David Mike Legrand
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
I think that looking at critical issues with an open mind and tactful grasp is crucial, not only as a student, but also as an artist. I’m certain that I will thrive in the Cornell AAP culture of passionate engagement and vibrant, energetic conversation.
Why did you choose Cornell and AAP?
When I was exploring the Cornell website, the emphasis put on interdisciplinary studies impassioned me. Cornell AAP is so full of stories of students involved in multicultural clubs that features many recent exhibitions. From my perspective, various experiences are the foundation of creative thinking. At Cornell AAP, diversifying my experience will be crucial for me in order to develop as a student, as a person, and as an artist. Cornell AAP art program stands apart from other programs by incorporating several in-depth humanities and writing classes into the graduation requirement. I think that looking at critical issues with an open mind and tactful grasp is crucial, not only as a student, but also as an artist. I’m certain that I will thrive in the Cornell AAP culture of passionate engagement and vibrant, energetic conversation.
What inspired you to become an artist?
A long and narrow court, yet lively with the different student debate groups alongside the high relief of the Dessalines, the National School of Arts is located right next to the department of science. No fancy museums, no fancy galleries, almost nonexistent resources to keep the school running, yet I dropped out of my sociology major without hesitation to apply to it, only to see it shut down two months later by the government due to lack of funds. That place was where my art journey began. It represented the dim light seen from the bottom of a well for those hoping to study fine art, yet it went extinct two months after I joined. In that place, I was able to feed my creative soul, by absorbing the creative contents of the artists I had around me. They served me as a guidepost that helped to steer me in the right direction and help me unlock some creative impulse buried deep within me as well. I was taught how to stay in motion, and why it is so important to find a way to do at least one thing every day that will stimulate my creative muscles. In that place, I found a community. Although I may create in solitude, I also thrive by having the support of those who understand me best. This is why I think it is important to find those kindred creative spirits to share my hopes, my struggles, my dreams, my fears, as well as my triumphs. I found a community that supported me and nurtured me along my way. This is the reason I’m interested in visual arts.
What are your extracurricular interests and how have you incorporated them into your college life?
I love museums. I love reading, particularly French literature. Maybe because I lived in a francophone country? I love ballade, soccer, and long walks after it rains.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time at AAP and after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to study with a painting master in Italy, and then work toward building an Art center as big as Lowe Mill Art Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
