Lucy Plowe

West Nyack, New York

I'm so happy to be able to take advantage of the new curriculum in AAP, where I can take classes that both interest me and inform my art practice such as anthropology, religious studies, and classics.

Why did you choose Cornell and AAP?

Cornell AAP is perfect for me as both an artist and someone who loves to learn. As an artist, I could easily have picked an art school where I could focus on my craft, but I wanted to go to a place where I could additionally be in an environment surrounded by people with all sorts of interests, and be able to take classes in a variety of subjects. I'm so happy to be able to take advantage of the new curriculum in AAP, where I can take classes that both interest me and inform my art practice such as anthropology, religious studies, and classics. Without these classes feeding my desire to learn, I wouldn't have as much inspiring me to create or draw from. Also, my entire life I knew I wanted to go to Cornell — I'm the third generation in my family to attend Cornell, and I love carrying on that legacy.

What inspired you to become an artist?

There was never any other option for me. I've always been a creator; I have stacks and stacks of sketchbooks dating back to middle school. As I've matured, my interests have morphed — for a while, I was passionate about digital art and video game design, but now I'm focused on expressive painting and printmaking. I've become very inspired and excited to spend my life channeling my energy into art. I've found that my art has been emotionally impactful for others, and I hope to affect everyone with beauty and emotion in art — from my close relationships to strangers.

What experiences have contributed to your sense of belonging at AAP?

I've been so grateful for the relationships that I've started to form with my professors. I feel at home in the printmaking studio, thanks to Professor Page and Julianne Hunter. I feel free to create and I am supported in exploring new ideas and practices thanks to their guidance and encouragement. It's also refreshing and wonderful to be surrounded by like-minded students — people who appreciate art and are able to have meaningful conversations about each other's work and art in general.

What are your extracurricular interests and how have you incorporated them into your college life?

I try to spend as much time as I can in my life to be mindful and spiritual, which involves things like being active in the outdoors as often as possible, meditating, and reading about all sorts of topics which I find inform my work and my outlook on life.

What do you hope to accomplish during your time at AAP and after graduation?

One of my main goals as an undergraduate in AAP was to have a solo show of my work, a goal which I've accomplished now as a junior! I would like to continue developing my concepts and honing my craft, learning more and becoming more confident in printmaking, and continuing to explore. After graduation, I hope to exhibit my work in as many places as possible, go for my M.F.A. in painting, and continue to develop as an artist and a person!

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