SVA Style - Fall 2023

DO YOU WANNA KNOW A SECRET?

STYE CoM iCS ISSUe

designer and faculty emeritus

“At one point, C&I received a letter addressed to ‘Seeing Eye School,’ and it became dramatically clear that the name had to change.”

SVA FUN FACT: The Cartoonists and Illustrators School (C&I), the original name of SVA, was founded with support from the G.I. Bill, and it aimed to provide returning vets with professional skills.

—George Tscherny,

BY VALENTINE SHULTZ

SEE YOU IN THE FUNNY PAGES!

...fun vibEs!

CARTOON ALLIES

The Artists Behind the Comics

The funnies in this issue of SVA Style were created by the artists of Cartoon Allies. The Cartoon Allies club unites students who share a love for comics and cartoons. Its mission is to foster a spirit of camaraderie among cartoonists of all majors while strengthening ties to the larger cartooning sphere. Cartoon Allies has tables at multiple major conventions and hosts the annual comics festival Fresh Meat. It also provides SVA students with access to professional guest lectures and panels related to the professional cartooning career path. It’s one of more than two dozen clubs on campus.

SVA has long hosted lectures by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Agnes Martin, Lee Krasner, Robert Longo, Kiki Smith, Carrie Mae Weems, Paul Chan, Nicole Eisenman, Sol LeWitt, Joseph Kosuth, Keith Haring, Sarah Sze, Renee Cox and Lorna Simpson.

The stamps adorning this issue of SVA Style were crafted at the “child, dog and eccentric friendly” Casey Rubber Stamps store. According to The New York Times, owner J.C. Casey began his stamp collection in the 1970s, and it has been growing ever since. Now the iconic East Village shop overflows with teetering stacks of stamps and shelves displaying a wide range of designs, a modest sampling of which appears in these pages. Nestled a few steps below street level, in a storefront as cramped and cozy as the cat that’s likely curled up in the window, this shop is one of those quintessential New York places that keeps the city’s magic alive.

CASEY RUBBER STAMPS

BY EDI YURICIC

BY ALAN APPLEBEE

ViLlagE vIsUals

X marks so many spots! Your guide to a public art walking tour right here on SVA’s neighboring blocks.

Struggling to close the closet door? Space—especially the elusive closet—is precious in NYC, but fitting in is not essential. In the six types of closets outfitted for SVA, our unique students let it all hang out—even the skeletons for figure drawing.

By KAITLIN BRITO (BFA 2022 Illustration)

2. ILLUSTRATOR

When you’re in the publishing capital of the world, your only hang-ups are your awesome vintage sweater collection.

1. PAINTER

with your SVA ID, many museums are!

Your closet may not be a walk-in, but

4. FILMMAKER

a film festival or a free movie at SVA Theatre.

turn your closet into one, check out a premiere,

Microcinemas are trending, but before you

5. ANIMATOR

Closets can become magical portals in the movies of SVA Premieres.

Digital labs and networking opportunities galore will open more than just a closet door for you.

3. DESIGNER

You don’t have to shove it all in the closet; SVA supplies equipment, darkrooms, photo studios, and more.

6. PHOTOGRAPHER

BY APOLLO BALTAZAR

SkETchBoOks

Flip Through the Pages of Student Drawings and Paintings

Art by Jingtong Yan continued on following page.

“Jeanne Siegel hired John Sex to come up with a poster for the Polaroid Art Show…. When he gave the finished poster to Jeanne, she said they could not put up the poster and told him he had to print a bathing suit on the nude male body [featured in the design]. So John went back and printed a bathing suit—a transparent yellow one.” —Gunars Prande, faculty

1. Jingtong Yan BFA ILLUSTRATION

2. Camilla Wildman BFA ILLUSTRATION

3. Violeta Maffei

BFA 3D ANIMATION AND VISUAL EFFECTS

Sketchbooks continued on page 16.

