2024 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Izzy Leto

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

I tried to pick out work that displayed all of the mediums that I am passionate about working in. I included a sculpture, painting, textile piece, clothing item, a short video, and a photograph. All of my work had a similar color palette, I worked with a lot of bright pinks, blues, and yellows. I also chose work that had a similar theme, my work focuses on the themes of healing, growth, and exploration. The pieces I chose also ranged from large to small scale for variety. In each piece, I was also experimenting with a new technique, process or idea.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I had always known that I wanted to pursue art but for a long time did not think that it would be possible for me. While attending PiM Arts High School in Eden Prairie Minnesota I had learned about MCAD through my teachers and had applied not knowing what to expect. I thought MCAD would be a good opportunity to continue to hone my craft/artistic voice while also giving me room to continue to learn and grow.

What's next for your practice? Anything you're really excited to make?

I love to explore and learn new techniques, with each piece I am learning or trying something new. Experimentation and play drive a lot of my work and I work very intuitively. At the moment I am getting very invested in photography and hope to continue pushing myself to see what I can do. I am also really enjoying watercolors and sewing at the moment and really want to make some abstract watercolor paintings and continue to practice sewing over the summer when i have more free time. I have been thinking a lot about creating a clothing line that explores the techniques I learned in one of my classes last semester and I am really excited about starting that.