UCSC is well-known for being surrounded by nature. Unlike most schools, you get to walk through a redwood forest to get to class and pass by deer and turkeys on the way. This environment undoubtedly influenced my art; a lot of it features natural life (including bugs and viruses!). Many of my works feature birds because there were so many that I was hearing and seeing on campus. My comic “Home Sweet Home” is full of the repeating redwood motif and features a mysterious house hidden in the depths of the forest. The interactions between the natural and human world was constantly on display at UCSC and helped inspire “The Cornucopia”- a painting featuring a group of scavengers doing their best to survive a city environment.

Another interesting thing about UCSC is the quarter system, which allowed me to try many different classes. This meant I had more opportunities to experiment in different media. Printmaking and claymation were not things I was interested in initially, but some of my favorite pieces I made were in those classes. I also learned techniques I wasn’t expecting — like woodworking to build canvases. 

The greatest opportunity UCSC gave me, however, was the chance to study abroad — twice. I did a seminar in Japan and made prints of a shoebill and an eagle owl - two birds I saw while there. I gained a greater appreciation for traditional printmaking procedures while being immersed in their cultural context. This past fall semester I spent at UAL in London and made concept designs for merchandise for the Cartoon Museum and a futuristic submarine. In another class, I made a park statue of a fictional historical pigeon. Being in a major international city like London gave me access to all sorts of museums and cultural spots and was the perfect start to my senior year. 

Overall, my experience at UCSC gave me a one of a kind chance to really enhance my skills and knowledge and grow as an artist. I feel ready to take on the outside art world going forward!