I graduated from the New York Studio School’s Master of Fine Arts program in 2023, and like many recent grads, space to work was at the top of my mind. I started making sculpture during my MFA and wanted to continue pushing and expanding the scope of my art. The New York Studio School DUMBO Residency gave me the opportunity to continue creating in a way that demanded space and time for experimentation. I also was excited about the curatorial component. When I was accepted as one of the residents, I was thrilled and immediately started dreaming of new routes for my sculptures and potential group shows to curate.

During my residency, I continued making paper pulp, painted sculptures. I have experimented with several new materials such as silver leaf, Aqua-Resin, and rope. I had a large enough studio space to make free-standing floor sculptures as well as wall sculptures. I carved out a lot of my time for experimentation; sculptural orientation and installation was never preconceived. With this space, I was able to continue working at a scale that engages my whole body. One of my sculptures was included in a show called Sculpture Holding Contest at Field of Play Gallery in Gowanus. Participants in the event were invited to hold sculptures in athletic positions. The gallery came to life with laughter and friendly competition.

I have always embraced multi-dimensionally. During my residency, I reintegrated drawing into my practice. I was thinking about how I would push spatial ideas like volume and atmosphere that could have a conversation with the sculptures. I made several large-scale drawings that linked my work across dimensions. For my final exhibition, entitled No Such Thing, I showed over ten pieces created during my residency; eight sculptures and two large-scale drawings.

In addition to the studio component of the NYSS DUMBO Residency, the responsibilities included curating a group show. I teamed up with one of my co-residents, fellow MFA graduate, and dear friend Char Healey, to curate two group shows. Together we were able to show over 15 artists and had numerous performances in the space. Having the opportunity to flex my curatorial muscle has helped me grow in unexpected ways, and has also encouraged cross-pollination in the larger New York art community. Having a studio in 20 Jay Street also has been invaluable. There are numerous galleries and a multitude of artist studios. I was able to foster relationships and have interesting dialogue with artists working in other spaces throughout the building.

The gift of this time and space after a rigorous graduate program has been invaluable. Juggling a day job with my studio time has been a challenge, to say the least, and has required patience. I spent a lot of time this year connecting with artists. In addition, my sculpture is labor-intensive and requires a lot of dry time. Executing work has come with some time constraints. Embracing this time as a laboratory for trial and error and finding my own rhythm has been key. I am so grateful to have received this year-long gift of space for continued growth and am excited to see what grows out of it!

About the Residency
The DUMBO studio space, extended to NYSS by David Walentas / Two Trees Management, is intended to foster artistic and professional independence during NYSS alumni’s transitions from full-time student to practicing artist. Each year, one to three artists from recent graduating classes are selected through a juried process for the DUMBO Artist Residency, which provides ample studio spaces and exhibition opportunities for one year.