I believe the duty of the teacher is to introduce, inform, and encourage, then set the student upon his/her own path. Each of us is a unique combination of experiences, preferences, and innate abilities. It is up to the instructor to support the fulfillment of each student’s artistic and personal potential by supplying the tools with which to discover, explore, and develop those traits.

Within a studio course then, fundamental techniques, concepts and principles must be introduced and supported by handouts containing lecture outlines and/or articles/book passages on pertinent topics. Only once the material is conveyed in a clear and thorough manner can the student fully understand and appreciate the projects to follow.

Second only to the ability to create is the ability to articulate. Studio critiques where students constructively discuss the creative process and defend their decisions are an integral part of the learning process. In addition, the camaraderie that develops through these critiques serves to enhance the overall college experience.

It is my goal as a teacher to provide the type of course described above—the kind of course I found most useful and enjoyable as a student—and to share with the students my experience with, knowledge of, and enthusiasm for the subject matter.