The work you encounter on the College of Design’s Virtual Gallery may contain a number of topics that are emotionally challenging and can create discomfort. Some work contains adult content and sensitive subject matter. We encourage you to engage with the variety of perspectives, opinions and experiences shown here and to discuss them with your family members, peers and mentors.

Gallery 181V

Our Virtual Design Gallery

IVA Graduate Spring 2021 Review

Rachel Connell 3 years ago

Marian Herring

Artist Statement: My goal this semester really focused around exploring the work that I create. In Chuck’s class, I pushed my abilities of drawing and storytelling in an attempt to create a coherent and appealing narrative for the reader. In Olivia‘s class, I struggled with knowing what direction my art might take and focused back on the familiar subject of animals. In Kim‘s class I was able to get out into nature here in Iowa and really explore my new surroundings and new animal and plant neighbors. I particularly enjoyed this class as it has shown me wonderful places to come back to over the summer and coming years to rest, think, and draw inspiration from.

Alyssa Killin

Artist Statement: I see art as a language and I am a multidisciplinary translator. I spend my time listening to the oppressed voices, forgotten figures, hushed truths, and uncomfortable facets within our society and ourselves. With the information I receive I sculpt, paint, and print work that sheds light into hidden corners of our lives and society. This work I am making is an accumulation of experiences shared by all humanity; the need for love and human connection, the desire to discover one’s identity, coping with loss and grief, and the constant battle for survival. I am a keeper of record, a listener, and translator. The images and pieces that I create come from something recognizable within us all, as the personal is universal. I am increasing proximity within communities, exploring gift economies, and relating the local to the global. I do not create for myself alone, this work is for us all.

Elizabeth Reeves

Artist Statement: My art is a conversation with my inner self on my personal growth through life. Each piece is a reflection on an experience, idea or story. Within many of my pieces I conceal images, words of encouragement or phrases that have resonated with me over the years, simply because I love puzzles and how they can spark curiosity. The way that puzzles and illusions make the viewer interact differently with the piece is what intrigues me the most. One is not just viewing the piece, but actively viewing and contemplating on the solution, and sometimes finding new revelations. By doing this, I am telling my viewers that “things are not always as they seem,” and that taking a closer look can be rewarding. For the best plot twists are often revealed when you least expect them.

Li Zhang