Author: Museum Career Internship Program

Hi! My name is Nik Martinez (he/him) and I’m a second year Fine Arts student at LaGuardia Community College. I come from an immigrant Dominican family in the Bronx and have lived in New York City my entire life. I’m really interested in anime, fashion, live music and all the things that make New York a one of a kind place to live and grow. I’ve been drawing my whole life and don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. The only future I can imagine for myself is one surrounded by art, where I’m not only making it but I’m discussing it with likeminded artists every single day. In the future I see myself doing freelance work and hopefully landing a position working in a museum.

Subway Riders by Ralph Fasanella captures the diversity of the people who take the train every day. Each of them are sitting next to each other, not knowing anything about one another, having their own lives to worry about. When they get off the train they’ll go back to whatever they were doing before, but while they’re on the train, for that moment everyone is just doing the same thing: trusting the train to bring them to where they need to go. The painting’s style is simple and straightforward–it doesn’t need to be anything else to get its message and feeling across and that’s why I like it so much. The painting was made in 1950, and I think showing such diversity and a real reflection of what the world looked like during a time of so much injustice and hatred is really powerful.

Hi! I’m Jade (he/she) and I’m a second year Fine Arts student at LaGuardia Community College. Growing up, I thought I would go into science. I loved everything about science and tried to get into anything that was science-aligned. Although I was a science nerd, I loved going to museums. One day on a class field trip, we went to an art museum and it changed my whole perspective. I drew as a kid, but that trip made me want to draw for the rest of my life. In high school, I met one teacher who changed my point of view on everything I wanted to do. She became a positive role model and inspired me to become an art teacher. Now I’m at LaGuardia on the fast track to being an art teacher, since I also want to become a positive figure in student’s lives.

I first chose this painting because I found the style of the cats to be very unique but also very silly. I had to do a double-take because they don’t actually look like normal cats. The more I looked at this piece, the more I noticed the small details. The strokes of yellow and green that surround the red-dotted area complement each other. I interpreted the area where the mother cat and the kittens are enclosed within the green and white border as a metaphor for her taking care of and protecting her kittens. Hirschfield’s quirky style works in this painting’s favor because it really caught my eye in the sea of other pieces from the Museum’s collection.

Hi, my name is Aaron Vasquez (he/him). I am 20 years old and I was born and raised in Queens, New York. I am currently a Fine Arts major at LaGuardia Community College, and I plan on transferring to a 4 year college. My top pick is currently the Fashion Institute of Technology, and I would love to have the opportunity to study abroad in Brighton, England.

I like to draw and paint as well as sew my own clothes. I particularly like painting and drawing realistic portraits–the realistic elements and all of the small details stood out to me very early on within my art journey, and I can pinpoint my interest in realism as early as 13 years of age. When it comes to sewing, I’ve always had an interest in creating my own clothes and turning drawings into reality. I finally bought my first sewing machine when I turned 19.

I found out about the American Folk Art Museum internship program through past alumni and was interested immediately. It was always my goal while in college to be a part of an art based internship and I found this to be the perfect opportunity. My overall goal with this internship is to obtain a level of professionalism and to further envelop myself in a more varied spectrum of art to hopefully inspire and push my style. I am looking forward to becoming more involved within the art world and understanding how the inner workings of the world of art function.

This piece by Eugene Von Bruenchenhein stood out to me due to its variety of colors. At first, it reminded me of tie-dye. The vibrant reds and oranges contrast with the muddied greens–juxtaposed, they work really well together. The piece has an almost watercolor look even though it is made of oil paint. The artwork also has so many varying textures–the sharp lines mixed with the softer, circular brush strokes makes the work very interesting to look at.

My name is Maryhelen (she/her), and I’m a Business Administration major at LaGuardia Community College. I have always loved art, more to analyze it than to do it myself. My goal in being here is to expand my understanding of art, and use that understanding to market the creativity and passion of artists who are under-recognized.  

This drawing by James Castle illustrates an eerie grey homestead, surrounded by tall dark trees that swallow the house into darkness from the sky. The contrast between the trees and house, with the cool ashy grays of the ground and sky sandwiching the illumination, portrays the house as a cautious yet inviting entity. The scenery creates a sort of stillness, as if looking into the mind of Castle, reliving this memory in the moment. From standing at the wooden fence, the barrier between the wooden house and endless trees and forests of Idaho, hearing the everlasting silence only to be disturbed by the crunching sounds of branches, or the melodic sounds of the chiming wind hitting the leaves. Within the silence, the whiff of the prevalent smell of ash, soot, smoke travels to the tongue, swallowing the scenery as if the scent is engulfing, or the house itself is. The memory leaves the viewer still with the eerie, yet comforting feeling you wish you could relive, rejoin, and return to. 

My name is Maddi (she/her) and I am a student in the Associate of Photography program at LaGuardia Community College. I have an interest in historical photographic techniques and photography that speaks on the issues closest to me, namely queer and feminist ones. Originally from Kentucky, I moved to New York City just shy of 5 years ago, looking for a place to grow and expand my own artistic practice, that of studio photography. That desire to grow eventually brought me to LaGuardia Community College, and from there, to the American Folk Art Museum via the internship program.

