To create a visual work is to make a personal statement.  This takes a willingness and courage.  Hopefully this can take place in an enthusiastic, comfortable and passionate environment.

     I believe the role of an educator is to motivate, inspire and facilitate learning; to set up an atmosphere for growth and to provide resources and support for experimentation and risk-taking.  An educator is a nurturer as well as someone who provides a framework and develops a system of assessment and accountability. Encouraging students to push further in their thinking often opens up new avenues to consider.  Organizing peer collaboration and critiques, one on one critiques and opportunities for self-reflection and evaluation, is an important part of the process. Looking at references; historical, contemporary and personal, is a valuable aspect in idea development. 

      Providing instruction on techniques and methods, offering mediums and materials to be utilized in the communication of concepts and the organization of a space for exploration, is a primary goal. Actively listening to students, giving feedback throughout and offering opportunities to demonstrate and exhibit accomplishments, supports self-esteem and validates goals and achievements.  Seeking resources and making connections outside the school environment enhances experiences for learning.

     In the end, the bringing to life of personal ideas, the freeing of imagination and exploration of materials, while mastering techniques and methods, honoring process, pushing creativity and accepting risks, can all take place in the classroom with both teacher guidance and peer support.