Welcome back everyone! With Thanksgiving approaching, I know everyone is thinking on what they are thankful for! I myself am thankful the amazing faculty, students, and classes I experience everyday, here at Marywood! Speaking of the amazing students… I got one fantastic and creative student to share with you all today! Their art is absolutely breathtaking, and their point of view towards art is incredible! I have taken several classes with this artist since our freshmen year, and I will admit that their process has piqued my interest for quite some time. What I discovered over these past two weeks has only cultivated my admiration further! Please give it up for . . .
Kay Duncan
Year: 2028
Major(s): Illustration
Minor(s): Graphic Design
Clubs: N/A
I am majoring in Art because…
Creating art is a deep-rooted desire of mine which has changed meaning over time. The process of creation has always come to the forefront of my mind. So with art being my speciality, it comes across as the only career option natural for me. I take art courses at Marywood University with the intention to hone my skills, preparing for the future. The desire to create has brought me where I am now.
The kinds of things that inspire me are…
What inspires me is anything which can capture my imagination, just fully engross me, then linger in my head long after the moment has passed. Such as listening to a song, or watching cinema which I know will be replaying in my head for the next few hours. Although I choose to evaluate art from an observational perspective, and I do recognize the value of what others create, it is solemn that I am personally compelled by any artforms I experience. I do not say so in a haughty or proud sense. Being prone to boredom is quite frankly, mind-numbing. Such is why when something one-in-a-hundred does compel me, it sticks in my mind.
My favorite art class so far was…
My favorite art class so far is Figure Drawing. It’s refreshing that every class session, there are new assignments to draw before moving on to the next. Using the same techniques every class, with only gradual additions + changes, allows notable room for improvement + familiarity. Having a live model to study the human body with creates for an immersive experience, as well.
When I am not in class…
I’m bird watching in between activities. I enjoy being in nature, taking walks… I especially enjoy seeing the birds. On campus, next to the woods of these mountains, I see different concentrations of birds than I do in my hometown. Especially the abundance of smaller raptors, who are such fierce but cute little critters. I sometimes document my findings, as well as watch the birds up close using my handy binoculars. My bird-noculars.
The coolest thing I have done at Marywood so far was…
I have displayed six different pieces in the Marywood University Foundations Exhibit. It was cool to have my works physically displayed in public for an extended period of time. Though, with how I’m only less than two years into the university program, I believe there will be opportunities for cool things yet to come.
When I graduate…
I have no plan for when I graduate, as of now. Though, I believe it’s alright to keep my options open. It means not locking myself into anything too early, or exhausting myself trying. There may be a great opportunity for me out there; one which doesn’t exist yet, but will one day. Perhaps then will be a great time to be pre-unoccupied.
I would recommend the Art program at Marywood because…
There are a variety of classes which will help developing artists. Even classes which may do so unexpectedly. At first, I was reluctant to take an oil-painting class. I didn’t perceive it as directly related to my major; it was just necessary for the curriculum. By the time it had passed though, I appreciated that I had learned how to paint. It was a skill I never expected to willingly use again, yet I’ve found myself using the techniques outside of class. In situations both related and unrelated to painting.
What excites me most about Art is…
Comparing and contrasting different shapes, colors, or concepts, then using those observations to cultivate something harmonious. I find that the process of creation encourages self-reflection + learning about things new or old. Additionally, learning is a gateway which leads to enlightenment or wisdom, both of which are rewarding. Creation can simultaneously be an escape from reality, to fantastical ideas, as well as something which can tether one to reality, keeping one invested in our world. I find that creating something personally compelling is a way to experience being alive, as well as a form of self-expression.
“I find that creating something personally compelling is a way to experience being alive, as well as a form of self-expression.”
My process when creating art is . . .
My process is non-linear, in a multitude of ways. I sometimes try to invent original methods for creating something. Sometimes, I do things in a particular order based on what I am up for the day. Sometimes, I follow the outline created by an instructor. All of that too, is based upon what the situation may, or may not call for… Though, for a common illustration I, in order; 1. create a thumbnail, 2. do the sketch, 3. establish a color palette under the sketch, 4. then complete the line art, and 5. implement the final colors.
How has your art evolved and changed since you first started creating?
I have experimented with a variety of stylistic choices throughout the years. While in a way, I was narrowing down which techniques work efficiently for me, I have figured out myself that I prefer changing those choices from time to time. For hypothetical example, choosing to illustrate in an exaggerated way one project, before illustrating in a way “down-to-earth” the next. Such a choice may be a result of what the project calls for, or what I see fit.
I have found that my personal appeal of art is not developing an irreplaceable “style” (as that will only lead to frustration and insecurity, save yourself), but rather, it is creating something which I find appealing for visuals-sake. My motto is to create something myself would spend time looking at, ignoring whether I created it or not.
“To create art is to put a part of yourself into the world; physical, or metaphysical. It is with that which I find art not just to be a hobby, but to be a way of living”
-Kay Duncan
Are there any themes or messages that you frequently put into your art? What techniques or ideas do you focus on when creating a work of art?
When it comes to creating visual art, I focus on innovation. Finding ways to twist the medium I use, or finding ways to twist ideas and/or concepts which are normally unassociated with each other. To encourage me, along with an audience, to form connections we wouldn’t otherwise conceive. As a recent example, it is not that I am arranging panels for a comic of mine in a common separated panels method (I.E. use of comic “gutters”), I am having the panels overlap one another, as if the panels are photos on a bulletin board, because the story in question is one of fictional-crime. It’s as if the story is being presented in a conspiracy-board manner.
My penchant for innovation aside, I do still stress on the visuals of the piece itself. I use visual arrangement and/or armature to guide the eyes of viewers, conveying to the viewers a story or what is so important in the piece. I use color palettes to strike moods, whether the piece is fit for a drab, vivid, or other palette. I use stylistic choices, as well as physical proportions to enhance the tone and/or setting of a piece… Of course, I can go on about what may go into a piece. Art is a complex process when intention is added to the mix. That is why it is considered a “creative” endeavor. There is no one-all solution. One must work out what is fit for the piece. For whichever reason(s) there may be.
Even if multiple artists work from the same idea, the same plan, the result will never be the exact same. Art is personalized. To create art is to put a part of yourself into the world; physical, or metaphysical. It is with that which I find art not just to be a hobby, but to be a way of living.
Live I will. I now sign off.
I don’t know about you, but I am floored by Kay’s work! Kay’s portfolio of work is diverse and creative in every single aspect; literally every piece hits it out of the park — perhaps out of this universe! I am in love with their editorial collage for its perfect balance, colors, and aesthetic appeal. Their figure drawings leave me absolutely speechless too; the figure drawings are so elegantly evocative and delicate!
One thing I noticed about all of Kay’s work is that there is rhythm and very strong composition in everything. Not only does Kay expand on a large base of imagination and creative imagery/ideas, but they best realize these ideas on a strong foundation of the elements and principles of art. I also have a huge appreciation for Kay’s outlook on what art means to them and what art is. Their philosophical, intellectual approach to art is incredibly refreshing and resonates with me. Art is more than just a creation or a product, it is an expression of a life and soul. Every brushstroke has a person behind it, a maker with a story to tell. Kay’s metaphysical approach to art, combined with their appreciation for artistic expression, is something I admire and respect deeply. It is truly a priveledge to study beside such an extroardinary artist!
I hope everyone has enjoyed this student spotlight as much as I have!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving (if you celebrate) and see you soon!
-Rebecca Prowse