Nicole Southard (Class of 2018)
Blogger Role: Art Education
Major: Art Education
Minor: Art History
I chose Marywood because it was the place that I found most comfortable in my college search. I didn’t feel like I had to pretend to be someone I wasn’t. In high school I was quiet and reserved, but Marywood has brought me out of my shell and allowed me to experience so many great things in my three years here; I wouldn’t have wanted to spend the four most important years of my life anywhere else.
I am majoring in Art Education because I have always loved art and want to show others how amazing it is. I was surrounded by art from such a young age because my mom was a graphic designer, so it has played a significant role in my life. I feel that art is a language that requires people to speak no words; it is a form of communication through imagery. While education is our path to the future; it allows for children to realize their purpose in life. Combined together, the two become unstoppable and allow for personal creative expression, creating critical thinkers and problem solvers that will create a positive impact in society.
When I’m not in class, I’m studying, making art, or hanging out with my boyfriend and friends. This year is a very important year for me as I will be taking my certification test, so I really need to buckle down and prepare for it.
My favorite art class was Jewelry with Heidi! I was able to learn such practical information from her for inside and outside of the studio, and I hope to continue to make jewelry in the future. But I have to say that every professor I have had at Marywood has been so knowledgeable, helpful, and personable.
The coolest thing I’ve done at Marywood so far was learning how to use a film camera. I was able to use Marywood’s darkroom to develop my own film and print the images. With so many things being digital and able to be accessed in the palm of your hand in an instant, it was awesome to discover a technique that needed a larger skill set and more patience to create an image. It was so satisfying when I was able to see my finished pieces. A faster process may not always yield the most rewarding result.
When I graduate I hope to get a job teaching in the 2018-2019 school year and then in the near future open up my own studio in which I could teach private art lessons, group lessons, and wine & paint nights.
I’d recommend the Art program at Marywood because I have gained so much knowledge in my few short years and grown not only as an artist but also as a person. Marywood’s faculty truly has the best interest of their students at heart.