Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

Well My name is Irene, I joke with others that the best way to remember it is to think of the hurricane. I have been making art since I could hold a crayon. I started off with mainly cartooning and drawing. Once I discovered anime that changed everything concerning  my style and subject matter. My artwork is heavily influenced by my main loves- Japanese culture, Crocs, Cats and Labubus.  

What attracted you to work at One River School?

My original major at Kean was Art Education. This is where I also started exploring my passion for ceramics. I knew I liked two things -art and helping people. When I discovered One River I thought, this could be the place for me. I liked how the classes worked, how the lesson plans were organized and that students would be learning about the artists of today- not just the old masters. 

How would you describe what it is like to teach at One River?

It’s constantly a learning experience. My students keep me on my toes. They like seeing what I can do, what I can draw. They make me want to keep improving. I also learn from my colleagues, the other instructors, the Directors of Education. I see how they talk to their students, how they keep the motivation up and how they teach. 

What has been your favorite project to teach and why?

See, this is a difficult question because I end up- without fail, making a teacher sample of all the projects along with my students. But if I had to pick one, it would be the Murikami Kids Cartooning Show Project a few years ago. My students at the time never worked really big before and this was the first time they had the 19x 24 bristol in front of them. They weren’t overwhelmed, they were excited every week to come to class to work.

Is there a special One River moment that stands out for you?

I had a student gift me a miniature Croc Jibbitz because he – and almost every student I ever taught – knows that all I wear are Crocs. Actually if I had a nickel for every croc related gift I received I think I’d have a whole dollar.  

What do you enjoy outside of One River?

Oh, there’s a list of things. I play a video game called Overwatch. I try to watch the anime that my teen students recommend to me. Naps are also important to me – especially when a cat curls up on top of me.