My Final Artist Presentation - Sarah Ferreira

 

Original Character (Digital)

    As a digital character designer, my work is personal and transverses the boundaries of self-identity. Through my characters and their designs, I strive to showcase the entire history of a character and their story through visual development. My main subjects tend to reflect on my deepest insecurities, transforming these fictional characters into different facets of my subconscious and personality.

    I focus heavily on portraying confidence, style, pleasure, and beauty in the design aspect of these characters, creating multi-layered individuals that seep into our reality and form connections to escape further into the world of fiction. My ultimate goal is to provide a space for my audience to immerse themselves in a world that reflects their own emotions and experiences.

My mission is to find peace within myself and my work. As someone who struggles with severe anxiety and depression, using my work as a form of escapism has always been core to my identity as an illustrator. Through my art, I strive to feel comfortable with what I create and hope that it has a positive impact on others who struggle with similar issues.

    I frame the world as a place filled with learning opportunities and believe that there is always a way to improve, not only as a student, but as an artist as well. This mindset has helped me to elevate the anxieties that have plagued my mind throughout my life, and has allowed me to channel my experiences into my work in a meaningful way.

Mission & Artist Statement Presentation Link

Final Research Project Proposal

Project Proposal

                                              

                                                                    

               

The Crocodile and Plover is a sculpture I did not commit to lightly. 

I knew I wanted to begin transitioning into furniture but I enjoy the detailed process of realism in my work therefore apparently a crocodile table was my obvious choice in marrying the two concepts. A crocodile is a large animal that has a low center of gravity, stands on four legs, and has a relatively simple silhouette. Structurally it could be a great side table. I mapped out the length width and height of my hypothetical crocodile with boxes of clay and settled comfortably on 4.3 x 1 x 2 ft. Considering the dimensions of the school's largest kiln is 4 x 4 x 5 ft  I plan on sculpting the crocodile entirely together but with a separation between the head and body so I can fire them separately but still seamlessly fit them together after. The plover will be significantly smaller resting on its snout right before its eyes, about the size of a baseball. I will also need to trade spaces with someone in our ceramics room because I need a large cart cover with drywall to sculpt on from start to finish and easily transfer into the kiln. The drywall will help slide the piece into the kiln without having to risk picking it up and once fired it will disintegrate. 

Surfacing will determine the overall tone of the piece. I want to stay away from realism in finishing because it will already be giving so much crocodile this is an opportunity to breathe a whimsical fascination into it. After many unsuccessful test tiles went to waste over the colors and effects I was interested in I decided to do some research into cold surfacing with acrylic and medium. Bold color with soft gradients and pops of glowing intensity. 

The actual glass aspect of the piece will for now be clear acrylic until I have the funds for such a project. It will lay over the crocodile and bird, exposing the top of the head and back as if submerged in water. After taking proper measurements I will Dremel the shape of the face and back of the croc to smoothly rest on the surface. 

Final Presentation Proposal

 Final Presentation

Final

 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BoNWuyJjncQNhFMa4taCH_YauAHjTJDdvkQ7kkwKpMA/edit?usp=sharing

Next Step

 

Visual Guides 

The idea of body art still lingers in my mind but my energy is being pulled in different directions. I must continue the practice of mold making in order to progress the creative presentation of the pieces. Having the technicalities of the craft is essential when one does it themselves. Tangibility is still prevalent in my mind when creating pieces. The idea of interactivities is a thought that excites me when thinking of the next project. Passively or actively interacting with the piece is a crossroad when starting the venture. Pushing the statue making craft and incorporating new ways of displaying it. I aim to successfully make a collection that launches the website of my Jewelry Brand. 

The summer os 2023 will be focused on evolving my hands-on approach at crafting jewelry. The craft is ancient and requires many hours of practice. There are many facets that one must develop when making a product based business. The overall goal would be to create a website that is populated by various ready to wear pieces. While in part developing the overall image of the Brand through the use of physical publications and my own photographic aesthetic. Crafting an actual magazine that dives deeper into the ethos of the brand is essential building a firm character. 

Overall with each season that passes I aim to improve on my foundation of skills and step up my craft. My interest do not stop at jewelry, sculpture and photography. I believe having a wide pallet of mediums to lean on can help build an even stronger artistic sense. Widening our artistic sensibilities through constant practice, revision, and collaboration. 

