UW-Stout Department of Art and Design

It is my belief that all students have an intrinsic ability for individual expression and a natural inquisitiveness about their environment. Guiding students to recognize this individuality, discover their voice and create visual forms with an understanding of the fundamental tenets of art – form, space, light, composition and technique – is the basis of my teaching philosophy. These principles, used as tools by both historical and contemporary artists, provide insight into visual culture while informing students’ personal progress. My instruction encourages creative exploration while relying on a dialogue that assists students in comprehending the responsibilities of image making.

I attend to my students and respond to their work on an individual level allowing them to realize a unique aesthetic and artistic identity that draws upon life experiences. While individual expression is promoted in my classroom, it is achieved through acknowledging the responsibility of the artist both to him/herself and to others. I inform students that their art must be considered from a range of historical, cultural and personal perspectives in order to understand its absolute implications. I encourage them to take chances and alternative viewpoints regarding their work in order to grow and obtain further insight into the many possible readings it may elicit.

Students should understand art as inclusive and connective. To recognize the potential of their work and how it is positioned within the larger scope of history, culture and society requires a clear understanding of the similarities and contiguities of visual art in all cultures along with the knowledge of the multiple functions which art and the artist may serve in the community.

I cultivate an environment where interdisciplinary approaches to art-making play a significant role in the creative process. Precedents such as art historical canons, social politics, literary genres and cultural theory are often discussed in my class. In addition, the exploration of a range of mediums, techniques and conceptual approaches to art-making enable students to achieve a harmonious marriage of form and content.

Knowledge founded on the fundamental principles of art reinforced with a comprehension of broader visual culture allows my students discover and to develop the skills, critical thinking and confidence to produce visually and conceptually compelling works of art.