"Workspace" by Mairead McDermott
 

2024 Annual Student Art Exhibition Images

 

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Student Exhibition Year

2024

Description

Collage on cutting mat composed of paper flowers, paper cranes, photographs and other materials. Presented as part of the 2024 Annual Student Exhibit in the Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College.

Artist Statement

My art is a reflection of myself. However, ironically, I often make myself believe that my brain is not wired to create art; I am too meticulous and focused on perfection, which inhibits my creativity. I strive for impeccability, almost to a fault in academic, personal, and artistic spheres. Hence, my art reflects this desire to become perfect while not being confident in my abilities. My collage work, which uses reworked sentimental pieces and discarded items, began as an extension of insecurity as an artist, feeling the medium was not akin to artistic masters. As I continued to collage, I found myself acting like a crow, collecting trinkets and scraps to neatly tuck away for future use. I nostalgically dig through my collection and draft together a piece of my history. These collages become a scrapbook of my life turned into works of art. I encountered a similar artistic journey through my painting process when I was assigned to create a self-portrait. At first, I thought I could never complete a self-portrait I was proud of. Creative work in a classroom is difficult; it is easier to create without expectations, to be hidden away from peering eyes and grading scales. But I found a rhythm and a safe creative space that fostered a further exploration of myself: my face. Now I want to incorporate my literal self into the piece, not just elements of my history. Only in my senior year have I had clarity of mind to look at myself as a confident person and accomplished artist.

Rights Statement

Copyright of the underlying work is held by the artist. The digital image presented here is for educational purposes only and is not for commercial use.

Keywords

student art exhibit, 2024, collage, cutting mat, flowers, paper cranes, children

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