introducing...
THE CLASS OF 2017
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Editors-in-Chief Bianca Scofield & Elena Licursi Executive Copy Editors Eilis Klien & Dylan O’Hara Style Director Alondra Lynch Finance Director Adam Goldberg Creative Layout Director May Moribe Events Director Maya Sullivan PR and Marketing Director Haley Keegan Photography Editor Jack Beal Contributors Sophia Angele-Kuehn, Jackson Bistrong, Annie Breakstone, Kathryn Chinetti, Serena Cipulllo, Verdi Degbey, Kathryn Garven, Alexandra Kruck, Megan Lembo, Sydney Rentsch, Victoria Slater, Leise Trueblood, Juliet Wilson, Yoldas Yildiz, Hayley Zukerberg Acknowledgements Professor Sabrina Notarfrancisco, First Student Bus Company, Lily Connolly, The Magic Carpet Bus Service, & Our Wonderful Models
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FALL 2016
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We are SO excited to write to you as the new editors-in-chief of theLOOK magazine for the 2016-2017 academic year. As best friends, we have taken advantage of this opportunity to create a dynamic issue that represents our style and relationship. As you see in the cover, opposites can attract and sometimes we like to think of ourselves as embodying that mantra. Our style and work ethic have come together in this beautiful issue and we are thrilled to share it with all of you. We want to take advantage of this opportunity to invite the entire college community to contribute to theLOOK. Whether that be modeling, writing, or giving us a photo shoot theme, we want the people that inspire us to have a voice. Through this fashion commentary, our goal is to create a publication that highlights the beauty, color, and life that is Connecticut College. Part of that vibrancy comes from contributors to this publication who reflect on their relationship with style in an unique, fun, wise and creative way. From an interview with New York Fashion Week models, to an article on underwear being more than just underwear -- we are here to talk about fashion in any form that may take. NOW we want to talk about our main photoshoot this fall. Using our very own Thursday night school bus, we went back to high school where style divided the masses. BUT, because we have learned that style should not be a hierarchy (shout out to @manrepeller pg. 42) we created a utopia where the Preps and the Goths are one. Speaking of one, we decided to use one class for model sourcing: the class of 2017. This was a thoughtful decision because we wanted to give seniors a chance to model who haven’t modeled in theLOOK before. So, as midterms end and the second half of our first semester begins, let us enjoy what the 32 models, 11 executive members, 7 writers, and 40 general body members helped us create. Sit back, relax, and enjoy our beautiful little magazine. With Love, Elena & Bianca
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INSIDE THE LOOK 6 WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND 8 IT TAKES T WO 10 IT ’S MORE THAN JUST UNDERWEAR, IT ’S A LIFEST YLE
12 STREET ST YLE: NYFW EDITION 13 MODEL PROFILE: MEET JULIA & BRIAN 14 A ROOM OF HER OWN 16 LEADERS ON CAMPUS 26 A COMMON GROUND 42 AN ODE TO MAN REPELLER 43 ARTIST PROFILE: ANNA PETERSON
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BEHIND THE SCENES
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What Goes Around, Comes Around by Meghan Lembo
As a young girl shopping with my mother, I remember her saying, “my mother always told me to save everything - it will all come back in style.” My mother admittedly did not always take that advice and has often fondly remembered discarded items with regret. I would hear my mom say, “if only I saved …” - but sometimes you have to learn things yourself. I now know that Nana was right, things do come back around. They do come back in style.
Now we are at the age where we can see how trends have come in and out of style throughout our lifetime. The most recent example that clearly represents this phenomenon is the choker. In the early 2000’s, our favorite Disney Channel character, Lizzie McGuire, rocked the choker,
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Another great style trend that is making a comeback is the Adidas sneaker. Many of us had Adidas when we were 7 years old and they were a shoe we would wear in our play clothes. Now Adidas are a fashion staple and are paired with all different style staples like T-shirt dresses and rompers.
