In 2020, I earned my MA in Art and Design from the University of Northern Colorado. In partial fulfillment of the requirements for my MA, I conducted an action research project in which I explored the effectiveness of research workbooks as an assessment tool of artistic growth. I chose to complete a research workbook myself as a method of self-assessment. Using self-assessment to identify strengths and areas where I need to improve is the first step to improving my artistic practice and, as a result, growing as an artist.
While research workbooks may not be an adequate way to measure artistic growth on their own, they led to some unexpected findings. As an artist keeping a research workbook, I engaged in personal artmaking, showed work in multiple exhibitions including a solo show and renewed my passion for art! I also recently became the new editor of Collage, the Colorado Art Education Association’s magazine.
To read more, check out the article I wrote for the Winter 2020-2021 issue of Collage.