Get to know the contributors
Lauren O’Connell
Fourth-year, illustration
Rockville Centre, N.Y.
When did you first start creating art?
For the most part, I've pretty much been drawing all my life. Seventh grade was when I had the epiphany that the only thing I truly wanted to be when I grew up was an artist.
What inspired your piece specifically?
The inspiration behind my piece was Adeshola Adigun's article on sneakerheads and the sneakerhead culture. I have always been interested in creating a piece directed toward the sneakerhead culture, so it was a perfect collaboration.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan to go back home to Long Island, N.Y. and find as much work as possible. I'm planning on going to grad school for Motion Graphic/Broadcast design and would really love to use that MFA and take my illustrations and ideas to the next level.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
Well, materialistically, my most prized possession would be my mother's wedding ring that she gave me a while back replacing her diamond with my birth stone. I never wear it really in fear of losing it (cause I'm terrible with keeping track of things), so I just keep it in a safe place.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
A travel excursion around the world with my family and friends.
Amy Carter
Third-year, graphic design
Charleston, S.C.
When did you first start creating art?
I started creating art the minute I came to SCAD but only recently have I created any artwork that I am proud of and willing to share.
What inspired your piece specifically?
My poster for "Recycle This!" was greatly influenced by Saul Bass.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to take half a year off to become a certified yoga instructor and then I hope to go straight back to school and get my masters in graphic design at Pratt.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
My most prized possession is undoubtedly my dog but in terms of materialism, I'd have to say my MacBook Pro along with my very own (not pirated) CS4.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
If I could purchase anything in the world it would be a plane ticket to fly my boyfriend out to see me here in Lacoste.
Ben Wright
Third-year, industrial design
Greenville, S.C.
When did you first start creating art?
I first started writing poetry freshman year of high school.
What inspired your piece specifically?
The show "Hoarders" on A&E.
What are your plans after graduation?
I hate this question. What do you expect me to say? Fail miserably? I don't know. Get a job! Enjoy my life.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
It was my piece of junk car, before I got into a car accident and totaled it.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
A really, really big piece of cheese.
Alexander Bushnell
Fourth-year, photography
Silver Spring, Md.
When did you first start creating art?
I’ve been finger-painting with chocolate pudding since I was a little boy.
What inspired your piece specifically?
With this kind of work there isn’t a lot of planning ahead. Most of the people I shoot don’t have cell phones. So you go and spend time getting to know each person as an individual; try to figure out there schedule and how there day to day usually works. I’m not sure if that answered your question.
What are your plans after graduation?
Fingers crossed I get into this years Eddie Adams Workshop in upstate NY. If not then maybe Portland, or the Appalachian Trail.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
My family, and the people I keep close to me.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
I’d take my mom and dad on a trip around the world. They back me up more than anyone, and I could not have asked for more support. Two coolest people I know.
Ezra Salkin
Fourth-year, illustration
Freeport, N.Y.
When did you first start creating art?
I first started creating art when I was in daycare I believe. I would take Crayola markers and scribble people, but mostly monsters, extending them over numerous sheets of paper with the intent of hanging them up and turning my home into a haunted house.
What inspired your piece specifically?
My story was inspired by the real life event that I experienced a couple of years ago here in Savannah, my first siren-induced tornado warning. When I thought of everything I owned that could potentially be blown to oblivion by the storm, I realized how very little of it would have any tangible effect on my life.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plan after I graduate is I don't have one. I hope to get famous and go somewhere.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
At this point, I am a ubiquitous slave to all the things I own, yet possess no fondness towards. I suppose I like the varied collection of books and DVDs that I have no intention of revisiting but look nice sitting on my shelf.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
If I could purchase anything, it would be more books and movies that make me look sophisticated.
Andrew Blake Anderson
Second-year, architecture
Gainesville, Ga.
When did you first start creating art?
I've been writing short stories and poetry since I was fifteen. Mostly short stories. Real men don't write poetry, right?
What inspired your piece specifically?
Honestly, it's a mix of real life and a mix of what I wish real life was.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I intend to bring my family's construction business back to life. I hope to be building custom homes throughout the South. I also hope to open a custom hotrod shop. I suppose I will continue to write on and off for the rest of my life.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
I would buy a 1965 GTO with a tri-power 389 that is painted to match my 2006 GTO. Perhaps I could get the seller to throw in a raccoon. I would name the raccoon "Sexy" in honor of a work in progress.
Cleonique Hilsaca
Second-year, painting
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
When did you first start creating art?
I started really drawing at the age of 8 with my inspiration coming from the cartoons I used to watch. I took art seriously until I was 16 and I haven’ stopped creating since then.
What inspired your piece specifically?
My illustration reflects the typical stereotype for materialism, the material girl. She embodies the consumerist society that surrounds us. She is a world by itself, which you cannot escape from; we are all a part of it.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plan is to keep pursuing happiness. I want to depict with my work my interpretation of the unreal, the unknown and especially the human mind and soul. I want to open people’s minds and ease their souls. I want to travel and explore the world and recreate it through my own eyes, in my work. I hope to be able to live from my art and share it with others one day.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
I try not to be attached to anything that is material. I put my love and appreciation in the people that surround me, and the world in which we live in.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
The greatest things in the world cannot be obtained through money. But if I could have more money than I need, I would give back to my parents and help nurture the arts in my home country.
