MYTHICAL MAGIC OF DENNIS MCNETT

I first met Dennis McNett in 2008 on my first day of grad school at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.  From that day forward, we've been good friends.  And thanks to him, I can carve a block like champ.  He is one badass printmaker.  Dennis (aka Wolfbat Studios) creates work that stems out of mythology and narrative - mostly print and performative - and it transforms viewers and participants into heroes.  

 Images via Wolfbat Studios

This past month, I sweet talked him into coming to Philadelphia for a month to work with me in the Art Education department of The Mural Arts Program.  So he decided to come to build a viking ship.  That's right.  Built it and and covered it with screen-prints of his block prints.  And it looks soooooo good.  Not sure if I can unveil the ship's final destiny as of yet, but I know that it will be on view at our Spring Exhibition at the Crane Arts Building which opens Thursday, May 8th.

Ship photos by Steve Weinik

Having him here was a warmed welcome reminder of the importance of artist mentors.  Well, everyone needs a mentor regardless of their field or passion - but I can mainly speak as an artist.  It's not always easy to be creative or to make money doing it.  I often struggle with so many questions or distractions that keep me unproductive and unfocused.  It's important to have someone who will tell you (ideally, over ice cream) that it's going to be ok - keep working hard.  Thanks for the inspiration and lending an ear, Dennis.  You keep doing what you do, too.

And just like that, he has set sail.