In every culture the arts reflect the finest achievement of the human spirit and are a means by which a culture is defined, measured and recorded. Not only do the visual arts leave a vivid and compelling record of civilization, the visual arts also provide an outlet for human creativity and self-expression, enabling people of all ages to express their thoughts and feelings in a unique and personal way.
Art is important because it can cause us to observe and reflect on our natural and man-made world. Whether observing a beautiful crimson sunset, a super highway system or the unique pattern of a butterfly’s wing, this focused concentration is an essential skill and can be used in the study of math, science, history and writing, as well. Additionally, art projects that are grounded in global perspectives expand intercultural awareness. Personal art making is similar to learning another language, although this language is communicated with symbols, rather than with words. My art students learn to closely observe the world around them.
As a teacher of art, I create confidence in my students. Not only do they develop an understanding of themselves, they also learn to appreciate other viewpoints. It is only through the study of art history that students can appreciate and understand contemporary art. With practice, students will develop a critical eye and they can then speak and write their opinions about art. With my guidance and support, students learn to look critically at their own work, as well as at the work of others. They will develop skills that allow them to communicate this without using hurting words and judging too harshly. My students are exposed to many materials and techniques and the subject matter used for inspiration is varied. It is my goal to find each student’s strength through the exploration of different mediums. It is also important that students are taught safety practices with tools and ensure a safe work environment for all.
Because I am a practicing, professional artist, I stay current on contemporary trends in art. I am aware of new materials and techniques and can provide an understanding of galleries and museums from around the world.
