In the summer of 2003, Senior Leah Bobal discovered that what she really wanted in life was to uncover her creative potential by attending PNCA. For the next two weeks, Leah will blog about the process that led to her decision, and she'll share the experiences she and her friends have encountered at art college. Email Leah your thoughts at .

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Aug 11, 2006

What's Next?

Lots of people still ask me, “Why study art?”

I hope this two-week blog has answered that question for some folks. Now, I find that writing this blog has actually raised more questions.

“What’s next?” still resonates in my mind and heart.

I can’t believe that I’m entering my third year at PNCA. Time sure does fly! There are new challenges and risks ahead that still require a leap of faith.

The THESIS year! Finding work that is rewarding after graduation. Paying off all those student loans. So many students will be dealing with these questions, and there are no easy answers.

Each person’s solution is different. But I bet if you ask PNCA students if they thought their education was valuable and life-changing, you’d hear a resounding “YES!”

And that’s really where this blog begins and ends, with YES. Saying yes to yourself, your art, your dreams…

What’s next for you?

Drop me a line at lbobal@student.pnca.edu and let me know.

Thanks to everyone at PNCA for this opportunity to share my story and to you, for reading.

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Aug 10, 2006

Affecting Change

As I headed to school today, I was listening to a report on NPR about the foiled terrorist plot in London. Then I heard an update on the fighting between Israel and Lebanon. It all got me thinking.

I recall a time when I thought shouting a slogan at a march made a difference. But then I watched a program on OPB about the billion-dollar arms industry and the U.S. military’s “Transformation” program.

All of this news is overwhelming and only served to make me feel small. I felt helpless. With all that money and effort against us, what can we do to affect change in this chaotic world?

I do have a firm belief (some would say foolish) that artists have the power to affect change in the world. And so I urge you to follow your dreams, whatever they may be. Oh, it sounds hippie drippy I know, but there’s not a whole lot of time.

Today I went over some old journals and found this entry from 2004 (pictured). Two years ago I asked the same question, “How can I affect real change in my life and my art?”

The answer I’ve found is to believe in POSSIBILITIES.

Before I enrolled at PNCA, I spent a good three months talking myself out of it. I procrastinated, didn’t send in the application in a timely manner, was avoiding the bleak financial picture…

But then I decided to take a risk. And with the help of the folks at PNCA, the risk seemed exciting instead of threatening.

So no matter what the world throws at you, keep focused on the changes you want to make in your life. I’ve found that it’s worth the risk.

Tomorrow marks the last blog entry in this series. I’m learning so much and hope you are too. Thanks for reading.

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Aug 09, 2006

The Little Things

Ever heard the phrase, “God is in the details?”

As fall semester rolls around (less than three weeks!) I cannot stress enough the importance of getting all your ducks in a row (another cliche!).

If you’re headed back to school—for the first time or the last time—here’s some little things you should know:

10) Take a tour of the school or if you’re a returning student, reacquaint yourself with the PNCA community.

9) Visit your local art supply store. Find out when their back to school sale starts. Did you know that PNCA has a small Art Media branch on campus that’s open during the school year? Woohoo!

8) Write down your schedule. Seriously, I can’t stress this enough for peace of mind. Write it all out in the handy calendar books PNCA gives out each year.

7) Set realistic goals. Are you eager to have your work up in every show possible? Ambition is good, but a strategy is even better.

6) Talk to people! Even if you’ve been here for over three years, there’s always new folks to talk to, and they might benefit from your experience. If you’re new, don’t worry, we won’t throw pennies at you.

5) Research your instructors. There are some cool folks teaching here. Look ‘em up online. Say hi to them. You’ll be glad you did.

4) Knock on the door of Student Services. They can answer almost any question you ask and are really cool folks.

3) GO TO THE PNCA LIBRARY! Did you know that it has an amazing collection of art and design books? And a video collection! And all previous PNCA thesis papers on file! And some cool magazines! And comfy chairs!

2) Say Hi! to Tim in the Bursar’s Office. He has an amazing collection of rock and film posters in his office. Oh, and he’s also the gent who handles all student accounts. Make sure your account is sound before school starts!

1) Relax! I know it sounds trite, but nothing will go wrong. And if it does, there’s always someone to ask for help. So slather on some more sunscreen, turn up the radio, pop open a beer and enjoy the rest of your summer.

School starts August 28th!

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Aug 08, 2006

Running with Scissors

My mom always told me not to run with scissors, but I have a crit today and there’s still a lot of work to do.

Like many PNCA students, I juggle school with work and outside projects. And while it’s fun and keeps me on my toes, this juggling act sometimes makes me loopy.

Balance is important. I knew one student who was enrolled in five classes and worked 35 hours a week! I freqently saw her sleeping in the Commons.

