ART 118

Although the connotation of the word, “college,” usually brings to mind numerous generalizations, Barefoot College completely redefines the word. The expense of attending Barefoot College is free. The teachers do not have college educations themselves but, rather a need to help the poorest of the poor. Amenities do not include a bowling alley on campus or, a stadium for football but, rather the necessities of survival. Every aspect of Barefoot College is for the people and the environment. Barefoot College brings back naturalism into humanity. It is possible to live off the land and use the resources under your feet and, at your horizon. With machines at our disposable our lives have become more convenient but, less connected. Barefoot College enables a stronger relationship between the populace and the earth. This educational institution is not about obtaining a PhD, a bachelor’s or, a master’s degree; it’s about learning to live without expense and stress of the daily routine.

There are no prerequisites to gain admission; admission is always granted. Because of this, many travel from all over India to reach one of the twenty campuses sprawled across the country. Once they make the voyage they are immediately embraced without hesitation. Hierarchy does not exist, language barriers do not exist, and borders do not exist. The only thing that matters is bringing life back to the people. There is only one race here, and that is humanity. The rules and incentives are in no shape or form detrimental, as stated on the Barefoot College website, the code of conduct: “focus[es] on basic needs: water, health, education, energy, environmental regeneration and gainful employment building on existing skills, while enrolling individuals in the processes that govern their lives.” Unlike universities where one leaves with enormous debt and, the feeble possibility of making a career from their major, Barefoot College insures success. Students are taught how to harvest the sun into solar power, how to build aesthetic homes out of clay found in their surroundings, and how to harvest rainwater to drink from. And these are just the necessities of existence. Additionally health care is given for free as well as caregivers to children while their mothers attend school.

Females in India have suffered for thousands of years under the crutches of their society. Women in Rajasthan, India are usually granted very little freedom; they have to hide under veils, and often only leave their homes to fetch water for their household. Barefoot College breathes hope into the future empowerment of women in India. Support groups educate women and allow them to feel strong again. When the whole system is against you it is hard to rebel against it. But with gained wisdom and the collective conscious of suffrage spread to the poorest of towns where men dominate, there is finally a glimmer of hope. The most important aspect of Barefoot College is that it erases fear. By bringing change and giving the suffering a brighter lens to view the world. Here they are safe to grow into individuals that are not frightened by life. It is education that prevails, one may not have any possessions of worth but, your mind is the best investment, Barefoot College sparked the inspiration for India but, also for me.

(above) "Starvation." This piece is multimedia made from actual rotting fruit that I painted, various frames found from goodwill, pictures of lips from various fashion magazines, and an image of a young African boy found from googling "starving."

I really enjoyed discovering new methods to digitize artwork from the creative direction of Professor Lukas Bertus. I truly admire the scope of work produced by every individual from both art 118 and art 120, everyone brought a piece of themselves into each composition. Although graphic design isn't my forte I would never take back the experience, frustrating at times; but enlightening nonetheless.

Thank you Luke, you inspired me to pursue my dreams as a painter.

p.s. If anyone is interested or knows anyone interested in purchasing any of my work, let me know. It should be up in coffee shops around Portland shortly :)