Faculty Spotlight: Koichi Yamamoto
The professional path of Koichi Yamamoto to the University of Tennessee-Knoxville is deeply rooted in a passion for printmaking and a global perspective on art. His journey began at the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) in Portland, Oregon, where he graduated in 1992. Following this, Yamamoto moved to Krakow, Poland, to produce lithography prints, supported by gallery sales in Portland and, this time, in Central Europe, which provided invaluable exposure to graphic art and its rich history.
Eager to further his craft, Yamamoto pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Alberta in Canada, a program known for its strong connections with Polish and Japanese printmakers. This experience opened up an international network of artists and competitions that helped shape his understanding of printmaking as a global art form. After earning his MFA, Yamamoto had the opportunity to work in Denmark and later joined Utah State University as an assistant professor in 2000. Following a six-year tenure, he taught at the University of Delaware before arriving at the University of Tennessee in 2007.
A Teaching Philosophy Rooted in Trust and Discovery
At the core of his teaching philosophy is the belief that learning and teaching require trust, a relationship often built through shared experiences and accepting mistakes. In printmaking, failure is part of the creative process, leading to unexpected and sometimes profound results.
In his classroom, Yamamoto encourages students to reflect deeply on three key questions:
- What do you love to do?
- What are you good at?
- What is important to you?
By exploring these questions, students are guided toward discovering sustainable motivation and realistic goals. He believes each student has a unique journey, and his role as a teacher is to help them find that path, often through studio discussions that extend beyond the classroom.
Inspiring Confidence and Growth
A core tenet of Yamamoto’s approach is fostering confidence in students by encouraging them to submit their work to national and international competitions. Several students have gained recognition through awards and exhibitions, building a sense of pride and healthy competition within the department. These experiences are instrumental in professional growth, particularly for graduate students, whom he considers young professionals ready to make a mark in the field.
Reciprocal Learning and Memorable Highlights
Yamamoto believes teaching is a reciprocal process and has often gained from students’ insights. A recent highlight involved a group of graduate students who identified an exhibition opportunity at the Bradbury Art Museum in Arkansas. Their work was featured on the cover of the exhibition catalog, gaining national recognition. The collaboration and success of this project exemplified the power of collective effort and initiative, reinforcing the idea that learning is a continuous, shared journey.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Teaching and Learning
Looking toward the future, Yamamoto sees the merging of traditions with new ideas as central to the evolution of visual communication. Printmaking, in particular, demonstrates how traditional methods can be reinterpreted for contemporary relevance. Encouraging students to think beyond conventional boundaries, he believes in fostering an environment that supports innovation, exploration, and the discovery of new possibilities.
As the landscape of higher education evolves, Yamamoto is confident that the University of Tennessee will continue to nurture emerging ideas, providing a space for students and faculty alike to push the boundaries of what’s possible in art and beyond.