Fine Arts–Painting
Class of 2011
Hometown: Denver, CO

Why did you choose to attend Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design?

After I left [my previous college], I visited and considered several schools well known for their art programs, such as Metro and RMCAD in Colorado, and Slade School of Fine Art, Goldsmiths Art College, and Royal College of Art in London among others. In the end, however, I was impressed by the small and intimate size of the classes at RMCAD. The student work that I had seen also intrigued me because it showed the development of very strong and individualized creative voices, something I consider vital for an artist to learn and a feature I was looking for as I chose my school. So in the end, I decided RMCAD would be the best place for me to develop my creativity and my work.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?

Figure Painting, hands down. I absolutely love working with the figure, whether it be through painting, sculpture, photographs…any media really. The figure painting class really encouraged me to push my work as far as it can go. I think the most valuable thing I learned was knowing how the body is structured under the skin, like how joints twist and how muscles move, which has been a wonderful resource in the body of work I'm developing.

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

Humanities 1 with Dan James was probably the best Liberal Studies class I took, simply because it taught me to think, question, and break out of my shell. In that class we basically learned how to relate historical writings to current events, but it was the discussion time that was really valuable.

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

The faculty at RMCAD is awesome, so I've been lucky to have some very cool and knowledgeable teachers. Two of my painting instructors, Irene McCray and Julie Puma, who are both successful artists themselves, have been especially amazing in helping me to be creative and develop my art, as well as knowing how to talk about it, present it, and put it out in public.

How has RMCAD prepared you for what you want to do when you graduate?

I think one of the most important things an artist can do to develop their creativity it to travel, live, or study abroad. My goal after graduation is to do just that. The teachers and faculty here work individually with the students to become successful. Since most of the instructors are successful artists themselves, they are invaluable resources with tons of advice and experience in how to talk about your art and get yourself into the public eye.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD? How are they different or similar to students you knew in high school or your previous college?

The students here are more driven to pursue their own ideas and projects. Their lives don't just involve their art, they revolve around it, they're completely immersed in it.

How has your life changed since enrolling at RMCAD?

I've certainly become a lot busier, but I've also become more driven to be individual and creative in my work.

What would you want a prospective student to know about RMCAD?

There is so much encouragement to explore the full realm of what you can do as an artist. The classes are smaller and more personalized so students can get more individualized advice and direction.