STATEMENT OF TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

I have a tenacity for exploring and experimenting with a wide variety of techniques. I aim to inspire my students to try new techniques and media. My students must learn the basics of image-making and design, and through mental and physical exercises, as well as fun, develop the craft and professionalism needed to find their paths. As an educator, I facilitate an inspiring, open, and supportive learning environment. This helps my students gain the confidence to learn and persevere through the creative and process-related failures they must experience to grow. I wish to reinforce their desire to improve upon their previous work. Through communication, exercises, creative support, and critiques, my students can successfully develop and express their voices. I am particularly interested in contributing to the academic community by fostering an equitable and supportive learning environment where students feel free to express themselves.

I believe there is, and should be, a joy in learning—and, consequently, in teaching. I am an artist, photographer, designer, director, and teacher, but I am also always a student. In my studio practice, I use the most contemporary photographic processes as well as explore historic techniques. My artwork combines state-of-the-art technologies with historic processes. This broad interest in technical aspects has led me to create a range of art, from immersive digital installations to large-scale digital prints to small-scale traditional tintypes. Currently, I focus heavily on portraiture. Through personal connection and Baroque lighting styles, I strive to validate the existence of my subjects in a manner that respects the ideals of craft and process.

My fascination with lighting extends from portraiture to still life. I am experimenting with photographing junk food with the same care as historic Baroque artists. I aim to explore themes of vanitas and memento mori in the depiction of contemporary objects and culture. As a lifelong learner, I am eager to further explore these ideas and concepts. I find inspiration through critical and theoretical reading, which drives my research to deepen my understanding of theory and experiment with a wide range of techniques in my work.

Growing up surrounded by fine art academia, I have experienced a multitude of personalities and teaching styles firsthand. I have always found that those who demonstrate joy and passion in their studio practice and approach tend to be the most successful both inside and outside the classroom. I strive to embody that connection of joy and inspiration in art for my students.