Rebecca Salmon
Teaching Philosophy
As an artist, I truly believe that anything made with intent and effort can be art. As an educator, I will instill in my students this same understanding and a freedom to create what truly matters to them. Art can change lives and I commit myself to furthering the positive impact that studying art can have on students.
Making art demands problem solving, risk taking, and patience. It creates an outlet for students to express their thoughts and emotions. Encouraging students to take the time to commit to ideas validates their voices and opinions.
It shows them that they are worthwhile and that they deserve to be heard. Art can be an avenue for catharsis. It can be something purely tactile, an opportunity for students to get their minds off the stress of their lives and just create.
Committing to the completion of an artwork that started from an original idea is satisfying mentally, emotionally, and physically. The self worth that the creation of art can instill is invaluable.
I will work to make my art classes both intellectually and physically engaging. My classes will emphasize art theory and will analyze contemporary and historical art made with varied materials and inspirations. Students will learn the stories that are too often ignored in mainstream history. My students will be exposed to a wide variety of artists and art-making practices that can inspire their own original work.
By discussing the importance and meaning of art, my students will learn why their artistic decisions matter.
This deepened understanding of human experience gained through making and viewing art will give them more empathy. It will inspire students to listen to one another and strive to care for each other and the world around them.
Together, we will be exposed to different voices, to different stories, and will learn to have faith in our work, our values, and our skills.