Interview with Daniel Chudzinski

Daniel Chudzinski from Bowling Green State University in Ohio was the First Place winner of the $1200 Scholarship Award in the 2009 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with his mixed media sculpture Virgil: The Ragtime Relic pictured above. Daniel was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Daniel Chudzinski: I cannot remember a time when I was not creating art. I can imagine a life without food more easily than a life without art.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Daniel Chudzinski: Above all, I strive to provoke a strong emotional response from my viewers. Whether it is joy, laughter, or tears. I push to present a narrative in such a way, that people will continue thinking about the story long after they leave the art. In short, I hope to unite concept, technical ability, and narrative in order to present to the viewer something they have never seen before.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Daniel Chudzinski: According to my Mother, when I was three years old she discovered me drawing on the back of a new Lazy-Boy recliner with markers. Before she could issue a proper reprimand, she realized she could identify the exact species of dinosaurs that I was illustrating. From that point on my family encouraged my artwork. So you could say that I started with cave paintings, like the rest of civilization.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Daniel Chudzinski: To say my family and friends are supportive would be an enormous understatement. Just this past weekend my parents (an attorney and a biology professor with no prior sculpting experience) helped me cast two life-size figures for my MFA exhibition. My grandfather donated his backyard for the process (which required two enormous pits and much machinery). Tomorrow, they are helping me to cast my first monumental figure. Without their unconditional support and unceasing encouragement I would not have survived as an artist.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Daniel Chudzinski: I began as an illustrator and discovered sculpture much later. Believe it or not, I was initially planning to be a lawyer like my father. That changed going into my senior year of college when I saw the Sistine Chapel ceiling for the first time. I realized two things at that moment: I would not be going to law school, and I would spend the rest of my life trying to create a work of art that would make someone else feel the way Michelangelo’s masterpiece had made me feel that day.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

I am currently working on my MFA in 3-D studies (sculpture). Prior to that I completed a B.A. in European History and a B.F.A. in sculpture at Miami University of Ohio.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending (attended)?

Daniel Chudzinski: There were many reasons I chose Bowling Green. The deciding factor was my advisor’s willingness to allow me to relentlessly pursue my dreams, no matter how ambitious they were. Over the course of the past two years I have realized many of those dreams. I honestly feel that BGSU is the only program through which I could achieve what I have accomplished artistically in the past two years.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Daniel Chudzinski: During a nation-wide search for graduate sculpture programs, I decided to visit Bowling Green State University . Having been raised thirty minutes away I was convinced that I already knew what they had to offer. I was wrong. Within minutes of meeting Shawn Morin (the head of the sculpture program) and viewing the facilities and artwork, I knew I had found a program in which I could thrive as an artist.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Daniel Chudzinski: I am constantly experimenting with new materials and discovering new ways to convey narratives. Through Virgil, I realized my interest in working with found objects. I love the notion of utilizing materials that others have consciously rejected or thrown away, in order to create something desirable.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Daniel Chudzinski: Michelangelo said it best: “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Artists should never allow themselves to reside in a comfort zone. This leads to stagnation and predictability. When creating art, it is necessary to bite-off more than you can chew.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Daniel Chudzinski: I would not say that I have a single favorite artist. I draw inspiration from many sources. However, I have always felt a personal connection to Michelangelo. He was completely devoted to his artwork, even when working on commissions he did not want (the Sistine Chapel ceiling). He refused to settle for anything short of excellence, whether it was sculpture, painting, or architecture. Most admirably, he was working on a sculpture six days before he died (he was 89). The passion never left him.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Daniel Chudzinski: I have many interests beyond art. To name a few: history, animals, the outdoors, kayaking, power-lifting, inspirational stories, taxidermy, archery and fencing.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Daniel Chudzinski: I am working towards becoming a professional sculptor.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Daniel Chudzinski: I received a graduate assistantship and had saved money from previous commissions to help pay for personal expenses and art supplies.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Daniel Chudzinski: I first heard about Fine Art Finals through other students at BGSU.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Daniel Chudzinski: Winning the Fine Art Finals Scholarship competition helped to pay for some of the supplies required to cast two monumental archangels and two life-size figures in plaster for my M.F.A. Exhibition this spring. I have received congratulatory e-mails from many of my peers and faculty members after my success in the Fine Art Finals competition. It has also allowed my work to reach a new audience.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Daniel Chudzinski: It is only impossible until you do it. If you are willing to put in the work and make the necessary sacrifices, your artwork will reward you.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Daniel. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Interview with Alyson Dells

