Art as a way of life: October 2013

Teaching Philosophy

It is my belief that my job as an artist is to express myself, my inner most thoughts and feelings, and creativity by conceptualizing and creating art. My job as an educator is to share with my students the techniques and processes that will enable them to express themselves, their inner most thoughts and feelings, and creativity, while encouraging them to conceptualize and enjoy the process of making art.

Unlike so many subjects learned in the classroom, studio art has very few "right or wrong" ways in which to arrive at the end result. The process of creating art is as individual as, well, the individual. Therefore it is important that the teacher in the studio art setting refrains from over instructing. It is important to teach the techniques without forcing the individual into directions that are uncomfortable or stifle their individual creativity. It is critical for the teacher in the studio art classroom to maintain the balance of providing information, with instruction, and promoting conceptual diversity among students.

My job as artist and educator is to continue to learn and share that knowledge with others, to foster a classroom atmosphere that provides a safe and creative environment in which students feel free to express themselves and to realize their full potential as individuals as well artists.

Art as a way of life

Sunday, October 20, 2013

12x12 2013

Great Blue Heron

Saffron Finch

Downey Woodpecker

Fire Bird