About My Art & Teaching

As an artist, I have a passion for creating expressive artworks with deep spiritual meanings, related to my Christian faith. I believe that art is an expressive form of storytelling and connecting people. An artwork can speak a thousand words—if you want it to and know how to convey it. As a teacher, I strive to help my students develop their creative and technical skills, while guiding them in self-expression through artistic storytelling. 

As artists, we must learn both how to create and why we create. This is why I believe that students need both guidance and creative freedom when making art. As the teacher, I give students the tools they need to create. These tools include: 

• How to use the materials accurately and creatively (e.g., paint, clay, computer software, etc.) 

• Knowledge of applying artistic concepts (e.g., elements & principles of art)

• Historical references to artists and artistic movements

• Resources for brainstorming and planning to create a unique and meaningful artwork

As the student, they can then take the information taught and practice applying it to their own art-making. Students have freedom to explore their passions and interests, while using what they learned in class (new styles, methods, and so forth). They are challenged in exploring new ideas and growing as artists and individuals. They are encouraged to continue their passions and to develop their strengths as artists.

Teaching students how to create art with even the simplest of materials is also very important. When a student can transform the simplest of materials into a new creation, they can create anything with any material. Reusing materials is a great way to teach students creativity. Old art supplies can be brought back to life! Household items can be made into unique creations!

My greatest teachers both challenged and encouraged me. They showed me new ways to think and create, while encouraging me in the ideas I had and how to develop them further. They never let me settle for "okay," but always strove to bring out the best in me—they inspired me to grow me as a person and artist. I hope to also do this for my students.