Teaching Philosophy
The ability of a visual image to communicate depends on the meshing of
intention and technique into a succinct vocabulary. To this end a successful
educational program must emphasize both content and technique within a historical
context.
Teaching is a huge responsibility as it lays the foundation for the future.
Students come to class with a wide range of backgrounds and experience.
It is important that the students be responded to as individuals while developing
a sense of community in the classroom. From this grounding of the pressure/spontaneity
and stress/thrill of the creative process can be explored.
Critiques and spontaneous discussions are a very important part of the
educational process. Among the most valuable skills a student can acquire
is a critical eye toward their own work and developing the ability to be
articulate about their work and the work of others. This will aid the student
after leaving the supportive environment of the classroom.
Students need to have a firm grounding in traditional techniques and
equipment. They also need to be encouraged to be innovative and explore
alternative processes. This search must not stop at materials. Content must
be explored with the same openness and spirit of adventure. Students must
be prepared to take risks and challenge their preconceived notions concerning
themselves and society. It is this risk taking, along with problem solving
that builds confidence.
Projects should be structured to allow students to utilize their strengths
while working on less familiar areas. They should be able to work from their
own level while still contributing to the group dynamic. In addition students
need to have a historical awareness and to understand their work as part
of a continuum. Stylistic movements and technical innovations must be viewed
in relation to the ideas that were the driving force behind their development.
The result of a successful educational program is in the ability of the
student to prosper outside the classroom, to continue to search and to explore.
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