Teaching Philosophy

I see visual art as a form of communication. As a contemporary artist, or student, an individual’s work must be able to impart an idea or generate a dialogue in the absence of its author. I believe that the role of an instructor in the arts is to prepare his students with the technical and conceptual skills required for a successful career in the arts.

Throughout my time as student and teacher, I have found that without concept, artwork risks becoming cliché or shallow. Without adequate formal technique, artwork can become sloppy or ineffective. I believe that the education of an artist must contain both elements—combined with a rigorous studio practice—to achieve mastery over any medium.

In my classes I try to foster a learning environment based upon experi-mentation and discovery. I want to allow students the freedom to take chances and find new methods of expression within a broad framework of assignments and self-directed work. I believe that art should not be prescriptive or formulaic, but that an emphasis on intention and direction is an important component to any class. An art program should be an environment in which it is safe for students to question and reinvent themselves continually in the process of becoming professional artists.

My classes include readings, presentations of historical and contemporary work, technical demonstrations, and critiques. I begin each class with technical assignments, gradually incorporating conceptual concerns throughout the semester. As the semester progresses, I want to allow adequate space for the students to bring their interests and passions to the projects. Each student will bring a wide array of experience levels to any given class. In this case, I allow the projects enough flexibility to incorporate and challenge multiple experience levels and allow plenty of room for each student to find his own voice within each project.

An education in the arts should be engaging and challenging but still allow room for the growth and development of individual voices. It is my goal to provide the necessary techniques and critical skills to ensure that each student is prepared for a career beyond the classroom.