My approach to teaching is based on the student’s individual discovery of the Ceramics medium, and the variety of formal and structural possibilities within the discipline. Beginning with the foundations of building with clay, I teach my students basic construction techniques in the traditional and historical forming methods. This provides the base needed to move to more advanced processes and finishing materials, and an appreciation for ceramics at the historical and contemporary level. Each assignment and learned method is a stepping stone to the next project, and future work.
At the intermediate level, my curriculum is based on an environment that fosters individual thought and idea development. I combine more complex methods and strategies used in the ceramic process, but students are given more freedom to express creativity and solve problems that encourage the discovery of their own artistic style and approach to making art. Feedback and group criticism are employed to provide the student new ideas and alternative concepts.
As my students advance in physical skill and mental process, I encourage them to find a concentration as the center of their art production. This series of work focuses on problem solving skills and intellectual thought in mastering and applying the principles and concepts encountered when creating art at the highest educational level. I often use ceramic periodicals and presentations for my classes, providing my students with more opportunities to view the ceramic art of the past and art created in the modern era. Students are often given individual feedback and criticism from the instructor, and directed to search for alternate means to complete their artwork.
I believe that my students also learn best from example. I continue to be a working artist as well as an educator, and often complete my work in the presence of my students. I believe that when my students see that I am committed to my work, it inspires them to continue to pursue art beyond the student level. My work employs many techniques that I’ve learned while working in other mediums. I encourage my students to take risks, and adapt other methods in their personal approach to making ceramic artwork.
My goal is for my students to become lifelong artists. I believe that my philosophy and approach to teaching provides a strong support for the foundations of Ceramic art, while maintaining a flexible but guided path to the student’s growth and development as an artist. My philosophy teaches students to appreciate Ceramics in its historical context, yet understanding its significance in the contemporary art movements.