Research Interests
Art can be used as a tool by students to explore not only materials and techniques but also how to use said items as a way to express their own emotions and thoughts. These emotions and thoughts can range from inner turmoil to proclamations on important subject matters. No matter the topic, art can make expressing these thoughts a more relaxed and natural process.
One focus within the arts that has always interested me is the idea that creative freedom is essential in aiding students in growth. Within art class, students are encouraged to experiment with many different mediums, styles, and techniques. This experimentation will lead to mistakes which are essential in learning and growing. When a student makes a mistake, they go back and try again to see what works. While at first it may be upsetting, art can allow a student to feel determined to try again. This in turn builds their confidence when it comes to making artistic choices. Confidence in choice-making is not only essential for students to discover their personalized art styles but also within their everyday lives and decision-making. Creative freedom opens a door for more than just self exploration within the art realm, and that is why it’s an important subject to me.
Another topic that has always interested me within art is the action of using art as a therapeutic tool. Some of the best artists have been known to portray emotion within their artwork. Take Van Gogh for instance, he had his blue period which is commonly associated with his depression era. Van Gogh was able to allow himself to be vulnerable enough to communicate his feelings through his art, to which his audience then understood what he was trying to portray. Art can be used as a tool for those to make sense of and express their emotions that may be causing turmoil within their mind. It’s an outlet to let these feelings go and take a different form. When one can allow themselves to maintain this vulnerability within their art and with their audience, they can start to use this tool as a means to communicate. Using art as a therapeutic tool allows for a much deeper connection between an artist and their artwork, and I want to explore that more myself.