The Changed Life

the changed life…

…focuses on my identity as an artist, educator, mother and student. Identity is seen through your actions, character and integrity.  Each of these different realities, me as an artist, educator, mother and student, frames the holistic being who is seen in how I live my every day. As a Pisces, and having been brought up in the church, I feel and experience the present by sifting through my past and how it has shaped me. Each has their own perception of identity, and through our perception of our experiences, failures and triumphs, we shape the reality of the world we live.

“Be the change you want to see in the world,” is a famous quote by the inspiring civil rights leader, Gandhi. The change that needs to happen in this world, the greatest thing in this life, is love. More love, love for self, others, and all living things; as we are all intertwined in this circle of life, creates a world of compassion and empathy. In a world full of doubt, sorrow and devastation, love will endure and is infallibly remembered.

As a mother, I focus on being supportive, patient, and present. As an artist, I focus on developing a voice that expels my inner-most thoughts and ideas, to provide a release for my perceived reality and connect with my cognitive and spiritual self.  As a student, I have honed into ameliorating a higher level of connectivity of my left and right brains. As an educator, I strive to embrace differences,  model respectful and responsible behavior, and encourage students to be respectful and responsible citizens. All of these entities provide me with the tools to be equipped to teach in the 21st century.

 
 
 
 
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August 2012 – Present: Teacher, Patriot High School

Designs and implements engaging standards-based lesson plans for Art I, Computer Art I, Photography I, Pre-AP Portfolio and 2D-AP courses. Actively inspire learners, while educating on proper artistic methodologies and various technical processes. Provide students with opportunities to reach their fullest potential through creative expression, cognitive strategies, and a broad range of aesthetic, historical, critical, and production experiences.

Instagram: @mewzarts

Degrees

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art and Visual Technology 2008, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

Certifications:

  • Commonwealth of Virginia Collegiate Professional License, July 2017 – June 2022, Endorsement Areas: Technology Education, Visual Arts PreK-12

  • AP Studio Art, June 2018

  • Graduate Coursework: Creativity in Crisis, Spring 2017, The Art of Education University

Key Professional Appointments

January 2017 – Present: Artist, Old Town Sports Pub & Casa Tequila Bar and Grill

Illustrates chalkboards for weekly and daily schedule as well as special events. Maintains visual quality and consistency throughout the location. Assures all sign pricing and language is accurate at all times. Works directly with managers as well as Store Owner.

May 2008 – August 2012: Independent Contractor, Graphic Design Specialist/Artist

Responsible for designing and generating camera-ready artwork and graphics suitable for print, use on the web (including 508 compliant documents), or display and/or installation. Assist clients with the selection of typography, color palette, graphic elements and image styles appropriate to the medium and target audience.

Companies include, but are not limited to: The Baldwin Group, Inc., English Country Gardens, Town of Halifax (Virginia), Hite Insurance, Ole’ Pro Services, Gainesville Middle School, and Federal government agencies (NIDA, OARC, & SAMHSA)

Creative & Research Biography

My interest in natural art education is one that combines both of my loves: art making and agriculture. I never thought to combine the two, as they were both separate entities within my journey through life. Combining the two has shown its benefit in revealing the passion I have for both, as well as extending student learning and understanding of big ideas and building connections to appease students' innate curiosities of the natural world. “Nature, it cannot fail. Its guarantee is the laws of the universe” (Drummond, 1887, p.79), laws that include the act of love, it lasts and never fails (Drummond, 1887). What one manifests, one will receive to fruition, if love is at its core, it will manifest into a wave of transformation to a world of possibilities, truth and fortitude.