Faculty Focus

Q&A WITH

Gary Meacher, MFA by Jen Wingerter ’13

“As a teacher, I live for the “aha” moments. When someone is struggling to grasp a concept/technique or having a hard time coming up with a creative direction, and they start to feel like giving up—but suddenly, that perfect storm of elbow grease, experience, knowledge, collaboration, and fairy dust hits them. “Aha!”—and then we are off to the races.”

—Gary Meacher, MFA

What are the three principles you want to instill in students?

If I could instill just one thing, it would be the tools and self-confidence to be an independent lifelong learner. Our field is ever-changing. When I was in college, there was no iPhone. The wave of innovation and culture-shifting that has happened since that device alone demonstrates that we as designers need to keep on top of technology, new processes and workflows, and take part in that change. I want students to fuel their curiosity. I want them to explore the why, which will drive them to new heights, spark innovation, inspire, and leave them with a sense of satisfaction. This fuel can take the form of being open to inspiration, going to art galleries, consuming any and every book, blog, video, movie, album, etc. More simply put, experience life—and do it through the lens of curiosity. To round it out with one more principle, I would stress the importance of developing empathy. From a designer’s perspective, empathy is a key skill used to understand the audience we are working to engage with, and that understanding is a major force for success. As a participant in the human condition, having empathy in any given situation will go a long way.

What are two things that bring you joy?

When I was younger and still living in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, I took so much comfort in being by Lake Erie, watching the waves, feeling the breeze, and just taking those moments in to relax and recharge. Now, in Quincy, I look for those moments at the waterfront of the Mississippi River. I am a nerd for and a collector of many things. If you swing by my office on campus, you’ll see my growing collection of vintage tin toy robots peppering my bookshelves. I get so inspired just by looking at them, studying their fun patterns and color schemes, and turning the key to set their gears in motion (nerdy, I know). Perhaps the most joy comes from sharing these passions with my son (nearly five years old) and having all sorts of imaginative play with my nerdom.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life? Why?

My wife. I first fell in love with Mia for her outlook on life—always looking for a silver lining. As our lives merged and we became a team (some would say married, but I think a team is a more appropriate term), we found ways to support each other and pick up each other’s slack. Her “cup half full” mentality knocked my half-empty cup over and helped me find joy in many aspects of life. Mia and the family we’ve made together continue to be why I get up in the morning and the motivation I need to work on being a good person and effect change in my community.

What are you most proud of?

As a creative professional, I never get tired of seeing work I’ve done pop up in the community. I think I will always hold on to this child-like amazement that, at one point, this piece never existed— I researched and developed this piece, created it on my computer, tested it to make sure it was meeting the goals we set out to meet, and now it is out in the world. So cool. So, so, cool. As an educator, I take tremendous pride in the responsibility of instilling life lessons and building independent learners that go on to contribute to the world in so many ways. It’s the greatest reward of my professional life to see a student go on to succeed and carve out their piece of the world.

GET TO KNOW

Quincy University's Assistant Professor of Design

Gary's hope...

I want QU’s Art Department to be the region's go-to hub for design education. We have a unique value proposition with our liberal arts education that fosters curiosity, Franciscan value infusion that amplifies my focus on the importance of empathy, and our emphasis on service learning, demonstrating the value of being an engaged member of your community. QU produces students that are valuable members of society. With the proper backing and support, we can lead our region with technological proficiency through design, kickstart a culture of innovation and creativity, and build on Quincy’s thriving arts scene.