I believe that education should be focused on helping the student to come to a greater understanding of themselves, the
world, and where the two intersect. Connectivity, community, and interdependence should be emphasized and nurtured. As artists
we must work towards an understanding of how we can impact the world around us as active participants.
I see each student as a unique individual. Understanding this requires an educator to be flexible to meet the needs of
each person. The educator must seek out and encourage each student’s strengths and gently challenge their weaknesses.
The classroom should be a place of seeking, where students are encouraged to take risks, challenge themselves, and challenge
their peers. To be able to learn, grow, succeed students need the tools and the space to do so. The academy is the place where
this environment exists, allowing for students to discover their own unique nature which, in the end, enhances the collective
experience of the classroom and the world. The process of learning by discovery should be fostered and supported, as learning
often happens by doing, by taking leaps, by failing, and by succeeding. The teacher should be supportive and provide a positive
model of conduct.
The teacher is a mentor and teaches not only by words but also by action. Living the role of a working artist is vital
in helping students understand the complexity of the position. Art making may be a solitary studio experience but surviving
as an artist involves many other dimensions. The teacher is a resource of information and know-how that the student can glean
from.
