Lauren Schiller, M.F.A.

Professor of Fine Arts
Department of Communication Media and the Arts

My recent paintings have focused on rituals of contemplative significance. I’m interested in how people express their spiritual needs materially through the use of personal and ceremonial objects in shrines, altars and other sacred spaces. I paint from displays of sculptures, photographs, candles, foods, offering bowls and other objects chosen for their symbolic meaning, especially focusing on their groupings in the constructed environment of personal altars. Contemplative practices are intended to remind us to pause, to reflect, and to take time to connect with our inner world and a deeper dimension of life.

The classes that I teach consist of required courses for art and design majors that also include students from other disciplines who are taking painting or drawing for elective credit. Over the years, this has caused me to reflect on the importance of the arts as a component of a liberal arts education. While emphasizing basic skills, I also work to introduce the process of taking a creative approach to applying these skills. It is my hope that all students leave my classes with a deeper understanding of art making and the role of creativity in their lives.