How did you first get interested in art?
I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching documentaries and cartoons which melded into a unique love of the arts, with an interest in how the rest of the world would approach the same concepts and practices. It became a hobby for me, something to do while I pursued other ventures from cosmetology to marine biology. After the events of 2020, I decided to make my hobby a career and start developing my skills through UNC Charlotte.
What kind of career do you hope to have?
My hopes and goals have fallen into two main camps that allow me to work side-by-side with the other. I have recently found that I enjoy helping and teaching others to use the 3D modeling software, Blender. Alongside that, I am wanting to develop video games and continue my work on Native American language revitalization learning programs.
What is your favorite thing about the College of Arts + Architecture?
I think my favorite thing about the CoA+A is the community that has been built. We all help each other out and aren’t afraid to ask others for assistance on projects. I also enjoy the creative freedom that is afforded in the program. Yes, there are assignments, but we are often free to choose how we want to approach those assignments and ultimately the results are as unique as each of us.
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community?
I had the honor of helping a little bit with the memorial sculpture in the Botanical gardens, carving into the stone what had been written in sharpie on smaller ones that were left behind at the original site. From there I have worked in the Rowe Fabrication Lab as the Lab Monitor, where I would help others with their projects from 3D printing to laser cutting. I am also starting to take steps towards my goals and taking up a Teaching Assistant position for the Blender based 3D Modeling course.
When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy playing video games with my friends and daughter. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I love to go to the Charlotte Checkers hockey games as well as watch hockey with my daughter. I also love to go to museums whenever I go to a new place.