Jacques Fabert

When I began taking Jacques Fabert's figure drawing class at the Princeton Art Association, I was a complete beginner. I moved from the Princeton area several months later, but during that time Jacques taught me more than I was to learn from any subsequent teacher.

Having Jacques as an instructor was without a doubt the best educational experience of my lifetime. He listened with sincerity and genuinely cared. He gently guided and provided encouragement when I got frustrated. Witnessing his respectful and helpful manner towards all served as a great role model to me and made me proud to tell everyone that he was my teacher. His insight and perceptiveness at times absolutely astonished me. I felt like he really understood me. One of my fondest memories is that of sharing a walk around the studio he and his wife shared, and quietly viewing the pieces of others while they were working. His analysis opened my eyes to seeing what I guess you could call the nomothetical existing alongside the idiographic. That was cool. Such a fine human being as himself made exploring being humanly creative both fun and enlightening. I am very sad that I never got a letter off to him expressing my thanks again after so many years, yet I will always be appreciative of my time spent learning from him amidst others similarly huddled together for the purpose of creative enterprise. In that studio was a small sign, perhaps a clipping, that read "Art is for the spirit". I often think about that sign and how much it sums up not only my experience, but what I wish everyone could enjoy.

So very sad to hear of Jacques passing. He was my teacher at the SF Art Academy in the 70s. I also have some found memories of studying under him in Mexico. I'll remember him until it is my time to go. Love the man!

His kindness and gentle nature helped mold my life. So sorry for his passing and loss of a great talent.