The clock had just passed 6:00 PM, and a gentle hush fell over the room as TA Griselda Martinez-Longfall, affectionately known as Gris, began to speak. Her class, ArtPression, meets every Friday at this hour and is an oasis for the creatively curious and the artistically inclined. This particular evening, we gathered to unravel the world of illustrations, those visual symphonies that bring ideas, concepts, and stories to life.
With her voice as a calming presence, Gris introduced the idea of illustration with effortless grace, reminding us that from the dawn of human history to the bustling digital age, illustrations have carried messages across time. She painted a picture for us, mentioning the ancient cave paintings in Lascaux and even the beautiful imagery found in the “Book of Two Ways,” an ancient guide to the afterlife.
We discussed how illustrations have evolved, yet still hold the power to support, clarify, and beautify. Each of us shared our personal experiences. Sabrina Southpaw, her face aglow with memory, recounted how illustrations in her geography class brought ancient civilizations to life in vivid detail. I, too, found my voice among the reflections, explaining how in the world of botany, illustrations are an indispensable guide, particularly when teaching about plant grafting, delicate and intricate processes that words alone cannot fully capture.
Gris’ lesson flowed naturally into a conversation about the visual allure of modern media. We debated the importance of book covers, with Phoenixflames Kukulcan admitting, with a grin, that he often judges a book by its cover, despite knowing he shouldn’t. We all laughed because, deep down, we understood. How often does the right image draw us in like a moth to flame?
As the hour neared its end, Gris left us with a gentle challenge: create something visual that represents ourselves—a book cover, a poster, a flyer. The task was simple in its ask but boundless in its potential, a fitting invitation from a class that encourages us to find our voice through art.
ArtPression is not just a class but a space of exploration and connection, where ideas swirl like ink on paper, each stroke a step closer to understanding. For those who yearn to create, to see, and to be seen, this Friday gathering is a quiet beacon, casting light on the art within us all. Don’t miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind class!
