Hello everyone…. and Happy (early) Halloween! I hope you are all having a spooky end to the season! I have a super cool student spotlight for all of you this week! This person has an extensive portfolio of work, and always brings the best energy and advice to critique! I have had several classes with this student now, and I just knew I had to introduce you all to him! Please give it up for….
Christopher Chavez
Year: 2029
Major(s): Graphic Design
Minor(s): Animation
Clubs: CYMK Art Club, KPS (Keystone Paranormal Society)
I am majoring in Art because…
I’m majoring in Art because it’s a field where I feel I can express myself freely. It’s also where I can learn more about myself and the world around me.
The kinds of things that inspire me are…
When it comes to art, Media is a great source of inspiration. I enjoy seeing different art styles from artists around the world and experimenting with them.
My favorite art class so far was…
Drawing II with Collier B Parker has to be my favorite class so far. He taught me a wide range of techniques that I can use when drawing. In addition, I was taught to “open my eyes,” which allows me to see objects as shapes and draw them with ease.
When I am not in class…
When I’m not in class, I typically hang out with my girlfriend and friends on campus. At home, I watch shows, play video games, and hang out with my brother; the simple life, in my opinion.
The coolest thing I have done at Marywood so far was….
The coolest thing I have done at Marywood was participating in a Just Dance and Mario Kart tournament. I easily won 1st place in the Mario Kart tournament, but I got humbled in the Just Dance tournament. In other words, they were both fun events that I’m glad I didn’t miss out on due to being a commuter.
When I graduate…
If possible, after I graduate, I would like to pursue my master’s and work in a graphic design company. Also, I would like to become a freelance animator so I can work on different projects, specifically in the anime industry.
I would recommend the Art program at Marywood because…
The people in the Art program at Marywood are what I love most about this program. Everyone is so nice and friendly that I don’t feel nervous approaching them. For example, I didn’t have a tube of paint for my drawing class, and someone offered theirs to use. I was shocked since art supplies are EXPENSIVE to buy, so someone offering their tube of paint is so special to me.
What excites me most about Art is….
The creative process excites me because that’s where I learn the most. During that time, I typically ask my friends and professors for their input to improve my piece further. On top of that, I learn new techniques and methods from them as well. In the end, I just enjoy getting lost in art; drawing subconsciously and seeing what works.
What keeps you motivated to continue with art when projects get difficult?
“Just make it exist first. You can make it good later.” – Adam Grant
This quote keeps me moving every time a project gets difficult. Now and then I struggle with my perfectionism to the point where I don’t get work done. And in those moments, I think back to that quote and get back on my feet. I believe as artists we should remember this quote when facing negative thoughts about our art.
If you were any kind of art tool or medium, what would you be, and why?
I would be acrylic paint. As odd as that sounds, I believe it would be suitable for my goals as an artist. When dry, acrylic paint can be difficult to remove, which means that once you make your mark, it can’t be removed. That’s what I want; I want to leave a mark in this world so I can inspire people.
How do you know when you have finished a piece? Do you think art is ever really finished?
To tell you the truth, I don’t know when a piece is finished or not. There’s always room for improvement and things you can do in a “finished piece”. I truly believe that art can never be “finished”; there’s probably an infinite number of things you can do to your art piece to make it different. You can give it wings, make it three-dimensional, or make it walk; Sky’s the limit.
I just love Christopher’s view on a finished piece! I love the mindset that a piece is never finished, and that there are unlimited possibilities. It is easy to lock in on a piece, and to fixate on perfection and to forget to just explore. I love this mindset that Christopher presents because it reminds me that art can be so free.
I am also amazed by Christopher’s digital collage. The choices in type, especially with “keep going,” “failure,” “growth,” and “hope.” I love the way the scrabble tiles are integrated. The imagery of the hands leading the eye, and the symbolism of Sisyphus pushing his rock over the hill all create a powerful, dramatic, composition that perfectly conveys the ideas of determination and resilience.
I hope that you all have enjoyed this brief introduction to Christopher and his work!! What do you like most about his work? I’d love to hear!!
Until next time!
-Rebecca Prowse