The Chronicle stops the presses- Play offers new twist on classic story
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Graduate student channels classic horror in thesis film - Alumnus creates mobile gallery
- SCAD libraries hold artist’s book competition for students
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- Personnel File: New staff members join SCAD-Savannah
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- Baseball takes series from St. Thomas
- Women’s basketball wraps up second place in Florida Sun
- Athletics updates for Feb. 15
- Baseball off to best start in program’s history
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Class in the Spotlight
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Mijatovic’s installations instill appreciation
 Photo by Jeremiah Jossim Natalija Mijatovic (left) offers some pointers to student Francesca Palomar in the Oil-based Media class Oct. 4. By Monique Bos Published: Friday, October 5, 2007 In Natalija Mijatovic’s Oil-based Media course Oct. 1, students worked quietly at their easels. At the front of the room, a still life — including a hat box, flowers, an old fan, wheels, a vase and various other items, placed on cloths in various colors and designs, and arranged in front of draped fabric and lace curtains — served as their focus. Each student had chosen part of the still life as the basis for the composition, and Mijatovic paused by their easels to comment on the work in progress, make suggestions and demonstrate techniques. “Always check your work from a distance,” she told one student. To another, she said, “Paint what’s behind and work up. What happens first?” The project is the first of five assignments the students will have during the quarter. “I’m actually very aggressive in my methods and assignments,” she said. “My critiques are famous for being very really intense, but they’re very beneficial because people get over being sensitive. It’s really about their work. Art is such a competitive place to be; the whole department has that rigorous critique policy.” Mijatovic, who is from Serbia, added, chuckling, “I think that’s where my notoriety comes from. Because I’m a foreigner, I cannot really butter up or sugar coat.” But her inclusion in the 11th edition of Who’s Who Among American Educators attests to the fact that her students appreciate what she teaches them. And she said she’s gratified when former students contact her. “I’m receiving all these wonderful letters from people who just graduated,” she said. “They thought I was tough and demanding, but now they understand why. It’s a wonderful thing to feel you changed or impacted somebody.” Keeping the work interesting and individual is also important to her. For each assignment, she creates installations that incorporate various materials such as objects from junkyards, old car parts, dolls, cloth and other items. The students can choose the angle and section of the installation they paint. “Their work has to be from observation,” Mijatovic explained. “I tend to make installations instead of regular still lifes to make it more interesting to them … I’ll have a huge installation hanging from the ceiling, and people stand around to work on their paintings. The installation might be slightly shaking or swinging, so … they can resolve so many spatial issues.” The installations often take her 10-15 hours to create, and sharing this aspect of her own art with students adds a dynamic to the class. “It creates very interesting feedback,” she explained. “I made it; it’s part of my art, and they respect that. It becomes a collaboration between us.” Another priority for Mijatovic and the rest of the faculty members in Alexander Hall — which houses the painting, printmaking and ceramics departments — is teaching students healthy and environmentally responsible practices. She said cross-building rules include reducing chemical usage, working with chemical substances in well-ventilated areas or outdoors, and avoiding the use of mineral spirits. “Health issues and concerns are very important,” she said. “We recommend that everybody wear gloves, but some people are more tactile and like to feel the paint. Those people wear barrier creams to seal off their skin.” She added, “It’s important to develop health and environmental awareness before students go into professional practice, so it becomes second nature. We try to make them conscious about their choices.” Mijatovic will lead the painting residency program at SCAD-Lacoste in Winter 2008. To see some of her installations and other work, visit www.natalijamijatovic.com.  |
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