Even though chokers and Adidas are the two mentioned in this article, there are many more examples of items that have come back in style, such as overalls, Converse sneakers, and denim clothing! With clear proof that what goes around comes around, we will all need bigger closets to save our fashion treasures until they are reborn for the next generation.
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It Takes Two:
A Guide to the Spouses of the 2016 Presidential Candidates By Leise Trueblood
With the presidential race heating up now more than ever, it’s time to get better acquainted with the candidates’ other halves. Both have made a name for themselves in their own right, though they have had wildly different career paths. Democratic Nominee, Hillary Rodham Clinton and her husband, Former President Bill Clinton are familiar with 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but Republican Nominee, Donald Trump and his wife, Melania would be newcomers, and could be bringing some international flair to the famous estate. Read on to learn some surprising connections and differences between the two potential First Spouses:
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Bill Clinton
Melania Trump
Age: 69 Hometown: Hope, Arkansas Occupation: Former President of the United States, Governor and Attorney General of Arkansas Number of Children: 1 Fun Fact: Only President who was a Rhodes Scholar If their spouse is elected, they will be the first: Former President to become First Gentleman (or Husband - as he would also be the first male spouse) Controversy: Second American President to be impeached (although not removed from office) on account of his sexual relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky On the Campaign Trail: Bill has come out of retirement to support Hillary’s campaign by speaking at various events around the country. However, until his speech at the 2016 DNC, he had given few interviews and maintained a low profile in the media.
Age: 46 Hometown: Novo Mesto, Yugoslavia Occupation: Former Model Number of Children: 1 (and 4 step-children) Fun Fact: Speaks four languages If their spouse is elected, they will be the first: Immigrant to become First Lady Controversy: Once posed naked on fur on Trump’s plane for British GQ with the tagline: “Sex at 36,000 feet: Melania Knavs earns her air miles”. On the Campaign Trail: Trump remained largely out of the picture to stay at home to take care of their son Barron, until her address at the RNC, where she was accused of plagiarizing a speech made by Michelle Obama at the 2012 DNC.
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It’s More Than Just Underwear, It’s a Lifestyle by Kathryn Garven
I don’t know about you but I am obsessed with Instagram. Everyone is so pretty and you can really curate your feed to be exactly what you want. I’m a big lover of lingerie and I’m a big believer in lingerie as a means of Body Positivity. Body Positivity is the belief that every body, regardless of size or shape is sexy and this is HUGELY important in the world of lingerie. We’re not all Victoria’s Secret Angels, but even though we’re not runway models, we still deserve to feel fabulous. Now, I’ll be honest, and this is something Glamour or Cosmo might not tell you: feeling fabulous in your clothes starts with fabulous underthings. 8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong bra size. If you’ve ever felt that your bras are uncomfortable, chances are you’re wearing the wrong size so if you want to revamp your lingerie wardrobe and get down with your sexy self, get fitted first so you aren’t spending your money on something that’s gonna hurt you. The thing about lingerie that no one bothered to tell you is that comfort and sex appeal are not meant to be mutually exclusive. So let’s talk about some basic trends in lingerie, shall we? Some, you may already know, while some might be a surprise to you.
The boho bralette: So in case you haven’t noticed, drapey boho pieces are back in vogue and have been for a few years now. With that, comes some openings and drapes that expose some weird parts of your torso. How do you show off your bra and still look intentional? With bralettes. Lacy ones have been the most popular but strappy bralettes are also having their moment. Bralettes that have detailing in the decolletage area are starting to have their moment as a cool alternative to jewelry or body chains. Aerie is considered the top of the bralette market and, as a bonus, they don’t photoshop their models, so go support them!
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Body Suits (Lingerie on the outside?!) Body suits have been everywhere recently, some that are t-shirts with crotches and some that are a little, well, sexier. These strappy numbers have been dominating the night-out scene, tucked into jeans or skirts. They can be simple, like a solid tank top with panties built in, or a little sexier, with lace, more straps, less fabric, etc.; they are a great way to dip your toe into the world of lingerie. You can get some cheap ones from H&M, Forever 21, or even Free People so find one that’s your style and wear it with pride. Feeling good in what you wear makes you look even sexier!
