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Prof. Chad Holliday on Merging Artistry with Academia

Sculpting glass and molding a career as an art professor share fundamental similarities: both require dedication, creativity, and unique techniques, whether in the studio or the classroom. In an insightful interview, Professor Chad Holliday, an assistant professor at West Texas A&M University, discusses his dual passions for being a professional artist and an educator, as well as his outreach efforts within local communities.

Evolving Artistic Expression in Education

Andrew Hibel, HigherEdJobs: Your artistic endeavors and commitment to education seem to blend seamlessly. How have you combined your love for art with your role in higher education?

Chad Holliday: I was initially eager to teach about life as a whole. Over time, I recognized that art was my most effective medium for exploring life’s complexities. My journey through graduate school fueled my desire to teach, but I understood I needed more hands-on experience to enrich my future students’ learning. Through mentorship from renowned artists, I developed my unique perspectives on art before dedicating myself to teaching when I returned to academia post-Fulbright experience, driven to share what I had learned.

Teaching Techniques: Shifting Paradigms

Hibel: Your teaching repertoire includes various techniques such as glass blowing and sand casting. How have these instructional methods evolved?

Holliday: The American Studio Glass Movement has primarily embraced Italian glass-blowing techniques, which I found somewhat restrictive for my creative visions. Under the mentorship of Frantisek Janak, a Czech glass master, I learned to embrace mold-making and traditional glass techniques. Collaborating with other established artists helped me synthesize these disparate styles and concepts, allowing me to innovate and apply my diverse skill set creatively.

Graduate Degrees: MFA vs. Ph.D.

Hibel: What’s the difference between pursuing an MFA and a Ph.D. in the context of both the art community and academia?

Holliday: The MFA is considered the terminal degree for practicing artists, focusing on creative processes and in-depth exploration. Those in MFA programs often have opportunities to teach and gain invaluable experience. In contrast, Ph.D. programs typically emphasize aesthetics and philosophical discourse over practical application. While both paths require substantial research and critical writing, MFA graduates must also demonstrate their concepts through physical creations. Personally, I am contemplating pursuing a Ph.D. in the future.

Balancing Art and Academia with Personal Life

Hibel: How do you manage the demands of being a professional artist and a professor while maintaining your personal life?

Holliday: It can be challenging. For the first time this semester, I’m not overextending my teaching commitments, which previously involved managing up to 36 contact hours and multiple syllabi. Balancing these responsibilities requires constant prioritization. Reflecting on my experiences, I realize my foremost commitments are to family, students, and my artistic practice, in that order. Currently, I’m preparing for an exhibition during finals week, so the pressure is particularly high. Each role demands my full attention to ensure success in every area.

The Importance of Art in Community Engagement

Hibel: What is the significance of exposing students and the public to art?

Holliday: Art serves as a crucial medium for ongoing dialogue within society. Artists communicate diverse perspectives, fulfilling a responsibility to engage the public meaningfully. Through my involvement in various cultural exchanges, including leading students to the Czech Republic and Turkey, I emphasize the universal experiences conveyed through art. It is vital for artists to add value to community life, transforming spaces and elevating ordinary experiences through creativity.

Enhancing Art Education

Hibel: What steps can fine arts programs take to enhance educational opportunities for students globally?

Holliday: Art education must begin early and emphasize community engagement. It’s essential to educate not only students but also the general public, creating a culture that values artistic expression. Creative problem-solving is a unique feature of art that challenges traditional notions of right and wrong. Our outreach initiatives, like the Night Blow event, aim to engage the wider public and bring internationally recognized artists into our community. Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations enhances students’ understanding and appreciation of art while expanding their educational horizons.

Addressing Funding and Debt Challenges in the Arts

Hibel: With rising tuition demands, many arts graduates abandon their ambitions. How do you view this trend, and what solutions do you suggest?

Holliday: I have faced similar challenges with student debt and encourage my students to remain engaged in art regardless of external pressures. I strive to offer pragmatic advice, showcasing how their artistic skills can lead to diverse career paths. The educational system must emphasize quality over expediency to maintain rigorous artistic standards. Despite challenges, I have seen nearly all my students find success in the field of art. We must cultivate respect for the arts and operate professionally to enhance funding opportunities and elevate perceptions of artistic careers.

Redefining the Art-Craft Relationship

Hibel: How do you address perceptions of craft within art, and what lessons do you impart to your students?

Holliday: The delineation between art, craft, and design remains a complex topic. I encourage my students to think of these disciplines as interconnected rather than hierarchically arranged. Drawing from experiences in graduate school, I emphasize that while each aspect has unique qualities, they enrich one another in practice. I advocate for focusing on broader definitions that can help navigate biases in job applications and gallery representations. Encouraging students to sell their skills under a more encompassing term, such as sculpture, prepares them more effectively for the job market.

Career Building in Higher Education

Hibel: What advice do you have for artists pursuing careers in higher education?

Holliday: It is crucial to remain diverse and adaptable. Understanding and leveraging the strengths of various disciplines can provide significant advantages. Engaging with technological advancements and collaborating across fields fosters a supportive creative community rather than a competitive one.

The Art of Communication and Networking

Hibel: What insights have you gained regarding effective communication and networking in your dual roles?

Holliday: Different groups possess distinct communicative styles. Being direct and transparent is essential, while equally important is the ability to listen and engage thoughtfully. Balancing efficiency with effective communication can yield more fruitful interactions.

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