When I graduated from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1969 with an MFA in painting, I didn’t
know where life was taking me. I applied to W.R. Harper College in Palatine, IL and wound up
being one of the finalist for a new position. In my interview with the faculty and chair, I first met
John Knudsen. John made it clear at this interview that he wanted me to be hired over other
candidates. A hot discussion followed and I became the audience. I was hired and I was and still
am indebted to John for setting the positive course that would affect my whole life.
After teaching at Harper College for a few years, the University of Minnesota asked me to
replace a professor who had left abruptly. I have been teaching at the University ever since, I
arranged for John to have exhibitions at the university and be a guest artist in many of my
classes. John had a very large exhibition of his only totally abstract paintings at the University’s
Katherine Nash Gallery in the early 1980’s.
What I appreciated most about John, was listening to him speak about art, with a voice that was
totally unique, spouting wisdom in every direction an artist could experience, it was a breath of
fresh air in a world of never changing commercial opportunism and insincerity. I also liked, each
time we visited, hearing his newest and unheard of ideas of what was motivating him. This was
a lesson for me to take chances, grow, and not to be afraid of having your inner thoughts made
public as you follow your evolutionary path.
Printmakers at our hotel room
In 1971 I shared a hotel room with John at the Mid America Art Conference in Toledo, Ohio.
While I was resting on one of the beds, John invited a group of printmaker friends to talk about
their artwork. I remember them all checking out each other’s work with a magnifying glass,
counting how many detail lines per square inch were in their animal etchings. After they left. I
asked John is that what printmakers are really concerned with? He responded to me, “That’s
what happens when printmakers don’t paint!”.
I enjoyed receiving Christmas card etchings every year from John until he passed away. I really
miss him and I bring his name up often when conversing with other artists, especially when
they see his artwork hanging in my house. He was and still is a significant part of my life.
David Feinberg, Associate Professor of Art, University of Minnesota
Director of Voice to Vision