Interview:
Q: What makes your classes different from other art classes?
A: Well, in short I guess myself and the experiences I bring. I've been teaching for 15 years now in various settings, college to high school. I've been on this path of being an artist my whole life, it is my life!! I've taken and continue to take opportunities to develop my skills as an artist and as an instructor. I have a MFA in painting, as well as a BFA in painting and drawing, and BA in Art History. I'm not just an academic, its very important for me to be a working artist with a personal practice, so I have personal studio practice at CoRK Arts District. I continue to further my education now, by attending workshops from contemporary working artists. Every new thing I learn I bring back and share with my students. For that reason my classes are always evolving.
Q: I've been in art classes where there is a lot of students packed in a room, the teacher demonstrates then expects everyone to replicate that immediately. It was intimidating and I felt lost, so I left. What can a student expect from your class?
A: Thats really unfortunate because creating can be so therapeutic and amazing. I set up classes so that each student can be addressed at their own level. I keep these classes small 2-4 students max. I make sure to try and create an individualized experience that is tailored to that students needs, which evolves over time.This setup allows for one on one time, with the ability to have immediate feedback. Immediate feedback is one of the things my students love. This small class size also creates an environment that facilitates friendship. While art making is usually a solo endeavor, these classes provide a chance to engage with other artists, if you should want to have that experience. Its a time to look at others work, engage with questions, share and learn. The class can be what you want to make of it. A student can expect and tailored experience, with guidance and freedom to create and grow.
Q: Tell me about your new studio space in Ponte Vedra.
A: Sure, I take a lot of pride in trying to create a comfortable learning environment. The space in which you create in is extremely important. I have two large windowed doors. I have a small semi private outdoor space, that also can be used to work in. Those large windows provide North light, which is one of the best lights to work by. All students have a work area and easel. Aside from the psychical setup I try to provide a classroom setting that is inviting, educational, and above all fun.
Q: I know your classes are not just for adults, tell me about your specialized Portfolio Development Classes, how you work with AP and IB programs and Non- Art Track Students?
A:
I offer Portfolio Development to Teens preparing for college, as well as portfolio development for a non-art track pursuit in college.I help these students by providing guidance outside of their regular class. I worked in college admissions, and I have a track record of turning around a falling AP program group of students from 0% pass rate to 100% pass rate in 6 months while I taught at public school. I know how hard it is for each teacher to offer time it takes with each student while teaching in public school. I help to facilitate the teacher, as an outside source. Each student is given a tailored approach to their work. We go over all aspects of making their personal portfolio standout, actual work, themes, techniques, photography, and writing components if applicable.The student is leading this endeavor I'm just offering extra guidance from a professional artist viewpoint.
For Non- Art track students; today many colleges are looking for students who stand out with something personal. I have students who love art, they are creative but they don't want to pursue art as their main study in college or they were unable to take art classes in high school. However, these students still want to demonstrate their artistic talents to admissions as a supplement to their admission packet. I work with those students, to help facitliate a portfolio that would put forth all their best skills in a professional format.
Q: What makes your classes different from other art classes?
A: Well, in short I guess myself and the experiences I bring. I've been teaching for 15 years now in various settings, college to high school. I've been on this path of being an artist my whole life, it is my life!! I've taken and continue to take opportunities to develop my skills as an artist and as an instructor. I have a MFA in painting, as well as a BFA in painting and drawing, and BA in Art History. I'm not just an academic, its very important for me to be a working artist with a personal practice, so I have personal studio practice at CoRK Arts District. I continue to further my education now, by attending workshops from contemporary working artists. Every new thing I learn I bring back and share with my students. For that reason my classes are always evolving.
Q: I've been in art classes where there is a lot of students packed in a room, the teacher demonstrates then expects everyone to replicate that immediately. It was intimidating and I felt lost, so I left. What can a student expect from your class?
A: Thats really unfortunate because creating can be so therapeutic and amazing. I set up classes so that each student can be addressed at their own level. I keep these classes small 2-4 students max. I make sure to try and create an individualized experience that is tailored to that students needs, which evolves over time.This setup allows for one on one time, with the ability to have immediate feedback. Immediate feedback is one of the things my students love. This small class size also creates an environment that facilitates friendship. While art making is usually a solo endeavor, these classes provide a chance to engage with other artists, if you should want to have that experience. Its a time to look at others work, engage with questions, share and learn. The class can be what you want to make of it. A student can expect and tailored experience, with guidance and freedom to create and grow.
Q: Tell me about your new studio space in Ponte Vedra.
A: Sure, I take a lot of pride in trying to create a comfortable learning environment. The space in which you create in is extremely important. I have two large windowed doors. I have a small semi private outdoor space, that also can be used to work in. Those large windows provide North light, which is one of the best lights to work by. All students have a work area and easel. Aside from the psychical setup I try to provide a classroom setting that is inviting, educational, and above all fun.
Q: I know your classes are not just for adults, tell me about your specialized Portfolio Development Classes, how you work with AP and IB programs and Non- Art Track Students?
A:
I offer Portfolio Development to Teens preparing for college, as well as portfolio development for a non-art track pursuit in college.I help these students by providing guidance outside of their regular class. I worked in college admissions, and I have a track record of turning around a falling AP program group of students from 0% pass rate to 100% pass rate in 6 months while I taught at public school. I know how hard it is for each teacher to offer time it takes with each student while teaching in public school. I help to facilitate the teacher, as an outside source. Each student is given a tailored approach to their work. We go over all aspects of making their personal portfolio standout, actual work, themes, techniques, photography, and writing components if applicable.The student is leading this endeavor I'm just offering extra guidance from a professional artist viewpoint.
For Non- Art track students; today many colleges are looking for students who stand out with something personal. I have students who love art, they are creative but they don't want to pursue art as their main study in college or they were unable to take art classes in high school. However, these students still want to demonstrate their artistic talents to admissions as a supplement to their admission packet. I work with those students, to help facitliate a portfolio that would put forth all their best skills in a professional format.