Earlier this year, the School of Art + Design welcomed three new faculty members, Isabel Bo-Linn, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design; Emily Fitzgerald, Assistant Professor of Art Practice in Photography/Media; and Kat Richards, Assistant Professor of Art Practice in Printmaking.
The College of the Arts interviewed the new faculty members recently about their experiences at PSU thus far, what they are excited about in their classrooms, and what they are working on. (Responses have been edited for clarity.)
Isabel Bo-Linn Assistant Professor of Graphic Design
What classes did you teach last term and what are you currently teaching?
“I taught Intro to Motion/UX/UI and Information Design last term. This term I'm teaching Intro to Motion/UX/UI and Design Thesis II.”
What is your impression of PSU so far?
“Everyone at PSU has been incredibly welcoming and considerate.”
What are you looking forward to this term and the upcoming spring term?
“I'm looking forward to seeing what my students produce this term. I'm trying some new ideas and really trying to challenge my students – they're wonderful and seem excited for our projects. Also, my Design Thesis II students are seniors and are developing self-initiated projects so I'm very excited to see how their concepts come to fruition.”
What do you like to do outside of your teaching? Have you discovered any favorite spots in Portland?
“I live near Mt. Tabor so my husband and I have enjoyed walking our dog in the woods. We also love finding and trying new food spots around Portland, a recent find was The Paper Bridge, a Vietnamese restaurant.”
Learn more about Isabel Bo-Linn.
Emily Fitzgerald Assistant Professor of Art Practice in Photography/Media
What classes did you teach last term and what are you currently teaching?
“Last term I taught Digital Photography and co-taught BFA Vertical Lab. I am currently teaching Black and White Photography, an MFA Graduate Seminar for Art and Social Practice students and Directed Studies for MFAs.”
What do you find fulfilling about teaching at PSU and the School of Art + Design?
“I love getting to know the students and their work. It is really wonderful to have the opportunity to build relationships with students and get to know their practices over the course of multiple terms. I also love the interdisciplinary component of teaching in Art Practice.”
What are you looking forward to this term and the upcoming spring term?
“This quarter I am teaching Black and White Photography for the first time and I am so excited about spending time in the darkroom with students. I am also excited to be continuing the partnership between the Community for Positive Aging and PSU Art and Social Practice Program through the MFA Graduate Seminar for Art and Social Practice Students. In the Spring, I am teaching a Special Topics course called Making a Photo Book where students will build a photo book to demonstrate their photographs taken throughout the course. I am really looking forward to bringing in inspiring guest artists who make photo books and supporting students to create their own.”
Are you working on any new projects?
“I am working on a new project utilizing photographic storytelling and social practice to build empathy and inspire critical dialogue for people going through or having gone through a spectrum of reproductive experiences. The project is about individuals who have had to challenge the status quo in their reproductive journey, are unable or choose not to reproduce, and the ways in which the physical, emotional, and physiological experiences related to reproduction and fertility can shape a person's life.”
Learn more about Emily Fitzgerald.
Kat Richards Assistant Professor of Art Practice in Printmaking
What classes did you teach last term and what are you currently teaching?
“I taught Introduction to Relief in Printmaking in the spring. This term, I am teaching Intermediate Printmaking; this course is focused on incorporating technology as a tool and concept.”
How have you enjoyed teaching at PSU so far?
“It has been great so far. The students at PSU are incredible. Having students so willing to collaborate and form a community in a classroom changes what is possible within education. I am thankful for their spirit and dedication to each other's growth.”
What are you looking forward to this term and the upcoming spring term?
“Several visiting artists will be coming to PSU Printmaking for in-person and Zoom lectures and demonstrations. Additionally, the Print Club will be hosting various events, hangouts, and demonstrations exclusively for PSU students. See you there!”
Learn more about Kat Richards.