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“My book will include computer images, woodcut prints, and etchings,” says sophomore Megan Miller of Blue Bell, Pa., a graduate of Gwynedd-Mercy Academy. “I’m still undecided on the subject, but I’m considering examining interpersonal relationships or comparing and contrasting physical features of my family members.
Megan Miller’s independent study in the art department combines traditional bookbinding methods with cutting-edge computer technology.
“Megan is creating an artist’s book combining both traditional methods and current technology,” explains Curlee Raven Holton, associate professor of art and director of Lafayette’s Experimental Print Institute. “In particular, she is creating images that have been digitally produced. She is a very gifted artist. This project allows her to bring together her creative and intellectual impulses.”
Holton and Howard Greenberg, part-time visiting instructor in art, are Miller’s advisers on the project.
“My book will include computer images, woodcut prints, and etchings,” says Miller, who intends to major in art. “I’m still undecided on the subject, but I’m considering examining interpersonal relationships or comparing and contrasting physical features of my family members.
“I was introduced to printmaking last year and really enjoyed it,” Miller continues. “I hope to work with Professor Holton in the future, and I thought this would be a good time to broaden my knowledge through this project.”
Miller is benefiting from new computer workstations recently installed in the art department. The workstations are used for creating digital images, affording students the opportunity to create more dynamic artists’ books.
“We’ve been integrating these new elements into our studio,” Holton says. “Lafayette students are very literate, and this allows for a perfect merging of text and image.”
Miller is attracted to the flexibility of an independent study.
“As an artist, you work on your own time and terms, so this kind of work appealed to me,” says Miller. “You might come up with a concept on the weekend or at night, and you don’t feel restricted.”
According to Greenberg, this environment of freedom often inspires work of greater integrity by students.
“One of the goals of art education is to foster students’ creativity,” he explains. “Many times in an independent study, the student has devised the project, as opposed to completing an assignment given by a professor. The result is that the work tends to matter more. It’s more personal.”
Miller is pleased with the art department at Lafayette, citing its intimate nature. She is looking forward to the addition of the new arts center that Lafayette is currently developing on North Third Street at the base of College Hill, where the campus and downtown Easton meet. This dynamic new facility will provide remarkable new space for Lafayette’s arts programs and new opportunities for arts programming that includes the community.
“I’m really looking forward to the new facility,” Miller says. “Lafayette is so committed to the arts with the art, music, and theater departments and the cultural program at the Williams Center. The new center will offer even more opportunities to students.”