Info: Artist Statement

Everyone has their own way of expressing themselves, whether in music, speaking, or writing, but the way that I express myself is through art. It is like nothing else that I do. Ever since I was little, I always loved to draw; and it has stayed with me ever since. I find it unbelievable that my favorite hobby has now become my major in college.

When I was in second grade, my art teacher had given us the assignment to make a collage of creatures under the sea. It was a rather simple assignment and I got right to work. I started to draw and cut out a bunch of things such as a starfish, a seahorse, and a dolphin. Soon after, the girl who was sitting next to me began to stare at me. She was in shock. She loved the little creatures I had made! She pleaded for me to help her and make a few for her. Of course, I agreed. Well, it didn't take long before the whole class was standing over my little desk. The reaction I got was unbelievable! Kids were in awe of my work and it gave me the best feeling inside. Needless to say, drawing continued throughout my youth. I doodled quite a bit when I got the chance. I loved doing cartoon characters, animals and any requests that my friends gave me. I always tried to make everything I did as realistic as possible, so I constantly practiced and took some after-school art classes with other kids.

Art became my favorite class, and I even took art in throughout high school just because it still was one of my favorite things to do. I learned so much about it, including techniques, design, history, and the refinement of my work. When it became time for me to choose what college to go to, my first choice was MassArt. Now that I’m here, I hope to someday become a Graphic Designer. I want to fully immerse myself in what I do and learn all there is to know. I like to attend lectures and gallery openings; there is so much to discover in my field because it is changing all the time!

Not only do I love what I do, but I am fascinated by it. I’m not sure if I know enough about art to have a particular philosophy behind it; but I certainly have beliefs about it. I think it's amazing that art can send impressions and moods to a viewer, and depending on that person, the feeling that is sent can be dramatically different. One doesn't need to speak any language to comprehend art. It has let me express myself through the happiest and saddest times of my life. In addition, art has helped me learn about myself; I think I have developed my own personal aesthetic because of it and even the way I portray my work says alot about me. One can see that I am patient and detailed with all that I do. I take care with my work and take great pride in it.

It is wonderful to be here at MassArt and create work among other artists. I think the faculty and students are very dedicated and inspiring; their influence upon me has helped push my work to be its best. I still like to create amazing dolphins for others.

-Lisa Kurth