51±¬ÁϹÙÍø

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

For merits I submitted my three most recent works which were a variety of documentaries meant to educate on different topics. I included a group portrait documentary about my very talented roommate Makayla Smith's artistic process and motives, a short documentary meant to give voice to the men who have survived sexual assault/rape and a discussion on why society believes that men cannot be assaulted, as well as a documentary meant to humanize and shed light on the experience of girlhood and what it's like to grow into a woman outside of the typical focus of puberty, focusing more on topics such as figuring out what a being a woman means to each individual as well the burdens that come along with the experience.

Why did you decide to come to 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø?

I originally decided to come to 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø as a painting major because the fine arts program was particularly appealing to me, and it was also close to my family. However, once I started the foundations classes and was introduced to filmmaking, which was always an interest of mine outside of painting, I knew that was what I wanted to do and then I liked the small, more artistically focused film program rather than one that was more commercially focused.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

For my senior year I plan on really growing my skills as a filmmaker in every aspect of the creation process, as well as scaling up and expanding my projects beyond a short 10 minute documentary. After I graduate college I want to continue to learn and gain more skills within my film work while being a part of the industry and creating, eventually aiming to become a filmmaker able to make my own feature films.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

My favorite thing about college so far is how much I've grown and how far I have come as an artist, as well as all of the friendships I've made. Since starting at 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø I have grown so much in my practice and my purpose as an artist has also changed to be something much bigger than I had ever thought it would be. Starting as a painting major and completely changing directions was difficult, as I had never tried to make even simple videos before, so my overall growth as well as the very close friends that I have made will always be my favorite part of college.

What inspires you?

I am always inspired and motivated by both my peers and my past. So far, all of my favorite works have been shedding light on and giving voice to topics and people that are often overlooked and aren't talked about nearly enough. I find the most inspiration in people, real or fictional, and their stories of their own personal strength within their lives and this plays a large role within my work. I am also always inspired by a good story written and told with love, as well as color psychology and theory.

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

My favorite piece that I have ever made was a part of my submissions for this scholarship. It's a piece that I titled Him Too focusing on a question posed by a peer, "Can women rape?". This piece is my favorite because it was the project with the largest scope and production, as well as a message that was larger than any of my pieces from before. In this project I aimed to prove that women can in fact rape, and I also aimed to give voices to men survivors of sexual assault and rape, because women can and do rape and men can and are survivors. I also discussed through interviews societal standards and expectations that often cause these questions to be asked and survivors to be overlooked.