Sketching, drawing, sculpting and molding with his hands are his hobbies, but putting his thoughts into artwork is his passion. Art teacher Todd Robey has always been in love with art. As an artist, Robey discovered that art can be found in the smallest things in life because there are so many different forms of art in the world.

“Art is so many things, it allows me to let all my feelings and thoughts out on paper, or clay, or a canvas, [by] looking at the simplest things,” Robey said.

Robey’s love of art began with comic books and movies  of aliens, monsters, and zombies.  Robey began to sketch the characters in the comic books and movies in which Robey saw. His work now resembles those early influences.

“I always gravitated towards art as a little kid because it helped me escape from  reality in a way,” Robey said.

As a teacher, Robey entered art competitions six years ago to display his artwork to the public. According to Robey, everyone has a different perspective when observing art.

“Viewing art is whatever the viewer is looking for,” Robey said. “Because we live in such a visual world, everything to me is art, [and] I look at things differently.”

Ever since he started showing his art work, Robey has been asked to produce artwork of his choice in his unique artistic style.

“I wasn’t used to people asking for my own work so it was a new and fun experience of being an artist,” Robey said.

Emboldened by the new experience of displaying his artwork to the public, Robey decided to teach an art class to inspire and inform students about the artistic world.

“I was looking for a change or new challenge,” Robey said. “I have always liked working with kids and for the last 15 years I have been learning to be a good art teacher and trying to perfect my teaching skills.

According to Robey, teaching an art class can be very difficult. Connecting with students, bringing out their creativity and teaching different methods to display their art requires a unique approach to teaching. Robey tries to let his students be inspired and confident in their own work. He wants them to draw inspiration from an open mind and from challenging their insecurities.

“My students are very judgmental of themselves because they might think [their work is] not good or no one will [understand] it,” Robey said. “When it comes down to making art, it doesn’t matter what other people think of your work.”

Robey’s extensive teaching experience has helped him improve as an artist, technically and creatively. He feels more confident in his abilities and comfortable in thinking openly.

“Being an art teacher for  15 years has inspired me to become a fearless artist and teaching has taught me to take risks,” Robey said.