2023 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Elise Simmons

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

The work I submitted for merits were pieces that I wanted to challenge myself with as well as objects I was interested in at the time. Dor example, with Arrows, it feels very graffiti focused. Orange felt very organic to what oranges generally look like. Most of the time the work I produce is based off of things I find in the city and in nature settings that I think look cool, then from there I will take a picture and think, "could this work with an idea I create?" It then goes on from there.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I looked into it and felt like I really would belong here and I agree it was the right choice for me. Just the work process and how the school is set up to focus on the creative part of art and other techniques we need for our future as artists.

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

I will keep creating and experimenting with the processes Im familiar with but also look into newer ones. Im just really excited to create works of art no matter how big or small they may seem in comparison. I have some plans for bookmaking and other print ideas!

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

The constant art making. I feel like I'm really able to focus on stuff Im more passionate about while being in a school setting. As well as the social standpoint of it.

What inspires you?

I'd like to say nature does but also just the current world we live in. I don't really mean the people though more like the stuff that gets left behind and forgotten, like the things people don't normally think about and view as garbage.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

I'd say graffiti and the process of things getting covered and repurposed again.

Why did you become an artist?

I became an artist because of the butterflies I get while Im working on a project. That helps me know I chose the right path.