I believe art is as much about paying attention as it is about creating art objects.One of the most important things I can teach my students is to pay more attention to the world around them. My first art teacher used to write on the chalkboard, "To look, to see, to remember, to enjoy." I want my students to experience that long after they leave my class.

In addition to observing their surroundings, I believe it is my responsibility as an art instructor to help my students consider how their work reflects their concerns about their surroundings, communities, and a larger society in general.
I try to foster a learning environment where students feel safe to express themselves and learn to develop their own aesthetic sensibilities. I stress to my students how important and interesting their individual views and visions are, how each line they draw is affected by their own unique personalities and life experiences.

I also realize that teaching art is not only about giving students confidence, but giving them the tools and techniques necessary to communicate. I feel it is imperative for students to experiment with various techniques and materials because an artist never knows what ideas may present themselves and artists should not limit their ability to express something because they are only confident in a specific area. I believe in a multidisciplinary approach to art making and encourage students to see beyond familiar solutions. I think this is especially relevant in contemporary art, where traditional areas of art, and boundaries are often blurred.

Finally, I find there are so many layers and different ways to experience art, that I learn along with my students and revive my own love of the arts through teaching.