Pacifica Stories

Carson Vandermade grew up in North County San Diego on an avocado orchard surrounded by pet dogs and an older brother. A Californian through and through, he attended Pepperdine University in Malibu where he majored in Studio Art. During his time at Pepperdine, Carson studied abroad in Florence, Italy two separate times—first taking summer classes through Studio Arts Centers International (SACI), and then spending an entire academic year studying art and general education classes through Pepperdine. His four years in college were formative not only for Carson’s education, but for his identity as a whole. 

“I think my college experience became richer when I learned that I could only get out as much as I was willing to put in to my education, spiritual life, and social life,” he says. “If I were to just go through the motions of all that college entails, I could have graduated without learning a whole lot. But going all-in and allowing myself to get passionate and show that passion to others allowed me to plant roots in all the parts of my life that now bring me the most joy.”

While college was where his personal art practice took form, Carson first developed a love for art while in high school. His hope while at Pacifica is to cultivate this same interest in his students. Mr. Vandermade looks forward to seeing students understand the parts of art that have ignited his own passion and excite him on a daily basis. Seeing students feel ownership and pride over their creative endeavors is something Carson anticipates in his first year of teaching at Pacifica. 

Previously, Carson worked at the Weisman Museum of Art in arts education and installation, while also sustaining an active studio practice and exhibiting his artwork. His artwork currently revolves around sculpture created from recycled fabric and other materials. In addition to the continuation of this practice, Mr. Vandermade is thrilled to step into the world of Christian education. He accepted Christ into his life as a high school student, and since then his faith has impacted his life in significant ways.

“God has blessed me with very clear and strong passions for both art and youth ministry,” Carson says. “It’s been through thoughtful prayer that I have found such a perfect opportunity to cultivate both of those passions here at Pacifica.”

In addition to teaching, Carson serves as a Young Life leader at Pacifica. He is excited to explore both of these roles by forming relationships with students this school year. Ultimately, he wants students to leave his class feeling capable in the face of problems. Carson hopes that they will, “graduate as capable problem solvers who can rely on their skills, their community, and their God,” to overcome the challenges that life throws at them.

In his free time, Carson enjoys making art, spending time with friends, rock climbing, attending galleries, and reading.