Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Adrienne Bayton ’03 is teaching Foundation Drawing at Swarthmore currently and plans to continue next semester. She recently sat down for an interview with the Daily Gazette:
DG: What’s it like coming back to teach where you were a student?
AB: It’s a little weird because not too much has changed. It’s a wonderfully familiar place, but the experience is also bittersweet…
DG: Did you ever expect to come here and teach?
AB: No! I never thought I’d be back …
DG: In addition to your Studio Arts major, did you have any other majors or minors at Swat?
AB: I actually jumped around departments quite a bit. From philosophy to computer science…. It took me a while to choose; ultimately, the art department was where I had made the best relationships with the faculty. I had made that connection.
DG: What do you think most influenced your decision to teach art on a college level?
AB: Having had such incredible professors myself… My experience here.
DG: What art projects are you working on at the moment?
AB: I just worked a lot with collage. I’ve been using old family photos and experimenting with the figure in isolation from the landscape.
DG: How do you like teaching Swarthmore students?
AB: Swat students are great! I feel really privileged to be teaching the cream of the cream. It’s quite a contrast though [to past experiences]… It’s easier to communicate ideas and I can see the response…. Also, they get their homework in on time!
DG: What do you see planned for the next year or so?
AB: I’m teaching Foundation again in the spring and for next year I’m trying to make travel plans. So, hopefully I will be abroad next year.
DG: What advice would you give current Swatties?
AB: In general, don’t take this time for granted. This is the foundation for so many important things. For people pursuing art, don’t be afraid of becoming ambitious early, try and think of a plan for yourself… It’s good to do your research [about graduate programs] and travel. All Swat students should know that by now. Travel now. Especially with aid available.
DG: What do you find rewarding about visual art?
AB: … it’s like a problem that’s never solved. It’s like I’m hooked! … I get to make order out of chaos.
