Santa Rosa Junior College

Lisa Beerntsen, Float
acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36" 2009

Artist Statement

My biggest inspiration is from nature, most often from the botanical world. I marvel at the seemingly endless diversity, intricacy, and beauty of plant forms. As my current works leans towards the abstract, I am less interested in nature's outward appearances and more interested in its processes. I'm interested in how patterns and forms repeat in different manifestations and scales, from the microscopic to immense. Things that animate space-- that float or drift on air or in water-- hold a lasting fascination for me. In these paintings I'd like to create a kind of space that the viewer might enter.

Teaching Philosophy

In teaching art, I like to think the kinds of ideas and skills we teach apply to our lives outside the classroom as well: how to look deeply and get past preconceptions; to enjoy & trust in the process; to find inspiration in unexpected places; to both think analytically & follow intuition in turn; to solve problems and move beyond the simple solutions. The power inherent in creating. I know that for many students in my foundation level art classes, the class they take from me may serve as a sort of introduction to art, and I'd like for it to be as positive as possible.

FACULTY SHOW 2009: Recent Work by SRJC Faculty

Artist Statement

Teaching Philosophy