Positive Space: Conversation in Art Foundations

This episode of Positive Space feature interviews with participants in the FATE affiliate session at the Mid-America College Art Association (MACCA) Conference. At the FATE panel, participants were asked to find or think up something that made them uncomfortable and then go do it. Afterwards those participants returned to discuss their uncomfortable situation and what their experience was during and after.

How can we encourage students to be comfortable in the discomfort of the creative process? How can we stay energized in a field where burn out is very common? We unpack these questions and many more with Professor of Art and Coordinator of Graduate Studies at Bowling Green State University, Michael Arrigo while attending the Mid America College Art Conference [MACAA] in Nebraska, earlier this month.

Positive Space talks with Guen Montgomery MACAA representative for the FATE Board of Directors. She discusses the changing curriculum at the University Illinois Urbana-Champaign and turns the table on host Valerie Powell.

In this episode Positive Space sits down with Anthony Watkins, Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Sam Houston State University. Watkins discusses foundations effect on Graphic Design, teaching professionalism in his field and inspirations for students.

In this episode Positive Space speaks with Jesse Payne, Head of the Drawing Studio and Assistant Professor in the Art & Design Foundations Department at Virginia Commonwealth University, based in Doha, Qatar. Mr. Payne discusses the opportunities created teaching at an international university.

Experimentation is something everyone talks about, but rarely are practical examples of how to implement experimentation within our creative studios and classroom spaces deeply examined. Lily Kuonen, Associate Professor and Foundations Coordinator at Jacksonville University, discusses her artwork which she describes as PLAYNTINGS (play + paintings) and how the element of playful experimentation has become a crucial aspect of her teaching pedagogy. Lily reflects on projects that encourage play, observation and curiosity while unpacking how leaderships roles in Integrative Teaching International (ITI), FATE and SECAC have informed her overall perspective.

A very honest conversation with David Janssen Jr., MFA Candidate at The University of Idaho. We unpack the privilege of being an educator, millennial haters & the urgent need to avoid becoming lazy by staying passionate about all aspects of being an academic. As a current graduate student, David offers a uniquely fresh perspective about classroom dynamics, with a focus on self reflection and empathy.

Artist, educator & Gallery Director, Shannon Rae Lindsey, reflects on her evolving art practice & how a curiosity of material possibilities has informed her approach to foundations curriculum. In our conversation, Shannon shares practical strategies for encouraging experimentation in the studio classroom, and her passion for the role interdisciplinary collaboration plays within academic gallery spaces.

Awakening students to their passion, while bringing the fullness and honesty of his experiences into the studio classroom, Brian Hitselberger, Assistant Professor of Painting and Printmaking at Peidmeont College, reflects on his habits as an artist and his values as an educator. We discuss virtuosity, vulnerability, the value of guest critics and how having conversations with students about tattoos can act as a gateway to discussing symbolic representation. In addition, Brian presents thoughtful and sincere personal reflections on his role as a parent and the reality of being a gay man living in the South.

Jessica Mongeon, Visiting Assistant Professor of Studio Foundations at Arkansas Tech University, discusses student habits, using technology in the classroom & strategies for creating inclusive learning environments at a time when social & political issues often alienate many.

Colby Jennings, Assistant Professor of Art at Missouri State University, discusses time based media, digital tools, the value of international/study abroad programs & practical strategies for encouraging students to move past fear when making art.

Chung-Fan Chang, Assistant Professor of Art at Stockton University, reflects on her art education in Taiwan, the impact of verbal and non verbal communication in critiques with international students/faculty and shares projects she has developed that are informed by mark making, calligraphy and Chinese characters to encourage students to explore the elements and principles of design.

A dynamic conversation about inclusion, diversity and otherness with Allison Yasukawa, faculty, School of Critical Studies, California Institute of the Arts. We discuss practical tips for approaching foundations pedagogy with an eye towards embracing risk taking & building a safe learning environment for all students.