Image Alumni ’20 Degree Bachelor of Fine Arts Areas of Study Drawing and Painting Location Cedarburg, Wisconsin CLASS OF 1978 MERIT $2,000 Describe the work you submitted for merits. The work I submitted for merits consists of paintings I've created for classes during the current spring semester as well as work from this past fall semester. The vast majority of the work is abstract or borders on the line of representation and abstraction. Many of these pieces explore ideas revolving around the natural world, whether it is capturing the spirit of nature or attempting to understand the human connection/disconnection to the natural world. Why did you decide to come to MCAD? I decided to come to MCAD because I liked the idea of being involved in a community that consists entirely of other artists. I also wanted to move somewhere out of state and had heard great things about Minneapolis. Plus, I was very fond of the idea of not having to take any math classes. What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond? I plan on graduating in December. I want to spend a lot of time developing my senior project as well as making a lot of work for the Art Sale in November. I'm still figuring out what I want to do after graduation. I would like to maintain my personal studio practice and, hopefully, I will get the opportunity to do some traveling. Favorite thing about college life (so far)? I love the independence and having an unconventional schedule. Also waking up at noon for 1:00 p.m. classes is always great. What's the best thing you've got from MCAD's free shelf? So many things. A tiny version of Hungry Hungry Hippos, a cat clock made from handmade paper that has scarily real looking eyes, buckets of house paint, instant mashed potatoes, and a bag of fresh sandwiches. What inspires you? I am always inspired by nature in every aspect. Also listening to music and looking at other artists' work always gets me excited to make new artwork. Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it! It's hard to choose a favorite because I often find myself picking apart my art once it is completed. I'd say my current favorite is a painting I did that depicts the forest floor in a somewhat abstract manner. It's an impasto oil painting on wood panel and it is very thick and textural. Anything you're obsessed with at the moment? Unfortunately, I've been obsessed with watching a lot of trashy reality TV lately but its good entertainment for our current situation. Instagram