Arts Section

Interview with Ms. Geiger

Instead of the student art feature, this month’s edition of the STU Spectator has decided to focus on an art teacher that helps so many students to create. Ms. Geiger has been at STU for a while, but this year she has stepped up to use her skills in teaching several different art classes. In this interview, Ms. Geiger provided some insight to her artistic and teaching career. 

Ms. Geiger enjoys teaching art because, “Seeing someone making art is like watching them think. You can tell when they are stressed out or perfectionism is holding them back.” About student art specifically, she says, "You might find a creative medium that you use for the rest of your life or you might never do it again, but you might learn something new about art and yourself.” When teaching, Ms. Geiger places special emphasis on observational art, assigning quick sketches of classmates as a warmup, or still life projects. She comments, “The basis of this kind of art practice is careful observation of your subject, which can be difficult when you have been running around all day and tired from all your other classes and obligations… …To find value relationships, notice subtle colors, and observe light and shadow.” Another important point she makes about making and learning art is that, “The only way to improve at art (or any skill) is to do it again and again… …Practice and the creative process are skills that I would consider a priority.” 

In her art, Ms. Geiger enjoys using gouache, oil paint, and charcoal, remarking how charcoal is great for gesture drawing and capturing movement. Relatably, she says, “I like materials that can create a strong level of opaque color. I find watercolors and transparent inks less forgiving of mistakes.” One of Ms. Geiger’s personal artistic goals is to paint Old Main, noting that, “This is such a beautiful and historic building that we get to be in every day.” 

Some of her favorite art styles are Baroque and Pre Raphaelite because of their striking “dreamlike emotional quality,” further mentioning, “I like storytelling in art even if it is overly sincere. To me, they are stories and themes that will always feel relevant because they are about basic human experiences, feelings, and the observation of nature. Pre Raphaelite paintings are so visually rich, but leave you with a sense of quiet sadness. I like Baroque painting too because it is dramatic, tense, and chaotic, letting go of any ideas about linear harmony or structure.” The Pre Raphaelite painting Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais below exemplifies her points. 

To end, Ms. Geiger gives a shout out to, “Everyone who is trying something new this year! Whether it’s art, music, theater, or a new language, it is scary to put yourself out there and try something new. You guys are awesome!”

Sage Kizer 

Interview by Val Wehring