I’m a multidisciplinary artist. I chose to major in Integrated Design Major to keep developing many skills I am interested in. I love to construct 3-D objects and environments, have interest in technology and interactivity, as well as parametric design. My dream is to create immersive environments and work with big teams of people.
I always apply multiple skills and am very interested in non-conventional approaches and new applications. When I learn how to do video-editing, I can’t stop from thinking how can I integrate sculpture with video screens. When I create a sculpture I think how could I use mechanical construction to create fashion. Furthermore, I think how could I combine both now, the sculptural piece with the moving image and people wearing costumes. Will it be a performance? How will the audience interact with such an environment? Could I serve food at the event and would this become a combination of dinner and theatre? Those ideas go through my head. That is why I need more skills, and more people to collaborate with in order to achieve my visions.
The most important thing I learned during my first year is that I can solve any problem. I don’t feel boundaries or constraints. I learned that I can learn anything. Nothing can stop me. If there is a task in front of me that requires a set of skills I don’t have at the moment, I can experiment and come up with a solution. I can always learn from my mistakes and apply that knowledge to the next iteration.
Also I learned the power behind the creation of strong ideas and concepts. There is a difference between just a beautiful art piece and a work of art that carries a strong message.
In my projects I see the influence of spiritual practices I have outside of the school. I spend a good amount of time thinking about human behavior, what makes people happy and how they can change daily routines to become less worried. A lot of times change starts internally.
As the first highlight of the year I chose a sculptural piece from my Space class called “Political Safe Space.” I love geometrical sculpture, and always wanted to learn CNC-routing. I loved working in a team to develop the concept of a political safe space by creating a geometrical tent structure. People could go inside, view posters, and, if they wish, express political opinions in a safe space. This project is a good example of my building and technical skills.
The second highlight of the year was an intervention proposal for Constructed Environments class. It is an example of my critical thinking skills. As much as I find the process of writing in a foreign language pretty painful, I should admit, it is a necessary addition to my reading addiction. Writing helps to analyze received information, to structure, to question, to rethink some concepts, and even personal beliefs. A thorough investigation of the spatial and social aspects in the Manhattan offices of Google helped me to come up with a design proposal I am proud of.
Now it is really hard to say how exactly the human brain works, but I am sure that all information and skills matter. Sometimes you don’t understand consciously how some information from the past can influence you in the present. I am very open to receiving new things, even if they don’t feel necessarily in the moment. Our beliefs and skills are so intertwined, and inspiration can be found anywhere. When you learn a skill you think you may never use, you may in fact apply it while practicing a skill you frequently use. That is why I am grateful for everything I learn.
In the future I am hoping to advance my design and entrepreneurial skills in ways that will bring me closer to my dream of creating interactive environments.
