Teaching Philosophy:
As a working artist I have the privilege to teach a subject about which I’m both knowledgeable and passionate. Regardless of one's talent, art is an important part of a child's education. My promise as an art educator is to teach art within a historical context, and reveal that art can be more than simply a means for self-expression, but also a tool for social activism.
With rigor, structure, patience and high expectations, students are guided through a curriculum designed to stimulate creativity, nurture aesthetic sensibility, encourage critical thinking and develop problem-solving techniques. Students gain technical skills and learn essential design principles, various two-dimensional techniques, art history and criticism. Creating collaboratively and independently, students share ideas while working within a studio-like environment.
Throughout the course, common misconceptions about art are demystified. Students learn that 'art-making' requires concentration, effort and perseverance; creativity is a muscle that needs constant exercise; talent without a good work ethic is useless, and that mistakes are an important part of the learning process and not an impediment to success. When students see art as not simply ornamental, but a valuable tool to inform and shape public opinion, they become more critical spectators and more mindful creators. I use art as a bridge to reflect and discuss contemporary ethical and global issues in a way that makes art relevant to students’ lives.