Granny Panties: You heard me. Granny panties. Recently, this awesome trend has come back into style in lingerie. Now, I’m not saying go and buy yourself some saggy gross panties but I am telling you to consider some more highwaisted options in your regular rotation. Something that comes up a little higher on your hips while still showing off your fabulous booty is a whole new update on sexy. Something that clings to your body and shows off your fabulous shape can be just as sexy as nothing at all. Personally, I love thongs and I have been obsessed with the Hanky Panky retro thong as a granny panty gateway drug. It covers your tummy but still is as sexy as a thong and if you like patterned panties the higher top is a great way to show off a little more pattern than you would get to in a normal thong or g-string. And if a little peeks out from under your jeans? If it’s lacy and pretty, people should thank you. Finally the most recent trend in lingerie? #bodypositivity There has been a pretty kickass movement on Instagram recently encouraging all women to share the underthings that make them feel sexy. This #lingerierevolution has been the birth of a lot of things, but most notably it has been a chance for women to discover some more brands and styles that speak to them. Victoria’s Secret, while a behemoth in the world of lingerie is just the tiniest tip of the iceberg and this is allowing women to explore the world of lingerie all the more. Wear it for yourself. Match your bra and panties when you a need a boost. Try a new brand, wear some cute PJ’s, match your lipstick to your panties. Take one little extra step to make yourself feel sexy. Remember that your bra size does not indicate your sexiness. Brands I’m crushing on this month: Hanky Panky, Natori, and KnickerRocker. (Don’t know them? Look them up!) This month’s lingerie challenge: Wear a matching set when you’re not going out. Have an exam? Wear a matching set. I guarantee you’ll feel even more together than usual and totally kill the exam!
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STREET STYLE: NYFW EDITION
New York Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2017 took place this past September from the 7th to the 14th. In case you missed it, here are some of the best street styles from the week! Lots of layers and leather!
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Model Profile: Meet Julia & Brian Interviewed by Jackson Bistrong
Have you ever thought there’s more to life than being really, really, really ridiculously good looking? For these two
strong-jawed and stunning people, that is their life. Brian, one of my best friends from high school, and Julia, one of my good friends from Philadelphia, have both been modeling in New York City for almost two years now and both live there full-time. They have even considered opening their own institute and calling it the “Brian Altemus and Julia Fleming Center For Kids Who Can’t Read Good.” As a huge Zoolander fan, you can imagine how happy I was to find out they were both scouted to become models. I even created Brian his own fan page, fans_of_brian_altemus, which started as a joke and has now turned into another social media outlet for his handsome self.
Julia Fleming
Age: 20 City: New York City Years Modeling: 13 months Who do you model for?: A bunch of different brands (some examples: Nordstrom, Rag and Bone, Vogue: Japan/Germany, Under Armour, etc.) When and how did you first get involved in modeling?: I got involved in modeling through my friend (and now roomie) Brian Hamilton last summer! Favorite designer you have modeled for or walked for?: Donatella Versace Any preshow/preshoot prep you do to get yourself ready?: Before shows, I always focus on one thought to stop myself from getting nervous! Favorite junk food?: Dominos!! Forever and always will love dominos, and actually always eat a whole pizza by myself on the last day of fashion week!!
Brian Altemus
Age: 19 City: New York City Years modeling: 1.5 Who do you model for?: No consistent clients but a wide range of department stores and a few boutique clients as well, like Paisley and Grey, Rogue and Co, etc. When and how did you first get involved in modeling?: I got scouted at a music festival in Miami during March of 2015. Favorite designer you have modeled for or walked for?: My favorite designer I worked for was Sergio Davila. He’s got kind of a timeless style that I really liked. Any preshow/preshoot prep you do to get yourself ready?: I usually listen to Survivor’s ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and think of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1971 Mr. Olympian Paris routine. Favorite junk food?: Favorite junk food has to be double stuffed oreos and milk.
