-
My Mom the Crafter
For as long as I can remember, my mother has been a crafter. She is very creative, a skilled painter, and loves to experiment and try new things. Growing up we were always doing creative things around the house, whether it was painting shirts, ceramics, or wood pieces. She was never afraid of us making a mess. and its wonderful that she continues these types of creative adventures with my children. -
My Granny the Quilter
The biggest influence in my education history was and is my family. My grandmother began teaching me how to quilt when I was 5 years old. From learning to use scissors properly to cut the shapes she needed to learning how to thread a sewing machine. I spent hours watching her piece together beautiful quilts. She taught me to be patient, she taught me the importance of craftmanship, and she taught me that all sorts of things can be beautiful. I still enjoy working with fabrics to this day. -
My Uncle the Techie
My Uncle Eddie was and still is a techy. He put an Apple computer in my Grandfather's shop when I was young. He taught me the basics of how to use it (and even showed me that he could make it talk...just imagine). I spent hours on the draw program creating what looked like digital spirographs. I would definitely consider my Uncle to be a huge influence in my education and interest in all things computer related. He introduced me to my first graphics program and my first Mac, forever in his debt! -
Ahhh...middle school
In the 6th grade I was in charge of creating the banner for our team's country in the Olympic Parade for field day. We were the Bahamas, and the poster was covered with tropical birds and plants. At the end of the day, our poster won the design competition, and others started to recognize that I had a bit of artistic talent. I wasn't quite ready to embrace the curriculum in art class. The instruction was dull and the projects seemed lifeless. I enjoyed band more at the time. -
Mr. Knight and where it all began
In high school, my artistic ability was recognized and nurtured. Although the technique driven art I was creating lacked personal expression, the instructor and the environment were rich with inspiration and knowledge. Mr. Knight opened my eyes to the world of art through museum trips, discussions, and ending with an amazing trip to Italy. I can't say that he taught me how to find my voice, but he did show me where to look for it. He is an amazing artist and was a role model to me. -
Mannington Commercial...back to graphics
In the beginning of my Junior year in high school, I gained an internship position of the design department at Mannington Commercial Carpets. I began by creating graphics for specialty rugs for priority customers, but learned well beyond simple graphics in the end. From learning to create design boards, pattern creation, as well as the ends and outs of the design business, my work at Mannington taught me that I not only wanted, but needed a career in the arts. -
Portfolio Review...What?!
It was my frist semester as an undergraduate at UGA and I had decided I wanted to be an art student. I hadn't yet decided what I wanted to do for a career, but I knew I wanted it to be creative. I was required to submit a portfolio and was I stunned. There were things that I had never drawn, or even really attempted to draw before...like a self portrait. I submitted what I thought was my best work...it needed work. -
Mr. Paul. I think that was his name.
He was a short man, bald. He was very specific in his instruction in the first drawing class I had as an art student. He was tough to please and not afraid to hurt your feelings. I like his brutal honesty and appreciated his strict requirements. I was pushed to work in mediums and techniques that were unfamiliar, and he was unrelentless. I decided, within the first 3 weeks of his class, I wanted to be an art teacher. -
The 3-Dimensional world of JimBo
Jim Bounacorsi, as Italian as he sounds, was an inspiration to be as a sculptor. Jimbo taught me to explore materials, push them, and let them help me decide what I should create. He also taught me the importance of looking at other artists for inspiration and technique. The piece featured was part of my exploration of motherhood and feminitity. -
The Trifecta of Art Educators
I had the amazing opportunity to learn from and work with three of the most amazing, inspirational art educators. Richard Siegesmund, Carole Henry, and Pamela Taylor were the Art Education department at UGA and the reason I'm a part of the Master's Program at UF. These three educators are responsible for my pedagogy, my drive, and my neverending need to learn more and do more for my students, because that is how they taught me. -
My Mentor, My Friend
Carol was the one who hired me at my first teaching position. She quickly became my mentor as I was new to the classroom and still needed a little guidance and reassurance. Over nearly seven years of working side-by-side she taught me how to find balance in classroom management, to "use what we have" so I didn't go broke, and to never be afraid to experiment with new ideas and projects. She remains an inspiration to me as a teacher, and is my best friend. -
UF and the educational ride of lifetime
Pushing me to what I think are my limits and then asking me to go a little farther. That is the best explanation I have for how this program feels. It is amazing to be able to work with professors and other art educators in such a diverse environment. I've learned more than I could have ever hoped for and been inspired in ways I never imagined. I've grown as an artist, as an educator, and as an individual.
