May 19, 2022 Image Photo by London King They/She Junior, Fine Arts Studio Patricia Kennedy Crump Merit Scholarship $1,500Online Portfolio Chaska, Minnesota Describe the work you submitted for merits. I included a variety of my 2021/22 printmaking and painting work in my 2022 merit exhibition. My work within the last year has shifted heavily towards personal narratives— specifically with understanding the effect of trauma on our bodies, queer identity, and living within the sexualized body. I enjoy exploring what harms and in return what heals. Why did you decide to come to MCAD? I decided to attend MCAD because it just made sense for me with where I was in life and my art practice. Image What's next for your practice? Anything you're really excited to make? I can’t wait to branch out further into my printmaking practice, I have really fallen in love with print this year! I soon hope to make and share some wearable art pieces, finish my first poetry book, and continue to delve into performance art. I am also always excited to continue painting. Favorite thing about college life (so far)? My favorite thing about college life is the space it has given me to develop confidence and freely be myself. In many ways I have created a new found independence for myself since continuing my education. What inspires you? My personal life, past and present, tends to guide the ideation behind my art. Recently I have been incorporating a lot of ideas I have generated through my poetry. I like to think of my art as windows (that aren’t always crystal clear) into my life. Other than being inspired by personal experience; I find lots of inspiration within the sex industry, queer gender expression, bimbofication, riot grrrl, and bright fun color palettes. Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it! I think with every new piece I make I get so excited, then claim that one is my new favorite. All of my pieces hold a special place in my heart. That being said, I recently screenprinted 36 feet of hot pink wallpaper, using a pattern I designed. The pattern is of big shoes and also weapons, I love it. Creating this wallpaper installation made me feel like I was getting back to my design roots, but with my own very loud voice. Anything you're obsessed with at the moment? Honestly, everything pink and sparkly! I am specifically obsessed with hot pink and fluorescent pink. I also really love bunnies.