I have recently, with great joy, completed my Master's Degree in Art History. The journey granted me immense knowledge in the field and I am so eternally grateful. For my thesis, I researched much on my interest of abstract art; correlating color, shape, and form with Indigenous Abstract Artist, Leon Polk Smith.
Prior to the degree, I was deeply intrigued by our senses. In particular, our sense of vision. I found myself questioning how our eyes and our mind compose waves to create images in split seconds. In turn, creating responses, and emotions to those snapshots, building on our perception, beyond just physically and mentally.
Additionally, a major parallel of research at that time, was on the aspect of beauty. What is considered beautiful? What is the concept of aesthetics? How can we define aesthetics? Who established the criteria of aesthetics? And do we still follow and believe in that criteria?
I am looking forward to utilizing my coursework comprehension and personal research to combine fields of study to further my aspirations in the art, neuroscience, art history, metaphysics and philosophy disciplines.
DM
Education
Master of Arts, Art History, 2019 - 2022
City University of New York, NY, NY
Thesis Title: Cherokee Abstract Artist Leon Polk Smith: A Convergence of Traditions
This paper analyzes how Leon Polk Smith's (1906-1996) Indigenous roots and upbringing in Indian Country had a significant impact on his artistic practice in a time of discrimination and segregation in the United States.
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Art Education K-12, 2012
Long Island University, C.W.Post, Brookville, NY
Art Exhibition: train of thought, Fall 2010, Sculpture Gallery, Long Island University
Exhibition included two 35 x 4.5’ panels of literary line work murals done in ink, charcoal drawings, mixed media pieces, and silkscreen prints.
Experience
Visual Art Teacher
Gramercy Arts High School, 40 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003, 2017 - present
Bronx Compass High School, 1980 Lafayette Ave, Bronx, NY 10473, 2013 - 2017
Carle Place School District, Carle Place, NY, Spring 2013
Office Manager 2009 - 2013
Healthpro Rehabilitation, Amityville, NY
Admissions Coordinating and Reception 2001 - 2013
Broadlawn Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Amityville, NY
Waitress - Frank’s Pizzeria and Restaurant 2010 - 2013
North Massapequa, NY
Backstage Sous Chef & Caterer - Westbury Music Fair 2002 - 2010
Westbury, NY
Related Experience
Student in Aesthetics and the Senses Course, Brooklyn Institute for Social Research, NY, NY - 2019
Student in Philosophy Works Course, The School of Practical Philosophy, NY, NY - 2019
Figure Drawing Instructor with Confidential, NY, NY - 2016
Activities Instructor and Art Director, Great Falls, VA - 2012
Docent at Nassau County Museum of Art, Roslyn, NY - 2010
Volunteer Experience
2009 - 2013 American Cancer Society - Shelter Island, NY
2005 - 2007 Intergenerational Program - Amityville, NY