Teaching and Learning - CTE

PING’S STUDIO

Two CVCC Alumni bring their artistic talents to the Hickory Museum of Art through the immersive exhibit, “Ping’s Studio”.

A few years ago, CVCC graduate Pablo Becerrill had no clue where his hard work could take him. He had finished high school and began a job with a local furniture factory. He believed that his future was in Manufacturing; however, after spending long hours and months inside the plant, he decided that furniture would not be his “forever” industry.

Outside of work, Pablo kept photography in his back pocket—quite literally—spending much of his free time capturing impressive photos on his phone. As he used the weekends to explore new techniques and angles, Pablo realized it was time to quit his day job and take his talents to the next level.

His first step was to return to college at CVCC and enroll in the Photographic Technology program. This 180-degree turn may have been daunting, but it quickly paid off.

Photographic Technology changed his perspective of all that is possible with an Associate’s Degree. Between the curriculum studies and the field training provided by course instructor, Joe Young, Pablo was able to experiment in new environments and find his creative nice. The more he practiced and trained, the more he felt inspired. He graduated from the Photographic Technology program in 2022 and opened a freelance business, PxL Photography.

But this is only the beginning of the story.

Soon after graduation, Pablo received the chance to participate in an exhibit at the Hickory Museum of Art (HMA). That specific exhibit featured another community creative—Ping Senesombath, professional tattoo artist and owner of Bhodi Joi Studio.

But, after noticing Pablo’s talent and creativity, HMA decided it was right to open a joint exhibit for both Pablo and Ping.

Neither artist had met before, but from day one, their collaboration seemed effortless. Ping and Pablo discussed exhibit plans, cleverly merging tattoo displays with photographic works and discovering a special surprise: they were both alumni of CVCC. And Ping had quite a story to tell, as well.

Before opening Bhodi Joi Studio, Ping Senesombath was a budding tattoo specialist with creative goals. She wanted to take her work to the next level but wasn’t quite sure where to begin. She lived in the Catawba County area, and she had heard about CVCC’s design programs. She researched the college’s associate degrees and the success of its graduates and determined that the programs would lead her down the right path. So, in a matter of time, Ping enrolled as a Red Hawk and dove straight into design courses.

“My experience as a CVCC student was amazing,” Ping shares. “The courses provided the structure I needed to put my thoughts and plans in line.

“It was a great foundation of my growth in art creation. The courses also influenced my way of analyzing the purpose of the project at hand, [so I can] convey the message as clearly or objectively as I wish.”

Around this time, Ping also received the opportunity to become a tattoo apprentice. The prospect was exciting, and she threw herself deeper into the art, juggling her job, college, and family life. But her story is a testament that anything is worth it when you chase your lifelong dream. Through practice, determination, and a strong set of networking skills, Ping completed her design program and found the means to establish her business, Bodhi Joi Studio.

Ping and Pablo are more than talented artists—they both hold inspiring stories to share with the community. It was fantastic that they connected and displayed their artistic passions at the HMA exhibit, “Ping’s Studio”.

“Ping’s Studio” remained open to the public throughout Fall 2023. It offered visitors a behind-the-scenes look at Ping’s creative process, where “surreal paintings come to life.”

As visitors walked through the gallery, they were introduced to Pablo’s beautiful photography along with Ping’s original prints, designs, and the “living” tattoo models who stood to display the designs in-person.

Many members of the CVCC community, including Pablo’s former instructor Joe Young, showed their support by attending the exhibit. “I was very impressed with how well their collaboration created such a powerful exhibit,” says Joe. “This made me very proud of working at CVCC, and alumni like [Ping and Pablo] are the reason I am a teacher. They prove that education, perseverance, and believing in yourself does pay off, and I hope their exhibit will inspire others to do the same.”

The journey from a factory and the classrooms of CVCC to the walls of the Hickory Museum of Art is a testament to the transformative power of education, creativity, and unwavering determination. “Ping’s Studio” is more than an exhibit; it’s a celebration of two artists who dared to dream, dared to learn, and ultimately dared to continue their legacy through their art.