Teacher Spotlight: Sioux Madden
Tell us about yourself. What is your artistic practice? What's your background in studio art?
I am actually an actor by training. I've done a lot of classical theatre (Shakespeare, Shaw, Chekhov), and lots of British plays. Lately, though, I've been getting some film work, which is a nice new challenge! Art-wise, I've always loved drawing and making things, even if I didn't pursue it as a career. I enjoy making pottery. I finally did some life drawing for the first time last fall and fell in love with it, so I plan on continuing to do that.
Can you tell us, "why Scribble"?
I may be a Scribble teacher, but I was a Scribble parent first. The freedom of expression that a Scribble class encourages is invaluable. Scribble classes also encourage hard work and problem-solving. Sometimes it's obvious, like when a student is trying to get a sculpture to be stable; but sometimes those kinds of lessons are learned unconsciously. We as teachers can see it in increased focus over a session, or in the attention to detail within a project. As a parent, I see it simply in the fact that my kids still want to make things - and don't judge themselves during the process. They see themselves as art-makers.
How did you find Scribble?
I met Sasha when my son was in Kindergarten and she was his art teacher (lucky kid). He's now a senior in HS, so it's been a long time! I started teaching for Scribble after we moved from the city to Upper Westchester; we first had Mini Scribbler classes at the Hudson River Museum, then we opened a small studio (really small) in Hastings, then we found our current space in Dobbs Ferry.
What's coming up for you and your art? Where can people find you outside of Scribble?
Well, I have a play reading coming up on Feb 29 in Irvington with River's Edge Theatre Company which I'm really looking forward to. I shot a film last summer that's in post-production right now called One Moment. I was lucky enough to work with Danny Aiello on what turned out to be his last film. I'm all over Westchester teaching, teaching, teaching! I teach all ages up to 6th grade. I created the Hudson Valley Coffee Map with artist and former Scribble teacher Ashley Seil Smith...it's literally a map to coffee places in the Lower Hudson River Valley and it's quite lovely. Website is almost ready, but Instagram is up: @hudsonvalleycoffeemaps (email: info@hudsonrivercoffeemaps.com)