Teaching Philosophy
Art is communication. It is the visual articulation of ideas. The study and practice of art requires an internal focus with a consideration of the external. In order to express oneself through the visual, an individual must have the opportunity to investigate their own voice among the many voices around them. To engage and understand art forms created by others, one must do the same. This requires the teaching artist to connect with students through holistic, individual, and interdisciplinary methods. In order to guide each student towards their greatest potential and personal voice, one develops a relationship with the human individual versus the role they play in the class. An instructor not only recognizes them as a student, but investigates the motivations that inform them as a person. Making that connection shifts the performance driven learning to an experience of exploration, understanding, and assimilation. Guiding a student towards expression begins through relational interplay and evolves into specific, intentional, and applicable instruction. It is this individualized, student-centered approach and relational support that motivates a student to face challenges and accomplish their work.
The practice of making art extends beyond generating ideas and technical skill. An artist is required to investigate their subject matter and create with intention. It is crucial that the student’s voice be presented within the greater context of voices both contemporary and historical. The teaching artist must be continually informed by culturally relevant insights and wisdom from the creative and educational sectors. This fusion of information empowers the instructor to not only engage students in discussions of theory, but also guide them in their personal practice and overall objectives. To explore, analyze, and debate builds a foundational process for students to theorize, practice, and contextualize their work. A successful classroom will allow for curiosity, provide opportunity for research, and encourage critical dialog in order for students to be well-informed and create relevant work.
Providing students with a space that fosters belonging allows them the freedom to explore, experiment, and express themselves. Building a sense of community grounded in respect and inclusivity is essential. The realization that the community will not reject you, your thoughts or ideas, nor your work empowers each student and removes the attempt to create for acceptance or to earn external approval. A community that embraces the diversity and uniqueness of each member ignites an intrinsic desire for each student to rise into their own strengths and expand their own understanding. Individuals are allowed to communicate thoughts, investigate ideas, and develop work that is authentic to who they are and what they believe. The classroom becomes a collaborative learning space infused with diversity that generates dialog and expands the awareness and understanding of one another, a particular subject, and the world in which we live. The authentic connection between each member of the community allows opportunity for encouragement, guidance, and instruction from not only the teacher but all members of the class.