Studio Art
I was Co-President of the Art Club.
To be completely honest, it was the willow tree near the courtyard. I had one in my backyard when I was a toddler and I thought that was a sign. I loved learning how small the classes were and the professor to student ratio. I am so happy I chose Whittier. It was a great fit for me.
My mom always mentioned that I was able to draw before I could walk. It is in my blood and I crave it everyday, so I knew it was a good fit for me to be an art major. I sometimes felt unwise being an art major but over time I realized that the craft to something as simple as being able to draw is much more respected and valued than I gave myself credit for. Everyone always wonders, "what can you do with an art degree?" but I've found that this is the wrong thing to say or ask. There are so many creative career paths available that the real question should be, "With so many wide-open doors, how will you even be able to choose one?"
My favorite class was an Anthropology course; I believe it was Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft. It opened my eyes and made me excited about culture and life. This was important learning for me and I began to see the choices one makes to maintain a positive attitude in life. Being a studio art major allowed me, with the help of professors, to grab my fantasies and imagination, place them on a piece of paper, and properly make them into a cohesive aesthetic for the world to understand. That is another great thing about Whittier College: the professors value YOU. I never felt compared to other students.
My first job after Whittier College was at Miette in San Francisco, a small bakery in the Ferry Building. I unfortunately graduated at a time when the job market was tight but I was persistent and found my way into the Curatorial Department at the San Diego Museum of Art. Then I realized that the museum world wasn't for me. I wanted to be my own boss so I worked at small businesses around San Diego and learned from the owners. Now I am Co-Owner of Taxidermy to Little Dame LLC (Little Dame Shop), a shop in North Park San Diego. It's an alternative art space that sells taxidermy and feminist art. I also sell my art in Gallery Spaces in San Francisco and San Diego. My art business is called Pixley Temperance. I am a more confident and well-rounded person because of the solid education I got at Whittier College.
While at Whittier, when you are invited to help your professors with projects that you feel are a challenge for you, remember that you were asked for a reason and believe in yourself. After graduation, don't be so hard on yourself. Don't take life so seriously right away. It is a time to learn more about yourself – you will be fine. Also, sell your art! It is not as scary as you may think.