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A Room of Her Own Molly Tuohy ‘17
Interviewed by Emilie Fiskio, Photographed by Alex Kruck
How has your room changed over your four years at Conn? My room hasn’t actually changed that much over the last four years at Conn. I went to boarding school, so most of my room changes happened then. However, I’m lucky because my room has gotten bigger every year, so I’ve continued to add items as I’ve gained more space. Because I didn’t really answer your question, I’ll tell you what has stayed most constant about my room over my four years here: I’ve always had a lot of color in my room and my room is ALWAYS organized— I’m a neat freak. What’s your favorite piece in your room? Even though I love my bed with all my heart, my favorite piece is the love seat in my room. It’s a small sofa/chair that I’ve had since I was little. Sophomore year, I got it covered with an elephant print fabric. Elephants are my favorite animal and the blue and green colors of the fabric are so vibrant. The love seat brightens any room it’s in and I’m always happy when I sit in it. 14 theLOOK
Where do you get your inspiration from? My inspiration comes from my grandmother’s art. Each of my rooms at Conn have always had my grandma’s watercolor paintings hung all over the walls. The paintings are bright and colorful, exuding a sense of tranquility and cheerfulness. Not only do the paintings help my room look less like a “dorm room,” but they also make me feel at home.
You have some pieces of furniture that you brought in from outside of Conn...where did you find them? I didn’t realize it until you asked this question, but I have a lot of outside pieces. My dad and mom are both into design, so they’ve been very supportive in making my room as aesthetically pleasing as possible. My mom found my desk on the street… sounds sketchy, but it happens in NYC. My dad then repainted the desk a poppy red color. I also have a set of drawers from when I was younger that my dad repainted apple green. My love seat is from a store in New York that I got years ago. My sofa is boring; it’s from IKEA. How would you define your room decor/style? I would describe my room decor/style as clean and cool meets light and fluffy (courtesy of Elena Licursi). Although my room is very colorful, everything connects in some way. I think that’s partly because I’m a little OCD. I also love comfort, so pillows are abundant and there’s always a place to snuggle! 15
LEADERS ON CAMPUS
For this issue of theLOOK, we’ve brought together some of the most active club members on campus so that you can get to know them, and learn what their club does for our community. As you’ll see, these ConnColl leaders are keeping us all engaged, demanding our attention, and having some fun while doing it!
Interviewed by Dylan O’Hara Photographed by Jack Beal
As most of us know, SGA, or Student Government Association, is the means through
which student leaders help the student body make decisions. Some of us might not know exactly know what those decisions might be, but the phrase sounds pretty important! You know what else is pretty important? Understanding what SGA does for all of us, and how hard these members of our community work. SGA is the body of dedicated students that ensures that the larger student population has an avenue through which they can be in conversation with the entire student body and with Connecticut College administrators. Here, you can read up on some of the women who are a driving force behind SGA’s current success and its future.
SHANIQUA SHAW ‘18
President of the Class of 2018 Hometown: Worcester, MA Major/ minor: International Relations/Hispanic Studies Other campus organizations involved in: Women’s Basketball, Founder and President of Connecticut College Diversity Coalition, CC Law Society, UMOJA Do you have a favorite female politician?: Condoleezza Rice is my favorite female politician. As a fellow black woman with a name that some would call extraordinary, she struck me as the perfect role model. I also would like to follow down a similar career path as the diplomat. DO: How would you describe your role as the class of 2018’s president if you could only use 3 adjectives? SS: Exceptional, stimulating, zestful DO: Why were you drawn to be a part of SGA when you came to Conn? SS: I was a campus leader in high school and I wanted to continue to champion for change! DO: In what ways would you describe this organization as being vital to campus? SS: Class councils play a vital role in connecting classmates to one another and fostering an environment that upholds the values of The College. DO: What are your hopes for the future of SGA? For the class of 2018? SS: My hope for the future of SGA is for it to continue to be a malleable organization that adapts to the needs of the students. I hope the class of 2018 recognizes these needs and continues to work hard everyday to make everyone feel like Connecticut College is their home.
