Forestheart

About the Artist

Lifelong artist. Highly rated teacher (and ongoing/in depth student of many skills and interests. "smart creative"). Have taught in public schools, at regional and national conferences, senior living facilities, and for local and regional guilds and art centers. Have been written up in several national magazines (rug hooking, beadwork, triaxial weaving +) and authored articles. Presented at the international math art conference "Bridges". Hands on involvement with the material and ideas at hand are in place from the beginning of any teaching situation. Basic knowledge and tricks of the trade serve as a foundation for exploration and individuation ("imagine what you can do with this"), supporting an experience of discovery and invention without requiring the reinvention of the wheel. I encourage everyone to develop flexible thinking and cultivate recognition and valuing of personal vision. These are my starting points, with hands on "making" and something tangible to take away. It's always customized to the people at hand. Deeper knowledge is at the ready for those whose interest is intense. My approach is to encourage recognition of the seeds of ideas (nurture individual inspiration) and understanding of the underlying science (including safe use) with an appreciation of the materials as a means to develop/explore/turn personal vision into something visible- sharable- expressive. The arts are essential and inform science, psychology, and other key aspects of our humanity. Exploration, an integral part of understanding and individuation, may eclipse the original vision or expectation and boundaries du jour. I support exploration by encouraging research, experimentation, attention/observation and refinement. I love what I do, and most everyone takes something home with a smile.