Bridgette Blanton
Third-year, illustration
Shelby, N.C.
When did you first start creating art?
I don't really remember a specific year or piece of art that made me or my parents say "this is art," but I started showing an interest in art over other subjects during my years in elementary school.
What inspired your piece specifically?
I was inspired by reality television, fashion and hype. It's about the stereotypical material-obsessed girl that doesn't really know who she is without all her stuff.
What are your plans after graduation?
I really don't have definite plans right now. I would like to start out free-lancing, but I'm also being open to what other creative jobs I can get with my illustration degree.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
As far as being really proud of something I own, I would have to say my viola. Putting years of sweat and tears into it makes it my most prized possession.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
A trip to Europe.
Brianna Leonard
Third-year, photography
Charleston, SC
When did you first start creating art?
I've been creating art for as long as I can remember. The first thing I ever wanted to be when I grew up was an artist, and that's what I'm doing now. I first got into photography after my sophomore year of high school.
What inspired your piece specifically?
My piece came from a documentary series I did about the shipyard in Charleston, S.C. I couldn't get over how a place like that was once such a thriving place of work and business for years and years has essentially become a ghost town. Buildings and whatnot all over the property have just been left--falling down, coming apart, broken, etc. It seems like such a waste that so much of the shipyard is like this now.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to move to NYC or Washington D.C. and pursue work with National Geographic, or something along those along those lines, so I can work as a documentary photographer.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
My most prized possession, presently at least, is the ring my mom gave me for my 21st birthday. I've wanted it for years. It's my favorite stone and it belonged to my great grandmother.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
If I could purchase anything in the world, it would be an open-ended ticket so I could travel wherever and whenever I want.
Beth Post
Second-year graduate student
Russellville, Ark.
When did you first start creating art?
Like most people, I was making crafts and drawings from childhood on, but I first seriously became interested in art in fifth grade when I got to paint the windows in my classroom in an "under the sea" theme. I also really liked drawing the models in Vogue and making up my own dress designs for them.
What inspired your piece specifically?
I wanted to create a piece that could accompany an article about cutting the fat out of our diets. I was thinking a hair salon would be a humorous analogy for the idea of 'cutting.' I really like complexity in illustration, so the piles of food were a natural way to express the idea of excess in a fun and intricate way.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to do freelance illustration for magazines and online venues as well as perhaps get into children's books and teaching higher education.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
In terms of what I would run with in a fire-- I would probably take my favorite painting and my hard drive because it has all my art work and writing on it. Those are the things I really value.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
An endless plane ticket so I could always travel.
Lizzeth Huerta Priego
Second-year, illustration major
Villahermosa, Mexico
When did you first start creating art?
I always remember myself drawing, and going to contest, but professionally, I started when I got my first job at a local newspaper in Mexico. It was like been in the design army doing three or four illustrations every day.
What inspired your piece specifically?
IÕve always loved music, especially Madonna.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to go to NY and meet some art directors for freelance, then do some projects back home in Mexico.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
My Mac pro laptop, unfortunately is being repaired and now I know how much I depend on it.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
I think I will buy my own plane to go around the world!
Melissa Sixma
Second-year, fibers
Ponce Inlet, Fla.
When did you first start creating art?
In the womb.
What inspired your piece specifically?
Obsessive hoarding, breathing, water, houses.
What are your plans after graduation?
Moving up and out.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
My computer. Or my car. Or my phone. Or...or....or....
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
Google
Brendan Kingsley
MFA candidate, photography
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
When did you first start creating art?
I first started creating thoughtful art in high school and hope to never stop.
What inspired your piece specifically?
My current series of work was inspired by the minimalism and graphic nature of many of the early Modern photographers.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I intend to seek a fulfilling position as an educator in the photographic discipline.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
My most prized possession is something I can always take with me, an awareness and appreciation for the present moment, the here and now.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
If I could purchase anything in the world, I would buy time. In other words, I would utilize the money to free myself from financial burden and budgetary obligation. Life is short and I desire the freedom to joyously meander all of the experiences this existence has to offer. We need to see beyond the facade of materialism and realize that the utmost obtainable goal should be the presence of immediate experience. The moment is eternal and if you are aware you will be here now.
Adeshola Adigun
First-year, writing
Cape Coral, Fla.
When did you first start creating art?
I've been writing for as long as I can remember. But during high school I had notebooks where I would write short journal entries, quotes that encouraged and inspired me. I would even write raps that I laugh at when I read them nowadays.
What inspired your piece specifically?
My piece was inspired by my lifelong love and appreciation for Nike and Jordan brand sneakers and the sneakerhead culture, as well as my post-high school years in which I immersed myself in the culture completely.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I would like to do freelance writing for various publications, using my diverse music interest and passion for creativity to share other peoples' stories with the world.
In thinking about materialism, what is your most prized possession?
Materialistically, my most prized possessions are my Jordan Carolina Is. I wear those more than a model wears make-up.
If you could purchase anything in the world what would it be?
If I could purchase anything in the world, at this moment it would be a Fender Stratocaster with guitar lessons from Jimi Hendrix himself-dead or alive.