Teaching Philosophy 

The primary objective of any class I teach is the same for both advanced and beginning students: the exhibition of excellence in artistic development, with equal focus on technical proficiency and development of an artistic aesthetic and/or concept. Equal attention is given to both traditional and more contemporary applications of each technique, as students' interests are quite varied. Experimental approaches to print media, such as digital and photomechanical processes, flocking, gold leaf, sewing, collage are a part of my curriculum, as well as encouraging students to explore how print techniques can be used with other media – such as book arts, ceramics and installation. Through experience, I have found this approach grants students a sense of security and freedom when they are working in the studio, as they have the skills to go anywhere their imagination takes them.

My goal is to challenge the students while maintaining supportive atmosphere.  I encourage my students to develop their own individual visual language through long-term project development, as I have no desire for a homogenized “program aesthetic”.  All assignments given in class are open and have an infinite number of possible solutions, which help to push a student’s creative limits.  Critical evaluation is an essential part of this process, and should be a positive learning experience for both teacher and students.  I try to create an environment where students feel comfortable in expressing their thoughts and opinions openly and honestly, which is vital in encouraging the development of a critical eye.