Web design instructor Edward McNair once offered up this bit of advice, “quality work takes time.” He’s right. When I worked 30 hours a week and took four classes I could pay the bills, but my work suffered.

Some of us don’t have a choice, we have to work. Or, we take out student loans for living expenses. I’ve done both, and each option has its pros and cons.

PNCA academic advisor Pearl Fisher is honest and helpful when you’re plotting your semester schedule. She helped me realize that my work comes first. That’s why I’m here after all! You know, to run with scissors, self-healing mats, X-Acto knives, Sharpies, pencils, pens…OK, I’m getting loopy again.

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Aug 07, 2006

"Networking"

I’ve never really liked the term “networking.” Something about it conjures up an image of high-level managers in business suits making multimillion-dollar deals over lunch.

I enjoy meeting people and referring them to other folks, but I don’t think I’d describe it as “networking.” I’ve seen folks “network” and many of them seem rather sleazy and calculating. Maybe we can redefine the process with a new art-related word…like weaving or interlacing?

If you’re interested in PNCA, the first pattern you might want to “weave” is to the Admissions Office, followed by Financial Aid. Their team will have the answers to ALL of your questions, especially to that very popular question: “How do I afford to go back to school?”

This question plaqued me for months. But with the guidance of knowledgeable folks like Peggy Burgus, my financial picture did not look so bleak. The key is to ask questions, crunch numbers and stay focused.

And remember there is a helpful and kind group of people at PNCA to help you. They’re on your side. They’re part of your….umm…err…network. D’OH!

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Aug 06, 2006

Lines of Communication

Today I’m finding this whole blog thing to be a mixed blessing. While the exchange has been rewarding, I’m also a bit concerned that there’s a disconnect.

Really happy that people have been writing and asking questions! I’m enjoying the exchange. But I can’t see their faces, and they can’t really see me.

I’ve always been a bit weary of technology, the Internet, blogging. I was in a cafe the other day and NO ONE was talking to each other. Everyone was sitting in front of their laptops. I found it rather surreal.

Art and design communication rely on exchange. Some folks might argue that since the public inception of the Internet (early ‘90s), only the venue has changed. But I beg to differ.

I’ve looked around the computer lab during classes at PNCA. Students are checking out their myspace accounts, buying stuff. And I’ve given in to this temptation as well. It’s that little thrill (“ooh, someone wants to talk to me!) that keeps me coming back for more.

But what are we really saying?

Most of the time, I think technology cheapens communication. There I said it. And I’m still writing this blog!

Technology can also cheapen an arts education. Many programs rely too heavily on technical skills. Sure, you can learn Illustrator and Flash and crank out some slick design work. But what’s behind it?

At PNCA, you learn the WHY of design, and that’s crucial. Whether you’re meeting with a client, a prospective buyer, or an art critic, your ability to discuss and defend your work is key. It shows that you are knowledgable, that you care.

Only with the lines of communication open can we truly create art and design with impact. The rest is just blips on a screen.

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Aug 05, 2006

Motion Sickness

When worry sets in or I’m going through a rough time, I put on this T-shirt (pictured). Designed by Todd James (his clients include Comedy Central), this T-shirt always puts a smile on my face. I’m wearing it today.

I first discovered James while working at the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), they brought him in for a lecture. A very down-to-earth guy. Got his start doing graffiti on the New York subway system. Never went to school, just pushed through and did what he wanted.

I was never that brave. I dig school, with all its books, papers and formalities. I lack discipline and find it rather hard to make a decision. I want to try everything, go here, go there…

So far, PNCA has given me a balance of freedom and responsibility. You learn valuable skills, and there are certain expectations. But you’re also encouraged to follow your intuition and explore your passion. So you can take a class in performance art, a drawing class or explore typography.

And while I don’t think I’ll switch majors, I know a lot of folks who do. Maybe I can just stay in art school for the rest of my life? There really is so much to explore that it makes me sick, in a good way. Like the T-shirt.

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Aug 04, 2006

Focus Forward

I got a phone call from PNCA’s Welcome Committee the other day.

“School starts in just a few weeks,” said Isaac Peterson, head of the Welcoming Committee.

“Wow, I can’t believe it’s August already,” I replied. We chatted for a while and when I hung up, I wondered what’s in store for fall semester.

School takes quite a bit of your time, energy and all of your focus. I now find that I have little time to do anything but pursue art.

Maybe it’s because I’m older, but I’d much rather work in PNCA’s Center4Design than socialize. And though I admire the mission of the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), I find that I have little time to help with its amazing TBA Festival (go to www.pica.org). Many sacrifices are made, and sometimes I think I’m missing out on something.

But this pursuit of art is kind of like breathing; it’s just something that I do.

School starts August 28th. Breathing in and out, my eyes are focused forward. I’m ready to go.

