SVA Style - Spring 2024

SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS

Inspiration FOR A

WellnessBased Art SCHOOL Experience

#STUDENTS #SHARE #SECRET #STUFF

The

BALANCE ISSUE

How DO YOU DURING A SEMESTER?Busy De -STRESS

WE ASKED STUDENT HEALTH

and Counseling Services to share some basic advice for promoting wellness, but they are also available to help you in more individualized ways by appointment or via the many resources they offer.

HOW DO YOU FIND

Balance SCHOOL, MAKING ART

• Get S.M.A.R.T. Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound goals.

• Set and maintain healthy boundaries.

• Get creative with getting organized. It’s okay if new strategies don’t work right away or if you have to pivot.

• Refresh your mind with fresh air.

• Let it grow. Having a growth mindset means seeing challenges and failures as opportunities to learn and grow.

• Rest doesn’t need to be earned. Sleep is essential for your health.

• Ask for help. It’s a sign of strength and resourcefulness.

BETWEEN WORK,

AND HAVING FUN?

Knowing Student portraits throughout issue by JEREMY COHEN (BFA 2014 Photography and Video)

YOUR PRIORITIES AND FINDING w BALANCE ARE 4

GETTING TO THE (RE)SOURCE

with Annemarie Veira, Disability Resources Coordinator

While taking care of physical and mental health might be some of the first things that come to mind when thinking of wellness, it’s equally important to make sure you have all the tools you need to succeed. Disability Resources offers one-onone coaching, reasonable accommodations and a private (but not necessarily confidential) intermediary for students.

Adjust and acclimate are the pillars of Disability Resources. They want to help you face anything that “could pose a challenge to adapting successfully” to the college environment.

Here’s what you need to know to give yourself the best support you can:

• INTERACTIVE PROCESS:

While you can’t just ask for any accommodation and expect to get it, Annemarie or her colleagues will give you options so that you can work together to find the best support tailored to your needs. Just remember, accommodations don’t last forever and they can’t be applied retroactively, so renew each semester.

• NOBODY LIKES PAPERWORK, BUT… : Having your documentation ready to go makes the process faster and smoother. So does promptly responding to emails. The earlier in the semester you get started, the sooner you’ll be set for success. Maintain realistic expectations about the timeline. If you think you may need an accommodation, get the process started as early in the semester or as soon as possible.

• BE A SELF-ADVOCATE: Sometimes it’s intimidating to investigate in person, but you can always send an email. No matter the form of communication, take the time to consider the support you need and ask for it.

• UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS: If you don’t, Annemarie advises to “ask all the questions under the sun. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll find it.”

WISHING YOU WELL

CHECK UP ON YOURSELF

with Daniela Caraballo, Assistant Director, Student Health and Counseling Services

We could talk about the importance of mental and physical health care … or we could talk about dogs. Dogs definitely sound more fun. Luckily, thanks to SH&CS, you can learn more about health resources on and off campus while also enjoying Dog Therapy. But before you start barking up that tree, let’s review some of the many other opportunities this department offers. You can “Lego of Stress” or just join their staff members for a cup of coffee and a donut, both events that take the pressure off of learning about taking care of your health on campus. The Health and Wellness Fair can help you get help off campus, too. Plus, some initiatives, such as book clubs, are designed to assist you in finding work–life balance, an important com“paw”nent of well-being.

Setting Goals:

• WELLNESS GUIDES all the work SH&CS does.

• CREATE A CULTURE of wellness focused on stress management and relief based on connecting with peers.

What You May Not Know About SH&CS:

• INSTAGRAM @svastudenthealth and the linktree are great places to get tips, advice, and the inside scoop on resources on and off campus.

• HAVING A ROOMMATE ISSUE? SH&CS can help. Mental health doesn’t have to mean therapy. SH&CS offers solutions-focused counseling for one or two sessions.

• BUT THERAPY IS GOOD, TOO. Request a referral meeting if you don’t know where to start or think you need to see a professional outside of SVA.

