Sean Sacco (Class of 2024)
Blogger Role: Student Spotlight
Major: Painting
I chose Marywood initially because of the cost of tuition being relatively inexpensive, however through a semester of being at the school, I find myself being grateful for the opportunity to pursue my major here because of the faculty and staff. Their insight in the field of art is unparalleled in both producing great work and applying one’s talents in the real world, and their willingness to push me to perform above their initial standards has been beneficial in bringing me out of my comfort zone.
I am majoring in Art because I was introduced to the concept of using Art as a means of producing a living from a professional standpoint in junior year of highschool when I had jumped into AP with very little experience. I had no instruction of how to approach Art from a principle-based method and was forced to develop skill rather last minute. Nonetheless, through consistent pressure to produce technically excellent works, my teachers elicited an ambition to refine my skills as much as possible and be able to display my work for others in a way that can be universally appreciated.
When I’m not in class, I’m constantly producing art works that expand my repertoire of skills and techniques. I often find myself spending all-nighters and any other bit of free time I can acquire building works in both large and small scale that pressure me to work with more intricacy and technical excellence. Whether it be for commissioned works or the intent of expanding my portfolio to demonstrate my abilities in the best way possible, I am always working with new mediums and exploring various combinations of materials to get a better understanding of how to manipulate them to make my work visually impactful.
So far, my favorite art class at Marywood was Foundations Seminar (part of the Art Department’s Foundation Year program) as it allows me to introduce others to artists and styles I am passionate about, as well as learn about what motivated certain people to turn what once was a hobby into an occupation. In addition to this, the class gave me insight on the professional elements of art in regards to selling works, developing a portfolio and resume, and establishing a reputation that will motivate people to want to invest in one’s work.
The coolest thing I’ve done at Marywood so far was sell my works and establish connections with people who were interested in commissions from me. The school provides immense opportunities to put yourself out there as an artist, and I found myself taking advantage of these new opportunities by finding people who would be willing to invest in my work and promote my art to a vast audience of people who found my style interesting.
When I graduate I want to initially become an art teacher at the college level. However, my end goal is to become a freelance artist where I find a means of living off of my own pieces and commissioned works.
I’d recommend the Art program at Marywood because I feel as if the environment is welcoming to a lot of styles and levels of experience. In addition to this the teachers I have this semester are passionate in their profession and provide confidence in one’s abilities as an artist.
