Laura Blum

Art Education–Sculpture
Class of 2009
Hometown: Allentown, PA

What is your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite place on campus is the boiler room. It's an old building tucked behind the main part of campus with a rich history. The work space within the building is secluded to one big room with metalworking materials and supplies available. The ceilings are large and feel really industrial, with pipes and duct work showing. Within this space is a huge 19th century boiler. The space may feel somewhat primitive [compared] to the setting of most college classrooms, but the historical industrial feel to the room reminds me of a time before computers when people had to create with only their hands. It really gives you a sense of connection to your materials and to your craft. I found this space during my second semester here when I had Jewelry in that studio, and have loved every metalworking class since. There is also a unique critique space built into the back of the boiler area that can really add to the impact of the work you display within it.

Where do you like to work on your art?

I love to work in the Neusteter building at night. The environment is calm and relaxed and, with all the materials you need to create a project out of clay at your disposal, you can just put on some music and work without interruption. There are also many inspirational materials in that building, be it magazines, books, other student work, or the computer to Google images and artists. I never get stuck without ideas in that space.

Which Liberal Studies or Foundation Studies classes did you find the most surprising or useful?

The Foundations classes helped me think more conceptually without losing the integrity of the craft I was practicing. I have always been more materials-based and they really helped me merge that process with deeper ideas.

What did your favorite professor do to earn your respect or admiration?

My favorite professors are Jeff Sheppard and Martha Russo. They have earned my respect by encouraging me to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone within my work. They both have great technical and practical knowledge about their craft and have amazing patience and the ability to explain things within the language of art.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD?

The students really make up the atmosphere here with the amount of diversity in backgrounds and creative styles. I feel that everyone has something unique that they can bring to the learning environment—everyone maintains an open-minded view on art and art criticism. I have learned a lot just from my peers in this school. The difference between high school and art school is the emphasis is on our differences and not on how we can be just like everyone else.