2022 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Jadrian Hein

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

I use sculpture as a means to venerate the structures found on the Earth’s surface as well as the life within it. The work will differ from the reality of the natural occurrence or life form but, its identity as an art object is akin to a postcard. They serve as a snapshot of a site or organism — a keepsake of my perception. This self-induced comparison to the Earth as a sculptor has introduced me to the notion of imperfect replication and how it proceeds into appreciation. The patterns in nature serve an inherent and site-specific function in themselves and yet my art objects only perform as a love letter.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I moved to Minneapolis in 2020 and took a gap year but I had heard a lot about MCAD from friends. I felt that the sculpture department fit what I was looking for and would help me figure out different paths of exploration. I also really liked the 3D Shop and all that it offered. 

What's next for your practice? Anything you're really excited to make?

I’m looking forward to experimenting more with biomaterials. I’ve learned a lot from Betsy Alwin in the casting class and she has introduced some new and exciting processes for making Earth-friendly molds. A lot of what the Earth makes breaks down over time and I’m hoping to make sculptures that don’t last forever. 

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

I really appreciate the friends I’ve made so far. I almost skipped college altogether but the people I’ve met have really changed the way I see art in my life. Also, the studio available to me has completely opened doors to what I’m able to make. 

What inspires you? 

My family back in Wisconsin. They all worked very hard and really invested themselves in their individual professions. 

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

Maybe my piece about saltation, which is when sand is carried by a flow of air or water over an uneven surface. When the sand finally settles it makes really beautiful patterns; I saw an example of this in the Salt Lake during a trip I shared with a really dear friend and artist.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment? 

Beeswax—really expensive but super fun to work with. 

Do your other interests influence your art?

I really like doing stick and poke tattoos. I did one for a friend and then ended up making a sculpture inspired by it.