As an interdisciplinary sculpture instructor,
I believe that arts greatest application is as a tool for exploration and
communication. Whether utilized as a means of investigating the past or
constructing forms in the present, art can serve as a universal language
capable of empowering the individual and strengthening the community. From this tenant I teach through a
student centered pedagogy that merges innovative studio skills with
professional practices to not only cultivate highly functional artists but also
the leadership qualities necessary for my students to persist as creative
agents in their communities and the world at large.
In
preparing undergraduates for real world success, I draw from my own extensive
professional experience and design my curriculum to cover a variety of skills
that directly apply to careers within the arts. I also recognize that many
students may have limited resources and the future of creating art beyond institute
facilities can present a challenge. It is with this in mind that many of my projects
utilize inexpensive “do-it-yourself” processes alongside state of the art
studio technologies. Examples of low-cost/high-outcome systems include homemade
metal casting foundries, hand tool creation, fundamentals for merging natural
media with found objects, carbon fiber, LED light technologies, and a myriad of
other materials and processes that are surprisingly accessible. My courses
prize creative adaptation in addition to traditional media (please see Technical Skill section of C.V.) and students are
encouraged to push both their technical and conceptual limits. All of my courses
have a robust professional practice component with instruction in academic
research, artwork proposals, artist statements, resume building, public
speaking, and presentations to impart the critical tools for their success.
Whether
guiding students through the perils of gallery contracts or giving hands-on
instruction casting metal with class built equipment, I instruct sculpture as a
vibrant exploratory process specific to each individuals abilities and
interests. I hold high academic standards with a deep commitment to indigenous
education and strive to create a dynamic studio environment where students want
to be. My goal as instructor/mentor is to build upon my students passions and
strengths, and expand their knowledge enabling them to pursue professional
careers as artists, graduate studies, and beyond.