TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I want help my students build a “toolbox” of skills and knowledge that will inspire them beyond the classroom. Art comes in the form of wonderous pieces by masters of all mediums, to simple textile patterns to everyday items. My Bachelor of Fine Art in Graphic Design built a foundation of structure & discipline, and while I love working on the computer, I felt that I had a better understanding of graphic design when I stepped away from the computer and took in the bigger picture. Being able to take the rules and fundamental techniques of art and integrate them into my digital design. I want to approach teaching in the same manner, presenting students with as much information as I can so they can form their own unique perspective and vision for their art. I want to see students leave my classroom having the confidence and vocabulary to discuss their art, being able to support their technique and story far beyond “I like it” or “it just what I wanted to do”.
I believe that every child is good at art, it is my responsibility to convince them of the same thing. This begins with the fundamentals and answering the age-old question of “why to the how”. Why do you start a still drawing with creating simple shapes to show the volumes of the object? Why do we choose a light source for a piece? Building the upon the basics, focusing on the technique over the final product provides the tools for students to apply the lesson into many different mediums. This structure and discipline help develop the technical skills students need to stop worrying about the perfect circle or straightest line, pushing their focus to the piece. “Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it” – Salvador Dali.
Along with technical development, I want to equip my students with the knowledge and appreciation for all types of art. From Matisse, to Dada to street art, teaching them about the masters is important, but looking at current art movements and counterculture is equally as important to their development as an artist. No two people see art equally, some inspire to be a great impressionist, others see the world as they wish it was, and others like myself are inspired by various illustrators and designers like Mary Blair, Yayoi Kusama and Keith Herring. Opening the door to many perspectives, concepts and ideas of art breeds creativity and perspective, giving students the ability to critically think about what they’re seeing. Not just saying, “it’s cool”
Students leaving my classroom should be able to see the vast array of art that’s all around them. To take in what others dismiss and utilize classroom concepts in their everyday life. Showing that difficult things become easier with deliberate practice and focus, that being creative not only in art but everyday problems, opening the door to countless solutions or ideas.
I believe that every child is good at art, it is my responsibility to convince them of the same thing. This begins with the fundamentals and answering the age-old question of “why to the how”. Why do you start a still drawing with creating simple shapes to show the volumes of the object? Why do we choose a light source for a piece? Building the upon the basics, focusing on the technique over the final product provides the tools for students to apply the lesson into many different mediums. This structure and discipline help develop the technical skills students need to stop worrying about the perfect circle or straightest line, pushing their focus to the piece. “Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it” – Salvador Dali.
Along with technical development, I want to equip my students with the knowledge and appreciation for all types of art. From Matisse, to Dada to street art, teaching them about the masters is important, but looking at current art movements and counterculture is equally as important to their development as an artist. No two people see art equally, some inspire to be a great impressionist, others see the world as they wish it was, and others like myself are inspired by various illustrators and designers like Mary Blair, Yayoi Kusama and Keith Herring. Opening the door to many perspectives, concepts and ideas of art breeds creativity and perspective, giving students the ability to critically think about what they’re seeing. Not just saying, “it’s cool”
Students leaving my classroom should be able to see the vast array of art that’s all around them. To take in what others dismiss and utilize classroom concepts in their everyday life. Showing that difficult things become easier with deliberate practice and focus, that being creative not only in art but everyday problems, opening the door to countless solutions or ideas.