Y1 E15 - Elizabeth Wickerham - Teaching, Fibers, and Sourdough

Elizabeth Wickerham

All images courtesy of the artist

My name is Elizabeth Wickerham. I have been teaching art for seventeen years. I have taught grades 5th-12th. I am currently a teacher at New Lothrop Junior/Senior High School. I live in Flushing Michigan with my husband, two children, and lots of creatures. I have been making art since I could remember and I have always wanted to be a teacher so I combined my two passions. I have worked with so many mediums and I love clay, but more recently I have been working with fibers. More specifically needle punch. 

Hi Elizabeth - it's so great to have you here to talk with me/us. Let's jump in.

What do you love about making art?

Elizabeth Wickerham

My why has always been the satisfaction of making something with your hands. I think this has become so much more important than ever before. I have found that students struggle now more than ever with using their hands to create. Time spent on screens has really impacted their willingness to create. Instant gratification and the frustration at failing keep them from enjoying art. Once they get past these things, watching them love art like I do is another reason. That sense of accomplishment and pride are so important!! 

Where do you create?

I mostly work at home. I do love working with my students and when I have an advanced group I love working along with them. Working with others who love creating as much as I do is the most rewarding. 

How do you decide what to create?

When I invest time and money into a new project I like it to serve a purpose. Most everything I create has a place in my home or is created as a gift. I have really found joy in decorating and I often create chair pads, pillows, wall hangings, purses, rugs, and decorate around my creations. 

Do you have any advice for creators getting frustrated and throwing work away

Ok, because I work with young artists I figured this would be a good question to answer. Frustrations can be tough. Working through them makes the feeling of success even greater. Mistakes can lead you in directions that often can make your work even better. I love the end product of art but it’s really about the process. I have a difficult time watching my students throw things away, but it’s ok! I do too! With my students I tell them to at least share it with their parents first and in some cases I have them keep it to recreate it! Throwing something away is ok!

What are you working on currently?

Currently I am really into this sourdough fad! It’s so fun and I love how creative you can be! Kneading the dough is a lot like wedging clay. Mixing different flavors and cutting ingredients, scoring the top, the proofing and the baking process! Even feeding the starter everyday is very fulfilling. I have found so much enjoyment from exploring all of the different things that can be made. Watching my family and friends enjoy something I have created is the best!! I have even been selling it a bit! I can’t wait to try banana walnut muffins later this week!!

Elizabeth - thank you so much for sharing your story with me/us. I need a snack. [LOL] This has been such fun. Best wishes for the school year!