Kaitlin Ziesmer

Fine Arts–Painting
Class of 2011
Hometown: Mansfield, TX

Why did you choose to attend RMCAD?

I really wanted to move back to the Denver area (I was born here), so RMCAD was ideal, but I also loved the campus and the size of the school.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?

I've really enjoyed my painting classes thus far mainly because I've realized how much I have to learn about painting…I have A LOT to learn. The photo classes have also been a lot of fun. I like the classes that get you up and working right away.

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

Honestly, I was absolutely terrified to go to art school. Excited to finally get out of where I was, but terrified. I guess a big surprise was that you actually don't get torn apart in critiques…really they can be both constructive and complimentary. It's all about free thinking and expression.

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

The teachers at RMCAD give you the respect you deserve right from the start. It's all a matter of how much you put into the work you do. Showing a certain level of respect for your own work really reflects in how the teachers react to you, and I think that is really important. They provide a personal connection backed by experience within the world of art that gives you, as a student, a very comforting feeling going into this sometimes unnerving field.

Tell us about a favorite project you've worked on.

So far, I would say my favorite project has been this one I worked on for Randy (Brown)'s Intro to Photography class. It was 36 black and white portraits of twelve friends displayed in one big grid. Each one was tightly cropped around the face, each person having a different expression with bare shoulders on simple backgrounds. There's no specific or profound meaning to the piece like most of my work, but it was mainly about the presence of the entire collection as opposed to the individual. This piece took a lot of time, but I had a really great time throughout the whole process.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD?

A big part of going to a school like RMCAD, especially if you come from a public high school, is the fact that no matter how different everyone is with all of these eclectic personalities and styles, you are all here for the same reason, and that is to create. It provides a really great atmosphere to thrive in.

What do you like about living in Denver/Colorado?

Denver is great. It's not too big, not too small. I just really like being in that mix of city and on the edge of the mountains. I love it that there is actually stuff to do, you just need to know where to look.

What kinds of things do you do when you're not attending classes?

I live with three roommates who are just lovely, so I actually like just hanging around home a lot. Like a lot of people, I enjoy snowboarding, and just wandering around.

Was there a moment when RMCAD changed from "a school" to "my school"?

It's nice when you all of a sudden fit in. I don't think there is a specific moment, you just know. Just keep an open mind and don't be intimidated—people are really nice.