WITH LOVE FOR LEARNING

Artist

I’ve always loved to paint and draw, but I didn’t learn to create other forms of art until college.  I remember when my first studio class asked us to make art based on a single, assigned word. I found it difficult to draw “vanity” – how could I represent such an abstract idea?  Then, my professor asked us to use materials including and beyond paper and pencil.  I excitedly began to use lipsticks, spandex, mirrors, and hair gel.  I became engrossed in my work as if “vanity” itself was consuming me and my collage ended up expanding across the room.  For the first time, I understood how powerfully art could express an idea.  I learned to look at the qualities of different materials as a source of creativity.

Historian

By making art and learning to interpret the artwork of others, I began to discover a more pluralistic world as a college student.  I became curious about how matters such as urbanism, religion, and industrialism informed artistic innovation.  My research into art movements exposed me to a broad and perceptive view of history that united politics, science, and culture.  Today, I hold a master’s degree in Art History.  As a historian, I’ve focused on the intersection of art and science.  I’ve written about the cultural impact of a series of 20th century developments like the ether and other aspects of electromagnetism.  As an artist, art enthusiast, and sci-fi fan, I continually use art to tap into unfamiliar topics and ask imaginative questions.

Educator

I believe that, beginning at childhood, Art Education can help students to become life-long learners.  I have collaborated with schools, museums, and nonprofit cultural organizations, such as Art21 and 826NYC, to grant children access to artistic learning.  As a bilingual Latina, I enjoy working with other Spanish-speakers and strongly support cultural diversity in the arts.  It is a rewarding experience to work with students of various ages and backgrounds, and see the ways they relate art to life.  I always learn something insightful from them, such as this gem: “Abstract art is like the goop from Nickelodeon, it doesn’t have to make sense!"

RESUME:

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For a CV, listing further experience in the arts and academia, please contact me.