Alyson Dells from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University in Michigan was the Second Place winner of the $600 Scholarship Award in the 2009 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her oil on salvaged window painting Alana pictured above. Alyson was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what she said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Alyson Dells: I create art because it is a way to communicate. I paint a view of the world around me so people can see and hopefully understand something differently.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Alyson Dells: Right now I paint people on salvaged windows that have been used in a home and I play with the transparency of the windows with the paintings. This visually expresses a dichotomy between feeling permanent and impermanent.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Alyson Dells: I have always loved to create, formally I started taking classes in high school.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Alyson Dells: My family and friends are very supportive of my decision to be an artist, better than I could ever ask for.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Alyson Dells: I concentrate on fine art and art history because I think it is important to understand why and how people have always created art. An understanding of this pushes me to create

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending (attended)?

Alyson Dells: The deciding factor for choosing Kendall was the cost and location.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Alyson Dells: I am a painting Major.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Alyson Dells: Originally I wanted to be an Art Education major to help others understand and appreciate the value of art. As I continued to paint I realized that I wanted to pursue it as a career. I also realized that if I could make art and support myself, eventually I could continue my education and teach others to do the same.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Alyson Dells: I work mostly with watercolor and oil and I like to experiment and work with collage as well. Also I tend to work in waves so the mediums somewhat work together. For example, when I have been painting with watercolors for a while and switch to oils, the process of making every mark matter with watercolor effects how I handle the oil paint. This is my favorite part of painting and being able to explore different mediums.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Alyson Dells: In creating my art I try to stay grounded in technique and craft because I think that they give a work of art validity. Also its important to me to understand where I find my motivation because it explains why I am creating a work of art and keeps me driven.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Alyson Dells: I have many favorite artists! John Singer Sargent inspires me because of his brushstrokes and the way he defines the figure. Michael Borremans is also great with the atmosphere he creates within a painting. Jerome Witkin is also a favorite because of his compositions.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Alyson Dells: The previous three influence my work because I admire the way they paint. More importantly I am influenced by my peers and artists around me. I have been fortunate to be in an environment of very talented artists that have helped me to learn valuable skills.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Alyson Dells: I love to hike and be outdoors and this influences my work because I am constantly inspired when I am in nature. I am inspired by the pure beauty that exists outside of human industry.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Alyson Dells: I hope to have studio and create art as my career. I also plan to complete a masters program and eventually teach.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Alyson Dells: I worked part time.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Alyson Dells: At Kendall I received a Portfolio Scholarship and the Kendall Merit Scholarship.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Alyson Dells: Through my friends and other students.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Alyson Dells: Winning this has made me more confident in my work and motivates me to create more.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Alyson Dells: I would tell other student artists to keep working at what they love. If they feel that art is important and what they need to do, then do it. There is no specific career path in art so I think as long as you make sure you are staying true to what is motivating you to create than as an artist you will find a way to make it work.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Alyson. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Interview with Kelly Robinson

Kelly Robinson from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Illinois was an Honorable Mention of the $50 Scholarship Award in the 2009 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her jewelry Inner Tube Bracelet pictured above. Kelly was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what she said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Kelly Robinson: It is what I love to do, and I believe I was born to do it.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Kelly Robinson: Humor and beauty are all around us.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Kelly Robinson: Since age 4-5 .

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Kelly Robinson: Yes, they encourage me and like to show off some of my work to their friends at times.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Kelly Robinson: Metals and jewelry-fine craft. It is a wonderful medium to work with.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending (attended)?

Kelly Robinson: I was awarded a special stipend with no work requirements for the first year, and it was close to home.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Kelly Robinson: Metalsmithing.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Kelly Robinson: Because of the background I already had in the medium.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Kelly Robinson: It's really hard to choose just one, but if I could afford to work primarily in gold I would.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Kelly Robinson: Work hard, play hard. Experiment, take risks, try not to be afraid to fail.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Kelly Robinson: There not one, but I really like pop art.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Kelly Robinson: No one specific artist, Roy Lichtenstein is great.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Kelly Robinson: I played roller derby just before beginning graduate school, having a sport or physical activity is always a plus. I love growing veggies in my garden as well.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Kelly Robinson: Selling a line of jewelry, and teaching.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Kelly Robinson: 100% student loans, and stipend.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Kelly Robinson: Yes, I received a Competitive Graduate Award from my school SIUE, it has been a blessing. Full tuition waiver, plus monthly stipend award.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Kelly Robinson: From my professors at SIUE.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Kelly Robinson: It has given my work great exposure and the award money has helped me purchase art supplies.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Kelly Robinson: Do your best, research and experiment... as long as it continues to help you grow then it is fun

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Kelly. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Reflecting with Peter Bertucci

Peter Bertucci from Lincoln-Way North High School in Frankfort, IL was the First Place Winner of the $500 Scholarship Award (with an additional $250 awarded to his school's art department) in the 2008 Fine Art Finals Illinois High School Scholarship Competition with his 24"x30" charcoal drawing Reflective Moments pictured above. Peter was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art? What are you trying to say with your art?

