Pedagogical Statement
Teaching Ceramics at Georgia Southern University
Dirt and pixels are both effective mediums.
My interests are well suited to the educational environment unique to ceramics art instruction as an artist and educator. An interdisciplinary awareness acknowledges the parallels between established genres, supports engagement in artistic diversity and allows innovation in the field of ceramics.
I am committed to the myriad of ways of inviting each student to explore creative possibilities. It takes an enormous amount of sensitivity to uncover the questions that open the aesthetic
sense in each student. Providing a supportive environment where students feel safe to explore and take risks while pursuing their vision is an approach I value. An effective teacher knows when to step out of the way of each student’s creativity while upholding high standards and expectations.
Each assignment underscores exposure, experimentation, playfulness, and basic research and development practices. Collaboration is promoted to make art and as a way of life. Through this shared process, each student can make each project their own, develop multiple perspectives, and break free of assumptions about what art is. Students also become familiar with historic and contemporary artists who use sculptural forms of expression and understand where their work might fit into this continuum.
Mature art grows from a solid foundation, mastery, and sustained exploration. Advanced courses continue to build a vocabulary of technical skills, emphasizing individual creative research and meaningful concept development. Students are introduced to more advanced tools and processes and continue to articulate themselves within the rapidly transforming and expanding field of contemporary art practice. Today, digital technologies, material knowledge, and ecological/social awareness can pair with utilitarian and sculptural and installation ceramics. Constructing and maintaining equipment is also essential and required. Advanced students strengthen technical skills through courses that focus on the rigorous development of skills and concepts to pursue and maintain an individual approach to material and process.
Honesty, availability, and reliability are characteristics that excellent teachers possess. It is essential to engage in research and actively exhibit an example of what a professional in the field should be doing. Students see that they must work hard and go beyond the ordinary to develop their distinctive voice through active professional practice.
Sincerely and accurately answering questions and addressing concerns clarifies my belief that they can excel. I seek to facilitate an environment where students take responsibility for their education as active participants, aware of what it means to be an artist today.
