Shawna Myerly

Fine Arts–Sculpture
Class of 2010
Hometown: Littleton, CO

What has been your favorite class so far and why?

My favorite class so far has been Sculpture Investigations with Seth Goldenberg. I find it funny it's my favorite since I'm a sculpture major and we actually did no sculpture during any part of the class. The focus of the class was really on both creating and presenting proposals, which is an important aspect of Fine Arts. It not only helped me develop a very successful proposal, but gave me a new art practice to explore with my art for many years to come.

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

Many of the Foundations classes were very difficult for me since, before coming here I had never had any formal training in art. So classes like Figure Drawing, Painting, Digital Image Making (Photoshop), were a real struggle for me. Although, I'm so thankful these courses were required, because they in so many ways helped improve both my techniques and methods in my sculpture work.

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

My favorite professor here at RMCAD is Martha Russo, hands down. The woman is so full of life and spunk, and an incredibly deep passion for art. Every class I've had with her has opened my eyes to new ways of seeing and practicing art. She is an incredible teacher who has inspired both me and my art.

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

Honestly, I don't have a favorite—every time I have a new project it ends up being my favorite for that time being. Each time I make something new, I improve on my skills. So each time my pieces get better and better, so that's why one piece won't stay my favorite for long.

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

The students at RMCAD are fantastic—every one so different, but not one person you couldn't consider a friend. Fine Arts students friends with Graphic Designers, Interior Designers with Animators, and so on. No cliques, no popular crowd, just a school full of students with one unifying commonality—a love for art and design.

What do you like about living in Denver/Colorado?

I'm a Colorado native, and I love living here. Amazing weather, you've got your cities, mountains and plains all within miles of one another. And of course, the art community here is great.

How has your life changed since enrolling at RMCAD?

I'm a completely different person since coming here. The lessons in art have also aided in my development as a young adult. I have greater knowledge, and I'm more efficient and confident. My art too has developed into dynamic and intriguing work, but that doesn't even begin to describe how much it's changed. Since being here my art has improved 100%.

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

From the first day it has felt like my school. Finally, there was this place where I was accepted and encouraged to express my own views and opinions, and make art freely. I was home.

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

RMCAD is a place to grow, take in everything, even if some things don't directly apply to your major. You've got to soak it all in. This is the one place where you can learn a diverse range of knowledge about every kind of art and design and are able to experiment and create freely without interruption. Don't waste it!