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VIRGINIA GRESHAM ‘17 Vice President of SGA
Hometown: Guilford, CT Major/ Minor: Computer Science, Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology Other campus organizations involved in: Women in Technology Did you have a VP campaign slogan when you ran for the position?: When I ran, my campaign slogan was “VP, Virginia Please!” Last semester, I was studying away with the Williams College Mystic Seaport Program and my classmates and I came up with the slogan while we were roadtripping through the Pacific Northwest. DO: How would you describe your role as the VP of SGA if you could only do so in 3 adjectives? VG: Comprehensive. Looking at the big picture to help clubs and students find necessary funding, spaces, and additional resources. Curious. Using my perspective and the institutional insights I have gained over the last few years, I ask questions and share stories with the many committees I am on to ensure the student experience is understood and heard. Determined. I persistently try to keep SGA on track with our goals and focus. DO: Why were you drawn to be a part of SGA when you came to Conn? VG: I started out my Conn experience being very involved in the Office of Sustainability (OoS). While I was working on a project to place six Hydration Stations in Cro and Shain, I applied for money from SGA’s Student Projects Fund (SPF). After that experience, I felt like I could make a difference if I was part of a group which had access to many resources on campus. That lead me to be the Chair of Sustainability last fall and Vice President this year. DO: In what ways would you describe this organization as being vital to campus? VG: SGA funds all Registered Student Organizations, gives students another way to access the College’s administration, organizes students to sit on important faculty committees, and provides the staff and faculty with feedback on various policies. DO: What are your hopes for the future of SGA? VG: I hope that SGA will build stronger connections with the students, staff, and faculty to understand how to better utilize Conn’s many resources. Using the institutional knowledge gained from those strengthened relationships, I hope that SGA will be able to effectively bring positive change to Conn and the New London community.
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Another organization we all know, the Student Activities Committee, has become
a rallying point for campus involvement over the last couple of years. SAC has been responsible for some of our most memorable times at Connecticut College, and SAC’s continued and tireless work bringing our community entertainment has become a cornerstone of the college experience here. From bus rides to Bank Street, to coordinating beach days, to Floralia, Connecticut College SAC has created a tradition of action. We’d be remiss to say that it would have been the same without the work of the person at its helm.
JEFF CELNIKER ‘17 Chair of SAC
Hometown: Morristown, NJ Major/ Minor: American Studies Other organizations involved in: Copacetic Life, LLC: Copacetic Events, Copacetic Promotions which includes the Off-Campus Guide for Students, Magic Carpet Bus Service, Cleaning Camel Laundry, CC Student Storage. Dream Floralia performer: Everyone will see soon enough. DO: How would you describe SAC if you could only do so using 3 adjectives? JC: Influence, Pressure, Fulfilment DO: Why were you drawn to being a part of this club when you first came to Conn? JC: Everyone wants to have fun. I see SAC as the group on campus that has the ability and funds to structure the events calendar in a way that maximizes the social experience.
DO: In what ways would you describe your organization as vital to our campus? JC: It is imperative that SAC delivers high-quality, inclusive, and unique events because these events give us an escape from the stress and pressures of being a college student. DO: What are your hopes for the future of SAC at Conn? JC: I hope that SAC continues to receive more funding and continues to adapt to the study body it caters to. Our goal this year is to track, record, and analyze all of our work so that we can improve events in the future and provide next year’s SAC with data that will help them top what we’ve been able to accomplish.
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An organization we might not all know, but will all know soon, is working away in Cummings Art Center. Wig & Candle, our on-campus thespian hub, is the place to both try out for and help put on student productions! This unique student organization gives life (and a stage!) to student written works, and fosters a community of student engagement that encourages creativity and freedom of expression. The Managing Director and the Technical Director of Wig & Candle were interviewed by theLOOK in hopes of bringing more attention to this hardworking enclave of camels!
