ALMetro 360 Magazine

..................................................................................................................................................................... Hartsfield and a colleague, John Morgan, were able to persuade Apple Computers to set up at Auburn’s Art Department the first computer laboratory they had ever had. Though she was delighted at the widening of her students’ horizons, she was never seduced into surrendering control to the new technology. “However excited we are at our newest acquisitions, we know they are never, ever a substitute for brainstorming and thumbnailing. The computer is simply another tool with which to explore concepts and the devel- opment of good graphics. In other words, just getting on the com- puter is not going to solve the problems of artistic creativity, for it is no substitute for good designers and solid ideas.” Many artists say they have a problem figuring out when a paint- ing is finished. “A painting is finished when it’s finished,” Hartsfield says. “When I show my husband who’s a graphic designer a paint- ing, he often says ‘don’t touch it, it’s done.’ But if I go ahead and try to add or change something, he offers his classic opinion, ‘Now you’ve ruined it.’ But I just keep struggling with it and finally I know when to stop.” Hartsfield is one of those rare souls who can look back down the many years and still feel how fortunate she has been. “Imagine, I’ve spent 35 years as a teacher and administrator, working at something I’ve loved doing — because of the invaluable contact with my students and colleagues. I believe that teachers can have a profound influence on students, not just as mentors in their professional training but also in life lessons. I remember three pro- fessors to whom I will always be grateful: Professor Emeritus, Hugh Williams, a day in his studio listening to him and studying his work is worth a lifetime of effort; and Dr. Taylor Littleton and Professor Maltby Sykes!” My experience convinces me that students in general are very smart, hard working, able to laugh at themselves while being sur- prisingly competitive. So, it has been a privilege for me to have spent my entire career, every day, all day in an environment of the arts. How lucky I’ve been!” n Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 0CTOBER 2019 19