2025/26 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Ella Ratliff

How/why did you choose your major?

I chose to become a Fine Arts major because it allows me to experiment with many different mediums while honing my practice and indulging in studio time!

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

I submitted my best oil and watercolor works, plus some experimentation with abstract work and printmaking. I selected these pieces to showcase the cohesion and exploration of my artistic practice so far.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I learned of MCAD through my biggest inspiration and mentor: my high school art teacher. She takes Continuing Education classes here, and recommended that I apply!

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

Next, I'm going to start working at a bigger scale! I'm excited to paint some larger-than-life surrealist figurative work.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

I love being independent! Living with friends and being able to go on spontaneous adventures is fun and freeing.

What inspires you?

I am heavily inspired by medieval iconography, music flowers, and my childhood stuffed animal: Lion.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made?

My current favorite piece is called Excalibur! It is a foreshortened oil on canvas painting depicting my childhood stuffed animal with a broadsword lodged in his head. Two-dimensional medieval flowers are blooming around the area of impact!

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

I'm plunging head-first into a renewed obsession with Daft Punk!

What's the best thing you've found on the Free Shelf?

I recently found a huge wooden easel, but the best is probably a vintage Crosley radio.

Liberal Arts Merit Scholarship:

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

I submitted excerpts of my favorite creative writing and academic essay works! I love writing essays, and I chose excerpts from my best ones to submit.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made?

I love my poem called Self Portrait! It's about a small moment in high school when I was drawing a self-portrait, and the paper accidentally fell onto the floor. I wrote it so it can be read in multiple ways: left to right, top to bottom, or just the bolded words! Each way tells a similar narrative that contributes to the larger whole.

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

In terms of writing, I'm excited to keep improving my essays. I'm hoping to take more creative writing courses or incorporate worded narrative into my painting practice.