“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way.”—Georgia O'Keeffe
about natalie theis
teaching philosophy
I believe it is my job as instructor to create an environment that is both challenging and inspirational. It is my goal to instill in students the confidence and knowledge to push themselves and each other to levels never explored before through techniques such as individual and group critique and interaction.
Another objective is to encourage students to reveal the potential artists within themselves through demonstration of traditional and contemporary techniques and materials. I test their technical skills through both spontaneous, short exercises and planned, thoroughly executed projects developed from sketches and written prospectuses.
The various experience levels present in the classroom setting facilitate teaching from the standpoint that all students feel the desire to challenge themselves and each other continuously, pushing their limits with each project and skill learned progressively throughout the semester. I make myself readily available to students both inside and outside of the classroom setting for additional demonstration and discussion of materials and techniques.
I also teach with the belief that we are all adults and students make the conscious decision and choice to participate and challenge themselves through asking questions and demonstrations beyond those given in class. I feel this is only successful through instructor availability and dedication to giving each student the finest education possible.
artist's statement
Concepts of multiplicity are explored in all of my work. This is evident in the processes involved in creating the work as well as the work itself. It culminates with multiple pieces that, as a collective, form one unified sculpture. My current body of work experiments with ideas of multiplicity using traditional and contemporary materials and creation methods. I incorporate aspects of hand building, throwing, and casting into my ceramic art. I also employ alternative casting and mold making techniques into my mixed media work. The result of utilizing a variety of techniques and materials is a body of artwork that continues to evolve and grow.
professional vita
education
Post-Graduate Work, Ceramics, (4.0GPA)
Total Immersion Program of Ceramics in China
West Virginia University (sponsoring institution)
China
M.F.A. Ceramics, 2005 (3.9 GPA)
Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
B.F.A. Ceramics, 2001 (3.4 GPA)
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
teaching
Assistant Professor
Delta College, Bay City, MI
17 sections of Ceramics I—Fall 2005 to present; 9 sections of Ceramics II—Fall 2005 to present;
7 sections of Design II: 3D Design—Fall 2006 to present;
3 sections of Art History and Appreciation I—Winter 2008 to present
(developing syllabi, implementing curriculum, coordinate renovation and reorganization of Ceramics and Sculpture Labs, create and implement outcomes and objectives for 3D program, conduct individual and group critiques, renovating studio space and reorganizing classes offered, implementing curriculum, creating and implementing assessment techniques, demonstrating use of materials and equipment, conducting individual and group critiques)
Instructor of Record
Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
4 sections of Introduction to Ceramics: Handbuilding—Spring 2005, Fall 2004, Spring 2004; 3 sections of 3D Design—Spring 2005, Fall 2004, Fall 2003
(developing syllabi, implementing curriculum, demonstrating use of materials and equipment, conducting individual and group critiques)
Graduate Assistant—Studio Technician Manager
Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, MI
2004-2005 (preparation of materials, organizing storage areas and materials, coordinating meeting times and places with faculty and students)
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Art Appreciation—Fall 2003 (300-student lecture, Preparation of materials, preparation of mediated classroom, note taking, exam proctoring)
Instructor
Opportunity Enterprises, Valparaiso, IN
Ceramics, 2001-2003
(individual and group instruction, preparation of materials kiln firings, inventory and ordering of materials)
Instructor
Adventure Camp, Bloomington, IN Fine Arts Summer 2000
(group instruction at multiple sites, supervise support staff, develop projects, order materials)
professional committees
Jeff Sorrells Promotion Committee, Delta College, MI 2008
Mike Faleski Promotion Committee, Delta College, MI 2008
