The Importance of Persistence and Resilience in an Artist’s Life

Commencement Speech: The Illinois Institute of Art

Photograph courtesy of Sandra Zmuda

In writing this speech, I reflected back to my own graduation from Barat College. I won’t tell you how long ago that was. My commencement speaker was Jane Byrne, former mayor of Chicago. I’m sure she gave a great speech, but to be honest I can’t remember a thing she said. So in writing my speech that took a little pressure off me. If you remember just one thing I say today, then I’ve done my job.
I’d like...