As an artist, educator, author and passionate advocate for the facility of visible tradition, I’ve devoted the previous a number of many years to creating, educating and writing about artwork. Extra importantly, I’ve helped others uncover their very own connection to creativity.
A profession rooted in creativity
As a painter, I’ve exhibited my work in galleries and museums throughout the nation. I’m additionally a part of a public artwork design staff with 9 accomplished initiatives, together with a latest short-term mural at Los Angeles Worldwide Airport. My tutorial journey spans over forty years of educating artwork on the college stage. I now maintain the title of Professor Emerita on the College of Southern California’s Roski College of Artwork and Design.
My experiences aren’t restricted to studio apply and academia. I’ve written extensively about artwork for the reason that Nineteen Nineties, contributing exhibition evaluations, catalog essays, artist interviews and books. Artwork isn’t just my career — it’s the lens via which I reside, assume and join with others.
About Exploring Artwork, 6e
The latest version of “Exploring Artwork: A World Thematic Method”, out there in early 2026, is now proudly in its sixth version. It’s designed to be a pupil’s first step of their journey towards a viable and vibrant profession path in artwork. Whether or not they aspire to be artists, designers, curators, architects, museum workers or digital creators, this title introduces them to the varied fields that make up as we speak’s artwork and design panorama.
Expertise developed via artwork training are relevant past the humanities. Entrepreneurs depend on visible messaging. Scientists establish patterns. Dentists match colours and carve varieties. Artwork touches every thing — and that’s a message I weave all through the title.
Guiding ideas of the textbook
Whereas writing “Exploring Artwork,” I centered on 4 key objectives:
- Join visible tradition to college students’ on a regular basis lives.
- Use clear, accessible language with out sacrificing depth.
- Provide a balanced, inclusive perspective — historic and up to date, Western and non-Western, high-quality artwork, design and craft.
- Present sensible instruments for college students’ future careers.
These priorities form the title’s construction, tone and scope. It’s thematic, so it speaks to common human considerations. It additionally encourages college students to interact with the artwork round them, from avenue murals and vogue to structure and web tradition.
Expertise and instruments for the longer term
For those who’re educating with this title, you’re not solely offering college students with a priceless data set, however you’re additionally equipping them with:
- A visible vocabulary
- Familiarity with creative components, ideas and supplies
- A deeper appreciation of world artwork traditions
- The flexibility to investigate and create photographs in numerous contexts
- A pathway to private and group engagement with artwork
These capabilities foster smooth expertise, similar to important considering, adaptability and sample recognition. All are extremely valued throughout industries.
Enriching lives via artwork
“Exploring Artwork” goals to complement college students’ lives by inspiring significant reflection on the thrill and challenges all of us face. Whether or not they develop into artists or extra art-aware residents, they’ll carry these insights with them.
Thanks for becoming a member of me on this artistic journey. And welcome to a world of private {and professional} creative discovery.
Written by Margaret Lazzari, College of Southern California’s Roski College of Artwork and Design.
