Isabelle Lopez

I have always been really interested in art, but it took me a while to realize I wanted to create professionally. My first tour of the department really opened my eyes to the possibilities. I am a really shy person, but all the professors are welcoming and wonderful at what they teach. They helped me come out of my shell to create things I didn't know I could.

I like to create artwork that challenges me. Recently I have been working on intricate designs. In printmaking I create works with detailed borders much like illuminated scripts and forms like stained glass in gothic architecture. I do a lot of research before I begin putting things to paper. You can only keep up with so much of what is in your head, it is important to find examples to piece everything together. I go through a few versions of sketches before I have a solid final. From there I put the sketch to whatever process it is I'm doing: relief, intaglio, or painting.

I don't have any particular artists I look to for inspiration, but I find a lot of inspiration in Early Renaissance art, gothic architecture, and Medieval Celtic art.

All the art professors I have had so far have really inspired me, but three that pushed me to do what I love are: Stacey Rathert, Brooke Alexander, and Lance Yates. They always took in my crazy ideas and helped me to make them work. They saw potential and guided me to the best I can be even when I have my self doubt.

I think my favorite class so far has been beginning painting. The class is pretty demanding for a beginning class, but I got to learn how much my skills could be refined and it let me meet a group of people that I really enjoy being around. We even all went to Intermediate Painting together and it is a lot of fun.

My favorite memory is the end of my Intro to Printmaking class. We were doing a printing process that just was not working, everyone was having struggles and just so done with it. I went through what felt like five or six pronto plates on the day before our project was due. I was about in tears in front of Lance because nothing was working, but he assured me it was okay and as long as I got somewhat of a good print then that was more than fine. It's my favorite because it made me realize that no matter how good you can be at something, things do go wrong, and as long as you put in the effort and show you're trying than that is more then good enough. I learned to let go and find the humor in these situations in the end. It also brought the class closer after such a traumatic process, but in a good way.

My advice for incoming art students is don't push yourselves to graduate by a certain "deadline". Enjoy your time, take that extra class, and if you find something you love don't be afraid to go for it.

Outside of the art department I read a lot, I crochet, I love to cook, I play video games with my husband, and hangout with my cat Artemis.

My favorite thing about campus is the campus itself. Everything is so beautiful all times of year. My favorite season is spring, the blossoms falling, the sweet scent of flowers, the squirrels chasing each other, and the sun on your face are something out of a romance novel.

After graduation I plan to spend some time focusing on my art and on myself. I would like to have a break from deadlines and grow even more into my style. I want to spend some time learning new recipes and making a dent in my 'to be read' pile. As far as a career, I'm not sure yet, but I still have some time to think about that.