Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is one that has and will continue to expand as the professional world, which we are charged to prepare our students for, continues to progress and evolve. However, I make it my career mission to provide a safe, open-minded classroom environment, one in which the student can think beyond solely the logical and venture into the fantastical. In art, doing is simply not enough, there must be reason; concept, therefore I aim to educate the students to consider both the technical and conceptual sides of art making. I make sure the students are trained in the safe handling of all related tools and equipment and are exposed to traditional and contemporary materials. The students will be expected to participate in critical discourse successfully through a common dialogue
based on the elements and principles of design as well as art history.

Art making is an intuitive action, where the hands become the divining rods for self-expression. Having placed such an emphasis on freedom to make, I believe the students should not be stifled in their endeavors, and should be allowed if not encouraged to take chances, experiment, and at times, to fail. This freedom is earned rather than endowed, students must establish proficiency in the basics so
they can make calculated decisions, as Picasso said, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”

As a student, I would be extremely suspicious of taking lessons from an unproven source. Therefore, I maintain an open-door studio practice where students are free and encouraged to engage in the development of my own work beyond the classroom. I believe in the arts as a community, and I believe it is extremely valuable for students to witness how other artists work and make their decisions
while immersed in their own process. Throughout the course of any studio classes I make sure to present professional artists work that directly relate to the lesson so students can see the application of the assignment beyond the classroom. My goal in teaching is that my students graduate my class with a sense of independence. Self-confidence rooted in their capabilities to manifest a concept from
inspiration through execution to presentation and critical defense.