Artist Reflections

Simo Neri
When asked if I would loan the UC Hastings College of the Law my triptych LISTEN! I was starting to feel some ripples of optimism inspired by the summer’s protests against systemic racial injustice that led me to dig deeper into the messages from the street. I liked that the resulting artwork’s proposed location would be in the common area of the Community Justice Clinics. Once I saw all the art installed, I finally understood the meaning of the program’s title… I found an underlying, common message of hope, humanity, and active awareness of the times we are living in woven through the works of many of the fellow artists represented.


Tom Miller
Esther Mallouh asked me to comment on my motivation to participate in the rotating arts program at Hastings. Four things came to mind:

1. Esther contacted me and came to my studio and took the time to get to know me and my art. She showed a genuine interest in finding the right artist(s) and art for the exhibition at Hastings. I appreciated the interest she showed in my story and my art.

2. I loved the rotating arts concept and vision for Hastings that Esther described to me and specifically the way she described the Ripples theme. That theme resonated particularly given my recent series on repurposed surfboards and the work I’ve done using artifacts from offsites I have run with one of the world’s leading law firms - Hogan Lovells.

3. Hogan Lovells itself was enthusiastic about loaning a painting they commissioned me to create for them to Hastings - so that itself was motivating for me as well.

4. Finally, as an emerging artist, this is a good opportunity for me to present my work inside a beautiful building at a prestigious school in my hometown.


Mary Daniel Hobson
I have been delighted to be part of the exhibition, Ripples, at the Hastings School of Law. I am grateful to Esther Mallouh for this opportunity, and for her vision, sincerity and understanding of my work. She selected three mixed media collages from my series Milagros, in which I photographed participants’ arms and asked them to hand write a wish.

The final pieces are visual affirmations of positive change. The three artworks in Ripples represent wishes for “conserving ecology,” “being in peace,” and “listening long enough.” I love that these messages are hanging on the walls where future lawyers are being trained.

Amidst the challenges we face today, I hope that these pieces can offer all visitors to the show a sense of hope, inspiration and connection.


Robert Buelteman
As a veteran of 68 solo exhibitions since 1978, I am now loaning my work to hang in locations with the intent of challenging and inspiring young people to see the beauty and wonder in ordinary plants.

It is my hope that my art will further reinforce the critical importance of preserving and protecting the biosphere on which all life depends.

Student | Professor Reflections

Student 1
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the art that was put up around campus during winter break. It's really wonderful to walk around campus and have it there. Some of my favorites are the piece between the basement and first floor in the 333 building, and the piece facing the elevators on the first floor of the 333 building. They bring me a lot of joy to see.


Student 2
Everybody has been commenting that every addition has been so great. It has brightened up our space, gave it more character, made it homey and fun to be around. It feels like our campus is more connected to each other. The art brings it all together and makes it all more cohesive. The art has sparked conversations between us. We were curious about why these pieces were selected.


Professor
I encourage anyone who has not walked around the law school to do so. The new art at the entrance to Kane Hall, on the 6th floor in the new building is very nice.

Community Partner Reflection

Dear Esther,

Congratulations on such a beautiful, far-ranging, and impactful presentation of artworks throughout the new building at Hasting College of Law.

Ripples is an incredibly representative group of artworks and artists from all corners of the Bay Area, and it was an honor to be a part of the group of presenting artists and organizations.

The event was so elegant and so well-attended, and we left with new friends and connections from conversations with art-lovers, artists, and many friends of yours - what a lovely group. Thank you for making sure each organization and artist received a spotlight through the gesture of organizing an art walk - it was a genius way to bring audiences and artists together.

I apologize that duties at NIAD meant that I missed the early remarks, but I appreciated your presentation and words. Mainly, though, I appreciate the consideration, insight, and effort that led to this illuminating placement of artworks from so many artists.

It's been a pleasure to be able to participate, and I hope our paths may cross often!

Amanda Eicher
Executive Director
NIAD
www.niadart.org