When was your first time in New York?
My first time in New York was the summer between my fourth and fifth grade years; I remember because I had just done a class project about how New York was my dream city. Upon arriving, I was even more impressed, especially standing in the middle of Time Square’s colorful billboards, coming face to face with the MET’s sparkling stained glass and giant indoor Egyptian ruins, and being completely mesmerized by my favorite musical of all-time, Wicked. After that trip, I knew that this was the city for me.
How did you become interested in art history?
Growing up in Alaska, my school’s curriculum provided the opportunity to learn about indigenous art, such as Athabaskan (Native Alaskan) basket weaving and beadwork, which fascinated me in its intricate detail. Additionally, having taken several trips overseas for my father’s research—including Poland and multiple Central Asian countries—I have used my drawing and artistic skills as an alternative to journaling. I think that these experiences and my current studies in anthropology have led me to see art history as a way to understand society and its unsaid values.
What is your favorite work of art currently?
I think that my favorite series, since I could not pick just one piece, will probably always be Monet’s Water Lilies, ever since I saw them on display at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and their real-life counterparts in the gardens of Monet’s house in Giverny. I was shocked by the enormity of their scale and the delicate, colorful, and minutely specific details. I appreciate the calming effect they have on the viewer and their suggestion of an infinite natural beauty.
What do you hope to gain from your experience at the Center for Italian Modern Art?
I am so excited to be part of CIMA’s welcoming community! I hope to improve my fluency in Italian and understanding of Italy’s history and culture, while also learning professional skills that will help me in a later career; hospitality, community advertising, and working through challenging problems are particularly important assets. Since this is a field that I am interested in pursuing after graduation, I hope to create lasting artistic relationships and learn about how museums are organized in the busy climate of New York.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Besides drawing, I also really love to bake, especially designing intricate layer cakes. I love to travel and never miss an opportunity to try something new; I have been performing circus arts in my spare time ever since I was introduced to it the summer after my sixth-grade year. Another reason for my interest in New York is its proximity to the theater, and I have always loved to act in plays, sing, and dance. But most importantly, I like to spend time with my three cats and take car trips—or more involved vacations—with my family.