STUDENT PROFILES

SuRviVal gUidE

Abigail Haven

“Sense of Community”

FEELING THOSE SMALL-TOWN VIBES IN THE BIG CITY

Studying media and communications wasn’t art intensive enough for Abigail Haven. So Abigail began the process of transferring to a college with an art focus. When she researched SVA, she “totally fell in love with everything.” Now, Abigail is a fourth-year BFA Design student.

“It seemed like the staff and the students both had a sense of community,” Abigail says, “and I feel like, especially for New York, that can be difficult because it’s such a big place.” One of her favorite pastimes is venturing to the local farmers markets, where she feels connected to New York more broadly. “It’s nice to just see strangers holding huge bundles of flowers,” she says. “It’s a sense of community.”

Abigail credits New York as a big source of her confidence, and she is ready to graduate knowing how to put herself “out there.” She says, “I’ve been able to grow and be more confident not only in my work but also in everyday life.” Looking back on her time at SVA, her advice is: “Don’t compare yourself to others.” Instead, “Do what’s best for you.”

Ipshita Krishan

“Embrace the Entire Overwhelming-ness”

MORE THAN A STUDENT— ALREADY A PRO

Ipshita Krishan had it all planned out. She would go to SVA because her best friend was destined for NYU. Together, they’d embark on the adventure of a lifetime, moving from India all the way to New York City.

But then, her best friend didn’t go to NYU. Ipshita had to make a decision. And she decided to stay the course and head to SVA on her own.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF FIND BALANCE!

Outside of her coursework, Ipshita works in Student Affairs and Admissions. Her Admissions job brings Ipshita’s tale full circle. She now gives tours to prospective students, who are maybe as nervous as she once was. Ipshita had to “embrace the entire overwhelming-ness” of New York City, as she advises other prospective students to do. “I know it feels scary,” she says, “but you’re going to find your way.” Plus, “it is overwhelming, but it’s fun at the same time.”

When she later sees some of these students as SVA freshmen, it’s “the best feeling ever.”

less campus of SVA. That potential and constant push to explore drives Brooke’s art: “It is just inspirational to see so many different things going on at once,” she says, “and to have so many different viewpoints to take from and put into your work.”

NYC has been the perfect place to grow and push her boundaries. Brooke has found a new home among the SVA community with friends who are new like her and veteran New Yorkers happy to show everyone around. “I think that’s the beauty of it,” Brooke says. “You get to learn how to feel braver.”

Ultimately, she decided she was “really lucky” to have chosen SVA in the first place. “I stayed,” Ipshita says, “because I realized nobody has the kind of faculty we have at SVA.”

SVA’s faculty is unique because it is made up of working professionals. Ipshita appreciates how her insider scoop on the industry prepares her to be a pro too: “There’s a lot of stuff that I’ve learned at SVA about design itself that I see other people who are in the same level as me not learning at the same time.”

Brooke Burnett

“Learn How to Feel Braver” TAKE A TOUR OF A LIMITLESS CAMPUS

From rural Virginia to the big city, Brooke Burnett (BFA 2023 Animation) was ready to embrace all the challenges of plunging into a new environment as a freshman at SVA. “There are so many new experiences to be had,” Brooke says. “I’ve gone to more shows and events here than I ever had in the span of probably my whole life in Virginia.”

An entire city thrives within the limit-

Beyond the classroom, Brooke not only feels braver, but she has also helped other students find their inner courage. Becoming an RA was the financial gift that made her art school dreams come true. The RA position also helped Brooke master critical people skills and time management. As president of Women in Animation at SVA, Brooke has put her leadership skills to the test, but the most exciting part of her role is inviting professionals in the animation industry to visit as guest speakers.

As she waves farewell to SVA and enters the professional world, her parting advice is: “Know your worth.”

EVEN

BY ADAM JONES

FRAME BY FRAME

Rumor has it that famed pop singer Madonna modeled for an SVA figure drawing class. Madonna hung out in the East Village circle with Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Though Basquiat was not a student (Kenny Scharf forged a teacher note allowing him entrance to SVA), he could often be seen roaming the campus and redecorating buildings with SAMO(c) art.

