A Word from Dean Richard Goodstein – January 2016

January 6, 2016

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! I am excited about what the new year brings and the opportunities for the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities and Clemson University. I am thrilled for the positive national exposure our football team has brought to Clemson and the great job our student-athletes, band members and support personnel, (many of whom have ties to CAAH), have done to reach the National Championship game.

Over the holiday break I had some time to think about the value of the liberal arts at Clemson. When I think of the liberal arts, I inclusively consider our allied design programs, the visual and performing arts and the humanities.

As liberal artists, much of what we do involves telling and interpreting a story, whether written, performed, exhibited or built. The artist and the “audience” go on a shared journey, and success often depends on how compellingly those stories are crafted.

Throughout history, great art – art that stands the test of time – elicits an emotional response from the audience. The great artists, the master storytellers, create at such a high level because they are able to work with effortless conviction. Their storytelling is believable, passionate and presented with an undeniable sense of purpose. One of the prerequisites for such achievement is a mastery of the basic tools of the trade – flawless technique and the understanding of the vocabulary (or history) of the art. Without this foundation of knowledge and craft, great stories and great art may prove to be out of reach.

In the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities we strive to give our students the “tools of the trade,” inspire their creativity, nurture their imagination and support their passion for their art so that they can tell their great stories in the medium of their choice.

It is my hope for the New Year that we continue to pursue excellence in the development of our students and our collective pursuit of great art and artists.

Best wishes for the New Year and Go Tigers!

Rick