Major
Art
What first attracted you to Whittier?
I didn't really know what I wanted from a school when I applied to college. I applied to a couple art schools, some larger universities, and a few smaller liberal arts colleges like Whittier. When it came down to choosing I decided I wasn't ready to focus solely on art and that I really wanted a broad education and an intimate setting. I kind of fell into deciding on Whittier based on the options I had given myself, funding opportunities, and my visit to the campus. When I chose Whittier I had no idea it would meet my needs so well.
Why did you choose to study art?
I always knew I loved art, but I did have to make the decision to major in it since I didn't always know if I would pursue art professionally. My time at Whittier helped me to decide what other things I wanted to study along with art and I was able to broaden my interests by taking classes in science, writing, and philosophy, etc.
Describe your experience at Whittier College. What was your favorite class?
It's too hard for me to pick one class. If I had to I might choose Performing the Gendered Body taught by dAvid pAddy and Sal Johnston. I still own every book assigned in that class and refer to them regularly. Another highlight was going to the Grand Canyon with an environmental science class about water in the Southwest--some of my strongest friendships where formed in that class. All my printmaking classes with Endi Poskovic were fundamental to my time at Whittier, and much of my studio practice today still uses the ideas and skills that I encountered working in the Art Department. What stands out most are the enduring connections that I was able to make with many of my professors and fellow students.
What was your first job after Whittier? What are you currently up to? How has your Whittier education benefited you professionally?
Right out of Whittier, I had a few jobs here and there, but my first real job was at an arts nonprofit called Craft in America. They were making documentaries for PBS and I did a mix of things there including watching lots and lots of amazing video footage and licensing photos for publication--it was a great first job. About a year after graduating from Whittier I applied to graduate school and received a full scholarship to get my MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. While in Chicago I taught printmaking, writing, and drawing at SAIC and Spudnik Press and worked at the sustainable agriculture nonprofit, Growing Home. In 2012, I moved to Minneapolis and I'm focusing on my studio practice and teaching at Highpoint Center for Printmaking.
What advice would you give to future art alumni when they graduate?
Value your friends and mentors who help you along the way! Seek out opportunities that suit your interests and make art every day.
