In just a few weeks, the final artwork of our three seniors will be on display in the 849 Gallery as part of this year's Senior Thesis Exhibition. In preparation for the big opening event on May 16, we took the opportunity to sit down with each of them to learn more about who they are and the work they’ve been creating. First up—

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Abi Womack

"Scopophobia"

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Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I started enjoying art as a way of speaking through my emotions, communicating how I feel. It was a perfect outlet to just "journal" without having to write things down. Because of some traumatic experiences, I got introduced to a place called Alateen. It's an organization for teens with addicts and/or alcoholics in their families that have to deal with that. Every week when we'd meet with our peers we would do these drawings about how we feel and what had happened in our lives throughout the previous week. Through that, art became a really big outlet for me to express how I feel and not have to talk to a therapist or anything.

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When did you know art college was the place for you, and how did you end up coming to KyCAD?

Throughout my high school career I was wholeheartedly [functioning as] an artist. I ended up graduating having taken all the art programs they had at my high school. My junior year art teacher told me I should apply for GSA, which is the Governor's School for the Arts. I applied and didn't think I was going to get in, but I was accepted. During GSA, I heard about KyCAD and I decided to tour. I fell in love with the place. Here I am four years later about to earn a BFA. This place definitely holds a special place in my heart.

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Are there any specific artists that inspired you? 

I don't really talk about different artists. I focus more on aesthetics. Children's media definitely inspired me. Growing up I was watching a lot of animation including Spongebob Squarepants, Monsters Inc. Those ways of thinking continuously show up in my art practice.

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So, how would you describe your visual art overall? 

I would say my art aesthetic is similar to the style of Pee-wee's Playhouse. Weird creatures all the way. I'll give a little sneak peek- a bed with four eyes looking right at you. Just really weird sculptures that clearly have that kid aesthetic. I am a full-blown sculptor so I have all different types of mediums that I work with. I'm very hands-on. Using different textures is very important to me. I think that's what makes it visually pleasing.

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Have your techniques or interests evolved while you've been here at KyCAD?

Absolutely. I was cleaning out my basement and I saw all my drawings from high school. I took three hours going through them. It's crazy to see how much what I was interested in back then is translated through my work now.

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Now that you are about to wrap up your undergraduate career, what are your hopes for the future?

I have been thinking a lot about my future. I really do enjoy working with children, hearing their output on things. I don't think children are heard very often. I would like to be the person they look up to, which is why I've been thinking about becoming a middle school art teacher.

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In this day and age, what do you think are the markers of success for an artist?

I learned here that success for an artist involves the dedication and the passion that you have for it. If I keep my passion and dedication in tact, I will be a successful artist.

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Join us Friday, May 16 from 5p-7:30p for the Opening Reception of this year's Senior Thesis Exhibition!

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