The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Portfolio Day Brochure

Portfolio Day at The Aldrich

Portfolio Review Day: October 17, 2011, 3 to 7:30 pm The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

Content 2 School checklist 3 Map of the galleries 4 Notes Artist Profiles: 6 Kaitlin Tobin– MICA, Class of 2013 8 Mike Lambert– SUNY Purchase, Class of 2012 10 Mathew Spinner– FIT, graduated 2009 12 Catherine Howard– Barnard, graduated 2008

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Portfolio Review Day 2011

Letter from the Director

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Museum’s fifteenth annual Portfolio Review program. This tradition of supporting artists at the earliest stages of their development is an important component of the Museum’s ongoing commitment to mentor, inspire, encourage, and advocate for artists.

Embarking on a career in the arts can be challenging and, with this program, we hope to equip you with the information, techniques, and methodologies that will prepare you for one of the first steps— an application to art school.

There is an increasing awareness in our society of the value and impact of the creative sector. Creative thinking and artistic expression allow us to navigate and understand a rapidly evolving world. Communication and collaboration skills, and the ability to take risks, are qualities innate to the arts and coveted by the contemporary business community.

Artists lead the way with innovations that allow us to broaden our perspective on the world around us, opening new opportunities and finding solutions to a myriad of challenges.

The Aldrich Museum is an essential stage upon which to introduce the next generation of artists, creative practices, and pioneering ideas that encourage us to learn in unexpected and inventive ways.

Pursuing a career in the visual arts, finding your artistic voice, and tapping your creativity demands tenacity—I wish you all the best.

The Aldrich’s commitment to encourage artists at any stage of their careers starts here and won’t stop; feel free to come back often.

Sincerely,

Alyson Baker Executive Director PS. Please visit the Portfolio Day Exhibition on the Education Wall. It will be on view through October 18, 2011.

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School Checklist First Floor o

Alfred University, School of Art and Design

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Hartford Art School at The University of Hartford

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Maine College of Art

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Maryland Institute College of Art

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Massachusetts College of Art

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Mercy College

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Montserrat

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Pratt Institute, School of Art and Design

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Purchase College, SUNY

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Savannah College of Art and Design

Second Floor o

Boston University - School of Visual Art

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Rhode Island School of Design

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School of Visual Arts

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Shintaro Akatsu School of design at the University of Bridgeport

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Virginia Commonwealth University

Sculpture Garden Project Space

First Floor Balcony Gallery S

Education Center

Screening Room

Second Floor

Sound Gallery South Gallery Store Bridge

E Education Wall

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S E Leir Atrium Leir Gallery

R I Entrance

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Opatrny Gallery

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Information

C

Coat Room

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Stairs

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Rest Rooms

E

Elevator

Main Street Sculpture

Floor Plans = Portfolio Review Location 3

Notes

Kaitlin Tobin

Maryland Instituite College of Art Class of 2013 Fiber and Illustration cargocollective.com/kaitlintobin

Did you ever attend a Portfolio Review Day? Yes, I actually attended the Portfolio Review Day at the Aldrich my junior year of high school.

What do you hope to do after art school?

After art school, I hope to work as a textile designer or as a freelance illustrator.

What advice do you remember being given?

Did you take it?

I remember being told to keep on practicing drawing from life and keep on experimenting with new mediums. Yes, I took both very strongly; I probably would not be a Fiber major if I had not started experimenting with fabric and crochet.

What is the most important thing you have learned so far in art school?

Bring your sketchbook with you everywhere because you never when you’re going to get a new idea.

How many art schools did you apply to?

Six art schools, and only one liberal arts.

Which art school did you choose to attend, and why?

I chose to attend Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) because when I visited for the open house I felt a strong sense of an artistic community. Also I loved the campus with the contrast of the old row houses and the brand new glass buildings. My MICA admissions counselor even helped me with getting my portfolio together and the financial aid process. In addition Baltimore has a really terrific art and music scene. If you want to start your own band or make your own gallery show it’s relatively easy because of all the various artistic venues Baltimore has to offer.

What do you know now that you wish you knew then?

How to manage my time! Junior & Senior year of high school and first semester of Freshman year I procrastinated way too much. But I’ve definitely learned it helps to make a schedule and keep a list of what I need to do and work on my projects a little each day.

What is your favorite class in art school that is not part of your major? Why? Nature Drawing for sure. Our teacher brings in animal skulls and shells and sometimes live animals for us to draw. It’s open media which I love because I like to experiment with a bit of everything.

“...keep on practicing drawing from life and keep on experimenting with new mediums.”

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Kaitlin Tobin, Matryoshka Doll, 2011 Courtesy of the artist

Did you ever attend a Portfolio Review Day? No How many art schools did you apply to?

Three—SVA, FIT, and SUNY Purchase Which art school did you choose to attend, and why?

I chose to attend SUNY Purchase. I was really looking to live away from home for college. Also, I heard, through word of mouth, that FIT and SVA were much more commercially focused schools and, at the time, I was more interested in fine art photography and artwork in general. I was born and raised in the city, so coming to Purchase, being away from all the big buildings, and being able to separate myself from the environment that I’ve been so comfortable in, helped me let loose and be more inspired to make new work.