This particular image from the Museum’s collection strikes a chord with me in many ways. First, it calls to mind an “all-American” aesthetic which represents a way of being in America which is either quickly vanishing, or, more likely, never existed in the first place. Secondly, there is a sort of voyeuristic male-gaze to the presentation of the doll. The pose of the doll demonstrates the innocence and naivety that comes with youth, but is paired with an erotic undertone. Finally, there is this advertisement-like quality to the composition. All of these qualities come together to form a fascinating visual tension, not unlike a David Lynch movie, that keeps the viewer fixated.

A photographer and graphic designer, Morton Bartlett spent most of his spare time crafting and photographing lifelike carved plaster dolls, which he shared with close personal friends and acquaintances. In the photograph above, Bartlett crafted a plaster doll of a girl with caucasian skin, blond hair, and brown eyes in his standard  ½ scale, wearing brightly colored dress and straw cowgirl hat, doing a curtsey. During his life, Bartlett took some 200 black and white photographs and 17 color slides of his dolls, 15 of which survived after his death. Speaking on his craft in the 25th Anniversary Report of Harvard’s 1932 graduating class, he said, “My hobby is sculpting in plaster. Its purpose is that of all proper hobbies – to let out urges that do not find expression in other channels.”

Hello there! I am Josiah Walker (he/him) and I attend LaGuardia Community College. I am a Fine Arts – Graphic Design major working toward my goal to work as a graphic designer. I have a strong passion for digital art and the traditional medium of paper and pencil. I grew up drawing, and my illustration background is what inspired me to follow a career in art. Growing up in New York, I observed that the city is always moving, no matter where you are. The simple act of drawing cartoons and thinking of characters to escape hectic city life feels amazing. As I explore new mediums to paint, draw, or draft something new, I feel that childlike joy of drawing all over again. I enjoy creating because once I have a spark of inspiration, I can’t let go of that urge until it’s complete.

My goals as an undergraduate are evolving, because I am still learning about opportunities I can participate in with my level of experience. For some, this might be a hindrance, but to me it just means there are more skills to acquire in order to clearly define my goals. I am happy to be able to make progress with my education while also being able to pursue life as a professional creative.

I chose this image because of its bold colors and cubist style. The painting reminded me of Pablo Picasso. This was my initial reason for selecting this piece, but what really interested me is the background of the artist. He led a relatively humble life and became a painter during his time as an immigrant in the United States. He also became very socially conscious. Monza criticized wars and the pollution of a world that, at the end of the day, affected the working class and not so much the bourgeois ruling class. He continues his criticism of war by dressing the soldiers as clowns, trampled by the same horses that they ride into battle. I believe he is symbolizing the aristocratic upper class leading these soldiers, knowingly leading them to their deaths.

My name is Tamara Diaz (she/her), and I am originally from Argentina. I first studied Business Administration in my country, but I have always felt a strong connection to the arts. When I moved to NYC as an international student, I found the chance to study Fine Arts at LaGuardia Community College, and without hesitation, I jumped into this beautiful artistic journey. I love spending time with family and friends, reading about history, and making art such as drawing, design, and collages.

As an intern at AFAM, I see art as a powerful tool that helps us learn from the past and shape the future. The arts have always played a role in shaping rights and achievements in different parts of our lives.  That is why I am especially interested in how a museum builds meaningful connections with the community and how those connections can help us grow together as society.

I identify with the AFAM collection through  “In the World” by Consuelo González Amézcua because it evokes feelings of happiness, joy, and empowerment. If I were to  create a story about this artwork, I would say:

Here she is.
Her walk shows resilience.
With every step, there is hesitation,
Because she doesn’t know what might happen to her.
 
She longs for freedom
She fights for freedom.
She fights for equality.
 
Her dress enhances her beautiful body,
Red, blue, black, and green,
Like wings at her feet,
Wings she will one day use to go wherever she wishes,
The day she feels free.
 
Behind her,
Intricate embroidered shapes appear,
Brow, purple, lilac,
Representing the obstacles and triumphs she has survived.
 
At her sides,
Lie the victories and the fall,
Those ones that have shaped the person she is now
 
And finally,
The precious white dove,
Symbol of freedom,
The freedom we all long to meet.

Hi! My name is Isabella Wood (she/they); I’m a sophomore at LaGuardia Community College majoring in Fine Arts. I’m a Texas native but reside in the heart of Queens. New York City is the place I always knew I’d end up in. Since I was a little girl, I had the classic dream to move to NYC and become an artist–and while it has not been a linear path at its core, I am still striving for that. My mother is an artist, so it’s been intrinsic to my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up my passion stemmed from material; the idea you could make anything with virtually anything allowed me to hold a wonder and aspiration towards being a creative. As I got older, I began to examine art through a wider scope–it was so organic in my life, what if it was organic to life itself? Things like the Fibonacci sequence and the Latin term “horror vacui” (meaning fear of empty space) drew me to humans and nature, interpersonal or worldly connections, unspoken but recurring across time and the globe. 

