MALLORY  SHOTWELL

Mallory Shotwell’s teaching and curriculum development practice focuses on fostering creativity, accessibility, and empowerment across artistic disciplines. With over 350 courses written and taught, her work emphasizes process-driven learning, inclusivity, and building meaningful connections between art, students, and community.

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Educational Philosophy

Shotwell approaches education as a transformative platform for artistic exploration and personal growth. Her courses inspire students to experiment, reflect, and integrate sustainability into their practices. By weaving together technical skills, conceptual thinking, and interdisciplinary exploration, Shotwell designs programs that engage learners of all levels while addressing themes of identity, care, and resilience.

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Selected Courses and Curriculums Created

 

• Artifacts: A Cultural Response to Trauma

  • An 8-week online course exploring the artistic and cultural artifacts created during collective traumatic events, specifically focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic. Students analyze contemporary media and artworks, engage with prompts, and create their own "artifacts" in a structured art journal, blending studio practice with cultural reflection.

• Sustainable Mending: Sashiko and Visible Mending Techniques

  • This course introduces students to the Japanese art of Sashiko stitching and modern visible mending practices, focusing on sustainability and the creative potential of repairing textiles.

• Sketchbook Explorations: Inspiring Generative Practices for Artists

  • A generative course for artists to explore new ideas and methods through guided sketchbook exercises. Prompts encourage experimentation and risk-taking, with the focus on process rather than finished work.

• Introduction to Murals: Community Engagement through Public Art

  • This course explores the technical, social, and ethical aspects of mural-making, culminating in a collaborative community-based mural project.

• Introduction to Fiber Arts: Mixed Media and Weaving Techniques

  • A hands-on exploration of fiber arts, combining traditional techniques like weaving and embroidery with experimental approaches to mixed media.

• Art Journaling for Self-Reflection and Creative Growth

  • A reflective course combining writing, visual art, and mixed media in personal art journals. Prompts encourage introspection and creative expression.

 

Approach and Methods

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• Interdisciplinary Creativity: Shotwell’s courses encourage students to explore a wide range of mediums and concepts, fostering innovative thinking and creative confidence.

• Community-Centered Learning: By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, her teaching builds a welcoming space for students to engage meaningfully with their peers and creative practices.

• Sustainability and Mindful Making: Courses like Sustainable Mending highlight eco-conscious techniques that promote thoughtful and lasting art practices.

• Generative Exploration: Many of her programs, such as Sketchbook Explorations, focus on idea generation and creative discovery, empowering artists to experiment without the pressure of finality.

Shotwell’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that art is a catalyst for introspection, community building, and personal transformation. Through her teaching, she provides students with the tools to cultivate their unique voices, explore new creative paths, and foster meaningful connections between art, their lives, and the broader world.