JASON KAROS ‘18
Managing Director of Wig & Candle Hometown: Leominster, MA Major/ Minor: Computer Science & Theater Other organizations involved in: REAL staff What is the first live performance you ever cried during, if any at all?: First time was when I saw Jerry Seinfeld live when I was 12 years old, I don’t think I remember ever laughing as hard than I did then. Definitely some of the funniest stuff around.
REBECCA BRILL WEITZ ‘18
Technical Director of Wig & Candle Hometown: Bedford, MA Major/ Minor: Performance Design & Technology Major/Dance & Environmental Science Other organizations involved in: Office of Sustainability, Theater Services What is the first live performance you ever cried during, if any at all?: When I was about 13 I saw The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and there were definitely tears shed. DO: How would you two of you describe Wig and Candle if you could only do so using 3 adjectives? RBW: Collaborative, Playful, Facilitative JK: Hilarious, Determined, Worthwhile DO: What would the two of you say are your biggest hopes for the future of Wig and Candle at Connecticut College? RBW: I hope that W&C continues to grow and diversify. We are still a young club, only going into our sixth season since the club was refounded. This year we are doing twice as many productions and events as we did two years ago!! I hope that we are able to continue to have ever-growing resources to facilitate fabulous student theater. JK:
My biggest hope for Wig & Candle’s future is for continued ambition. The past 3 years I have been at Conn, Wig & Candle has never stopped wanting. We want more involvement, we want to seat more, we want to co-produce events, we want more original work, etcetera. We always have had a desire to do more. I cannot express how lucky I have been to work with such a devoted team of folks with new ideas and enthusiasm. I only hope that I can help pass on that enthusiasm and passion to the next generation of Wig & Candle-ers in a just as meaningful way as I have experienced.
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Connecticut College’s only student run newspaper, The College Voice, is at the center
of how our community continues to define and redefine itself. The College Voice has been, and rightly so, at the center of many all-campus discussions surrounding Connecticut College’s legacy of equity and inclusion- and the standard to which we should hold members of our community, whether student, staff, or professor, in light of this legacy. For those that know The College Voice beyond these conversations, they know that our college’s student-run newspaper also covers a number of happenings that don’t always receive every community members’ attention. However, The College Voice’s weekly issues have solidified their place in our community as a source of connection to the core things that matter most, and bring our focus back inwards. The College Voice certainly fulfills the duty it has been given on a liberal arts campus.
Aparna Gopalan ‘17
Editor-in-Chief of The College Voice Hometown: Ajmer, Rajasthan, India Major/Minor: History/Economics What is your news outlet of choice?: Democracy Now!, The Caravan magazine, Truthout, The Chronicle of Higher Education, local newspapers DO: How would you describe The College Voice if you could only do so using 3 adjectives? AP: Promising, Local, Inventive DO: Why were you drawn to becoming a part of The Voice when you first came to Conn College? AP: Back when I was a meek little freshman interested in storytelling, making friends with other writers, and justice, I walked into a Voice meeting because I wanted to train myself in journalism to synthesize all of my interests. My interest in narrative and politics has only grown since then, through my training in the social sciences and humanities, and the Voice has offered me an important space for experimentation throughout college, a space at the intersection of theory and practice where I could figure out what engaged journalism looks like. DO: In what ways would you say that your organization is vital to our community? AP: I see a free press as vitally important to all communities as a source of accountability and oversight over those in power. In addition to this, since we do not offer training in journalism at Conn, the Voice becomes a very important organization in the making of the reporters and journalists of the future at Conn. We know that the Voice has been the venue for some of the most important conversations this campus has had over the past five to ten years, at least, and is crucial to maintaining institutional memory. DO: What are your biggest hopes for the future of The College Voice? AP: I hope the Voice is able to truly become a paper that trains young and critical journalists, or in other words, become the club that I was looking for but didn’t necessarily find as a freshman. We have already been working towards this goal in the past few years. Additionally, I would like to see the Voice becoming much more of a community newspaper than a student newspaper, a much more politically relevant and engaged publication that works to tell those stories that are most necessary to tell but that there is silence around. 25
