Profile - Rick Schneider

Glass Blowing

Instructor Profile

Meet Rick Schneider
Instructor of Art

Master of Fine Arts (MFA), University of Wisconsin; Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History, University of Wisconsin

Question and Answer

  • Question

    Would you list some recent accomplishments?

    Answer

    Publications:

    • In Response to Glass Secessionism, Urban Glass Quarterly, Summer 2014
    • American Craft Magazine
    • Neus Glass Magazine
    • New Glass Review Magazine
    • American Style Magazine
    • Formed From Fire, book by Bandhu Scott Dunham

    Displayed Artwork:

    • Artwork titled "In the Bee's Yard" is on permanent display at the Museum of Art and Design in New York.
    • Artwork titled "the Finger" is in the collection of the Tacoma Museum of Art in Tacoma Washington.

  • Question

    What is your approach to teaching?

    Answer

    I focus on teaching the necessary technical skills to complete artistic works in glass as a basis for moving forward to achieving the student's creative vision. I seek to create a community within my classroom and studio where students are comfortable teaching and helping each other when I am not available. The physical skills needed to work with glass take time, patience, and the ability to see failures as learning moments. I work to instill the necessary courage to overcome the challenges of the material and find work emanating from the heart, soul, and mind of the student.

  • Question

    What inspires you as a teacher?

    Answer

    My students inspire me. Anyone willing to take the chance on trying to create something touches me deeply. I revel in their success and identify with the struggle. My teacher Steve Feren at the University of Wisconsin is the most heavily influential person in my artistic life. He taught me to put my bias aside and see beauty and potential in anything. He showed me how to understand the quality of an idea, even when I didn't personally like it.

  • Question

    How would you describe what happens during one of your most successful classes?

    Answer

    A successful class begins with a great discussion of concerns and questions. When students bring up their own concerns and I can answer them and get them moving forward, it benefits everyone. We then move to the Demonstration of the day, and if I can convey the necessary skills for my students to then achieve the desired objective, I have done my job.

  • Question

    What makes your curriculum interesting or valuable to students?

    Answer

    Glassblowing is hot, magical, dangerous, and rewarding.  Those willing to give it a try generally leave with an experience they will not forget.

  • Question

    How do you think students describe your teaching methods and classes?

    Answer

    I hope they think I convey the material in an engaging, inclusive, and fun manner.

  • Question

    What are some ways that you help students succeed when they need extra help?

    Answer

    The majority of my students are working in lab at times when I am not here to watch.  I work hard to make one-on-one time for students who need that extra help. Sometimes that can happen in class, or I try to visit during their lab times. I find it usually only takes one good session like this to analyze difficulties and correct them.

  • Question

    How do you help your students get the most out of your class?

    Answer

    I give it all I have. I am always looking for a better way to run my classes. I want more time to show them more stuff. I often forget it took me 25 years to learn all the things I know. I want to share it all in 2 years. I may never figure out how to do it, but I am trying.

Fun Facts

  • Fun Fact #1

    I play a variety of instruments, primarily drums and guitar

  • Fun Fact #2

    I played in a punk band doing original material in high school. We played the 7th Street Entry when I was 17. Never made the main room, and then the other guys all wanted to go to college.

  • Fun Fact #3

    I operate Isanti Spirits a small scale whiskey distillery when I am not here teaching.

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