Pepper in moments of community throughout the semester. Shop local, eat farm-fresh food or just enjoy getting outside at the Union Square Greenmarket. Giving yourself a break and a change of scenery goes a long way toward finding balance in the midst of a busy schedule.

EET❋❋❋❋

Photographs (opposite page) by SARA MEHTA (BFA Design student)

Title IX Coordinator Laurel Christy says wellness is “the backbone” of education and policy enforcement. Laurel believes, “Health comes first.” For her, health and wellness are community oriented. She describes the goals of her department: “Our hope is one of balance and of the community looking out for each other and supporting each other.” Title IX may be a law, but “when the community is looking out for and supporting each other,” Laurel explains, “we’re going to be in compliance with the law.”

Title IX’s Wellness Goals:

• LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX: Offer students training based on affirmative consent and communication in a sex-positive way.

• EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Create a campus culture where everyone is “safe and secure to express themselves.” Laurel believes that being able to explore your identity is part of well-being.

• SUPER (EM)POWER: Make students feel empowered to make decisions about their health care and medical care.

Resources

Beyond Title IX:

• RIGHT TO BE: This is an SVA partner organization that offers training for what to do in different harassment situations and bystander intervention.

• SVA LIBRARY: Not your mama’s library, so check out the cool programming, and enjoy the space to have quiet time to yourself.

• NYC PARKS AND RECREATION: Get off campus and explore. Did you know many public parks offer amenities such as Wi-Fi access and free swimming pools, among other amenities?

THE ❋

TAR T ❋❋❋❋ ❋❋❋❋

The Question

HOW CAN I FIND INSPIRATION IN MY CREATIVE PRACTICE?

ASK A QUESTION AND CONSULT THE TAROT CARDS

to guide you in answering that question. A tool for meditation, the cards will give you as much insight into your desires and anxieties as they will foresight of the future. Let the mystic muse inspire you with this hexy spread.

Illustrations by SARAH

DURINICK

(BFA 2009 Illustration)

Ace of Wands

1. Judgment (in reverse):

THE PRESENT SITUATION

A lack of inspiration or creativity thwarts your ability to work. You may be getting caught up in your perceived weaknesses or facing big decisions either in a specific project or in your artistic career. The weight of your worries or your indecision is hanging over you and making it difficult to find inspiration and get to work in a creative and productive manner. The relaxed figure in the card suggests the beginning of a process of rebirth ignited by artistic inspiration, but the card is reversed. You are not ready to confront certain insecurities you have about your work, and this negativity is holding you back. Luckily, SVA offers a number of departments that are here to support you on your academic journey; check out the wellness tips featured in this issue of Style

2. Strength:

CONTRIBUTING FACTOR 1

You can tap into the energy and the ability for art making. But strength often appears in the face of weakness, like your anxiety about your art or fears of inadequacy. Again, you are caught up in the past instead of devoting yourself to your current work. The Strength card frequently aligns with a sense of control. You may be trying to control the outcome of your art and maybe even your broader career too much. When we shut ourselves off to possibility and close our minds, we also turn off the creativity. Open yourself up to new directions in your art making. Try joining one of the many campus clubs to gain a new perspective.

Seven of Cups

5

Two of Wands

3. The Hierophant:

CONTRIBUTING FACTOR 2

Whether you see it or not, you already have a strong network around you, both socially and in the classroom. Make sure that you seek mentors and instructors to look up to and learn from, which will help get the creative juices flowing again. But don’t forget your classmates! Your classmates are your future colleagues, so if the muse isn’t speaking to you, listen to your classmates instead. Value your network and ask for support and guidance.

4. Ace of Wands:

CONTRIBUTING FACTOR 3

Spirit has given you a good omen for your productivity. It indicates you do have the energy and ideas to create even if you’re not feeling it at the moment. You have an inventive spirit and the desire to take initiative, but the overwhelming thought of starting a new project might be stifling your inspiration. Try doing some exercises for fun or breaking your next project down into smaller phases that are easier to tackle. Explore the city, like the Union Square Greenmarket featured in this issue, to refresh your mind.

