Page 50 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2020- Online Magazine
P. 50
Art From The Heart:
JOHN HOPE
by Bette Hope
rowing up on a cotton farm and shared his home with anyone often, “Hey, that’s a good start!”
in West Texas was God’s in need, as well as his possessions This challenge is why he had award-
Ggift to a natural born artist with families in Old Mexico. He did winning students, some going
named John Hope. The incredible everything as perfectly as possible to National Competitions. Many
sunrises and sunsets, coupled and required that same effort from are now working artists, clothing
with amazing cloud formations in John. “If you do a job – do it right!” designers, and architects. All his
every dazzling color combination students learned to go beyond what
imaginable, fed his imagination and John was born while his father was comfortable, to excel and expect
love of God’s own creativity. was fighting in Korea. His mother, perfection. “Never settle for less!”
Allene, was only 16 years old. She is
John’s dad, Derwood, was an a beautiful, creative, and sensitive
amazing man. He was not just a woman, with an artistic flair. With
farmer. He was a welder, builder, John as her sole companion, she
mechanic, and fisherman – and he instilled in him a tenderness and
could spot an arrowhead while compassion that is evident in his
plowing. Most of all, he loved Jesus work even today.
Since his mother was only 16, she
loved to play with John. She and her
younger sisters would sit and play
jacks, passing him from lap to lap,
laughing and having fun. Allene
loves to laugh and has an hilarious In the Spring of 1972, he met Bette
sense of humor and a quick wit. Miller in the Art Department at
These qualities are also very much a Texas Tech University. He became
part of John’s art. what she refers to as “her hero”
John taught Art in Levelland High by helping her mix clay for her
School for 29 years. Ceramics Class and then saving her
He challenged final grade by Rakuing (a pottery
his students to go glazing technique) her pots for her.
beyond what they Little did he know what a perfect
felt was the limit of partner she would become. They
their talent. Many a married in the Spring of 1974 and
student would come began a “life of art” adventure.
to him saying, “Mr. What an adventure it has been!
Hope, I’m finished!” As a teacher, he never said no to a
His response was
50 Lubbock Senior Link
