Teaching Statement

Educational Philosophy

Art education is fundamentally about empowerment—empowering students to discover their unique creative voices, to master technical skills that serve their vision, and to develop critical thinking abilities that extend far beyond the studio. My teaching philosophy centers on the belief that creativity flourishes when students are given both a strong technical foundation and the freedom to explore, experiment, and take meaningful risks.

Drawing from my diverse background in military service, digital fabrication, traditional sculpture techniques, and emerging technologies, I bring a unique perspective to the classroom that emphasizes adaptability, precision, and innovation. My transition from military service to art has taught me that discipline and creativity are not opposing forces, but rather complementary aspects of successful practice—whether in service to country or in service to artistic expression.

Teaching Approach

Experiential Learning

I believe students learn best through direct engagement with materials and processes. Rather than beginning with extensive theory, I introduce concepts through hands-on exploration, allowing students to develop intuitive understanding alongside technical knowledge. Whether working with clay, metal, digital tools, or AI collaboration, students discover principles of form, composition, and meaning through making.

Technical Mastery as Creative Freedom

Technical skill is not an end in itself, but a means to creative freedom. I ensure students develop strong foundational skills—from basic hand-building techniques to digital modeling and fabrication—because technical confidence allows for greater conceptual risk-taking. When students trust their ability to execute their ideas, they become more willing to push boundaries and explore new territories.

Bridge Building: Traditional and Contemporary

My curriculum intentionally bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technologies. Students might learn to throw pottery on the wheel in the morning and explore 3D modeling in the afternoon. This approach helps them understand that innovation builds upon tradition, and that mastery of fundamental principles enables meaningful engagement with new tools and methods.

Creating the Learning Environment

Community and Collaboration

The studio is a community where students learn from each other as much as from formal instruction. I foster an environment of mutual respect and constructive critique, where students feel safe to share works in progress and receive meaningful feedback. Collaborative projects, like our partnership with the South Texas Botanical Gardens, demonstrate how individual creativity can contribute to larger community engagement.

Critical Thinking and Context

While hands-on making is central to my teaching, I also emphasize the importance of critical thinking and historical context. Students engage with contemporary art discourse, examine their work within broader cultural conversations, and develop the ability to articulate their artistic intentions clearly and thoughtfully.

Professional Development

I prepare students for professional practice by incorporating real-world experiences into coursework. This includes exhibition planning, artist statements, professional presentation skills, and understanding the business aspects of art practice. Students learn that being an artist requires not only creative vision but also practical skills in communication, project management, and self-advocacy.

Measuring Success

Student success in my classes is measured not only by technical improvement but by growth in confidence, willingness to experiment, and ability to think critically about their work and its place in the world. I consider it a success when students leave my classes with:

• Solid technical skills that serve their creative vision
• Confidence to tackle new challenges and learn new processes independently
• Ability to articulate their artistic intentions and engage in meaningful critique
• Understanding of art's role in community and cultural dialogue
• Professional skills necessary for continued growth as artists

Commitment to Continuous Learning

As an educator, I am committed to continuous learning and adaptation. I regularly update my curriculum to include emerging technologies and contemporary practices, seek out professional development opportunities, and remain active in my own artistic practice. This ongoing engagement ensures that my teaching remains current, relevant, and inspiring to students navigating an ever-evolving creative landscape.

Teaching and making are, for me, symbiotic practices. My work in the studio informs my teaching, while the questions and discoveries that emerge in the classroom enrich my artistic practice. This dynamic relationship keeps both my art and my pedagogy vital and evolving.