Personal Mission

The Need for Art and Art Education
Visual arts can be used as a way to express appreciation for the beauty of the world or a way to tell the story of the human condition.  The process of bridging different avenues of learning through the visual arts is a personal mission. I feel that it is important to erase barriers between academic areas as a way to optimize the learning experience for students. Creativity is the anchoring device of evolving society. It is a passion to inspire creative thinking to motivate innovation and inspire careers of the future.

Testimonial

The need for art has always been a passion. In high school, I can remember enjoying my art classes and being excited to create and work on personal projects. While my creative endeavors in art inspired passion, other classes, such as history, algebra, and English, didn't seem to have the same excitement. I feel that if art and creativity had been integrated to teach these subjects, I would have had more interest.

Luckily, there was a particular event that made an impact on my life and learning path. The funny thing is that I didn't quite realize the impact at the time. I had been commissioned to paint a mural for the local VFW in my home town with images of foreign wars. While in the process of designing and painting the mural, I realized how much research I was willing to do! An interest in history was ignited. I slowly began to have a real and intrinsic desire for learning.

As I was led on a path in education, this moment resonated. The timing was perfect and my interest in learning through art became a passion. Through art, I developed a love for art history, artist biographies, and learned how art tells a story of the human experience. I saw how mathematics and science in design are used in art. Also, I learned the beauty and awe of nature and the ability to express it in a visual representation.

I now take that same initiative as an artist educator. I feel that it is a priority to not only teach but to inspire. Not all students will become "professional" artists, but everyone can live creatively, motivated by their own passions. The defining lines between academics and creative learning should be erased and continue to be interwoven.

This painting a field of wildflowers, is a view from one of my favorite places to visit, Mount Le Conte. I believe students learn best when natural curiosity envelops the need to explore. It is all the proper elements combined to grow knowledge. Each a flowering mind that needs to be nurtured and appreciated.

Title: "View from Mount Le Conte"
Media: Oil on Canvas
Original Size: 42" x 42"

"The work of education is divided between the teacher and the environment."
-Maria Montessori

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." - Albert Einstein

"When life gives you lemons, you do a still-life!"

I feel that is an important reminder that no one has a perfect life, but the beauty of it can be found, even on those days you get a "lemon" of deal. It is important to realize the need to embrace any obstacle. I realize that being of service and doing my best in all aspects is sufficient, but self care is also vital for survival. Creative expression can help to unblock the emotions that, at times, can be stifling. It is important to not let challenges but the perseverance of them define me.
Art can help lift the spirit and release the tension and anxiety that imposes during stressful and emotional settings. No matter the medium or experience level creating something that is personal and meaningful can be powerful if acknowledged as something for self-reflection an introspection.

Watercolor still-life of lemons.

A Little Glimpse into My Personal Life...

"The Journey is the Destination"

My husband Bill and I love living an adventurous life with our dog Grace. We have been living in Charlotte NC for over 5 years. We take on life's journey to the fullest. I love being in nature and explore it whenever possible. We travel when ever we get the chance but love living a quiet, God-centered life at home.

I feel that it is important to live, create, and teach with the understanding that a life is worth experiencing and is better when you give in service. My relationships, art, and teaching experiences are based in the belief that one must take life as it comes and to love others unconditionally. I see the beauty in all of God's creation.