2024 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Elise Simmons

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

A majority of the work I submitted consists of primarily lithographs, screen prints and a zine as well as the bird alter soft sculpture. All these pieces were made for classes but overall are a collection so far of my favorites from what I've every created.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I knew I wanted to be an artist but still needed guidance and growth, luckily I also have a family friend who had went and graduated from MCAD who agreed with me that this school would overall be a great fit for me.

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

I will be continuing to grow art as well as currently working on a paper wig, and other exciting plans.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

The constant creating and learning that happens, as well as the people and the laughs that we share.

What inspires you?

It honestly depends, I think more so the unknown and more so the things that arn’t so seen in the world.

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

My bird alter I really love. When I was making it I just let the creativity take over and worked on not worrying so much about the outcome. It was really therapeutic to just do instead of worrying. During the week I created the bird alter I witnessed a dead bird and just thought how tragic but also utterly beautiful the bird was as it laid there. That's what mainly inspired me to create said bird alter. I wanted to pay tribute to the fallen birds of the world and I believe I did just that.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

Cardboard as a medium, and out of the art realm Id say boxing.