About Ms. Buchanan
GETTING TO KNOW MS. BUCHANAN:
Tell us about yourself:
I am a recent graduate from Southern Utah University with a degree in Art Education. I am passionate about making art and exploring creativity with students. I believe that every student is an artist, and my greatest joy in life is to support each student's artistry. I've had experience teaching art through student teaching, and a wide variety of workshops, camps, and community activities. My main personal art forms are painting, printmaking, and drawing, though I love to experiment with every medium.
If you could have lunch with 1 person dead or alive, who would that be and why?
I would have lunch with one of my favorite artists, Vincent Van Gogh. I would love to talk with him about color, painting. and the joys of having art in your life. I think he is one of the most interesting artists that has ever existed, and I would love to get to know him in this day and age.
What is something on your Bucket List?
One thing on my bucket list is to travel somewhere to see the aurora borealis. This is such a beautiful phenomenon, and I have to see it before I die.
What book have you read that changed you and why?
One book I read that changed me was Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. This book is such a beautiful look at what it means to be alive. It follows the stories of many anxious people who are doing their best to make it through life, and the beauty and challenges of all that entails. It's a beautiful book.
What is your favorite thing about teaching or working with young people?
My favorite thing about teaching and working with young people is their enthusiasm. Young people are so incredible in their ability to learn and grow and be fully invested in learning. I always learn from young people when I work with them, because they know so much about how to live and be happy. I love the moments when students make discoveries and show growth. That is one of the most rewarding things in the world.
How would a friend describe you in three words?
Compassionate, creative, and clever.
If you had to compare yourself to one fictional character, who would it be and why?
I think one fictional character who I often relate to is Finn the Human from Adventure time. I am a lover of cartoons -a child at heart- and this character has always resonated with me because of his resilience, love for life, and his journey in learning about life. I relate to Finn's sense of justice, as well as his sense of humor. Finn is someone who helps people every time he can, and he serves his friends and community with a beautiful selflessness. I hope that one day I can be as much of a hero as Finn, but for now, I relate most to his journey to find himself.
What is the best BAD decision you ever made?
When I was 19, I made the decision to drop out of school. I was attending Snow College, and I didn't want to continue working towards my degree. I dropped out and moved in with my parents. After doing this, I realized what a Bad decision that was. When I stopped going to school, I realized just how much I value my education. I returned to college shortly after, this time attending SUU. The decision to drop out was kind of a mistake, but in the time I was not at school I learned so much about who I am and what I want in life. That has been invaluable to me and my journey through life.
When are you most yourself?
I am most myself when I am painting and blasting my favorite music at the same time. I love to get into "the zone" when it comes to art making. It is one of the most rewarding things that I do.
What could you spend all day talking about?
I can always talk about Expressionist art, Abstract art, cartoons, and Taylor Swift. I can also spend a lot of time talking about individual artists that I love- Vincent Van Gogh, Gustav Klimt, Mary Cassatt, Piet Mondrian, Helen Frankethaler and so many more. I can truly geek out about art history.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love to read, watch movies, spend time at the beach, and relax.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
DEGREE:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from Southern Utah University
LICENSE:
- Secondary Education professional license with a K-12 Visual Art endorsement
