Friday, June 3, 2011

Oh my!

Its now 1. 30 in the afternoon and Gabs and KK left the studio about two hours ago and I'm still shaking. I really put this up alongside winning the Turner medal in 2008 as a major event in my life. Seriously.

I want to say that you have no idea what these words of affirmation and this gift of generosity means to me but actually it is precisely because you DO know that you were excited to do it. You know me well enough and recognise enough of yourselves in me to be able to give such affirmation. And your gesture is something that I used as a teaching point for my children, using you as the benchmark, the examples of the kinds of people that they should look to and admire.

There is a difference between coasting and surfing. staying alive and being alive. Handing something in and thinking something through. Meeting expectations and exceeding them. You prove that. Lets keep proving it. Thank you for GETTING it and for modelling it. And thank you for the incredible surprise.

I'll post something later from my iPad.

12 comments:

  1. Mat - we were so glad to be able to get it for you. It is in all honesty the least we could do to say thank you for inspiring and guiding all of us on our own artistic journeys. We love you and look forward to continuing to surprise you ^^

    Caleb

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  2. Thanks Caleb. I dont know if anyone saw the book of collated notes that you wrote individually but, let me tell, you it is something that I shall always treasure. Hopefully you'll be swinging by the studio next week to talk about figure painting? I'll show you my new iPad.

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  3. Mr. Kennedy, like Caleb said, this was the least we could do! You really mean a lot to us and have obviously had a very positive impact on our lives and our artwork. I was so excited for you to get that iPad! Enjoy it!

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  4. The iPad was the perfect idea!!! I don't even remember who thought of it, but it was too perfect to pass up. And as Caleb said, we love you. You are the coolest. I'm always to excited to talk about you, not just because you're an amazing artist, but you have a wonderful soul. Take pictures of the little booklet, I didn't get to see it! I hope my er, short quote made it in there on time.

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  5. Boy oh boy, did I fall out of the loop! Congrats on your ipad! Have fun with all the apps :D

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  6. You're in there miss Terry. Thank you.
    Its 10pm and I've just opened the box....charging now.

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  7. Next gift, a trip to CANCUN!!!!................on a greyhound bus that is.

    You're more than just a teacher MBK, you are a genuine and caring individual.

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  8. You can spearhead that project Gabs I'm taking a nap.

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  9. You definitely deserve it! Enjoy!

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  10. MBK, you totally deserve everything. As everyone said, it's the least we can do for you after all you have done for us.

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