Texas Now Magazine June 2015 | Page 19

For the past fifteen years, John has worked in public schools as an art teacher and administrator. In addition, he also teaches online art appreciation part-time for Blinn College, and facilitates workshops in drawing and printmaking at the Rockport Center for the Arts. Just this past May, John accepted a position as Director of Visual Arts at the Rockport Center for the Arts. John explains his passion for art: “Michelangelo said, ‘Only God creates. The rest of us just copy.’ I sympathize, completely. Often, I look to the past – sometimes centuries – and follow the mysterious pathways and methods other master artists have skillfully developed.” “I draw. I paint. I enjoy hand-pulling prints. My work can be academic, absurd, surreal, and humorous. I am a maker of images, and by the Grace of God, a survivor. After spending nearly a decade as a school administrator, I have returned to the world of art and the studio, so that I might share my knowledge and pursue my first love. I would say that I am in a state of transition – but we all are, in some sense.” J.A.S. A mixed-media artist, Jamie (Liebscher) Speck completed her undergraduate work at Texas State University in San Marcos, where she majored in studio art, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.F.A.. She received her Master’s degree in painting and drawing at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas in 2002. She has taught art in public schools, and presently works as a part-time, on-line Art Instructor for Blinn College and studio artist. Jamie received the “Award in Creativity” at the Art Center of Corpus Christi’s Thread Sense Texas Fiber Exhibit, by juror and 40 year fiber artist, Lucia LaVilla-Havelin. She was also selected as a 2011 Merit Artist by invited juror Christa Brothers of Bismarck Studios in San Antonio, in the annual Merit Artists Exhibition, “Standing Out” at the Rockport Center for the Arts. John and Jamie create their art both apart and together. These artists also work on collaborative pieces – some think that John is “NOT FILTHY,” 16 X 20 IN., OIL ON PANEL “MOTHER” OIL ON CANVAS BY JOHN A. SPECK JOHN A. SPECK PIN CUSHIONS AND STARFISH JAMIE SPECK