Peter Bertucci: I really enjoy creating art pieces that give the viewer the opportunity to think about what is going on in each scene. The idea is to create a piece in which it portrays a story and I like to capture that story in my artwork.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Peter Bertucci: I am a realistic artist and I try to depict scenes in which the viewer can immerse themselves in the piece and create their own perception of what the story is about.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Peter Bertucci: I started drawing at the age of 6 years old. So, I have been creating art for 10 years.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your pursuit of art?

Peter Bertucci: Yes, I have a very supportive network of family and friends. My parents recognized my artistic ability very early on. My brother, James is also a very accomplished artist. So, we have been developing our skills and abilities for a very long time. Our family and friends are very supportive as well as our community and high school, Lincoln Way East and North of suburban Frankfort, IL.

Fine Art Finals: Are you in an Art Program at your high school? Are you in any art clubs such as Art Honor Society, etc?

Peter Bertucci: Yes, I am currently in the Gifted Art Program at Lincoln Way North High School. I an not currently in any art club. They do not currently have any Art Honor Society at my school.

Fine Art Finals: How has your high school supported you in your pursuit of art?

Peter Bertucci: Lincoln-Way High Schools are extremely supportive of the arts. The teachers are there for hands on support. They assist us in any way possible for us to learn and take our art to the next level.

Fine Art Finals: Do you plan on pursuing art in college? If so, what type of art program or major will you pursue?

Peter Bertucci: I am currently looking into various options and art programs. I am not sure about my art major as of yet, but I know that I will be in an art program.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Peter Bertucci: My favorite mediums are charcoal, pastel and graphite. I like charcoal because of the texture it gives to the piece. I enjoy graphite because of how smooth it lays on the canvas. Pastels are wonderful because you get the opportunity to explore a variety of colors to combine on canvas and the outcome of each piece is amazing!

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Peter Bertucci: I believe that you must be dedicated and willing to put in the hours necessary to create and develop your ability. I personally put in at least 4-5 hours a day into my artwork.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Peter Bertucci: I like Vincent Van Gogh because of his use of color. I also appreciate many other famous artists for their style and creativity in their artwork.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Peter Bertucci: Michelangelo influences me the most because his paintings portray realism and the great use of color.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art, and if so, what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Peter Bertucci: I enjoy sports. When I participate in a sport activity, it is fun and relaxes me. I don't think it influences my art but it allows me to relax so that when I get back to my artwork, I have a clearer focus and a fresh perspective to my piece.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Peter Bertucci: Right now I am focusing on what major in the arts that I might pursue and I know that will lead me to a specific career path.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other scholarships to pursue your art education?

Peter Bertucci: No, I have not yet received any (other) scholarships to pursue my art education.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Peter Bertucci: I found out about your competition from by high school counselor.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Peter Bertucci: It has allowed me the opportunity to be judged on my abilities with fellow artists around the region and it gives me the chance to improve my skills to better myself.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Peter Bertucci: I would recommend that they continue to pursue their art interests. Sign up for art classes, if available at their school or private lessons in their communities. Dedication and always striving to be and do their best is important. It takes work and discipline and you can have fun but always focus on taking your interests to the next level. Try new things with your art. Your expression in your artwork is your signature or your statement of who you are-go for it!

Fine Art Finals: Is there any relation between you and 2009 West/Southwest Collegiate Honorable Mention James Bertucci from the Laguna College of Art and Design in California?

Peter Bertucci: Yes, James Bertucci is my oldest brother. I also have a brother Joe, who is 18. James started drawing at age 3. He is a National Award Winning Artist and he has been very supportive of my work. Our family works together as a team to enhance our art talent. My mother's family had artistic talent and she saw our abilities from very early on and focused attention to it. Our parents did not push art on us but encouraged us to pursue the use of our talents. I am not sure as yet if I will attend Laguna College of Art and Design. Right now, I am exploring my options at this point.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Peter. Congratulations again and we wish you continued success!

