The Mount Holyoke News: What is your major and minor?
Amanda Hu: I am a Studio Art major and Art History minor.
MHN: What kind of art is your focus?
AH: Well, I have pretty bad eyesight that might explain why my art is focused across many disciplines. But seriously, a lot of methods work together in my work. For example, printmaking and painting, or sculpture and book arts. It would be hard to narrow it down to just one focus though.
MHN: What inspired your senior thesis project?
AH: I was inspired by an architecture design class I took last semester, I was able to think about space and people existing in relation to one another. Also, we learned about phenomenology, in an architectural context, in my Frank Lloyd Wright seminar. That opened some doors in thinking about how memories are created within a space.
MHN: What types of materials do you use?
AH: I enjoy using inks and stencils. Also handmade paper really adds a great texture to each piece and you can have greater control with the final effect of the work. I strongly recommend the papermaking class the art department is offering next year to anyone who is interested in materials.
MHN: What is your background in art?
AH: My interest in art started when my mother drew me a picture of treasure chest filled to the brim with pirate’s booty. It was then I knew my true calling was art. Before then I had wanted to be a singer, or ballerina.
MHN: What has been the most challenging aspect of your thesis?
AH: Creating art others can relate to while still making the work meaningful for myself.
MHN: What are you the most proud of?
AH: The whole process! Also, I couldn’t have done it without the help of the art department professors and staff. They were extremely supportive and just awesome. I came to this school for the art department and they have been the best.
MHN: What do you hope to pursue in the future? Do you plan on going into art as a career?
AH: I plan to work in an art related field and I think I would enjoy teaching art but we’ll see!
Each week, The Mount Holyoke News profiles a senior Studio Art major conducting thesis work.
Related posts:
- In the Artist’s Studio: Ferron Dooley Fairchild ’10
- In the Artist’s Studio: Erica Catalano ’10
- Joe Smith Gives Studio Art a Working Voice
- The Lion’s Fall: Legendary Studio, MGM, Files for Bankruptcy
- In the Still: Three senior dance majors present final pieces