5. Two of Wands:

CONTRIBUTING FACTOR 4

You are torn in multiple directions. Perhaps you are struggling creatively because you are assessing where you are at and where you want to go. This could take the form of deciding between internship opportunities or trying to identify your career goals. You may be doubting your talent and a lack of self-esteem may be stopping the inspiration. While The Hierophant indicates a network of mentors and friends that you can tap into for inspiration and feedback, this card warns against leaning too much on others and the need to find your own identity as an artist. Interesting to note is that Wands appear twice. Wands indicate inspiration, but they can also indicate making choices without fully thinking them through, which might be part of what you need to confront to get the inspiration flowing. SVA’s Career Development office offers lots of resources for achieving your career goals.

6. Seven of Cups: THE FUTURE

Beware of not recognizing the opportunities around you. A card for the dreamers, you may also want to seriously ponder the questions of work–life balance at the heart of this issue of Style. Lofty goals can give you direction but can also blind you to the opportunities at hand that may open new directions for you. What’s the difference between distraction and direction? Between success and overachieving? Those are personal questions that require you to meditate on your priorities. But by identifying your priorities (in both everyday life and in your dreams), making the right choices for your career will be easier and get the inspiration flowing again. It has been said that the objects in the cups symbolize your talents, but having talent is only half of the artist’s journey. How your dreams become your reality depends on how you want to work to cultivate and hone that talent as well as how you intend to apply it. Try Nurse Emily’s free weekly yoga class to help you meditate and focus on one intention at a time.

HOW YOUR DREAMS

BECOME YOUR REALITY

DEPENDS

ON HOW YOU WANT TO WORK AS WELL AS HOW YOU INTEND TO APPLY IT.

TO CULTIVATE AND HONE YOUR TALENT

YOGA CAN ANYWHERE You Do

WHETHER IN CLASS, AT THE STUDIO OR IN THE LIBRARY,

SVA’S NURSE EMILY GOODMAN HAS A YOGA PRACTICE TO HELP YOU RE-CENTER, DE-STRESS AND STAY FOCUSED WHEREVER, WHENEVER.

TWISTING IN A CHAIR

aka Modified Revolved Chair Pose

Sanskrit: MODIFIED PARIVRTTA UTKATASANA

• Improve circulation

• Enhance concentration

• Aid digestion

• Boost mood

• Sit sideways on the edge of a stable chair and leave some space around all sides of it.

• Keep all four corners of the feet grounded. Knees should be at a right angle, and the spine should be straight.

• Grab the back of the chair, and do a gentle twist.

• Inhale, 1, 2, 3. Lengthen through spine.

• Exhale, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Maintain lengthen and deepen twist.

• Repeat four or five times.

• Switch sides.

Bow Pose

Sanskrit: DHANURASANA

BENEFITS

• Deepen breathing

• Increase energy

• Boost mood

• Relieve lower-back pain

• Release that abdominal tension

• Flush internal organs

INSTRUCTIONS

• Lay face down on a soft surface.

• Straighten and lift the right leg.

• Use your right hand to reach for your raised right leg.

• Bend the right knee and grab either the inside or the outside of the right foot with your hand.

• Inhale—stretch and pull.

• Exhale—release slightly.

• Switch sides.

PRO TIP

Can’t reach? Grab onto a strap looped around your foot. You can even use a belt or a towel.

Pull your hand and foot away from each other.

Want to learn more about the free on-campus yoga schedule this semester? Check out the SVAToday newsletter for announcements.

Use your tummy to avoid back strain.

Child's Pose

Sanskrit: BALASANA

•

•

Try one leg at a time or two.

Gas yourself up for class.

CAN YOU BLAZE A TRAIL THROUGH THE M ZEA ?

Sometimes giving your brain a challenge can actually give your brain a break. So take a moment to refresh your mind with this maze.

ALWAYS LEARNING

with Brenda Fortune, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator

One of the most essential components to wellness is feeling safe to express yourself and your identity. SVA's DEI team has worked to build a foundation for preventing racism and other forms of discrimination on campus.