2. Oliver Rauch BFA ILLUSTRATION

3. Christian Chang BFA ILLUSTRATION

HoROscOpeS

Aries

Aries, it’s painted in the stars that you’re a rising art star. But don’t let that get into your head when working on your art. While you love a challenge, your eagerness may get the best of you. Slow down and have patience. Your masterpiece will take shape soon enough! Reward yourself with a relaxing break at the Student Center.

Taurus

You’re all about luxury and comfort, Taurus, so make sure your studio or workspace is full of inspirational knickknacks and all your art supplies are within reach. A balanced schedule and realistic plan will keep you motivated as you create that masterpiece. Take advantage of those Dog Therapy sessions at SVA Library to soothe your highly attuned senses.

Cancer

Hey, Cancer, you got this! Having a strong support network will give you the encouragement you need to reach your full artistic potential. Try joining one of the more than two dozen clubs on campus, such as Figure Drawing Club or Women in Animation. Clubs provide the space you need to let go of inhibitions and thrive.

Leo

Leos aren’t your average artists; you’re destined to be leaders in your field. But as you work on your projects, focus on how your work can inspire others. The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership often organizes service projects. Your work will shine brighter than the stars in your constellation when you’re motivated by giving back to the community.

Leave the critique for class time, Virgo, and let yourself have a little fun in the studio. Your process is meticulously planned and you have the unique technical know-how that takes your work to another level. Experimenting with new materials in the Bio Art Lab might help you let loose and hone

Libra

We see you, Libra, standing in the gallery telling everyone who glances at your work your entire artistic philosophy. No matter your chosen media, you’ve got big ideas driving your process. Broadcast your artist statement or manifesto by using the tools at the Printshop or RisoLAB.

Scorpio

Your passion drives your creative process, Scorpio. Embrace all your feelings and let them out through your art, even if you’re not sure where it’s going. Your desire for success will keep your project moving forward. The Office of Career Development can help you develop a path where passion and ambition meet.

Sagittarius

A visionary by nature, you, Sagittarius, have no problem seeing the end goal for your projects. Taking the time to learn from others’ knowledge might help you get started or work through some of the details of your artwork. Engaging with other art forms is key to your process, so get involved with WSVA radio or keep an eye out for discounted Broadway tickets from the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership.

Capricorn

Slow down, you overachiever, Capricorn! We know you’ve got big plans to be an art superstar someday, but it’s okay to enjoy where you’re at now. Perseverance and commitment to an established plan is all part of the process for you. Put your leadership skills to use by joining the student government, VASA.

Aquarius

If you don’t already have thick, blackrimmed glasses, step one of making art will be purchasing a pair, Aquarius. You’re the OG hipster, but you’re no cliché. Your art is trendsetting. Thoughtfulness drives your unique process that is as one-of-a-kind as you are. Seek inspiration by exploring historical art hubs in the East Village or Chelsea.

Pisces

Sometimes you feel torn in two directions while you work, Pisces, but you have to keep believing in yourself. Your values and ideals are genuinely felt and they drive your art making. Carve out a quiet space to create in alone, like in one of the many studio spaces for students on campus.

CaMpus CrOssWord

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON BACK COVER

Clues

ACROSS

3. As likely to be at art school as at the zoo?

4. Hashtag

7. Home of the Risograph

9. A place you need to check out?

11. A developing art form?

13. Free films locale

14. Space for art making

15. For your homework online and on the easel?

DOWN

1. Where you can draw someone in?

2. Handles pressing issues?

5. Visual Effects abbreviation

6. Underground gallery for SVA poster series

8. Includes impressionism, Ancient Egypt, and more

10. @svanyc

12. Alumnus Keith Haring was one

help getting started on your next project? Read on for astrological advice to develop the best practices in your art-making process and the resources available to you as an SVA student.

BY TAYLOR FOGARTY

BY MILAN SHUKLA