What is the most important thing you have learned so far in art school?

Never be close-minded. I’ve learned how to take criticism of my work and better myself and my work based on it. The most valuable thing you could acquire as an artist is an outsider’s opinion. Sometimes by seeing what other people get out of your work, you discover new things about yourself and what inspires you.

and just know that it was mine. After stressing over this idea and pushing myself to make this happen, I realized that it’s a natural process that all artists go through. Once I stopped trying so hard to make my work different, everything sort of just unfolded for me and I found my voice.

What is your favorite class in art school that is not part of your major? Why? I’m a photography major, but drawing was definitely my favorite non-major class. My process as a photographer focuses a lot on post-production work in the darkroom and on the computer, and is a very physical, gestural, process.

Drawing allows me to become more comfortable with the motions of using my hands in my photographic work, rather than just relying on the camera to do all the work for me. I think it’s extremely important as an artist to explore other mediums. The experience you gain through experimentation is invaluable.

What do you hope to do after art school?

After art school, I plan on working as a photographer in the music industry. Music and the visual arts are my two strongest passions—to be able to mix the two together would be a dream come true.

What do you know now that you wish you knew then?

I wish I had understood the process of “developing as an artist.” When I entered art school as a freshman, I was so focused on trying to find and develop my own distinct style and theme. I wanted people to be able to look at my work

Mike Lambert

SUNY Purchase Class of 2012 Photography MikeLambert-Photo.com

Mike Lambert, Untitled 1, 2011 Courtesy of the artist

“...it’s extremely important as an artist to explore other mediums.

The experience you gain through experimentation is invaluable.”

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“Confidence is key, stay true to yourself, because in the end falling back on your own thoughts is what is most important.”

Did you ever attend a Portfolio Review Day? Sadly I did not. I went to a high school which at the time was not focused on expanding on the arts. I only found out about the portfolio day when I attended college. I did, however, get the opportunity to design posters for the National Portfolio Day as a project for one of my classes.

What advice do you remember being given?

Did you take it?

I remember being advised to take things in life one step at a time. There is no reason to get flustered and discouraged because that doesn’t help a situation. The main thing is to organize your priorities, and crossing them off becomes easier. It’s a good way of giving your mind the time to grasp one project at a time. It’s a rule that I live by now, because it was extremely helpful while attending art school; it helps me to stay focused and calm as work piles on.

Matthew Spinner

How many art schools did you apply to?

I applied to only two art schools, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia. I knew that I wanted to stay on the east coast and decided to stay closer to home.

Which art school did you attend and why did you choose to go there?

I attended FIT, because although I had been to New York City many times growing up, I had never had the opportunity to live there. I felt it was far enough away so I could establish my independence, but close enough to my home town in Connecticut so I could easily have a break from city life. I knew that I was definitely picking the right school to expand my artistic abilities. Looking back, I wouldn’t have changed a thing about my college experience.

What is the most important thing you learned while attending art school?

Coming from a small high school, I had never had to stand in front of a whole class of artists and explain how I achieved my final piece, all the while taking criticism about my artwork.

It was difficult at first, but as soon as you get past viewing it as an attack on yourself and your art, you understand and grasp that these are all constructive solutions others are giving your work. It helps you expand on possibilities that you may have not even seen. While working on art you sometimes become onesided and blinded to your own work. It’s always a good thing to get an outside perspective because it helps you grow as an artist/ designer and it sure helps you grow a thicker skin.

What do you know now that you wish you knew then?

Confidence is key, stay true to yourself, because in the end falling back on your own thoughts is what is most important.

Staying true to yourself and your own personal outlook is better

Fashion Institute of Technolog y Class of 2010 Graphic Design mat thewspinner.com

than following the pack. Be a leader, never a follower, and that will take you places in life.

What was your favorite class in art school?

Publication Design: this consisted of figuring out what type of magazine we wanted to produce and what would be in our content. We spent all semester working on our personal magazines, expanding on ideas and making them exactly how we wanted them. We were in charge of everything, from the cover to the contents to the feature story, and everything that’s in between. At the end of the project, editors and creative directors came to the class and critiqued our work. They helped us realize things that we did not see and showed us how they would have executed them. This was a pleasure for me, because one day I would love to be the creative director of a magazine; that is what I have passion for.

Matthew Spinner, Echo, Editorial Project - Publication Design, 2009 Courtesy of the artist

school. It expanded my horizons and my art skills.

Do you work in the arts? If so, please describe your job.

I am a Freelance Designer. I just finished interning at Forbes Magazine, which was absolutely enlightening, and I never wanted it to end. I was doing everything from graphic design, photo editing, casting models for fashion shoots, and contacting vendors for the magazine. The atmosphere was professional yet casual and the people I worked for were admirable. It was a new experience that I will never forget, because it just drives me more to stay focused on my main goals in life.

Art school teaches one how to think creatively.

Can you talk about how you’ve applied those skills to things other than your art?