Project Proposal

 Link to presentation:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFhQUZljxw/a5YS_-SzbBcOahohqbzCKg/edit?utm_content=DAFhQUZljxw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

For my BFA project, I created a body of photos that are commercial-based. For my next "big project" I want to take my photography on a different route.  For some context besides photography, I'm also really passionate about house music. With this project, I want to create a photo-documentary project that explores the world of the underground house scene. I'll focus on the people, places, and events that define the underground house scene of New York, from intimate gatherings in hidden locations to large-scale parties in warehouses. I will document the DJs, producers, dancers, and fans who contribute to the scene, as well as the art, fashion, and design that are part of its identity. As a photographer, the goal is to create a visual record of the underground house scene and spread awareness of the culture. I could see this project expanding into may be turning into a photo book. If I had the opportunity to travel I would like to work on this project in Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Amsterdam, and Ibiza and make a book about each place. 

What’s Next?

 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/14VilQWzd8pw9dHGX1s-Fxm5MJYHvYYwQZBGn8-qNbxY/edit

Stay tuned: 

Final: Research & Proposal

Michael Pantaleon

TUNNEL: WNBA 2023 Season

    In our BFA show, I produced a passion project that had been envisioned for quite some time, TUNNEL, a fashion magazine highlighting and recapping NBA athlete’s pregame outfits of the 2022-23 season. Its title is derived from the area in which the players walk through to enter the arena, showcasing their attire. The question regarding what was next seemed to be a no-brainer, create a follow-up issue that would cover the WNBA and their women athletes. Though the transition of the idea could have easily sufficed, the simplicity of it would not do the WNBA and their united stance on a plethora of controversial topics any justice. Weaving the name and the entire concept of the original project into a more complex product, TUNNEL’s WNBA issues will also introduce a deep dig at the current state of women’s basketball, along with the content already established in its men iteration.

 

TUNNEL's 2022-23 Magazine: my BFA project

WNBA Logo

    

    With the WNBA’s 2023 season taking place from May 18 - September 10, accumulating all the necessary resources (ie. statistics, records, rankings, outfits) and political commentary throughout its 40 games would encompass the entirety of the upcoming summer. Having a multitude of outlets such as ESPN, SportsCenter, Bleacher Report, theScore, the official WNBA and their respective teams’ accounts across all social media platforms, etc., information gathering would be the easiest portion of the process. The articles to be featured would headline some of the more prominent stories revolving around the athletes, those including the following:

1. Brittney Griner, eight-time All-Star for the Phoenix Mercury, was finally released from imprisonment in Russia after being incarcerated for possession of hash oil cartridges. Being no stranger to the country, Griner would play in the Russian basketball league since 2014. While taking a flight back home in February 2022, she was arrested at an airport outside Moscow, many stating the involvement between Russia and the United States during the ongoing war for Ukraine as a reason. After being found guilty of a potential nine year sentence, Griner would be freed in December 2022; plans to release a memoir detailing the 10 months as a prisoner and the subsequent absence from the 2022 WNBA season; heavily supported by her peers and athletes alike.* 

Brittney Griner being detained in Moscow, Russia in February 2022.

2. Dearica Hamby claims her former team, Las Vegas Aces “bullied, manipulated, traumatized” her due to her pregnancy announcement of second child; was signed to a two-year contract extension with the team in June 2022, later traded to the Los Angeles Sparks January 2023. 

 

Dearica Hamby with her daughter, Amaya, at a Las Vegas Aces team photo shoot.

3. Caitlin Clark, Iowa Hawkeyes’ premier Junior guard, took social media by storm with her dominant performance and boastful actions throughout the March Madness tournament. It wasn’t until Angel Reese, LSU Tigers’ standout Sophomore forward, had received backlash due to her reciprocated antics when the two faced off at the NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship game earlier this April. The conversation spread like wildfire as colliding opinions and hypocritical double standards about the two athletes sparked a heated debate nationwide.

 

LSU's Angel Reese gesturing her championship ring finger to Iowa's Caitlin Clark.

    Although these topics cover sensitive subjects, the core essence of TUNNEL still shines through, where exploring the individualistic qualities of these athletes are still a priority. The marketplace of the basketball shoes of Washington Mystics’ Elena Delle Donne, and both of New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart and most recently Sabrina Ionescu, marks the 10th, 11th, and 12th signature sneaker franchise in the 27 years of the WNBA league history.

