2023 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Max Paulin

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

My work is a collection of drawings, paintings, and sculptures installed together in collaboration. The pieces collected for merits focus on themes of grieving and its connection to water, with my drawings and paintings being a visual representation of past memories and moments colliding together, overlapping, and obscuring one another. Often my images are in argument with themselves, being at once sentimental and out of place. With my work I am trying to restructure and process systems of loss that I have experienced in order to accept and transform the idea of grief for myself and the viewer. 

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

MCAD was one of the first colleges I had talked to at a portfolio event, where I was given helpful and distinct feedback on my work. It was also an opportunity to move away from home and grow on my own in a place that was new while still feeling supported by the school.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

I hope to be working as a studio artist, planning shows and exhibiting in galleries around the cities, although sometimes it feels like it would be nice to go off to a barn in the middle of nowhere and sit down for a while.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

The people!! Nothing is better than seeing friends you know around you making art and having fun, even when things are tough you have people around you to help and remind you that you enjoy what you do!

What inspires you? 

Swordfish, oarfish, books with nice lettering on the spine, rain, small pieces of glass, the color teal (and other greens), tennis balls, pieces of broken houses, decorative pillars, transparent objects, animals in places they should not be.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

I cant say my own favorite, however the most fun I have had was in making a life sized cardboard horse on shopping cart wheels, who travelled across campus until she tragically fell apart due to some haphazard craftsmanship.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment? 

Fishing!! I am not a fisherman, but I think the culture and the fish are so incredible interesting! That alongside terrariums and fish tank ecosystems.

What's your favorite snack when you're working in your studio?

Right now it’s gotta be an orange, and honestly I don’t know if it will ever change, they are delicious and will stay good for a while if you need to store them!