My name is Christa Matundan and I recently finished my time at Northern Illinois University (NIU) working for my Bachelor's Degree in Art Education to teach at K-12 schools as an art teacher. I am also a Golden Apple Scholar recipient so I plan on teaching in an Illinois school-of-need post graduation, focusing on equity within education and training to create an inclusive, supportive and positive environment for at risk students. Art to me is a fundamental tool of self expression. I find myself so inspired by the visual culture and world that surrounds us and trying to connect what I'm experiencing to myself and my own emotions. My work is mostly drawing based and focuses on issues surrounding mental health, gender and the overall human condition. As an art educator, my philosophy is based on creating a student centered classroom that is open to all walks of life and identities, whether students have been doing art all their lives or just picked up their first pencil. I want students to be engaged and exploring topics and ideas that are important to them, pushing students to think deeper about their intentions with their artwork. Through promoting risk taking, independence and thoughtful reflection I want students to understand the importance of art and how it functions in their lives outside the classroom. Photo credits to Bernadette Kathryn. instagram:@cmatundanart email: [email protected] |