PNCA community can comment in Homeroom

Aug 03, 2006

Paragons of Virtue

I uncovered many stories today about the past, the present, the future. The history of Hezbollah, the evolution of an urban skyline, the complex words a friend’s child is learning to speak.

Mentors—whether they’re employers, family or educators—teach us so much about ourselves and our world.

Mentors push you further down your path. Sometimes they knock you off, testing your boundaries. They help you realize your limits, and your potential.

During my first year, PNCA instructor David Eckard inspired me to further explore performance art. Horatio Hung-Yan Law showed me that art is also an exciting science. Linda Wysong still brightens my visions with her enthusiasm and interest in the world around her.

Margaret Richardson relinquished my love of books. Paul Platosh encouraged me to perfect my design work…the list goes on.

Oh, its sounds like @$$ kissing, but I really wonder, where would my work be today without their input?

We are lucky to have such guides, who show us a map and say “follow your heart.”

As Douglas P. (pictured) of the legendary band Death In June sang; “I want you to fly with wings held high. I want you to live by the justice code. I want you to burn down freedom’s road.”

For me, that’s what mentors do—take us in, show us various routes, and let us go on our way.

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Aug 03, 2006

Out the Window

A glittering sea of headlights flows south along Interstate 5. Little offices stacked in skyscrapers create a glowing grid across the night sky.

From out the window of a hotel in Seattle, a new world and a new perspective unfolds in front of my eyes.

Portland is often viewed as a “provincial” town, especially in relation to its support of artists outside the local zip code. Portlanders support the locals, whether they’re artists, farmers or writers…and that’s a good thing. But it’s also our responsibility to open the window and ask, “What’s going on over there?”

PNCA opens many doors and windows for me. I recall being in tears when instructor MK Guth described to our class her experience at the Melbourne Festival last year. So many people from different cultures and walks of life participated in Red Shoe Delivery Service that MK was mesmerized. So was I.

Through lectures by international artists in residence to short and long-term study abroad, I am free to roam, explore, open a door or window and then create. PNCA helps open windows to other worlds, and for me that is priceless.

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Aug 01, 2006

Making a Connection

“Welcome home,” folks said as I walked down a hall at PNCA. “Great to see you back at PNCA!”

I had just returned from Japan — one of nine students in Global Studios: Tokyo — a new short-term study abroad program at PNCA. Jet-lagged and a little weary, those few words meant so much to me.

The PNCA community is special. Relationships are key, and not necessarily in that “it’s who you know” kinda way. Sure, there are some cliques, but it’s not a cult. PNCA lets you be who you are, flaws and all.

With small class sizes, you get to know and care about your instructors and classmates. Folks encourage openness, integrity, kindness and collaboration.

There’s been an ongoing discussion about the need of more collaboration across departments. How can we foster more interaction and exchange?

While in Japan, myself and eight students (pictured) spent almost every day together. Each of us had different interests and backgrounds. We explored culture, shared stories and ideas, critiqued eachother’s work. We also got on eachother’s nerves, argued, laughed…it wasn’t easy, but it was a blast.

It’s taken me years to make this kind of connection. Raised as an only child in America, I always thought I needed to do it alone. I was too proud to ask questions, to let people know that I needed them.

We are trained in America to value the individual over the group. Think about it: The lone cowboy riding into the sunset. The president of the United States. All the entrepreneurs and CEO’s who make their millions. We look up to them. We wish we could do it all alone.

Frankly, I’m tired of it. Couldn’t we learn from our friends in Japan, who value collaboration more than we do? How can we work together to help our visions become a reality?

When collaboration works, the feeling is exhilarating. You work together 14 hours straight proofreading the latest issue of a ‘zine. You argue over the “right” font to use for your cover story. This was a typical situation while I worked as the art director of the Portland-based magazine Nervy Girl. I really miss those days.

According to the author of “Organizing Genius,” that kind of sacrifice for a greater goal is a treasure. A wonderful read, “Organizing Genius,” examines the group dynamics of teams like the Manhattan Project and Apple.

On the roadmap of our lives, there are marked paths and destinations. But there also PEOPLE. Sometimes we don’t realize their impact on our journey until it’s too late. As I walk down the halls of PNCA today, I vow to take nothing for granted.

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Jul 31, 2006

Space and Time

Books stacked on the floor. Dusty wrinkled paper hanging off your desk. Unsharpened pencils, half-open paint cans. Is your studio in a state of chaos?

My old workspace (pictured) was often in a state of disarray. But the work had a room of its own. I was immersed in it, knee-deep. Hell-bound. Right now, my work is either on a computer or trapped in my head. Sketchbook is relatively empty. I can’t even find my desk, its buried under a sea of papers.

Oh, I spend numerous hours in PNCA’s computer labs. Work gets done. But something is missing.

