How did you first get interested in art?
It seems cliche to say that every child was an artist but I do believe I was. I remember participating in art summer camps at our local museum ever since I was young and then pursued my talent and honed my skills and technique in middle and high school. Towards the end of high school, I began to move away from the fine arts scene into digital work and decided that I enjoyed designing because it combined the skills I developed in art with an eye for the future, and that was more of a challenge for me. I looked deeper into my Filipino-American culture for my high school portfolios and realized I was extremely passionate about my heritage and wanted to bring this into the main art historical conversation.
What kind of career do you hope to have?
I am planning to become an Asian art museum curator with a specialty in Southeast Asian cultures or a creative director in the art historical realm. With art historical emphasis, I want to bring Filipino culture into the mainstream Asian art conversation because the pre colonial artifacts are especially interesting and impactful in the field but not often discussed or well known.
What is your favorite thing about UNC Charlotte and the College of Arts + Architecture?
My favorite thing about UNC Charlotte is the proximity to the city. I enjoy going into uptown and trying out new restaurants with my friends on the weekend or taking my family out to eat when they visit. In CoA+A, I love the sense of community. Even though Charlotte is such a large school, the feeling of camaraderie is so strong in our department and in my majors.
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community?
On campus, I am on the Executive Board of the Filipino American Student Union, Asian Student Association, and Society of Art Historians. Exploring my community and having friends of similar heritage or drive is such an important part of my artistic process and the college experience.
What's one thing that you have gained from the Arts + Architecture Honors Program.
I gained the skills needed to apply for artist and research grants and learned how to support myself and my interests in writing to earn competitive funding. In the first year seminar, I was awarded a research grant, and I purchased resources for exploring Southeast Asian jewelry.
When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
I love to go out and eat with friends and explore new restaurants in the city. I would definitely recommend Boba Baba, Seoul Food, Haberdish, Goodyear House, and Katsu Kart to name a few!