American Association of University Professionals Executive Committee, Recording Secretary, Delta College, bay City, MI 2008
Safe Spaces, Facilitator, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2008
Faculty Center for Teaching Excellence Advisory Committee Delta College, Bay City, MI 2007-present
Global Awareness Committee, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2007
Delta College Senator, Humanities Representative, Delta College Bay City, MI 2006-present
Calendar Committee, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2006-present
Galleria Exhibition Coordinator, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2005-present
workshops, presentations given
Learning Days Promotion Presentation Facilitator, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2008
Living Creatively Presentation, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2008
Monthly Enrichment Circle Facilitator, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2008, 2007
Delta College Asian/Pacific Heritage Month Co-Facilitator, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2008, 2007
Global Awareness Panel, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2007
ArtWalk QTV TV Interview, Studio 23, Bay City, MI 2007
Ricker Open House Co-Facilitator, Ricker Center, Saginaw, MI 2006
Slide Lecture/Gallery Talk, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2006
China Ceramics Tour Slide Presentation, Kouts, IN 2006
Student Availability Panel Co-Facilitator, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2006
Artist Lecture Series, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2005
Graduate Slide Presentation, NCECA, Baltimore, MD 2005
Slide Presentation, 24 Hour Review, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2004
Graduate Slide Presentation, NCECA, Indianapolis, IN 2004
Slide Presentation, Art Appreciation, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2003
ARTCAMP 2002, Prairie Arts Council, Rensselaer, IN
Handbuilding Workshop, Clear Creek Elementary, Bloomington, IN 2001
Monthly Art Workshop, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Bloomington, IN 1999-2000
awards and fellowships
Best of Show, Best Sculpture, Best Graduate Work, Student Annual Vol II, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2003
Graduate Assistantship, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2004-2005, 2003-2004
Graduate Fellowship, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2004-2005, 2003-2004
Top 25 Regional Artists, Oregionality, Valparaiso, IN 2000
selected exhibitions: juried
Kinsey Institute 2009 Internation Exhibition, Kinsey Institute, Bloomington, IN 2008
Multiplicity, Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights, IL 2008
ArtComp 2008, Chesterton Art Center, Chesterton, IN 2008
Ann Arbor Arts Center 2008 Annual All Media Exhibition, Ann Arbor Arts Center, Ann Arbor, MI 2008
Michigan Ceramics 2008,Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, MI 2008
Reiner Arts Center Juried Exhibition, Reiner Arts Center, Valparaiso, IN 2008
Au Sable Valley Fine Art Exhibition, Kirtland Community College, Roscommon, MI 2008
Self School Juried Art Show, S.E.L.F. School, Valparaiso, IN 2006-2008
State of the Arts Exhibition 2007, Saginaw Township Administration Office, Saginaw, MI 2007
Studio 23 Juried Holiday Extravaganza, Studio 23, bay City, MI 2007
Body Eclectic, Lawrence Street Gallery, Ferndale, MI 2005
Student Annual Vol III, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2005
Contemporary Bronze Exhibition, curator, artist, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2004
ArtComp 2004, Chesterton Art Gallery, Chesterton, IN 2004
Student Annual Vol II, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2004
Michigan Mudd, Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village, Detroit, MI 2003
ArtComp 2002, Chesterton Art Gallery, Chesterton, IN 2002
Homecoming IV: Emerging Artists, Prairie Arts Council, Rensselaer, IN 2002
First Lady’s Art Series, Governor’s Residence, Indianapolis, IN 2000
Stonesong, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 1999
selected exhibitions: invitational
Delta Art Faculty Exhibition, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
Michigan Clay Artist’s Invitational, GFAC, Flint, MI 2004-2008
Show Love, 555 Gallery, Detroit, MI 2005
Faculty Art Exhibition, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2004
Saginaw Art Museum Michigan Invitational: Ceramics 2004, Saginaw, MI 2004
Well, Well #1, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2003
