Michael Yankowski


Contact Info

Michael Yankowski
Professor of Art
Office: 318-357-4484
Email: 5zVFcPQZcY@giJV8.edu
Education
M.F.A. Graphic Design, Louisiana Tech, Ruston Louisiana
M.S. Curriculum and Instruction, University of Wisconsin, Madison
B.S. Art Education, Universityof Wisconsin, Madison
 Michael Yankowski

Teaching Philosophy

I try to instill excitement in my students, the kind of excitement that nurtures passion. A passionate artist will see the need to learn and grow in their abilities and skill levels, as well as in what they have to say as human beings and citizens.

I take art seriously, very seriously, yet strive to keep it fun and interesting. I want my students to have a sense of play, the play that excites children who are bursting with creativity and curiosity. Often this playfulness and curiosity has been ignored for so long that students feel insecure and afraid to take risks. Taking risks is what leads to creativity. Mistakes are made, but in the arts those mistakes result in learning challenges which make the student grow.

Many students have great ideas yet lack the skills necessary to bring those ideas to life. I also enjoy passing on the knowledge I have gained regarding materials and techniques. Craftsmanship in conjunction with concept will yield quality and pertinent art. It is rewarding to see a student “make” something and take pride in what they have done.


Shroud
Shroud
Digital Montage		 Hubble Parameter
Hubble Parameter		 The Artist's Studio (Close-up)
The Artist's Studio (Close-up)
Mixed woods, found objects		 The Artist's Studio
The Artist's Studio
Mixed woods, found objects		 Escape Within
Escape Within
Plychrome wood
Artist Statement
The wonders of nature and the incredible variety of form found there fascinate me.

I am also interested in man’s desire to control nature. Technology of all forms intrigues me because it reflects a cultures desire to control the environment and make sense of the world.

I love the stuff of art. The smell of oils, the feel of wood, the weight of precious metal and the sound of a chisel and saw. When I have the urge to create (which is often) I am not limited to one media. Each piece of art develops from a concept in conjunction with a process. I may be working on a painting one week and classical guitar the next. Though partial to wood, I also bring concepts to life through, metal fabrication, painting, photography and computer graphics.


Red Rover
Red Rover
Acryic & gold leaf on wood