Allison Baker She/Her www.allisonbaker.com abaker09@hamline.edu Sculpture, Fibers, Textiles, Video, Interdisciplinary In-person, Online, Hybrid mentor BIO My practice is rooted in feminist scholarship; my goal is to actualize theoretical concepts as tangible objects and experiences. A thematic subtext of my work revolves around cleaning, care giving, and labor. I’ve been making work about class and gendered poverty from a position of lived experience from within what Bourdieu would call a subordinated position as “the working-class ‘aesthetic’ is a dominated aesthetic,” because I’m trailer trash that likes shiny things and nacho cheese. Bio: Allison Baker earned her MFA in Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design, a BFA in Sculpture, and BA in Gender Studies from Indiana University. Her work investigates hegemonic femininity as a site of transgression and resistance with tongue planted firmly in cheek where she deploys irony and the abject in order to make space to ponder the soul crushing banalities of what many might term “women’s work.” It’s funny (hopefully) but funny with a serrated edge. Currently, she is an Associate Professor and Chair of Studio Art at Hamline University. TEACHING PHILOSOPHY & MENTORSHIP In my teaching I aim to affirm and support all students and teach with the pillars of my pedagogies of inclusivity at the center of my practice. I believe a good mentor can best support MFA candidates through encouragement and trust while still pushing them to make the most of their short time through experimentation and moving out of their comfort zones with modes of making. I also highly value professional practices and believe a mentor should also prepare MFA candidates for life after graduation.