Interview with Eden Williams

Eden Williams from Utah State University in Utah was the Third Place Winner of the $300 Scholarship Award in the 2009 Fine Art Finals West/Southwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her 8"x10" traditional photograph Man in Straw Hat pictured above. Eden was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what she said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Eden Williams: I create simply to have a voice. It feels like I cannot be heard any other way. I cry out with my art. I want people to open their eyes to the world around them. I hope that I can expose people to my ideas and view of the world. Making a statement with art is a gentler mode of communication than outright telling a person, because people tend to reject an idea if someone is telling them what to think. As a successful artist, I believe one can make the viewer FEEL emotion directed to a particular subject. Hopefully the viewer will gain much insight and understanding.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Eden Williams: I want people to wake up from this world of delusion that we are all living in and have been accustomed to enjoy. I strongly feel as if there is not much real human interaction anymore. It’s like we’ve all been trained on the proper ways in which to behave. We’ve learned our lifestyles and interactions from television and other’s before us. From my experience, if someone is brave enough (and coherent, not under the influence of substances) to try to behave like a real human- to be creative- we immediately shut them down and usually falsely label them as crazy. There is no understanding in this situation. I believe that many people are incapable (or unwilling) of understanding creativity.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Eden Williams: Ever since I can remember. I would call myself an artist if I didn’t despise the term so much. I feel like too many people steal that title and call it their own. The title of artist seems hardly defined and so lucid that the term can be thrown around without too much thought. Admire the modest ones.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Eden Williams: My family is so full of love for me. They have been nothing but supportive, loving, and positive towards me. If I ever wanted to make a bad choice, they loved me so much that they allowed me to make it (with words of caution of course), and were always there for me.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Eden Williams: Undecided, I find enjoyment in many mediums.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Eden Williams: Half-off tuition, in addition to a fabulous ceramics program.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Eden Williams: Art right now, but I am involved in a very serious internal debate with myself to switch to holistic nutrition.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Eden Williams: I love to draw. I love that a piece of paper can become something so much more. Maybe this sounds kind of weird, but sometimes I just space out while staring at a blank page. An image will just appear, so then I trace it. This technique kinda makes me feel like I’m cheating…

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Eden Williams: Make a statement, and don’t show off anything you are not proud of… That kind of publicity comes only after your death.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Eden Williams: Clay Custer. His works have an infinite and timeless feeling to them. Upon viewing his paintings, not only do you get to admire and develop a taste for this beauty, but one derives a genuine experience, hopefully feeling more at peace with themselves, and the beautiful, natural world around them. Marcy Skinner. She is a children’s book author. Canvas is not her medium. Instead, she paints eqsquistly with the flow of words. Positive and kind, full of learning love and laughter: I guarantee that you will encapture that genuine wonderment that faded as you grew older by walking down a beaten path with the words of Marcy, a friend to everyone. Sky Sunlight Saxon. I admire this musician for dedicating his life to a cause. This man saw the light, and rallied for a change in the world. My favorite songs are “world of Dreams” and “Down the Nile” from the album: Down the Nile.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Eden Williams: Sky Sunlight Saxon. He saw truth, and tried to share his version of it with the world. I admire that quality in anyone.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Eden Williams: I love animals and don’t want them to suffer anymore. Guess why I think? As a society we have become so poisoned. Poisoned by the media and poisoned by our food. Food; mainly animal products are filled with pesticides and hormones. These toxic substances definitely affect human functioning-- Turning light- filled people into shallow sheeple. They will slow you down and cloud up your mind, disturbing your inner peace and rendering you incapable of reaching a higher state of mind and reduce your ability to vibrate on a higher level. Please don’t contribute to animal suffering, it’s wrong. The Vegan Diet is the original diet that god himself choose for us (in the garden of Eden) because he loves us and knows that eating plant foods (as opposed to animals and chemicals) will make us happy. Please help make the world a better place, enlighten yourselves and be happy. I am currently working on a series with mixed mediums to embellish that standpoint.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Eden Williams: I would like to finagle a way to make life my art; I want to make a beautiful change in the world, not only by creating a piece of 2-d or 3-d piece of art. I will strive to direct and compose the life around me to create something truly beautiful. Truth, love, understanding and compassion.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Eden Williams: Financial aid, greenhouse work, and scholarships.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Eden Williams: My amazing mother directed me to it.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Eden Williams: I was reminded that I do have a talent. This experience has encouraged me to continue to pursue my love in life- which is art.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Eden Williams: Get yourself out there. Change the world with your talent.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Eden. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!