Nadyia Duff- "Summer Teacher Feature"

Tell us something about yourself: what is your creative history?

I am originally from Kingston Jamaica, but I moved to Miami in 1995 at age five. I have been in Florida ever since. I have always enjoyed art in elementary school and drew daily but after surviving cancer, I decided that in Middle and High School I would focus my studies in the biomedical field and become a doctor.

What inspired you to become an art educator? How long have you been teaching?

I went to a magnet school for biomedical sciences for middle and high school. In my Junior year of High School, I signed up for a cooking elective class. I found out I signed up too late and cooking class was filled to capacity. The counselors had placed me in a level 1 art class. I excelled in the art class and was always finished with assignments early. My teacher would tell me to help my classmates when I was finished and I found it to be the most amazing feeling ever. I received my BFA in Art Education from the University of Florida and I have been teaching since 2012.

What is your favorite medium to work in and why?

I can’t say that I have a favorite medium. I use whatever I can find; pens, markers, crayons, paint, ink, highlighters, tape. However, I do prefer to use ones that require the least clean up.

What is your proudest teaching moment?

My proudest teaching moments usually happen when my students come back to me and tell me they have tried something I taught them at home and then bring me back their renditions of what they learned on their own time.

If you could have lunch with any artist in the world (living or not) who would it be and why?

I supposed I would have lunch with Jenny Saville. I love the way she depicts the human body with no regard for perfection. Her use of line, space, color and lack of color is amazing. I’d let her know I dig it and to give me some pointers.

What are your personal and professional art dreams for the future?

My personal and professional art dreams would probably be to gain a professional degree in the arts and to maintain my consistency as a practicing artist and teacher.