A COMMON GROUND Photographed by Jack Beal & Verdi Degbey
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An Ode to MAN REPELLER Man Repeller makes you think, it makes you laugh, it makes you feel good about yourself, but why? During a time where women bloggers are taking over social media accounts, why does this fashion publication distinguish itself ? Well, sociology has taught me that my identity has been defined for me… meaning based on my gender, sexuality, and race, people have already come up with ideas and perceptions about who I am. Therefore, although I may look at myself as an unique individual, the rest of the world may see me as something else. Man Repeller has taught me that fashion is one way to exercise control over how you want to be perceived in this world. To express yourself, while society is perpetuating ideas about who you are, is difficult; but, rather than looking at your self-expression as something finite, Man Repeller gives you a broadened and honest perspective on how to express yourself in a way that makes you feel like you can take on this world wearing whatever makes you feel like you. Man Repeller also acknowledges that comfortably being yourself is a difficult task to undertake. The founder, Leandra Medine in, “A Letter from Leandra” compares Man Repeller to an onion. This metaphor is analogous to how the site promotes self-expression: you peel off layers, but you don’t necessarily reach a center. Thus, Man Repeller has created a platform for women to start peeling. They consistently create humorous, inspiring, and thought-provoking content that is helping women peel off the different layers that are part of all of us. Man Repeller, thank you for not being exclusively you, but being a little bit of all of us. Sincerely, Elena
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ARTIST PROFILE:
ANNA PETERSON
Interviewed by Eilis Klien, Photographed by Bianca Scofield
Connecticut College has an amazing art
department, but Cummings truly is so far away sometimes, especially if you live in the Plex. Here at theLOOK, we have your back! In this issue, we are highlighting one superstar of the art department. Not only will you get some insight into the art department and some images of said art, without the ghastly 7 minute walk, but you will also get behind the scenes access to this issue’s featured artist, Anna Peterson! Major? AP: Art and French Hometown? Winnetka, IL Inspirations? My aunt, Ingrid, has always been a big inspiration for me. She used to let me hang around in her studio when I was really young, like 5 or 6. She would let me use her oil paints, and teach me how to do different things with different materials. The first piece we ever collaborated on is hanging in my house in Chicago. It’s a naked woman with orange hair, wearing a scarf. Ingrid has inspired me in so many ways; aspects of her work can definitely be seen in mine. My second major is french—the beauty of the language is another major source of inspiration for my art. My thesis for my art major is informed by the work that I have done on Marguerite Duras’ novel, L’Amant. The story follows a young girl living in French Vietnam. Her relationship with an older man allows Duras to explore a female perspective on sexuality via syntax and grammar that is unique to feminist literary style. I am working to create a series of pieces that reflects Duras’ sentiments which I share—women should be able to enjoy the same degree of sexual liberation that men do. Visual art is a really cool way to deal with this subject matter, because it is very easy to literally portray sex, but more difficult and meaningful to do so in a way that is less overt, but still gets the message across. Favorite Artist? Jean-Michel Basquait is my favorite artist. Favorite part of Art Dept. at Conn? I have had a great experience as a part of the art department at Conn. My favorite part about the program here is the freedom and flexibility it allows. I am concentrating in design, but I have been able to explore printmaking and photography as well. For my thesis, I am hoping to work in many different mediums, which I think is extremely valuable. Post grad plans? I plan on applying for the Mortimer-Hays traveling fellowship for next year. I would really like to go to graduate school at some point to continue my studies in art and design. I guess my dream is to end up somewhere I can continue to speak french and make art, but who really knows at this point. 43