Throwing up some paper on the wall. Cutting photos up, bending wire. The smell of paint fresh out of the tube. The simplicity of a line. Spilling paint on the floor. Putting pen to paper and watching the ink sink in. Noticing the quality of light change as you work. Glue drying on fingers!

Ready to EXPLODE. There are all these ideas, but no place to let ‘em out. Feeling ashamed. I’ve let my work sit, hiding under the everday while I zip here and there.

“There’s no time!” I yell as I run past my desk to answer the phone. More papers fall to the floor, like tumbleweed across the desert.

There’s a void.

I’m avoiding something. I’m avoiding me.

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Jul 30, 2006

There's No Master Plan

It rained for a few minutes this morning — a welcome respite from the recent heat wave. But I miss the sun. There is sadness in the air today.

Wondering if there’s a point to anything. Saw a friend at school who’s mother has Alzheimer’s, she’s struggling with it. Hung out with an old friend who lost her husband and two friends in a tragic accident last year.

Skeptical that there’s a design, a master plan to this world, a purpose. This is troubling for a design student. We’re supposed to create work that serves a purpose, be it a toaster, an organization manual, a new toy.

But all these little things: the f-ing gadgets, tech toys, collectible characters, designer T-shirts. What do they really matter? When we die are we gonna say, “Gee, I really wish I bought that new toaster?”

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Jul 29, 2006

Signs Along the Way

There is danger around every corner. And so many signs telling us where to go, what to do. But what if we decide to follow our own path? How do we know what lines to cross? When should we stay, when should we go?

I’ve been studying communication design at PNCA for two years. Upon reflection, I remember that the first semester was the most difficult. All that doubt I mentioned earlier filled my days and clouded my nights.

“I will be the oldest person there!” I fretted while walking through PNCA’s front door. “People will think my work is $h!t!”

But here I am today. Of course, I still think a lot of my work is $hit. Have you ever had a day, a month, a year, when you’re just pushing through your work and nothing seems to fit?

Some folks think an artist must create perfection. But in the two years I’ve been here, it’s the MANY mistakes that make it worthwhile. You laugh. You cry. You trespass. You go where danger lies. You take a risk. And bloody hell, it’s fun!

But it ain’t easy. And now, back to work…

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Jul 28, 2006

Fear and Loathing

Sometimes, I just want to hide. In the dark, where no one can find me. Like the little guy in the picture (right). I want to hide where nothing can touch me. Away from the phone. Away from people. Away from the world.

A hiding place functions either as a sanctuary or a prison, depending on how one creates it. We artists are known to be sensitive people. How do we deal with our fears and anxieties?

The late writer Hunter S. Thompson (rest his soul) spent his last years writing from his compound in Colorado. As a literary artist, he meant what he said and put it out into the world. “Buy the ticket, take the ride,” was one of his favorite sayings.

Was he afraid? Did he ever doubt his vision?

I doubt it. But I doubt everything.

For quite a long time, I always doubted myself. It was my modus operandi, my muse. I thought that I couldn’t afford the ticket; that I couldn’t handle the ride. And so I remained in hiding. Fear and loathing in my brain.

Can’t quite nail down what brought me out of the darkness. But I will venture a guess that art had something to do with it. Laughing out loud while reading, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Dancing around while my friend’s band plays loud and fast. Tears falling down my cheeks as I watch Wings of Desire. This is the essence of art. It connects us to each other. It allows us to feel. So go out there and mean what you say. Connect with someone. Buy the ticket, take the ride. I’ll try to do the same.

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Jul 27, 2006

Destination Unknown

Where are you going? Where do you want to go next? Maybe you should just sell everything and run away? You could hop on a plane, land in the Czech Republic and wander Europe with a band of Gypsies—your caravan overflowing with hand-crafted jewelry, rugs, and clothing.

Or you could move back home with your parents? After all, you’re broke, and really should start thinking about your future. You’re only getting older, what do you want to do with the rest of your life?

It was the summer of 2003, and after many sleepless nights, depressing days and amazing dreams, I could no longer ignore the pain in my heart. As I drove over Portland’s Broadway Bridge, sun setting in the West, I was overcome by an intense urgency. “Lub dub, lub dub, study art, lub dub, go back to school,” my heart rang out over my blasting car stereo. At that moment, I decided to go back to school.

There was no question of where — my revelation occurred as I drove home from an inspiring Continuing Education class at the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). With numerous recommendations from friends and fellow artists, PNCA was my top choice. The bigger questions were still WHY and HOW. “Why go back to school when you already have a degree?” “How are you going to pay for school when you are still living paycheck to paycheck?”

Maybe you’re asking yourself the same questions. Are you afraid to follow your dreams? Are you dissatisfied with where you’re at in your life? This blog will post for the next two weeks in an effort to show that your dreams can become reality. In sharing my story, I hope that you too can uncover your art, your creative potential on this Earth.

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