As an educator, I encourage my students to use the creative process as a point of departure. I view teaching in a similar regard to my art practice. As an artist, I merge what I see as art and life, forming intentional community through the handmade ceramic vessel. I believe in a classroom of community—a place where students are free to delve into their creative research and explore their relationship to themselves, each other, and the world. It is my goal to foster inquiry, critical thinking, and engage students in the creative process. My role is to help students advance technically within a contemporary context and develop a conceptual framework for their work.
I value the technical skills needed to advance ideas in the ceramic arts. I view these as a springboard to developing work with intention and skillfulness. Yet skill alone does not give one a reason to work. As an educator, I believe my role is to inspire, listen, respond, and nourish relationships while setting a strong foundation in technical skills.
I teach in a relational style that allows me to form a personal connection to each student. This investment allows me to direct, encourage, and deepen the meaning of art in the lives of each individual who enters my classroom. I have found that genuine student- teacher relationships cultivate community in the classroom, help develop strong student work ethics, and promote growth on a personal and professional level.
I create a classroom community that is a place where students feel safe to express themselves and face challenges within a foundation of trust and mutual respect. I see the classroom as a place to listen and respond to students on an individual basis. This individualized approach allows students to direct their own learning. From my personal experience, I have found that students of all backgrounds, learning styles, and personalities benefit from meaningful relationships. I aim to create a challenging, yet supportive, environment that ultimately expands beyond the walls of the building and the structure of the university.
I value the technical skills needed to advance ideas in the ceramic arts. I view these as a springboard to developing work with intention and skillfulness. Yet skill alone does not give one a reason to work. As an educator, I believe my role is to inspire, listen, respond, and nourish relationships while setting a strong foundation in technical skills.
I teach in a relational style that allows me to form a personal connection to each student. This investment allows me to direct, encourage, and deepen the meaning of art in the lives of each individual who enters my classroom. I have found that genuine student- teacher relationships cultivate community in the classroom, help develop strong student work ethics, and promote growth on a personal and professional level.
I create a classroom community that is a place where students feel safe to express themselves and face challenges within a foundation of trust and mutual respect. I see the classroom as a place to listen and respond to students on an individual basis. This individualized approach allows students to direct their own learning. From my personal experience, I have found that students of all backgrounds, learning styles, and personalities benefit from meaningful relationships. I aim to create a challenging, yet supportive, environment that ultimately expands beyond the walls of the building and the structure of the university.