Dr. Lindsey Stirek

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Lindsey Stirek is an artist educator currently working in the Studio Art program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With fifteen years of training in Urasenke chadō (the way of tea) and half a decade of experience in calligraphy and kintsugi (lacquer repair), her artistic education is rooted in rich traditions of Japanese arts. Her practice embraces the intersection of nature, art, and sustainability. She expresses sincere gratitude to the teachers who have imparted the values of beauty and fulfillment derived from working closely with natural materials. Aside from her artistic work, she teaches and conducts research in manga and anime, focusing on queer narratives, minority representation, and the intersections of visual storytelling with cultural identity. Her work not only informs her teaching but also bridges traditional and contemporary forms of Japanese art. Through her art, Lindsey aims to leverage storytelling as a means to address ecological issues, integrating design thinking and land stewardship into her creative processes. She strives to create works that resonate with nature, using land art and basketry techniques that highlight the importance of sustainability and our connection to the environment.

Research Interests

Courses

ARTJ 101 Introduction to Japanese Aesthetics ARTJ 209 Chadō: Way of Tea ARTJ 299 Exploring Anime Works of Studio Ghibli ARTJ 299 Queer Manga ARTJ 301 Manga: Art, Image, and Word ARTJ 302 Introduction to Japanese Animation FAA 491 Sustainable Design in Japan ARTS 252 Making Meaning

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.