teaching philosophy
I teach to help students understand the visual languages of art and approach art with an innovative and critical mind. Integrative thinking is crucial to understanding the arts, which respond to worlds of ideas outside themselves. Because the visual arts are a platform for discussing worldviews and difficult issues, I ask questions that require my students to personally and critically engage with ideas. Wherever possible, I introduce ideas from subjective perspectives and personal accounts—it’s the people, what they did, and why, that make history exciting. And I make it my goal to teach the visual languages that artists use so that when a student encounters a new work of art, he or she will have an ability to connect with it.
I deliver this subject matter in a purposeful way. I consolidate, organize, and present information so that it is maximally accessible and retainable, considering the possible modes for presenting specific kinds of information, utilizing various platforms, and establishing overarching ideas before details. I believe strongly in the power of recall and practice to cement concepts.
Ultimately, these approaches are means to a particular end: to create a truthful and purposeful environment for meaningful and critical exploration of visual art. When students understand how artwork communicates, it opens a door to truly appreciating artwork and creating artwork with innovation and purpose.
I deliver this subject matter in a purposeful way. I consolidate, organize, and present information so that it is maximally accessible and retainable, considering the possible modes for presenting specific kinds of information, utilizing various platforms, and establishing overarching ideas before details. I believe strongly in the power of recall and practice to cement concepts.
Ultimately, these approaches are means to a particular end: to create a truthful and purposeful environment for meaningful and critical exploration of visual art. When students understand how artwork communicates, it opens a door to truly appreciating artwork and creating artwork with innovation and purpose.