Graduate Spotlight
What attracted you to the Department of Art & Art History?
I was attracted to Art and Art History through my interest in continuing my education in ceramics at a graduate level.
I was attracted to Art and Art History through my interest in continuing my education in ceramics at a graduate level.
What type of artwork do you create and can you discuss your process?
As a maker, I consider not only the historical practicality of taking clay from the earth to create vessels to eat from or store food in, but also as an avenue for artistic expression. As a potter, I am exploring forms that are first found within the consideration of function. They are then created in a way where the gesture and imbalance of the human touch in not only evident but highlighted. Marks I leave behind are an honest product of the building process, emphasizing physical acts and recording movements, fingerprints and emotions. I intentionally compress and smooth certain areas as not only a way to encourage utility, but also as a way to contain marks and imagery. Working in a way with fluidity but guided by the importance of pottery's utility gives me a balance between disorder and order.
As a maker, I consider not only the historical practicality of taking clay from the earth to create vessels to eat from or store food in, but also as an avenue for artistic expression. As a potter, I am exploring forms that are first found within the consideration of function. They are then created in a way where the gesture and imbalance of the human touch in not only evident but highlighted. Marks I leave behind are an honest product of the building process, emphasizing physical acts and recording movements, fingerprints and emotions. I intentionally compress and smooth certain areas as not only a way to encourage utility, but also as a way to contain marks and imagery. Working in a way with fluidity but guided by the importance of pottery's utility gives me a balance between disorder and order.
Which artists do you look to for inspiration?
Being in ceramics, I am constantly looking into history for a lot of my inspiration. Whether that be the imperfections coming from the Japanese aesthetic Wabi Sabi, the purposeful deformed shapes of Iga ware, or the colors and dynamic stitching found within crazy quilting, there is always something to be inspired by within history.
Being in ceramics, I am constantly looking into history for a lot of my inspiration. Whether that be the imperfections coming from the Japanese aesthetic Wabi Sabi, the purposeful deformed shapes of Iga ware, or the colors and dynamic stitching found within crazy quilting, there is always something to be inspired by within history.
Which professors inspired you the most?
I am very inspired by our printmaking professor Kaleena, and one of our painting professors, Brooke Alexander. Both of these woman are incredible at their jobs and still leave room to do extra things within the art community. Kaleena always is thinking of exciting projects that require collaboration between students which allows for us all to work in ways we aren't used to and making connections amongst each other. Brooke is always involved with things within the city of Oxford such as the Plain Air Invitational. I think all of this shows how much they really care about us and their mediums by going the extra mile with these extra things outside of their required job description.
I am very inspired by our printmaking professor Kaleena, and one of our painting professors, Brooke Alexander. Both of these woman are incredible at their jobs and still leave room to do extra things within the art community. Kaleena always is thinking of exciting projects that require collaboration between students which allows for us all to work in ways we aren't used to and making connections amongst each other. Brooke is always involved with things within the city of Oxford such as the Plain Air Invitational. I think all of this shows how much they really care about us and their mediums by going the extra mile with these extra things outside of their required job description.
What has been your favorite class during your years here?
Although this may be a little Bias, my favorite class would be my graduate ceramics class as this is the class that has allowed me to spend the most time in my studio enjoying what I do most - Ceramics!
Although this may be a little Bias, my favorite class would be my graduate ceramics class as this is the class that has allowed me to spend the most time in my studio enjoying what I do most - Ceramics!
Do you have a favorite memory here in the department?
My favorite memory in the art department was when we had a carnival themed event to kick off our award ceremony for the department. There were several fun carnival games with prizes and free food. So many students showed up and it was such a great way to connect with people outside of classes while enjoying some fun games and winning prizes! I think having events like this is important to create a stronger sense of community within our department.... and allowing for some fun after a semester of classes!
My favorite memory in the art department was when we had a carnival themed event to kick off our award ceremony for the department. There were several fun carnival games with prizes and free food. So many students showed up and it was such a great way to connect with people outside of classes while enjoying some fun games and winning prizes! I think having events like this is important to create a stronger sense of community within our department.... and allowing for some fun after a semester of classes!
Do you have any advice for incoming art students?
I would advise incoming students to take advantage of things going around the community as a way to get involved outside of the art department. Going to the farmers market on Tuesday afternoons, or visiting some local restaurants is a good way to support the community, but also take a break from Meek Hall - which we all need every once in a while!
I would advise incoming students to take advantage of things going around the community as a way to get involved outside of the art department. Going to the farmers market on Tuesday afternoons, or visiting some local restaurants is a good way to support the community, but also take a break from Meek Hall - which we all need every once in a while!
Do you have any hobbies outside of the art department?
Outside of the art department my hobbies include being a mom! I have a four year old daughter so we spend a lot of time at the playgrounds and parks around town. I enjoy making bread and tending to my plant collection.
Outside of the art department my hobbies include being a mom! I have a four year old daughter so we spend a lot of time at the playgrounds and parks around town. I enjoy making bread and tending to my plant collection.
Do you have any plans after graduation?
After graduation I would like to work towards my long term goal of creating my own residency program. I am interested in making a space for people in the ceramics field a space to work, attend workshops and fire kilns. Until then, I am applying for other residencies to help further my education in ceramics and make connections with other artists.
After graduation I would like to work towards my long term goal of creating my own residency program. I am interested in making a space for people in the ceramics field a space to work, attend workshops and fire kilns. Until then, I am applying for other residencies to help further my education in ceramics and make connections with other artists.