On her art: An ongoing intrigue with the natural world and our interpersonal relationships within it are the inspiration for my work.
On teaching : It is my goal that this environment of learning, discovery, practice, and assessment will nurture the development of each individual student as an independent artist.
On being green : She attempts to leave as minimal a footprint as possible on the environment, “and there’s always room for improvement.”
Gretchen Goss Chair: Craft + Material Culture Environment Department Head: Enamel Professor: Enamel Kent State University, MFA and BFA, Enamel
Gretchen Goss balances the time devoted to teaching and her studio with as much time as she can engaging with nature through gardening, picking and canning fruits and vegetables, running trails, and swimming in lakes whenever possible. So it’s little surprise that when she gets into her studio to create enamel art, nature shows up in spades. Farms, gardens, plant forms, and the tranquility of water are recurring themes in Goss’ work. And for more than 30 years, Goss has been committed to exploring the medium of enamel with students and artists. “It is liberating to work in a medium so unique and rarely seen in mainstream art and contemporary craft practice,” Goss says. 196 cia.edu/admissions
Goss enjoys travel and often travels based on teaching engagements. “I’ve had the opportunity to teach in England and on both coasts of the U.S. and between. I try to see and absorb as much of the local environment as possible with each new teaching experience.” Goss is also a frequent exhibitor at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. With students, Goss aims to relay knowledge by example and exposure to established skills and traditions. But it’s important, too, that students feel encouraged to innovate. Her hope is that even as they’re learning techniques and concepts, they’re exploring a variety of career paths and homing in on who they want to be as artists.