On top of studying ceramic, Jaz is looking forward to fine tuning her craft and knowledge of the fine arts. Jaz believes in the power of community, she hopes to make some solid connections within both the School of Art and Design and the Alfred village. Jaz is heavily inspired by her Mexican heritage, she is deeply interested in her culture and history. Jaz’s favorite artist is ever-changing, but right now she is drawn to Jorge Gutierrez. . If Jaz could collaborate with any artist in the world it would be Tim Burton. She admires his ability to convey dark imagery with lighthearted subject matter. She thinks that, together, they could put together an idea based on Mexican folklore.
Rosie holds interest in 3D art and ceramics but is excited to branch out in her classes. Rosie is both intrinsically and internally driven: she uses her personal interests to fuel her creativity. Nostalgia plays a large part in her process, she holds interest in family and childhood and builds off the emotions she associates with them. After growing up in Florida for her life thus far, Rosie is most excited to experience the changing seasons (especially the first snowfall). . If Rosie could collaborate with any artist in the world it would be Cristina Cordova. Rosie is drawn to the emotional power of Cordova’s work, together they’d create a huge figure sculpture.
Katt’s current area of focus is ceramic. For her, art acts as a therapeutic outlet where she can fully express herself without judgement. Her favorite artist is Juno Birch, their avant-garde and colorful style is something Katt looks for in her own work. Katt is most excited to grown among like-minded artists during her time at Alfred University. . If Katt could collaborate with any artist in the world it would be David Lynch. Katt adores his work and style, together they would create a mural or, perhaps, a short film.
Emily’s favorite medium is ceramic, but she looks forward to all her upcoming art classes. Emily is inspired by the creations of many different artists, especially her high school art teachers. If Emily could collaborate with any artist in the world it would be Alyssa Monks. Monks would paint and Emily would collage, pulling together a mixed media painting/collage.
Ceci is interested in all kinds of media, but is especially excited to explore Alfred University’s glass program. Ceci takes her art personally; she finds that her best work is created out of passion. Ceci looks forward to the community of Alfred’s School of Art and Design, where collaboration is common and a helping hand is never far from reach.
Coming from the Pittsburgh area, Ceci reaches back to her roots and chose Andy Warhol as one of the artists she would collaborate with. They would create a number of influential political pieces that would address conflict in the world today. She also would like to collaborate with Banksy, she is drawn to his clever use of humor in his content. Check out Ceci on Instagram! @ceci_sherwood
Jessie currently focuses on ceramic sculpture, one of her inspirations is pop culture. Jessie looks forward to working with multiple mediums of art upon her arrival at Alfred University; with our foundations program that’s a guarantee. If Jessie could collaborate with any artist in the world it would be her high school art teacher, Jessica Pilowa. Together, they’d create a crazy abstract sculpture. Check out Jessie on Instagram! @jessie_hapiness7
McKenna Kersten is an illustrative artist. Her favorite art movement is surrealism. McKenna looks forward to collaborating with other artists as she begins her journey towards a BFA.
Grace currently leans toward illustration as an art form, but is eager to explore the many mediums that fall under fine art. Grace finds inspiration through topics that interest her; she wants to communicate her curiosity to the viewer. . If Grace could collaborate with any artist it would be Mimi N (@futarinokizuna_). Grace is drawn to the contrast between the dark themes and playful style of Mimi N’s work. Together, they would create a short manga that asks the reader to receive deep messages. Check out Grace’s instagram! @dumochii_
Bronagh Dempsey is a sculptor with a focus on glass. Bronagh is inspired by the patterns and emotions in the work of Austin Stern. On top of being excited to take studios within the glass department, Bronagh looks forward to being a part of a community of all sorts of artists.
If Bronagh could collaborate with any artist in the world it would be Phirak Suon. Bronagh is interested in Suon’s combinations of glass and ceramic, they would create an art piece involving both mediums. Look for Bronagh on Instagram @bronaghglass
Shelby’s art focuses mainly on animation and illustration, but she plans to take full advantage of Alfred’s ceramic program. Shelby is heavily inspired by the world around her, familiar faces and nature seem to find a way into her creative realm. Her favorite artists range from Jamie Green to Victoria Vincent.
With her love for animation, it’s no surprise that she would like to collaborate on a piece with Faye Thomas, a current student at RISD. Shelby believes it would be an honor to create an animation with someone she’s looked up to for so long. Check out Shelby’s Instagram! @slugy0gurt