Introduction
Teaching Interests
Research Interests
Educational Background
Schedule

Department of Art

Michael Henderson
Assistant Professor

Office: FA 259
Phone: 343-4035
FAX: 343-4045
Email: mhender@calstatela.edu

INTRODUCTION

I enjoy teaching at CSULA because of the diversity and dedication of the student body. My students always bring a little bit of their backgrounds to my classes and we all grow and benefit from it. I want my students to have a good and rewarding experience. I want them to advance into a world as well trained, well rounded professionals.

TEACHING INTERESTS

My interests include design, studio art and music. The focus of my personal art is death and dying. My work explores different experiences the living have with subject of death as well as the experience of dying itself. My work is designed to confront the viewer and sometimes even push the comfort level of an individual. I like to present images and concepts that most people normally do not confront in their daily lives.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research has revolved around what I call "low Profile" crime lately. I have been working with images of crimes that the world turns its eyes away from. I am currently working on images of inmate assults and murders from within the California State Prison system. Other research has been done in font design. My focus on font design is modern and creative. I have no interest in creating a "traditional" font. I am more interested in the process of designing and creating type that comes from different reaches of popular culture. My work with death and dying stems from personal experience working with hospice. I am exploring the process of dying on spiritual and physical terms. I am also interested in the process of death on the living survivors.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

MFA Painting/Design 1972
Otis College of Art and Design