“the ability to express myself as an artist has come not only from within. i am fortunate to have been guided by patient and insightful mentors in public school, college and abroad. their knowledge and confidence in me, combined with my desire to create, have fostered my artistic expression. not only have I been encouraged to develop my own artistic endeavors but I have also been inspired to teach others.
every student, young and old, has a need for self-expression. this need may exhibit itself through various mediums. fundamental elements are necessary for students to achieve success. a safe and non-judgmental environment is paramount. my classroom is open for experimentation and self-discovery. while nurturing the freedoms of fine art, i believe firmly in establishing a basic foundation in art education. all languages require an alphabet. i feel the same is true for art. before a student artist is able to express ideas and images effectively, he or she must first develop the necessary vocabulary, master a variety of tools, hone crucial skills and learn to respect the efforts of others.
thegrassynoel |the - ˈgrasē - nōle|
noun (singular) often wild, creative, refined;
artist, painter, designer, innovator, educator, founder
origin: late 20 century - 1976
from a grass covered location: (teaneck, new jersey)
referred to the person noel gussen that is unique and odd
noel was raised in multicultural teaneck, nj and thrived on its diversity. at an early age noel expressed an interest for art and possessed a passion for drawing. noel treasures the chance to travel, exploring new cultures. he has earned certificates in painting and drawing from project oren in israel and received his bfa from west virginia university. as an art director and instructor, noel has developed various art curriculums for children and adults. as former lead creative for the apple store he has enriched the lives of thousands. noel’s paintings have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in the united states and abroad, including “gathering of the minds” morgantown, wv. “ruach in the golan” kfar hanasi, israel.
when these elements are in order my true role as a teacher emerges. i become a coach, mentor, peer and most feared, critic. i am able to encourage positive, and discourage negative behaviors. i am able to share and reflect ideas and experiences. most importantly, i am able to detect where the potential strength of students may lie and guide them on their appropriate paths during their journeys of self-expression.”
noel, with the encouragement of his wife Sandra, continues to provoke thought and exhibit art by introducing thegrassynoel gallery & studio. both components are designed to enrich the lives of children and adults through education, demonstration and presentation. creating a gathering place for inspiration is the heart of thegrassynoel.
tgn is a conscience gathering of community members that wish to explore and strengthen their connection within the arts. It is haven for art and tech enthusiasts from novice to experienced. one can learn, view, observe, share, and purchase the arts. our participants and visitors can receive a unique experience currently unmatched in the market.
tgn strives to become a desired asset to northern new jersey and new york city communities. by day the studio offers an untraditional approach to art enrichment utilizing Apple iPads as both brush and canvas. Instruction in the studio delivers an understanding of basic to professional artistic expressions and techniques in digital painting, drawing and collage. this unique and contemporary environment will provide a Mac lab for electronic media including digital photography, graphic design, digital painting and basic skills. a bijou retail experience services patrons with art and tech related supplies and accessories. tgn evenings consist of gallery exhibitions, showcasing local and international talent, bi-monthly openings and receptions, family nights and guest lectures.
Noel’s work is in a constant flux of emotion. the viewer is provoked, stepping through small glimpses of the artist’s psyche. within his art work noel creates layers. these layers represent different levels of experience, each possessing their own mood and reaction. noel fuses a sense of reality with an element of fantasy, merging conscious and subconscious components. our physical environment is dismantled, transformed and reinvented to create a new peculiar psychological perspective. noel draws imagery from his childhood, family background, current social surroundings and travels. he also includes universal secular iconography with religious symbolism. noel’s art is highly provoked by culture, spirituality and various religions including judaism, christianity, buddhism and islam.
with this grassroots campaign thegrassynoel seeks additional capital for future growth. contributions from $1 - $1,000 will be accepted via paypal. in lieu of return on investments, contributors will be visually recognized as supporters of the arts and or with student scholarships to thegrassynoel studio in their honor. any parties interested in larger contributions please contact tgn for additional financial options.
education
Apple Inc.- creative strategies:
philosophies and teaching techniques
of adult learning certification, OS certification,
Mac OSX certification,Apple iLife & iWork certification
cupertino, ca
Project Oren- certificate: painting/drawing & modern hebrew
kfar hannasi, israel
West Virginia University- bfa: painting and drawing
morgantown, wv
website design and art created by noel gussen ©2013 thegrassynoel LLC.
