(the name is straight out of an austin powers movie)

I dislike the impulse to limit student creativity. I hear about it here too.

I’m glad I was able to buttress my encouragement with the senior level students, but that was lucky circumstance.

(side note: the same senior group screenprinted on windows last term, in very tricky to reach spaces, and I was never prouder of the ingenuity and disregard for institutional norms)

I find it a lot easier to push students that I’ve had more than once, since they tend to trust me (more) and the incremental wild enthusiasm they’ve witnessed makes more sense. it’s hard to “yes and…” someone who hasn’t felt that kind of conceptual success yet bc they’re in first or second year.

in the new year, along with several other students in this semester’s course. and if we can start breaking away from conventional forms now, maybe someone else will be inspired to take (measured and supported) risks.

so I ran the suggestion past them, and they were Very Enthusiastic, which I think helped push my current student closer to running with the idea. they also offered to help, since multiple hands will be needed to pull it off. anyways, I’m pushing hard because she’s taking the next level of print

day nineteen of organization november: I finally asked our technician to help me build a shelf for my glass (who revamped the plan I came up with). and it’s beautiful. prior to today, my glass was in a drawer. a DRAWER. so impractical. and now it loosely organized and visible. j’adore.

so what if I seek out and stare at my freshly organized and structured closet spaces each morning like a proud parent? it’s organization november!

@jbbartram.bsky.social might you consider a small pancake for your studio manager?

can’t believe I forgot about the smaller shelves inside the cabinets for plates and cups. now we have a shelf for short mugs (his and hers levels), tall mugs, and oversized/bowls with handles.

I know a sense of peace previously undiscovered. and am really, really taking the small wins.

also started detailing out my approach for an artist “book” that is —conceptually— never going to be completed. now that all my thoughts are in one place and in somewhat cohesive order, I might be able to start. it’s been hard to commit to with the never-ending-ness; a book that keeps amassing.

this weekend: I have schematics drawn up for the closets (near future), basement reno (2026 goal); language updates for my W26 syllabi penned; and i’ve started my 2026 resolution bingo card.

good news everyone: the obsession for november is “organization”