Building a strong foundation for creative practice is central to my teaching philosophy. I emphasize intention, discipline, and meaningful engagement with materials and ideas. My approach begins with developing essential skills in visual communication, project planning, and material exploration, ensuring students are equipped to articulate their vision effectively.
As students progress, I encourage them to approach their creative practices as enduring pursuits that grow alongside their personal and professional development. I challenge them to delve beyond the surface of their ideas, questioning assumptions and engaging in deeper inquiry. By exploring materials, concepts, and context more fully, students gain a richer understanding of their artistic voice and its potential impact.
My goal is to help students integrate art into their larger aspirations. Whether they pursue careers in the arts or other fields, they leave my courses prepared to think critically, communicate with clarity, and sustain creativity as a vital part of their personal and professional lives.
Courses
- ARTS 035 Introduction to Ceramics
- ARTS 043 Intermediate Ceramics
- ARTS 191 Independent Study
- ARTS 197 Undergraduate Research
My research investigates the intersection of materiality, memory, and narrative across ceramics, printmaking, papermaking, and other natural materials. I explore how textures, forms, and patterns serve as vessels for storytelling, connecting personal and collective histories. By examining themes of transience and identity, I aim to understand the role of material culture in shaping human experience, blending traditional processes with contemporary interpretations.
My focus on techniques and materials encompasses surface design, material experimentation, and sustainable practices. In ceramics, I utilize high-fire methods such as cone 10 reduction, mid-fire, and soda firing to create dynamic surfaces. My work in printmaking and papermaking emphasizes natural fibers and layered textures that enhance narrative depth. Through careful material sourcing and environmentally conscious methods, my research balances technical refinement with ecological considerations, expanding the possibilities for innovative and responsible studio practices.
