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IRES Program
IRES Program
Over the summer of 2022, I was chosen to join the International Research Experience for Students (IRES) cohort to Czechia. As a Fine Arts undergraduate, I traveled along with geologists Michael Petronis PhD and several students from New Mexico Highlands University. We conducted research on volcanic formations in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany. I used my technical ability in the arts to help illustrate scientific diagrams of lava flows found in various quarries. In doing so I was able to help depict our field sites from a different perspective to offer other insights that may have otherwise been overlooked. My illustrations were an alternative way to document visual observations. The IRES program provided me the opportunity to apply my talent in a real-world situation outside of an art studio. The cultural diversity has additionally inspired new sculptures and drawings like the work presented below.
Gnomes
Gnomes
Wroclaw, Poland is known for their gnome sculptures. When visiting, a local man explained the significance of these sculptures. Apparently, gnomes have been integral helpers for the polish people since before their current borders were officially established. The historical merging of cultures brought hardships and they looked toward the helper gnomes for assistance and guidance. People would place small gnome sculptures throughout Wroclaw to bring the people together in spite of difficulties and differences. The gnomes are found doing common everyday duties to help their people. My inspired gnome sculptures are here to represent my group and our experiences traveling. Like the polish gnomes, they are meant to bring joy and humor to viewers despite possible hardships they may be currently facing.
Special Sauce
Special Sauce
Enamel on Ceramic
The Gravity Defiant
The Gravity Defiant
Enamel on Ceramic
The Professor
The Professor
Enamel on Ceramic
Lazy Eyes
Lazy Eyes
Enamel on Ceramic
The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a drastically different landscape and culture compared to that of New Mexico. It has endless green fields and regular rain falls that make it a good home for wild life like snails and frogs. The culture is rich, and the architecture holds a strong historically religious presence. Huge castles and cathedrals with beautiful sculptures line the city streets. My art is my attempt to capturing these qualities and share them.
Poland Graffiti
Poland Graffiti
The streets of Poland are littered with graffiti art. I enjoyed walking through and getting to see each mural. Here I depicted Michael Petronis and Luke Romero drilling samples from one of our field sites. It was fun to portray the geologist in this colorful and animated point of view.
St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral
St Vitus Cathedral is located in the center of the Prague Castle. The castles ornate architecture is supplemented with sculptures and large paintings that leave no wall uncovered. The structure is held up with huge columns from start to finish. Reflections of colored sun rays shine through the stained glass into the church. It is by far one of the most beautiful and surreal places I have been in.
Bark Beetles
Bark Beetles
These beetles are known to live under the bark of trees. They bore intricate tunnels and feed off of the bark and fruit from the tree. They are an integral part of forest ecosystems and have been around for thousands of years. Bark beetles aren’t strangers to New Mexico, but hiking through the forests of Czechia, I got to see them often. Their tunnels tattooed fallen trees with complex interwoven designs.
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