Faculty Art Exhibition, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2003
Memorial Opera House Benefit, Memorial Opera House, Valparaiso, IN 2002
Into My Mind, Lake and Land Gallery, Valparaiso, IN 2002
Studio 64 Fall Extravaganza, Studio 64, Valparaiso, IN 2002
Hoosier Millennium Photo Collection, Indiana Statehouse, Indianapolis, IN 2002-2001
Soup Bowl Benefit Project, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Bloomington, IN 2001, 2000
selected exhibitions: solo
Natalie Theis Current Works, Studio 23, Bay City, MI 2008
Natalie M.L. Theis Solo Exhibition, ceramics and photography, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2006
MFA Ceramics Thesis Exhibition, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2005
Oral Fetish, Bovee University Center and Park Library, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2003
Dinner Engagement, Wightman Hall, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2003
BFA Ceramics Thesis Exhibition, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 2001
collections
Kinsey Institute of Art Permanent Collection, Bloomington, IN
Bay Regional Med Center Permanent Collection, Bay City, MI
Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute Permanent Collection, Jingdezhen, China
Wishard Art Collection, Wishard Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
professional organizations
American Association of University Professionals, worldwide
Michigan Ceramic Artists Association, MI
Greater Flint Arts Council, Flint, MI
Ceramics Guild, President, Secretary, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI (organize meetings, recruit members, organize ceramic sales and fundraising, contact professional artists, organize and setup artist lectures and demonstrations, represent club at conferences and university meetings)
National Council on the Education of Ceramic Arts, worldwide
Ceramics Guild, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Chesterton Art Guild, Chesterton, IN
Brauer Museum Friends of Art, Valparaiso, IN
Prairie Arts Council, Rensselaer, IN
American Craft Council, worldwide
College Art Association, nationwide
community outreach
Delta College Tombstone Project, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2008, 2007, 2006
Eyes Wide Open Awareness Project, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2008
Walk for Those Who Can’t Team Leader, Valparaiso, IN 2008, 2007
State Theatre Taste & Theatrics Fundraiser, Bay City, MI 2008
Bay Regional Med Center “Stayin’ Alive” Fundraiser, Bay City, MI 2008
A Heart to B.E.E. Benefit, Chicago, IL 2008, 2007
Bay City ArtWalk Volunteer, Bay City, MI 2008-2006
Art For Life Fundraiser Coordinator, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2008-2006
National Council on the Education of Ceramic Arts Convention, Pittsburgh, PA 2008, Louisville, KY 2007, Portland, OR 2006, Baltimore, MD, 2005, Indianapolis, IN 2004
Eat for Heat, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2008-2005
State Theatre 5th Annual Fundraiser, Bay City, MI 2007
Trip Around the World International Extravaganza, Saginaw, MI 2007
Delta College Young Author’s Day, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2006
Organize Visiting Artist Rachel Bleil, Delta College, Bay City, MI 2006
Empty Bowls, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2005
College of Communication and Fine Arts, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2004-2005, 2003-2004
Student Activities Committee, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2004-2005, 2003-2004
Hilltop House, Valparaiso, IN 2003-present
Salvation Army 2002-present
Brownie Troop Leader, DDGSC, Kouts, IN 2003-2002
Client Events Designer, OE, Valparaiso, IN 2003-2001
Goodwill 1996-present
skills
Ceramics: operating extruder, slabroller, slipmixer, claymixer, wheel, formulating and mixing glazes, claybodies, engobes, terra sigilattas, firing electric, Alpine gas kilns, and wood kiln, repairing electric kilns, plaster casting
Sculpture: bronzecasting, MIG certified, oxyacetylene torch welding fine and coarse metals, table saw, circular saw, foredom, plaster moldmaking, drill press, metal forming, multiple part rubber mold making, plastic casting
Photography: slide taking of sculptural work and 2D images, black and white developing darkroom training, digital photography
Computer: Word, Works, PowerPoint, Blackboard, iPhoto, Office, basic Dreamweaver, Photoshop, operating mediated classroom (internal computer, Lighting, visualizer, overhead projector, slide projector, Audio)