Analysis and Discussion 

 While looking back on my journey, I thought of three artists and educators that have made an impression on me. Through being an educator or a peer of mine. The stories of these individuals and their thoughtful answers to my questions are just a taste of the wisdom we share. 

I have a fond memory of working with Jeremiah Patterson in my undergraduate studies. His classes shaped me into the artist and educator I am today. It wouldn’t have been the same without me getting accepted into his class to study abroad for two weeks in Sicily. I learned during that semester about plein air and the techniques of watercolor painting. It was nice to catch up with Jeremiah. I loved hearing about his journey into restoring and designing the interior of churches, his process of assessment in his classes and the journey he’s been on to create the moments in his portfolio. 

Gabriel Mills is a fantastic artist and an excellent person, we met in college through our degrees and social scene. He has over the years become a well respected and sought after professional artist. I appreciate the way Gabriel has created art for himself and for the grandeur of his work. After our conversation I was in awe of his process of creating and how much thought goes into the material he uses. 

Erin-Marie Elman is a firecracker of a woman whose love and passion for her students is utterly infectious. After being assigned to her as a student teacher I quickly became invested and excited to join her classes. With many different obstacles put in front of her being a middle school teacher in a public school in Brooklyn, NY. She doesn’t break a sweat. Her lesson plans are intricate and filled with literacy, social and emotional development, and art based skills that flow from one week to the next. I have had a blast being her student teacher this past fall. 

All three artists and educators have in common the passion they hold. For both Erin-marie and Jeremiah, it’s the impact they have made, the wisdom they have to pass on to their students. They both share great insight in how they use assessments to help their students progress. How they find balance in their careers as educators and artists. Although Gabriel isn’t a teacher, through his own practice he continues to teach new ideas to his audiences. Which is a rare trait to have. Many create art, Gabriel creates art that teaches and makes the viewer have deep conversations. 

 Through these conversations I have been able to expand on my knowledge of being an educator and artist, finding new insights and perspectives that will shape me. I hope to inspire and cultivate confidence, create a space for self reflection, social/emotional growth while teaching skills that every student can use in their everyday lives inside and outside of my classroom.