Office Hours: Jessica Stockholder: University of Chicago Department of Visual Arts
1. Why did you decide to go into teaching?
Teaching was a way to earn a living that intersected with and was supported by my own artwork. I’ve grown to appreciate that the conversation supported by the University of Chicago embodies values that are distinct from those of the commercial art world; the intersection of the two yields richness not found in either alone.
2. What drew you to your school and what is your teaching philosophy?
The quality of dialogue brought me here, together with a warm collegial sprit and my colleagues’ care for teaching.
I hope to help students understand that the ball is in their park. Together, we look at art history and contemporary art to develop an understanding that the art landscape is one where each of us is empowered to make a difference.
3. What theory and art history do you consider most essential for your students? What artist or artwork do you refer to most often?
A moving target! I like to share the words of artists and creative writers with students, and I find it important for artists to be aware of context, so I often share with them the writings of Brian O’Doherty, Miwon Kwon, and Charlotte Klonk.
4. How do you navigate generational or cultural differences between you and your students?
I expect—and hope—that there will be difference, as the difference between us in the classroom creates space for all to learn. I try to initiate conversations that engage with the work that each student brings to class, and in this way, the students have a hand in driving the focus of the class.
Read more of Jessica Stockholder’s Office Hours on School Watch.
Office Hours is a new questionnaire series that gathers insights on teaching from artists. In response to ten prompts, educators reflect on the discourses and approaches that animate their teaching, share their visions for the future of art education, and offer advice for students navigating the field of contemporary art.
School Watch presents critical perspectives on art and academia. Featured profiles, surveys, and dialogues consider education in fine art, curating, and critical theory, as well as the ideas and conditions that influence practice.
