Artist Statement:

This work is a tribute to my awe-inspiring students and Theory Loves Practice colleagues.

I have witnessed and experienced art and education as a continual process of observation, reflection, investigation and experimentation. Passion Choice Skills Whole Being Society Freedom is a visible reflection of what I have observed, read and heard as a teacher and colleague.

Working mostly with freshmen and sophomores in my Philosophy of Art + Education class, I support art educators at the beginning of their professional journeys. In this course, students craft teaching philosophies for the first time and attempt to succinctly unite theory with practice. I have noticed that students write many admirable words, ideas and aspirations in their philosophies. The words and phrases are, at this point in the journey, unexposed to the elements; they are precious and packaged, shiny and new with limitless potential.

During our Theory Loves Practice meetings, I hear many of these same words, now exposed to the elements. Red thread leaves each perfect, unmarred package and enters the chaos, challenges, surprises and wonders of practice.

The words, now experienced, implemented and tried, have left their packages, which are no longer perfect, untouched and separate. Through sharing and discussion among colleagues, the many individual experiences and reflections gather, strengthen and intertwine, continually creating something new and unknown.

While reading through students’ philosophies, I chose these 60 words and phrases because students emphasized them during class discussions, activities and assignments.  

bigger picture
constructively participate
freedom
choice
community
society
imagination
creativity
question
reflect
skills
knowledge
awareness
thoughtfulness
team building
collaboration
contemporary
history
support
cultivate
honor
confidence
multiple perspectives
discussion
individual
personal
emotions
expression
connections
meaning
problem solving
independence
dreams
passion
culture
diversity
curiosity
ingenuity
appreciation
respect
spontaneity
flexible
guide
engage
experience
exploration
thinking
ideas
safe space
relax
self realization
self exploration
experimentation
risk taking
healthy
whole being growth
ambiguity
variety
fun
joy