Here at Marywood, you are required to take 2-D Design and 3-D Design as a part of your Foundation Year coursework. For those that work in a primarily 2-dimensional space, such as graphic designers and photographers, switching to 3-D is tougher than it looks. Sculpting in 3-D requires the artist to work their brains in different ways. It requires you to think about the composition from many angles instead of just head on. For this week’s alumni update, I caught up with Karen Reid who uses this principle in her everyday work as a sculptor.
Karen Reid
Graduation Year/Major:
Class of 2002, BFA Studio Art: Sculpture
Class of 2008, MA Sculpture
Karen also taught 3-D Design as an adjunct for five years. Her website is www.karenreidsculpture.com
Current Occupation:
I am a practicing studio artist working much of the time with glass. I have a studio at my home which can facilitate my needs in creating sculpture. Most of my work involves casting glass in kilns and combining the results with other materials.
1) What was your favorite part about Marywood?
Working in the studio setting at Marywood was a wonderful opportunity for any artist. The stimulating environment provided inspiration, direction, and camaraderie with both students and faculty. Exploring new techniques and materials was always encouraged and the group critiques provided insight for my work.
2) Any advice for current art students at Marywood?
Spend as much time in the studio as possible!! The time you have in that facility is precious. Once you graduate, you realize how wonderful and enriching that experience was.
3) How did your art education at Marywood help your career?
The degrees that I earned at Marywood set the future course for my work. The contacts I made, exhibitions I entered, resumes I created, and gallery connections all resulted from my education and time spent on the campus. I learned what it meant to be a “practicing artist”.
4) What is your favorite part about your job?
I am doing what I love to do. I get “lost” in creating work, so at times I can be unaware of the day and time. The creation process is very fulfilling for me. I enjoy most the time spent working in my studio.
5) Who is your favorite sculptor and why?
I don’t have a favorite sculptor but I do greatly admire some for their creative insights, process, or works. Alexander Calder for his brilliance with construction and in moving sculpture light years ahead, Andy Goldsworthy for his deep sensibility with nature and materials, and Howard Ben Tre for his fearless work with glass as a medium.
Featured images courtesy of Karen Reid.
Are you interested in studying sculpture?
Our sculpture program will prepare you for a career in sculpture through a thorough examination of 3D forms and space, with an emphasis on traditional and highly technical skills.
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