My career goals now are to be a gallery curator, to work in community outreach making art more accessible, and to rethink ideals of what it means to be an “artist”. I plan to go on to a four-year university, get my master’s and possibly doctorate. The ethos of the American Folk Art Museum is what initially drew me in, what it means to be a self-taught artist, and the perspective you gain when pieces and people are recognized and put into context. I’m hoping for better clarity and guidance through the program of what it looks like to be in the art field, as well the inner workings of a museum. I’m excited to learn about people and their creations.  

One of the three-dimensional works from the American Folk Art Museum’s collection that stood out to me was Golf Ball on Rubber Ball by Matteo Radoslovich. Radoslovich was from Croatia but immigrated to New Jersey in his early adult life, only creating after his retirement at the age of 65. What drew me to this piece was its simplicity that allows your mind to wander, a dirty golf ball teed on a worn badminton birdie atop a pale blue rubber ball, cracked akin to an old porcelain doll with a ring of seemingly strategically rusted scrap metal. It’s composed of metal and wood, almost unnoticeable. At first, I saw the stack of objects, but the longer you look the more ways you see: an old carousel, a feminine person, a joystick. The golf ball serves as head, light, or handle. The birdie a tent top, a blouse or silhouette, stabilizer. The scrap metal horses needing a paint job, containment, a seat, or a base. 

Hello There! My name is Nicole Clynes (she/her). I originally come from Florida and moved to New York in my teens in hopes of pursuing my career in the arts. I grew up learning how to keep myself occupied by drawing, writing, learning music, and sewing. I was intrigued growing up by the craft of sewing that my grandmother passed down to both me and my mother. I felt the urge to further my passion with sewing and learn about different textiles and work on pattern making. 

During my own creation process there are a lot of steps taken to perfectly plan the best piece I can. I love to sketch, and one of the best parts of the process is this first step which can be changed constantly until getting the design I love most. Then, sticking with that design, I will work endlessly to drape it perfectly and measure correctly. After that, it comes down to putting everything together piece by piece and completing the garment I’ve made. Throughout the whole process I am able to see what I can experiment with and test to see what works and what doesn’t. In a lot of ways it helps me stay focused and eager with my options.

When I first came across the American Folk Art Museum, the first thing that caught my eye were the beautiful handcrafted quilts. With every thread and every patch there is a sense of love within them and individuality that emerges from them. The specific quilt that brought this immense feeling was “Log Cabin Quilt, Barn Raising Variation” by Mary Jane Smith. I was really moved by its story. Mary Jane and her mother Mary Morell Smith worked on this quilt together. They had a strong bond, even though Mary Jane died before being able to use the quilt which originally was intended for a trousseau, otherwise known as a collection of items a bride takes with them after they are married.  The thought put into this quilt makes it even more commendable, considering its duality and beautiful varying patterns. Both the quilt and the story helped open up a part of my own experience and reminded me of the importance of family bonds. It also taught me a bit about collaboration. I want to know even more about the process behind finding these beautiful pieces and learning about the artists and their backgrounds. Because of this I am excited to work for The American Folk Art Museum! I want to build my skills, understand the art world better, and deeply appreciate the wonderful cultural influences that many pieces in the museum exhibit.

My name is Nia Lland (she/her), and I am a Jamaican American born and raised in New York City. Some things I enjoy doing are traveling, cleaning, self care, spending time with family/friends and making a lot of art. Art has always played a huge role in my life since the age of seven. I’ve had many experiences with drawing and painting. During my four years at John Bowne High School, I began to expand, explore and grow my art skills. As a Visual Arts student I’ve taken classes such as studio drawing, painting, printmaking, graphics, and 2-D art. I also express my creativity through fashion. Currently, I am a Fine Arts major at LaGuardia Community College. My goal is to figure out what type of art career would most interest me, whether it’s illustration, graphics or fashion design. 

Being a part of the American Folk Art Museum internship program is helping me to gain experience and think of possible careers I can pursue as an artist. One of the things that I find fascinating is taking the time to examine an art piece and gathering important information. I think it’s important for me as an individual to learn about the history of art, gain inspiration, explore and find artwork that I can relate to. 

One of the pieces that stood out to me from the American Folk Art Museum’s collection is “People Love To Model” by Thornton Dial, Sr. This artist is from the state of Alabama. Most of his artwork consists of sculptures and painting. I’ve chosen this piece because I love how the artist incorporated bright colors to give a vibrant look. I am also impressed by his use of white lines to create highlights around the faces and features.   In this art piece, you can see a tiger on the left side and three different faces. There are also three standing figures doing their own poses. One of the things that stood out to me in this painting is the standing figure in the middle. I like how the color of the clothing is different from the other two that are gold, it creates a unique pattern. The white marks add value which gives a shiny look to the clothing.