I feel I have applied my creativity skills in every aspect of my life, everything from my fashion sense right down to the design of my apartment. It is important to be interesting and vibrant, whether it be in your clothing, personality, or your art. It is one of the most important things in my life that I have learned.

Do you still create art? If so, tell us something interesting about the way it has developed since you left school.

Of course I still create art, it’s the only way to keep your skills from getting rusty. Since I left school my work is still pretty much the same, but I have a better grasp on how to execute it.

There is a certain amount of understanding you come to terms with when you are out of school, rather than actually being in the class. I feel that although at times it was very tedious, I was extremely happy to have gone through everything I did in art 11

Catherine Howard

Did you ever attend a Portfolio Review Day? I went to high school in North Carolina, where I did not receive such an awesome opportunity to get my portfolio reviewed by someone other than my high school teachers and friends.

What advice do you remember being given?

Did you take it?

One of my mentors while in high school was a visual artist who helped me hone my style. One tidbit that stuck with me most was to make sure I created my own aesthetic language. While I did hone my technical rendering skills, I also worked hard to craft a unique language that featured delicate graphite drawings, layers of paint, and lots and lots of anatomy.

Barnard College Class of 2008 Art History and Visual Arts. catherinejhoward.com

be difficult at first not to feel attacked, but learning how to eloquently justify your work to a neutral (or even slightly critical) audience is an imperative skill that will help you to write grant and gallery proposals. Crit sessions even help you interview for a job better!

What do you know now that you wish you knew then?

Networking is the most important thing you can do in college. Keep in contact with the people you intern for. Go to office hours and develop a close connection to professors in your department. Meet everyone. Talk about your artwork with everyone. Those connections will be the people who help you get your first jobs and help you establish your name as a professional artist, if that is the path you choose to take.

“...you have to create your own schedule, meet your own deadlines, and determine your own standards of ‘completeness’...”

How many art schools did you apply to?

I applied to several liberal arts college as an English major.

However, a year into college, I quickly changed my major to Art History with a concentration in Studio Arts.

Which art school did you attend and why did you choose to go there?

I attended Barnard College for the academically rigorous atmosphere. While the visual arts program wasn’t large or well-funded, my overall education inspired me and developed my analytical thought process and informed my conceptual inspirations.

What is the most important thing you learned while attending art school?

Learn how to listen to criticism. Developing a tough skin during critiques was the hardest thing for me. It may

What was your favorite class in art school?

I took a Contemporary African Art class which captivated me and changed the trajectory of my artwork. Those passionate and visually vibrant artists have continued to be inspirational fodder when I feel like my creativity is waning.

Did you attend graduate school?

I am currently in the application process for several graduate programs.

I waited for several years after undergrad to develop my personal artistic voice and creative process/routine so that I could use a graduate program to its full potential.

Do you work in the arts?

Most importantly, I am a professional artist. I have also worked as an arts administrator (managed several galleries and arts councils). Currently, I am an art instructor (teaching drawing and painting classes to children and adults) and a freelance marketing consultant (helping artists and non-profit organizations maximize their visibility and brand recognition).

The intrinsic motivation I learned in art school (you have to create your own schedule, meet your own deadlines, and determine your own standards of “completeness”) also easily transferred to the self-guided, self-motivated life of a freelance consultant.

Catherine Howard, Grey’s Smoke and Mirrors 1, 2011 Courtesy of the artist

Do you still create art? If so tell us something interesting about the way it has developed since you left school.

When I first graduated from college, I felt lost. Without classes and deadlines, I struggled to create. However, after six months of not creating and then six months of creating boring/agonizing work, I finally started to get my feet back under me. I began creating work that spoke to me, work that was different from work I saw in every gallery and museum I frequented. Work that spoke from my heart, spoke to women I knew. With a renewed focus on creating work organically rather than creating overlywrought “concept” pieces, I began to paint more frequently and with more excitement. When art became “fun” again, I was

able to slowly add layers of meaning and allusions and create pieces that felt intimate and meaningful rather than hollow or pretentious.

Art school teaches one how to think creatively.

Can you talk about how you’ve applied those skills to things other than your art?

Learning how to problem-solve creatively and pick apart the individual elements of an intricate problem have been key skills in every job. The more satisfying jobs have also tapped my aesthetic sensibilities. Employers have appreciated the artistic ability to extrapolate color theory and composition into eye-catching graphic design and easyto-read promotional materials.

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The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum 258 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877 Tel 203.438.4519, Fax 203.438.0198, aldrichart.org

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum advances creative thinking by connecting today’s artists with individuals and communities in unexpected and stimulating ways.

Board of Trustees Mark L. Goldstein, Chairman; Eric G. Diefenbach, Vice Chairman; John Tremaine, Treasurer/Secretary; Annadurai Amirthalingam; Richard Anderson; William Burback; Chris Doyle; Linda M. Dugan; Georganne Aldrich Heller, Honorary Trustee; Meagan Julian; Neil Marcus; Kathleen O’Grady; Donald Opatrny; Gregory Peterson; Peter Robbins; Martin Sosnoff, Trustee Emeritus

Larry Aldrich (1906–2001), Founder