Teaching Statement

Teaching Statement:

My teaching philosophy mirrors my artistic practice which follows activist methods of reorientation and critical social engagement. The goal within my classroom is to use Queer and feminist theory to inspire criticality through interdisciplinary learning. As an intellectual practice, the fine arts draw on multiple fields and epistemologies to inform individual and collective making both in creating objects and fostering new ideas or perspectives.  Through challenging thought processes centered within predominately Eurocentric, white, and heterosupremic systems, my students build upon ways to confront institutionalized racism, sexism, queerphobia, classism, and ableism within their artistic and academic pursuits. 

Through a collection of lectures, visiting artist talks, consciousness raising activities, and transferable skill building exercises, we create an environment of engaged learning for both myself and my students. This democratic and peer centered approach encourages criticality to what is being produced, and how we are reacting to the world building we encounter in our daily lives. My goal is to allow my students to approach theory, concept, and materiality in a way that builds upon their sense of self-efficacy, or the confidence that they can intervene in and change their world for the better. 

My belief is that conflicts encountered within the classroom, more specifically within art and idea building, are surrogates for problems we encounter in real world environments. This is why we work so actively within these spaces to engage in creative problem solving that can later be applied to a student’s professional and personal life beyond their experiences as students. I present multiple challenges through artistic prompts that force a reimagined use of materiality, through critical readings in relationship to art history, and self-reflections after a student has proposed a site-specific or community engaged art piece. This approach draws from multiple disciplines and engages both the instructor/learner and learner/creator to foster each other’s growth and expression. 

I am also committed to creating an accessible experience for my students by considering teaching methods that address different learning styles or physical and sensory abilities. For example, the use of technology, laser cutting/engraving and CNC, has allowed the students to consider physically inexhaustive techniques to build sculptural pieces. Additionally, digital spaces have also allowed us to challenge traditional notions of white wall environments (museums and galleries) as well as create and present works that don’t require the students to purchase material outside of what the department provides.

As a social practice, the combination of small group critiques, reflections, and concept building provides the necessary tools to navigate the increasing expectations within the field of art and academia. Because of the democratic learning environment, my courses essentially culminate with a large scale and collaborative community project. In the past, these projects have taken the form of a miniature golf course, an antiracist learning “unstitute”, and a vending machine that provides contraceptive and menstruation products for free.

I remain diligent and transparent within my approach to teaching and learning, and expect to hold myself, as well as my peers/students, accountable for what, and how, we produce as social beings. I am hyper critical and aware of power dynamics created within academia and strive to hold space for each and every student to engage with the material and course that best suits them. My main purpose as an instructor is to foster critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills so that each of us leaves the semester with the confidence to produce change within our respective fields against visible and invisible intersections of oppression, regardless of individual race, class, gender, sexuality, or ability. 

Lawson is currently self-represented and takes clients and commissions on a limited basis. Inquire about availability, catalog, or general questions by emailing Lawsonfcl@gmail.com or by using this form: