Illustration (School of Graduate Studies)

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Fabrications

Samantha Struzzieri

2023

Illustration (School of Graduate Studies)

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Paintings (visual works)

Creating my thesis was combining the familiar with the unfamiliar. Before my graduate studies, I was primarily a painter with a fine art approach, and have always appreciated fun, beautiful patterns. Thinking about how to marry the two, expanding my skills at FIT by getting my MFA felt like the right move. I have broadened my textile knowledge, which has led me to design my own patterns. My visual thesis combines these two passions while also acknowledging the very special people in my life.
This body of work explores portraiture in both the literal and the abstract sense. Each pattern has been carefully planned to capture the essence and story of each person depicted. I have taken into account motifs, color scheme, and composition to cultivate each design. Some motifs are more literal, some are more symbolic. All imagery chosen reminds me of each person I love and their unique energies. I have also communicated with each person through this process to ensure the designs chosen resonated with them.
Using paint as my medium was an easy choice for me. Although each piece was meticulously planned digitally, I wanted them to have a more personal touch - returning to my roots. My passion for painting fuels my love for art, and painting will always hold a special place in my heart. While painting is natural to me, the tedious nature of painting a repeat pattern was not, and I felt that this combination of familiarity and challenge really elevated my work.
During this process, it was apparent how vastly unique each piece became. This variety was important to me - the individuals I chose each have a special place in my life and reflect a different type of relationship. My thesis has also given me the opportunity to explore new ways to design a pattern. I am immensely grateful for this experience and the opportunity to create a body of work that I am truly passionate about.

Stitches of Time

Meina Zhang

2023

Illustration (School of Graduate Studies)

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Mixed media works

As an artist, my embroidery illustrations titled 'Stitches of Time' are a celebration of the beauty and complexity of life, and the many ways in which our experiences are woven together over time.
The process begins by dyeing the canvas with watercolor paints, which serve as a vibrant and dynamic backdrop for the embroidery thread and wool felt. These materials are carefully selected and combined to create a tactile, textured surface that draws the viewer in and invites exploration.
To further enhance the visual impact of the work, I also incorporate watercolors and colored clay, which add depth and dimension to the finished piece. Through the use of these varied materials and techniques, I am able to create a work that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant to me.
To bring my family's story to life, I use a range of materials and techniques, starting with dyeing the canvas with watercolor paints, serving as a vibrant and dynamic backdrop for the embroidery thread and wool felt. I carefully select and combine these materials to create a tactile, textured surface that reflects the complexity and depth of our family's journey.
'Stitches of Time' are a tribute to my family and the unique experiences we shared. Growing up with four sisters and a single mother was a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I am grateful for the many memories we created together.

Rus and Moose

Chuyin Wang

2023

Illustration (School of Graduate Studies)

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Drawings (visual works)
Children's books

The idea for my children’s picture book that I wrote and illustrated, “Rus & Moose,” is a fictional story inspired by my experience, with an element of exaggeration. My husband Rus was a long-haul truck driver, and before we were married, he had been driving a 70-foot-long semi-truck across the United States. I also lived with him in the truck during summer and winter vacations. I thought life on the truck was interesting. I treated every day as a road trip. Thanks to his unique job, I have been to forty states in the United States and experienced many different cultures.
When I talked to my friends about the new things I saw during the trip, I realized through their reactions, that ordinary people have no idea what it looks like inside the truck, even though you see trucks on the road every day. I told my friends that there were two large double beds, a refrigerator, a small dining table, and a microwave inside each truck. Whoever heard about this was quite surprised. I realized it was a good subject for my book, and my unique experience allowed me to focus my perspective on it. After all, not all illustrators are married to truck drivers.
I fabricated the character of Moose. He is like me, who just experienced the truck for the first time. He sees everything with new eyes, smells and touches everywhere, and occupies too much space. But his company made a difference in Rus's life. The life of a truck driver is very dull. They often have to drive for more than ten hours at a time, and they must strictly abide by the delivery time. But when Rus found Moose, they became friends and shared this journey. This is the story of my book. While Moose helped Rus, Rus also took Moose to see different landscapes. Moose was a teenager, so he was rebellious and mischievous. He always wanted to escape from his family and see the outside world.
I used Procreate on the iPad to complete the entire book. I didn’t use too many fancy brushes and textures. My style is organic, and sincere. I want this simple story to express the most profound theme, the relationship between man and animals, nature, and family.

Mis Raíces: Siente la magia

Maria De Los Angeles Lopez

2023

Illustration (School of Graduate Studies)

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Drawings (visual works)

From a young age I was surrounded by the bright colors, sounds, and rhythms of my homeland in the Dominican Republic. These cultural experiences have had a profound influence on my artistic vision, and I am constantly inspired by the beauty and richness of my home. I knew I wanted to share my deep roots by creating illustrations that show my heritage. Through my thesis, I aim to explore and celebrate the magic of my cultural roots and the impact they have had on my identity. My inspiration stems from my childhood memories and natural surroundings. I add life to my illustrations by finding an emotional connection. The result of doing so, gives me the opportunity to celebrate my story in my visual narratives where words are not enough to capture the life in my work.

Stop and Listen

Jane Toole

2023

Illustration (School of Graduate Studies)

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Comics (documents)

Stop and Listen is an anthology of short stories executed in comic form based on interviews with friends, family, and acquaintances who have lived in New York City. In these interviews I asked a broad question: “What is your most quintessential “New York” story?” Though the stories I heard had a range of tones, they all touched on universal experiences that make New York unique, from battles with mice and run-ins with roommates and neighbors to more life-altering moments like fateful encounters with idols or future partners.

No Worries Planet

Naodan Hu

2023

Illustration (School of Graduate Studies)

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Video
Animations (visual works)
3-D printing
Interactive art
Video games

Growing up in a serious household, I was very well-behaved. Although my parents had high expectations and strict control over me, making my life very smooth, I had many ideas that I could only digest on my own, and my heart always yearned for a carefree, easy life with no demands. So, I have always enjoyed using simple and non-realistic imagery to make people happy. Themes of my work have never been serious or profound, and most of my characters are little monsters. Drawing provided me with freedom of expression. Even when I was busy with work, I still drew. I like to use bright colors and different media to express the themes behind my work in a lighthearted and humorous way, regardless of whether they are profound or not.

"Foolish" Perseverance

Sixian Wang

2023

Illustration (School of Graduate Studies)

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Paintings (visual works)

I started learning how to draw when I was six years old. Even though I didn't get into a specialized art school and studied product design at a comprehensive university, I seemed to have no interest in modeling software. Drawing disappeared from my life for three years. I felt I had no talent. In my senior year, I took a course related to comics. Although it was an elective, it was the course I spent the most time and energy on. I was obsessed with it. The teacher told me not to imitate Western painting styles, but to explore many elements in China for innovation. It wasn't until then that I learned about the profession of illustration. So I found my goal. I want illustration to be my lifelong career.

Journey

Jessy Liu

2023

Illustration (School of Graduate Studies)

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Video
Animations (visual works)

My work has always been about foxes. For me, the story of the fox is a projection of my own experience. The daily life of the foxes’ family is much like my own family… mandarin orange, which for me is a metaphor for warm and comforting. I have two enlightened parents and two naughty little twin brothers. So I can say that I grew up in a family full of love and companionship. I know that there is always a harbor behind me, so no matter how far away from home, I will never feel lonely. However, there are people unable to experience a warm home or someone to love. Sometimes, people are alone, friendless and helpless and even cold and harsh. I hope my work will plant a seed for a promising bright future for people who are struggling. The sun always shines after the clouds.