Teaching Philosophy
As a future art educator, I plan to create a welcoming and safe environment for young people to express themselves through art and learn the value of art-making as a skill, therapy, and a way of preserving our culture and history. In the current climate that we live in, I strive to prioritize art-making that has a low environmental impact and teach children the importance of knowing where their materials come from when exploring less environmentally friendly art forms. I strive to help bring a new generation of artists who are socially and environmentally aware in their own lives and when making art. My teaching strategy is student-focused, and I plan to have a student-centered classroom where the lesson plans can be altered, created, or chosen by the students based on what their interests are and what they are passionate about making. I want all students to feel free to express their true selves without fear of judgment from teachers or peers. I believe all students should be free from the fear and anxiety of judgment, racism, homophobia, and transphobia, and I plan on having strict rules about basic respect in my classrooms to ensure the safety and well-being of all of my students.
In developing lesson plans, I leave lots of room for personal interpretation. I prefer giving open-ended prompts over rigid lessons where students are simply expected to demonstrate an artistic skill. I want to inspire my students to express themselves in all their artwork by giving them the freedom to choose the subject matter of their projects (within certain guidelines and restrictions, depending on the project). Giving students this choice will help them to develop what will become their style and help them explore freely without worrying about meeting a certain standard.
I intend to instruct my classes with a constructivist style, introducing my students to new art mediums and techniques but allowing them to implement those into their projects in whatever way they see fit, tying it in with prior knowledge and interests that they have. I prefer to be more of a facilitator of art-making rather than an instructor who shows students exactly how art is made. Because the process of art-making is deeply personal and different for everyone. Lastly, I intend to grow throughout my years of teaching and constantly update and improve my lesson plans to better suit the needs of my students.
Artist Statement
When making my artwork, I often work with colored pencils, layering pigments and gradually building them to create more depth and shadows. I explore many art forms so that I will have a wide range of artistic skills to apply in lessons. I see value in passing down traditional techniques of art-making that are at risk of being lost due to lack of use. Art preservation and self-expression are concepts that I greatly value. I strive to push the limits of my creativity and encourage others to do the same in their art-making. I find a great amount of joy in capturing the world around me in a colorful, whimsical way. Strange human-like creatures are something I often like to include in my artwork.
The freedom to express myself is something I try not to take for granted. I highly encourage everyone to make the kind of art their heart draws them to make without fear of what others will think. Since letting go of the anxiety of trying to make “great art”, I have become much happier with my artistic process and the finished product of my works. Do not be afraid to do what makes you happy. All people should have the freedom to create what they want, love who they want, and determine their own identity. Now is the time for artists of all kinds to build community together and provide a safe place for each other to exist and to create without fear, and that is one of my biggest goals as an artist and future educator.
CV
Education
Bachelor of Art, Eastern Washington University 2025
Exhibitions
Creative Works Symposium 2025
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Volenteering
SPARk Central Spokane 2025