 

New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu and her very own signature Nike shoe.

    In typical TUNNEL fashion (no pun intended), we will be highlighting outfits worn periodically while also noting the performance aspect of the selected player(s). Potential names to look out for/feature articles based on specific athletes include but not limited to: Nneka Ogwumike, Sue Bird, Kelsey Plum, DiDi Richards, Rae Burrell. 

* = point out the many different outfits and fashion statements that players adorned themselves to provide public support for their friend/teammate.

Link to Presentation

3 photos + quotes

“Not only will I stare, I want my look to change reality.”

To me this quote represents taking back your power. Especially with black women and women of color. Changing the narrative and realizing who we are and our views are important. I want people to know that when they see my work as well. 

“I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else's whim or to someone else ignorance.”

Never let other people’s opinions of you or your work influence you OR your work! Our lives aren’t some subject to be put in a box, everyone has a story and every single story is worth being celebrated and showcased. If not for anyone else, but for yourself. 

Final Presentation | Lucero Torres

 Final Presentation

Patch Brochure

For my BFA I spent much time learning about healthcare and the issues in this field. I still have much more to cover and address with this topic. So that is why I am sticking with healthcare as the theme for my project. 

While working on my research for my BFA I spoke to and interviewed ten different people to ask questions about their experiences with doctor's appointment. What I found was that half of these people had not gone to the doctor's office in a long time due to having medical debt. Many were overwhelmed with the amount of debt they had and refused to visit the doctor's until they had finished paying off what they owed. One person had told me they didn't want to go because they were concerned that they would need more tests and medications and they just didn't have the money to cover their previous cost so why would they go and add more to that. However, research has shown that people who wait to visit the doctor's are more likely to end up in the ER and accumulate more medical debt. 

People like the ones I interviewed already had debt and it was hard for me to point them to one place to find the answers to dealing with their existing medical debt. There is resources and organizations that dedicate themselves to this and there's also just simple things like calling and asking hospitals/healthcare providers to look over the bill again. But just seeing a huge amount of money that you owe to someone can cause immense stress and overwhelm a person. 

So that's why with my proposed project I want to create a comprehensive website with of all the things people can do to lower their debt and pay it off sooner. If you have all these resources and tips in one place it will be easier for people to research and find ways to address their medical debt sooner. That's why for my project proposal, I will create a website, posters, and social media ads in English and Spanish to help people find resources and solutions to help with medical bills. 

kevin Persaud Final presentation

Kevin Persaud 

Final slide presentation

Introduction:

The theme of self-realization and the idea of karma that we carry from generations to generations have always intrigued me. As human beings, we exist not only in the present but also in the past. Our souls are immortal, and our physical bodies do not define us. Therefore, the sense of self is an intriguing concept, and I want to explore this idea through a series of figurative sculptures.

Concept:

My work is about reflecting on the idea of self and exploring what creates an identity. From upbringing to religion, location, and surroundings, every aspect of our lives plays a role in shaping who we are. The stories and history that we carry within us are the vessels that make us unique. The body of work that I am proposing will be thought-provoking and will encourage reflection on the heaviness of our actions and their potential to carry through our lives.

 

Inspiration:

My inspiration for this project comes from the works of Denis Sarazhin, who brilliantly portrays the human form in his art. His use of absurdity to convey a message is something that I find fascinating. Additionally, photographer Tyler Mitchell has inspired me to introduce a new narrative about beauty and desire while embracing themes of the past and creating fictionalized moments of the imagined future.

Medium and Size:

The proposed body of work will consist of figurative sculptures made out of clay, ranging from 2 feet to 4 feet in height. These sculptures will be hand-painted, and each piece will be unique, representing the individual stories and histories that we all carry. I plan to suspend some of the sculptures in the air with strings, while others will be placed on the wall or grounded to the floor, creating a delicate and almost frail representation of the human form.

Conclusion:

My goal is to create a body of work that not only provokes thought and reflection but also showcases the human form. I want to use these sculptures to also represent the heaviness of our actions and how they might carry through our lives. The proposed work will be a testament to the stories and history that make us unique and show that we are not defined by our physical bodies or our names.