Teaching Philosophy
My passion for teaching comes from my passion for learning. It is my goal as a teacher to generate excitement that is contagious and to breed curiosity that encourages students to take an initiative in their own learning.
I realize that there are many different learning styles. From an early age I understood that I was a visual learner. My teaching style recognizes all strategies of learning and encompasses the many ways students grow intellectually. In the classroom I strongly encourage group participation, such as interactive lectures and demos, small group discussions and one-on-one critiques. My teaching experience has shown me that many students who are drawn to a liberal arts education have a propensity to thrive best in this sort of interactive learning environment.
The experiential learning strategy is a powerful and effective way for the mind to learn and grow. The act of art making challenges the hand and the mind. Because of this, I believe that students should feel prepared, comfortable and safe in the studio environment.
As a teacher and artist I value content and technique equally. I see content as the framework in which technique and materials take form. I believe that great teachers ask great questions. In asking questions, my goal is to reveal to students how to use their perception and intellect to understand form and content in art, and in life. To understand our own perception we must examine our culture and history. It is essential that students understand what is happening locally, nationally and internationally in the art world and the world at large. With an understanding of what has come before them, artists can truly make informed art of the moment. By understanding how we perceive life, a student can better understand art and the role of art in culture.
It is my objective as an artist and educator to create lifelong learners. I believe that artists have a responsibility to share their perspectives and interpretations of the world. My ultimate goal is to create an environment that generates questioning and discovery, for within this framework of learning and expression, a shift in perception can take place, and a new understanding of life can be revealed.
College Teaching Experience
2009-present Sierra Nevada College, Incline Village, NV.
- SNO 123
- Professional Practices/ Midway Art Portfolio
- Form and Function Skateboard Class
- California Conference on the Ceramic Arts Travel Course
- Natural Materials Sculpture
- Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Ceramics
- Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Sculpture
- Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Video Practices
- Advanced Drawing
- Advanced Studio
- Taiwan Travel Course
- Taiwan Exchange Course
2001-08 Colorado Mountain College Aspen, CO.
- Advanced Ceramics
2000 University of Dallas, Irving, TX.
- Graduate Seminar
- 3-D Design
- Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Ceramics
Workshop Teaching Experience
2004-13 Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village, CO.
- Sound and Form
- Four Materials, Five Days
- Advanced Sculpture: Ideas and Solutions
- Sculpture Intensive with guest artists Helen Escobedo and Pam Joseph
- Basic Sculpture: Ideas and Solutions
- Sculpture Intensive, team-taught with Judy Onifrio and Nathan Carter
- Sculpture Intensive with guest artists Lynda Benglis and Garrison Roots
- Basic Sculpture Techniques
- Sculpture Intensive with guest artists Rico Eastman and Laura Thorne
- Mixed Media Sculpture and Small Scale Casting
- Bronze Casting
The following is a list of the sculpture equipment I maintained, repaired, and serviced in my role as Sculpture Program Coordinator at ARAC and SNU.
Tool Knowledge
Metal Working Tools
16 speed 16 1/2 Delta X5 variable speed drill press
16 speed 16 1/2 Delta drill press
52” Roper Whitney jump sheer
52” Shear, Press, Slip roller
10” Delta bench grinder
4 1/2” General Machinery drop saw
6x9” Wilton belt and disk sander
5x27” Johnson Gas forge
18” Dayton metal cutting band saw
4 Oxy/Acetylene set-ups
(cutting, forming, welding, brazing)
Propane torch set-up
Trinco dry blasting cabinet
Milwaukee chop saw
Welders
2 Lincoln SP-125 Mig
Hobart 120 Mig
2- Millermatic 250 Mig
Lincoln Electric 250 Stick
Hobart Tigwave 250 AC/DC Tig
Plasma Cutter Pak Master-100
Casting
Speedy Melt furnace (# 10 and #15 crucibles)
Burn out kiln
Wood Working Tools
Laser Cutter
10” Saw Stop Table Saw
6x9” Dayton belt and disk sander
14” Delta wood cutting band saw
12” DeWalt compound miter saw
Central Pneumatic nail gun/stapler
20” Disk sander
18” Variable Scroll saw
Power Tools
3-Palm sanders
2-Saber saws
2-Skill saws
6-Cordless drills
2-Electric drills
1-Masonary drill
Chain saw