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dTHS Teacher Feature: Meital Yaniv

Let's get to know our Visual Arts Teacher and Exhibition Coordinator, Meital Yaniv.

Q: Where did you go to school and what degree did you earn?
A: I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Jerusalem Bezalel Academy and my Masters in Art at Cal Arts.
 
Q: What is your previous work experience?
A: When I moved here from Israel in 2012, I was on a Masters Artist Visa, so I could not find a full-time job yet. I would teach workshops at many different colleges as a “visiting artist” until I officially received my green card.
 
Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher? 
A: I enjoy helping others try new things and get out of their comfort zone. It is fun for me to see people let go and just enjoy what I am teaching them.
 
Q: Why did you choose to work at dTHS?
A: I went to college with a friend who introduced me to Silvie Deutsch, dTHS Art Teacher, who connected me to de Toledo High School where I immediately applied for a job.
 
Q: What class do you teach?
A: I teach 2D art.
 
Q: What do you love about dTHS?
A: I love seeing the students “try on” different personalities in my class on a daily basis. They get out of their comfort zone to try new things. I also get an immense amount of support from the dTHS community and students in the Art Department.
 
Q: What is your teaching style?
A: My teaching style has a lot to do with collaboration. I create an atmosphere in my class where the students and I can teach together. I also feel it is essential for the students to feel safe in my class to try new ideas and not be afraid of failure.
 
Q: Do you have a vision for 2D art?
A: Yes! There is a lot of potential in creating more student gallery and exhibit spaces. I want to showcase the students’ talent more.
 
This past week, we began that process by having the Hungarian students from the Budapest Exchange Program collaborate with our art class in creating a beautiful mural. The mural represents the Golem story of transformation, in which material from the Earth becomes imbued with life. We created a similar drawing process where the information and technologies of the collaborative creation become transparent. Throughout a week, 68 students draw through an anamorphic drawing process, responding to and building upon gestures and marks left on the wall.
 
I am very excited about the future of art at dTHS!
 
Q: What started your love for art?
A: I remember when I was 18, I found an old camera that belonged to my father. I started to teach myself how to use the camera and ended up falling in love with photography. From photography, I began writing and working on my videography. I then grew into 2D art, which I teach now at dTHS.
 
Q: What is your favorite activity to do outside of work?
A: Art! Lol. I am actually pretty active. I love to surf, do yoga, and cook. I LOVE cooking! I enjoy experimenting with recipes.
 
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: My go-to cuisines are Greek, Japanese, and Middle Eastern.
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Located in the San Fernando Valley portion of the City of Los Angeles in Northern Los Angeles County. de Toledo High School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Builders of Jewish Education (BJE,) and financially supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and the Jim Joseph Foundation.