A Conversation Exploring Creativity
For Release: Monday, March 1, 2021
Contact: Su-Yin Bickner, sbickner@ashbyvillage.org
What: The Ashby Village Exploring Creativity Group Presents:
Troy Duster and Russ Ellis: A Conversation Exploring Creativity
When: Sunday, March 21st 1-3PM PST
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86944580756
When asked about the relationship between his professional life – as a renowned professor of Sociology at UC Berkeley, Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, past-president of the American Sociological Association, and author – and his creative work in retirement, Ashby Village member Troy Duster responds thoughtfully. He talks about the great difference between the feedback time of his academic work and that of his work as a ceramicist. “In the academy, writing articles or books, or giving lectures or seminars…the feedback can be so long term, even years. Working with clay, much of the feedback is near instantaneous. Not only does the porcelain tell me within a few minutes how much of a mistake I’ve made or avoided, but once fired, it’s there for the ages…nothing ephemeral…as an idea whose time never came, or if it did, evaporated with the next publication, or generation, or maybe never even made it past a reviewer’s scathing assessment.”
Troy’s longtime UCB colleague, friend and fellow Ashby Village member, Russ Ellis, retired from a long career as a sociologist who taught social issues in architecture and urban design in the Dept. of Architecture, and later served as a Vice Chancellor. He then began working as a sculptor, later as a painter, and in the past year as a songwriter. When asked about what inspired him to start writing songs, Russ describes meeting his housekeeper’s assistant whose name he wanted to remember. “A song walked in behind that and created itself,” he says of the song entitled “Eliza,” and Russ’ muse has continued to inspire him through the launch of his first album.
Hear more about Troy and Russ’ creative lives on Sunday, March 21, from 1:00 to 3:00, in a virtual event presented by Ashby Village’s Exploring Creativity Group. This event is part of a series involving Ashby Village members discussing their creative pursuits. Troy and Russ will be interviewed by Pat Sakai, an Ashby Village board member and painter. Troy and Russ will comment on some of their works and exchange stories about their creative processes, including their “happy accidents.” They’ll also discuss when they know a piece is finished and share their thoughts on what they perceive as both internal and external “audiences” for their work. More details about the event can be found here and please register at info@ashbyvillage.org.
Ashby Village is a membership organization that helps its members age and thrive while remaining in their own homes. For information about Ashby Village call 510-204-9200 or visit www.ashbyvillage.org.