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Artist's Statement
All
of my pieces are homages to the ancestors. My work is
an invitation to examine the delicate membrane which veils
those who dwell in thespirit world from those we refer
to as the living. This membrane is called the heart. Light,
historical artifacts, slides and oral narration are my
primary tools. I use these elements to reveal neglected
members of our culture, (re)placing them in public view.
In
my slide projection pieces, I combine the ethereal nature
of light and the solidity of architecture to symbolize
a balance between the spiritual and material worlds. Projecting
images in outdoor architectural settings is my way of
monumentalizing the forgotten.
This
is my work.
According
to Awo Fa'Lokun Fatunmbi, in the Yoruba religion of West
Africa, it is harmony with self and the world, with the
intent and destiny, with personal will and spiritual responsibility
that is the source of long life, good fortune and abundance.
This
is my life.
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Teaching Manifesto - 2002
Stephanie Anne Johnson
I
believe in free, equivalent, multifaceted and life long
education for every person. In my teaching I employ multiple
strategies to accommodate the various types of learning
that are necessary for each student to have a successful
learning experience.
I
strive to present a variety of examples, case studies
and lecturers so that every student can find a hero or
heroine to inspire them regardless of ethnicity, gender,
age, sexual orientation, lifestyle or ability.
It
is my belief that my students and I are engaged in a reciprocal
relationship of teaching and learning. As a recipient
of an excellent education from the California State University
system, I feel it is my duty to pass it on within this
system as a professor.
I
endeavor to model respect, compassion and kindness towards
everyone who works and studies on campus as well as the
community members with whom we work. I work very hard
at teaching, constantly re-educating myself, refining
my techniques and examining my beliefs and behavior. I
expect no less from each and every one of my students
to the best of their abilities.
I
believe in the essential goodness and innate creative
force within every person. I
feel that I am guided by my African, Irish and Native
American ancestors who will sweep the path before me so
that I may sweep the path for those to come after me.
I work for the dissolution of inequality and all oppressive
forms of hierarchy and bigotry wherever I find them. I
believe in inciting within my students the spark of revolution
that has provided the impetus for many art forms across
all cultures. It is my core belief that all forms of art
can and should be used for the healing of the spirit,
the restoration of rights for those who have been treated
unjustly and the transformation of the world back to a
state of balance, prosperity and harmony.
I
believe that change happens first within an individual
then within a group and ultimately in time, throughout
the world. To this end, I strive to be mindful and courageous
in every aspect of my life.
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Curriculum
Vitae
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