Retired Randolph County Professor Uses Design Skills as a Freelancer
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Lenton Slack says “boring is something I don’t do.”
So when Slack retired from his position as dean of the interior design department at Randolph Community College five years ago‚ he knew his retirement years wouldn’t be spent idly.
By working as a freelance designer‚ he is putting into practice the lessons he once taught.
He says much of his work is done in the early stages of construction‚ where the outlines for good interior design are initially sketched.
“Long before you talk about furnishings you talk about the building. I enjoy that very much‚” Slack says.
Even when teaching was his primary occupation‚ he kept his hand in real-world experience. Each year‚ he and his students would refurbish an abandoned house‚ then showcase the home before it was sold.
Since retirement‚ Slack has also fully committed to a pursuit he dabbled in during his working years: painting.
He paints primarily in watercolors and oils‚ the medium dependent on the subject matter.
An annual exhibit and sale of artwork by Slack and local potter Mike Ferree draws art lovers by the droves. Slack’s still lifes‚ florals and landscapes were shown at the 2005 exhibit‚ which took place at Slack’s Pisgah Church Road home.
At times‚ Slack’s design profession and his passion for painting intersect. He uses drawings and watercolor renderings to communicate ideas with clients‚ and one client has commissioned him to paint a mural for her home.
“It’s doing something you love to do‚ but you’re getting paid for it‚” he says. “I almost feel guilty.”
Regardless of whether he’s designing or painting‚ Slack thrives on the creative process.
“I do something creative every day‚” he says. “Sometimes it (creating) will last for the entire day.”
Story by Dan Markham
Photo by Brian McCord
