Tessa Romansky

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

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

Visual Design 2: I knew I loved to work with my hands, but I didn't think that I would be great at it. All the little joints and ways of assembling a piece, I take with me. I don't like to use the same technique twice.
History of [Art + Design in] the Nonwestern world was by far my favorite [Liberal Studies] class. Not only did I learn about the art, but we got to become a part of that culture, that history.

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

Julie Puma: I went to a show of hers in high school. She was the reason I wanted to go to art school, to become an artist—the push I needed to go where I am currently heading. Her teaching style gives you the opportunity to explore every aspect, versus just one approach. She and I share a love of the figure.
David Mesplé: Hands-on and different ways of approaching one project. The quirkiness of his mind—it is never the same thing twice.

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

My favorite piece thus far, I would have to say, is my book. The project was balancing form. You were only allowed a 2-square-feet piece of plywood and 1.5 feet of 4 x 4. I built a book with a tower of letters, some which balance on top of the tower. I painted a map on the book and left the letters all jumbled. The name, "The Language of a Ten-Year-Old," comes from personal experience. I couldn't read until the fifth grade—instead I used word maps—my letters were their own country. This piece deals with that mapping process.

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

I would love to get my graduate's degree in therapeutic study. I want to teach art therapy in Africa—or in any country. I have learned, on accident, that art is the best therapy to express what is really happening, what emotions are running through you, what your brain is thinking. It speaks for you. I would love to share that with the children of war—give them back their childhood. RMCAD is teaching me the history of art and ways to apply art in the everyday. How to speak to the world when words are not cooperating.

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

My mom said, "Oh look, other Tessas." I have never felt at home with a school before: the students, my friends, all have a little piece of me. Their work intimidates me—it inspires me to better myself, my work. My friends from high school didn't understand me to the extent that my RMCAD friends do. I love it.

What do you like about living in Denver/Colorado?

The laid-back attitude in the city. There's no rush. It has its own history. You can feel it when you walk through Union Station or Larimer Square. Even the old neighborhood—I love the feeling of walking through someone else's path, their footsteps.

How has your life changed since enrolling at RMCAD?

I have found what I want to do with my life. I have found how to become that. I have found me. I am so sure of myself. It's really cheesy, but I am actually happy with life for the first time since I moved back to the States.

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

I was touring the school my senior year of high school with my dad. The moment we stepped on campus, I felt the school calling to me—Dad even felt it. We were walking through the Rude studio class, and I just saw myself sitting there working. I teared up. I looked at my dad, I told him, "This is it. This is where I am meant to be." Dad had tears—"We've found your place Tess, we've found it." I don't think either of us has seen me open up the way I have, this much, before. I'm not afraid to step forward, to speak up, to learn.

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

Take everything you can from it, learn everything possible. Run through every door that presents itself. Just have fun with it.