer. Mr. Love says his inspiration for the series was due to his interest in the Buddhist Noble Truths, which focus on the idea that “Life’s sadnesses and sorrows are connected to our joys.” He describes them further, explaining how life is all about finding balance and accepting that joys and sadnesses are “inexplicably” connected. Looking forward, Mr. Love hopes that the artwork done this past summer will, “In some form, continue into [his] future work.”
Another set of pieces from the art show was designed by Ms. Sara Krupnick-Ritz, Upper School Art Teacher and Head of Truesdell House. This summer, she visited Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Inspired by the picturesque environment, Ms. Ritz created a series of functional plates featuring elements of the local marine life, embellished with vast amounts of color. To Ms. Ritz, the tableware reminded her of her childhood as well as the nature surrounding her presently. She said, “It made me extra cognizant of how we need to be mindful about taking care of our seas and our world.” Ms. Ritz was inspired to name her work, Lunenburg A-Sides and Lunenburg B-Sides, from her experience in Lunenburg; the tableware has imagery on both the front and back. All platters have two sides to them—the A-Side and B-Side. Though the A-Side plays the “better” song, Ms. Ritz often found that she liked the B-Sides more. Ms. Ritz says, “I wasn’t trying as hard. Sometimes when you don’t try as hard on something, it turns out better.” Ms. Ritz believed that this is an important lesson because oftentimes artists, and even people in general, try to be too perfect all the time.
There was an abundance of wonderful artwork in the Faculty Art Show this year. From paintings to platters, the featured work was inspired by cherished experiences for many of the teachers, with many of them lending lessons for the future.