Biography

Eric Syvertson serves as Assistant Professor of Art Education and Studio Practice at North Dakota State University. He is a veteran teacher with over a decade of experience teaching visual art in public schools. Eric leads the Art Education program with a mission to transform art and design education at the K-12 Level with a focus on professional practice, community engagement, technology integration, and advocacy for the art and design field. Eric graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2008 with a degree in Art Education and earned his M.F.A. from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2014 with an emphasis in drawing and painting. Eric currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Dakota Art Education Association as the Higher Education Coordinator and Chair of the Professional Development Committee. In the past he has served as President of the Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists group and is an active member of numerous professional arts organizations. Eric has exhibited widely throughout the region and his studio practice concentrates primarily on drawing and painting while exploring a variety of topics including dinosaurs, house parties, and face transplants.

Ask Me

Who are your role models or inspiring folks? 

Since my fist day as an art educator, I’ve been fortunate to have colleagues that are deeply passionate about teaching people about art. I’m consistently inspired by their innovations in the classroom, advocacy within the community, and how deeply they care about their students.

Outside of art and design fields, what inspires you? 

I’ve always been inspired by motorcycles. I’m inspired by the marriage of function and form in motorcycle design, whether it’s a 1960’s Triumph or a brand-new Ducati. I’m also inspired by the experience of riding itself; being able to feel yourself moving through space, sensing the air get cooler when you pass through a shadow, or reaching your foot down to skate across the ground you’re passing over is a very special experience.

What do you wish you had known when you started out as a student/in this field? 

Engagement is key. As a student, you have unlimited opportunities to learn from professionals, attend gallery openings, be involved in clubs/organizations, special projects, etc… These opportunities open doors to meaningful connections and surprising avenues of interest, so get involved and stay engaged.

What was your most memorable meal? 

Late at night, after spending a full day in the labor and delivery room where my son was born, my wife and I moved to a recovery room with our new little boy. As clueless new parents, my wife and I ate pizza while we got to know our little guy.

In your office, you can only have three things, one book, one tool, and one picture. What would they be and why? 

My book selection would be Robert Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, my tool would be my Leatherman Wave Plus which is always at my side, and the picture would be of my family.