Majorities of students entering art classrooms today are incredibly techno-savvy, but sometimes lack a creative sensibility and conceptual edge. There’s a tendency for students to allow the software to circumvent the creative output, rather than choosing what media will best “fit” their ideas. My goal as an educator is to help provide them with the necessary information and the proper tools they will need for artistic discourse and discovery. Art should posses a conceptual integrity that reaches beyond high tech output and celebrity, and various processes should be understood for what they’re capable of producing and not producing. A solid foundation in art fundamentals, art history, peer interaction and a dynamic investigation into contemporary art and dialogue are key factors in assisting students in their exploration.

There is an ongoing dialogue regarding truth in photography, the impact of digital media and the role traditional photography plays in the contemporary art world. It’s important for students to understand that something conceptual can be realized through many varying processes, and as educators we need to support this idea. My curriculum in Photography involves an understanding of 19th century photographers and processes, gallery visits, discussions and critiques, conceptual and technical skill development and an understanding of wet and alternative processes. Digital Imaging is taught from a fine art perspective. Emphasis is on learning the software and technical skills, but it’s essential to take it a step further into the development of a well-rounded conceptual image. In addition, students develop an understanding of the often complex and tedious world of output / printing.

Visual media today involves a broad range of artistic disciplines. As educators we must consider the overlapping of disciplines, often new and dynamic, and be flexible regarding the many facets of the creative process. Students should not only be able to access diverse media, but they should also be well versed in the historical foundations of such media. As educators we must support their investigations and help them be critical thinkers, problem solvers and productive artists. My students contribute to my growth as an educator on a daily basis, and I thoroughly enjoy working with new and emerging artists in the classroom.