2024 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Piper Rockwell

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

Most of my work involves a painterly art style, influenced by astronomy and medieval fantasy. Most artworks are inspired by music ranging to folk, alternative rock and electronic songs.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

MCAD offered a lot of good animation and comic programs and was one of the few schools that offered a degree in comics.

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

I hope to make more large-scale paintings that align with music in some way. If I have the time, I would like to animate to a few songs in the future.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

I really like how much I have grown in my skills with rendering comics and illustrations. I have never made so many large projects that improved my craftsmanship so much. I have also learned a lot of software.

What inspires you?

Most of my art is inspired by music by artists like The Dear hunter, TWRP, The family Crest, M83 and other musicians who do electronic, folk or alternative music.

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

I made an artwork titled 'Walkway Blues' which is a large three-segmented row of paintings following the lyrics of Walkway Blues by M83. It features a character that I have used as a vessel for my assignments at MCAD, and this painting helped me learn a lot about gauche, ink, watercolor and acrylic for my figure class.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

I am currently obsessed with the character I use for my MCAD assignments. Since he is an astronomer, it allows me to project my interest into all of my assignments.