In my classroom I value the investigation of beauty in all manner of methods.

Growing up on the west coast of Ireland, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and natural phenomena and I believe this has shaped the kind of artist I am and ultimately the kind of teacher. My surrounding environments have always acted as source material for my visual art work and this is a principle that I aim to weave through all of my schemes of work. Teaching students to observe the world around them with curious and critical eyes is something I believe to be fundamental to art education. 

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To make art that is also visceral and authentic, in my opinion we need to draw upon our personal experiences while being in tune with our sense of sight, smell, sound, touch and intuition and this is something I will always attempt to get across to my students.   

 

From my experiences travelling, living and teaching in the Middle East and Ireland  I have developed an active interest in issues surrounding intercultural education. The term ‘intercultural-ism’ expresses a belief that we all become personally enriched by coming in contact with and experiencing other cultures and I consider this to be true. I believe that approaching issues through visual art is a powerful way for students to grasp a deeper understanding of the changing world us and that the art room can be a safe and secure place for students to develop compassionate, tolerant and ethical world views. 

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Over all in my art room I aim for students to learn through a balance of

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