Auburn instructor, Alexandra Giannell, discovered her love for art at a young age and now teaches her passion at the college level.
Giannell spent several years in Europe during her childhood. Her family lived in Germany for most of her childhood, specifically in three southwestern states: Hessen, Rheinland-Pflalz and Baden. Eventually, she moved to Athens, Greece. Giannell emphasized the beauty of living in this area.
“For me, living in Europe was an art historical dream in itself, being able to witness the beautiful landscape, historical architecture and masterworks in the museums,” Giannell said.
Giannell said that being exposed to fine art at a young age caused her to develop a passion for it as an adult.
“I have always been a maker, but I believe it was my exposure to an array of art and architecture at a young age that fostered my appreciation for the history of art, later reinforcing my art-making practice deeply,” Giannell said. “Perhaps it was when the making and thinking truly gelled that I discovered my love for art.”
Giannell attended high school in the states, where she studied at the University of North Carolina School of Arts, specifically in the Visual Arts Program. After graduation, she went to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and earned a degree in Painting with a minor in Art History. Giannell relates her own college experiences to those of her students to help them succeed.
“I recommend that art students seek a deep level of thinking and making while in school,” Giannell said. “Make time for courses that broaden and deepen your knowledge, engage in conversations that are challenging and productive, commit extended time to your studio practice and dig.”
Since she left college, Giannell has been teaching courses in advanced drawing and painting for over five years at Clemson University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and, most recently, Auburn University.
At Auburn, Giannell is a visiting assistant professor of painting and drawing. She teaches painting I, drawing I and advanced drawing I and II. During her teaching career, Giannell said she has learned a lot of important life lessons that will carry her through the rest of her career.
“As an educator, I am still learning, and as a maker, I am still asking questions in my practice,” Giannell said. “I have realized how imperative this is in becoming the best educator I can be.”
In regard to her personal work, Giannell has published several projects and exhibited throughout the Southeast. One of her favorites so far has been her “Dead Bodies Series.”
“I enjoyed the physical range of motion in the process of making this series, from the broad, powerful swing of the axe chopping to burn and making my charcoal, to the minutiae of the petite, slow gesture of later rendering with a pencil,” Giannell said. “Additionally, I enjoyed how such a physically demanding process produced such delicate, ephemeral products.”
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