Emma Spain
Artist Statement
“What is art? It is not decoration. It is the re-living of experience” - Rebecca West.
My multidisciplinary practice explores anxiety and my severe scoliosis which resulted in undergoing a spinal fusion surgery as a teenager. Distortion is a key element of my practice as I examine how scoliosis affected both my physical body and my mental health. Materiality and contrast plays a fundamental role in my practice as I create strong juxtapositions between sharp and strong materials and softer fabrics to create a sense of fragility and resilience. I choose to produce abstract pieces so that my works are ambiguous, inviting the viewer to find aspects of their own lives within the sculptures or images. My art practice is strongly intertwined with my teaching practice as I encourage students to use contrasting materials to explore their own identities and personal experiences.
2nd Year painting exploring the feeling of not seeing your friends during the summer holidays.
Teaching Philosophy
1. Learning is a lifelong process. Therefore one of my central aims as an educator is to foster a love for learning through innovative and engaging teaching methods such as gamification and peer learning. As an interdisciplinary artist I am constantly exploring new mediums and techniques. I aim to bring these in to the classroom in order to keep the students engaged by regularly exposing them to new art making processes.
2. I believe that art has the power to teach students about themselves and the world around them. Just as I explore my own personal experiences within my art practice, my classes encourage students to explore their own identities and perspectives while fostering a deep connection with nature and their community.
3. I am committed to continuous growth and development as an educator to promote an inclusive and safe environment where students feel comfortable to express their opinions, and to explore elements of themselves through their creative practice.
Teaching Experience
School Placement in Colaiste Ide agus Iosaf, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick
Skills: Lesson planning, curriculum development, differentiation, working with additional needs students, formative and summative assessment, classroom management.
Learning Support Tutor for Limerick School of Art & Design (TUS)
Skills: Lesson planning, working with students with learning disabilities, differentiation, creating individual student centered learning resources.
Annual TY Art Animation Workshops in co-operation with Limerick School of Art & Design (TUS)
Skills: Team-teaching, lesson planning.
