As a culture we walk a fine line. Struggling to balance the stresses in our lives. We battle between choosing inactive activities that allow us to hibernate and turn off our brains, and choosing hobbies that will enrich our lives. I paint secluded, vacant, zombie-like figures; who have relaxed in their habits until they have lost time. They have anesthetized themselves and become sluggish, jaundiced, and so lacking muscle tone that they hang over their chairs and defy anatomy. Opposing these figures are the ornery, striped pirates; waking up on the wrong side of the bed, they are more alert, and as a result, more grumpy. It”s well worth some pouting and furrowed brows to be certain that we don”t sleepwalk through our lives (If I were you, I”d put my money on the pirates).
The most an artist can do is paint the things they know and hope other people see things from a new angle. What I know is that if it were not for the act of painting, I would be lost to the worlds I paint.
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Dara Louise Engler, an assistant professor of art (painting and drawing), earned an M.F.A. in painting from Indiana University. She began working at ULM in the fall of 2008.
I grew up in Midlothian, Va.
One thing most people don't know about me is that I like to eat fruit in the sun ... I don't know why.
ULM first appealed to me because of the art division's small, close-knit, passionate group of faculty.
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing engaged, enthusiastic students learn something new and watching the looks on their faces when they have one of those "ah ha" moments. But, I actually have two jobs: teaching and my research (my artwork). Watching students learn things for the first time renews my own excitement about art and motivates me in the research aspect of my work as well. I knew teaching was the right choice for me because I am always happy to be in the classroom. I'm never watching the clock or thinking of something else I'd rather be doing. In fact, I have to remind myself to watch the clock, so I don't forget to dismiss my students. Much to their dismay, I'd keep them there all day if I could. Class always seems too short.
I'm most proud of receiving a Dean's Research Fund Grant. As a new faculty member, it feels like a welcoming vote of confidence.
I'm helping to shape young artists. I think of art as a visual and intellectual conversation about humanity. I can't think of a more important time to be teaching students how to express their view of humanity. We could all use some creativity and compassion right now.
I have not yet been here long enough to stockpile memories. They are all more like current events. I'm still enjoying the warm and welcoming southern hospitality of the "ULM family."
In my free time, I really just enjoy being home. I'm a homebody with a hint of Cat Lady. I like cooking, reading, and then there's the guilty pleasure: television.
I'm lucky enough to have a studio on campus. I love it; it's like my own warm little bubble. If an artist's brain could be a room, it would be their studio. It's a private, introspective, self-indulgent room that feels like your head, turned inside out. Who wouldn't want to sit inside their own head?
If my students were to leave my classroom knowing only one thing, I'd want them to know that art is as much about hard work, and being brave and constantly open to change, as it is about technique. And, I'd want them to be excited about that!
I grew up in Midlothian, Va.
One thing most people don't know about me is that I like to eat fruit in the sun ... I don't know why.
ULM first appealed to me because of the art division's small, close-knit, passionate group of faculty.
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing engaged, enthusiastic students learn something new and watching the looks on their faces when they have one of those "ah ha" moments. But, I actually have two jobs: teaching and my research (my artwork). Watching students learn things for the first time renews my own excitement about art and motivates me in the research aspect of my work as well. I knew teaching was the right choice for me because I am always happy to be in the classroom. I'm never watching the clock or thinking of something else I'd rather be doing. In fact, I have to remind myself to watch the clock, so I don't forget to dismiss my students. Much to their dismay, I'd keep them there all day if I could. Class always seems too short.
I'm most proud of receiving a Dean's Research Fund Grant. As a new faculty member, it feels like a welcoming vote of confidence.
I'm helping to shape young artists. I think of art as a visual and intellectual conversation about humanity. I can't think of a more important time to be teaching students how to express their view of humanity. We could all use some creativity and compassion right now.
I have not yet been here long enough to stockpile memories. They are all more like current events. I'm still enjoying the warm and welcoming southern hospitality of the "ULM family."
In my free time, I really just enjoy being home. I'm a homebody with a hint of Cat Lady. I like cooking, reading, and then there's the guilty pleasure: television.
I'm lucky enough to have a studio on campus. I love it; it's like my own warm little bubble. If an artist's brain could be a room, it would be their studio. It's a private, introspective, self-indulgent room that feels like your head, turned inside out. Who wouldn't want to sit inside their own head?
If my students were to leave my classroom knowing only one thing, I'd want them to know that art is as much about hard work, and being brave and constantly open to change, as it is about technique. And, I'd want them to be excited about that!
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© Dara Engler
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