Guiding Principles of DEI:

• THE THREE S’S: Safety, Security and Softness—words to live by from Dr.Archandria Owens, a guest speaker at a Day of Healing event.

• SAFE SPACES: Help create safe spaces by being able to say, “I don’t live in your world, but I can empathize.”

• RECOGNIZE SOURCES OF TRAUMA: Take the time to ask, “What are these external forces that are happening that are affecting people on a local level?”

• UNDERSTAND MICROAGGRESSIONS: How do you move through a bias or microaggression?

Take the time to process and resist the fight-or-flight urge.

• REFLECTION: How do you self-reflect?

• INNER STRENGTH: Bad experiences might still be experiences you can use. You’re still standing.

• ALWAYS LEARNING: Recognize that you don’t know everything, and embrace the opportunity to learn with compassion.

WENXI LIU FOREST HEIGHTS

CONCEPT STATEMENT

With the development of cities, countless high-rise buildings have been built, and many people are living in steel and concrete cubes, which gradually alienate them from nature. By introducing the concept of the forest into the city, people can be immersed in the lush green environment for a long time and take care of it personally, not only to reconnect with nature but also to establish a connection between people.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Creating a unique urban forest in a crowded city creates a unique, sustainable living experience by incorporating lush greenery and urban farming in a way that fosters a community of individuals who are passionate about the environment and want to connect with each other and the surrounding environment and society. Residents can grow their own greenery and learn about farming, while also interacting with the surrounding community. The goal is to create a space that promotes health, social interaction and environmental stewardship.

MEIXI XU HYDROASIS

SARA* Student National Excellence Award Winner

CONCEPT STATEMENT

Like a lost traveler in the desert who longs for an oasis, Hydroasis is an idyllic utopia located in the heart of the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. It supports the users in metaphysical and emotional dimensions through a journey of water.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Hydroasis aims to celebrate natural energy. Water is the origin of life. The Hydroasis runs like a city thriving on the resourcefulness of water. Hydroasis makes water an extension of life by including a comprehensive strategy for improving the uses of available water while also offering education on water cycling and recycling. Marcel Duchamp once said, “The only works of art America has given are her plumbing and her bridges.” By analyzing this quote and moving beyond the monofunctional approach for distributing and controlling the water, Hydroasis becomes a water infrastructure that creates its natural ecosystem by integrating visible water-cycling paths, educational and cultural activities, and ecological systems within the space.

* Society of American Registered Architects

XUEYI WANG THE SWING:

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Sunlight can have a significant impact on human productivity. Exposure to natural light and the sun’s rays can improve mood, boost energy levels and increase alertness, all of which can positively affect productivity. Research has shown that people in well-lit environments with exposure to natural light experience fewer symptoms of eye strain, headaches and drowsiness, resulting in improved productivity and less absenteeism. Additionally, exposure to sunlight can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythms, which can help individuals feel more awake during the day and sleep better at night.

Furthermore, sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system and cognitive function—and it improves mood. A lack of vitamin D has been linked to depression, fatigue and poor cognitive performance.

Overall, exposure to sunlight can have a positive impact on humans, and it is essential to incorporate natural light into living environments and to encourage people to spend time outside whenever possible.

Introduce Sunlight into a Multifunction Reentry Facility

CONCEPT STATEMENT

The term “swing” can refer to a subgenre of jazz music. In this style of music, the rhythm section—consisting of drums, bass, guitar and piano—establishes a consistent beat while the horns (including trumpets, saxophones and trombones) improvise melodies over it. The rhythm section frequently employs syncopation to accentuate the off-beats and maintain a sense of momentum. This architectural design incorporates stacked units that appear improvisational (based on their varied angles to the best solar orientation) and a shared public space to create a lively and engaging atmosphere for the building’s inhabitants. Moreover, the units are arranged in a reclined position to allow for abundant daily exposure to sunlight.

FIND SVA BALANCE At