Student Spotlight - Jessica Mudd

After ten years working retail, Jessica Mudd decided it was time for a change. She chose to pursue Studio Arts at EvCC because of the flexibility of the class schedules and the convenient location. "They provided resources for me to feel like I could succeed in my education, while also balancing my work and home life, she said. "I was also impressed by the art department and the range of classes offered." In addition to her studies, Jessica works as an assistant in the ceramics studio and hopes to pass along what she's learned to others interested in a creative career. "I would like to pursue higher education and intend to have a career where I can support or teach others in the arts."

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up and spent the majority of my life in the small town of Lakewood, Arlington. I currently live there with my husband, son and my grandfather on an old farm. I have attended EvCC since 2018 while working towards a transfer degree in Studio Arts. I currently work in the ceramics studio as an assistant to the studio technician and instructor. I also organize and run the Art Alliance, a student art club on campus.

Why did you choose EvCC? 

I chose EvCC because of the flexibility of the class schedules and the convenient location to my house. They provided resources for me to feel like I could succeed in my education, while also balancing my work and home life. I was also impressed by the art department and the range of classes offered.

Why did you decide to study studio arts? What are your educational and career goals? 

After graduating high school, I spent over ten years in retail management positions and was emotionally burnt out. I chose studio arts because of the availability to express myself through art and work for myself. I feel like I can share an experience or a part of myself with others through what I create. I would like to pursue higher education and intend to have a career where I can support or teach others in the arts.

What drew you to ceramics? Have you always been artistic? 

I have been surrounded by art and artists since I was young. I have several artists in my family that paint, quilt and draw. I have been supported to create my own art in many different ways. Ceramics and sculpting have been something I have loved since I was very young, playing with play-doh, polymer clay and the clay outside in my backyard. 

Describe the best experience you've had at EvCC. 

The best experience that I have had at EvCC is the ability to participate in the work study program through financial aid. Through that opportunity, I have been able to work in the ceramic studio on campus and learn skills from the technician there, as well as the rest of the staff and faculty in the art department. I feel that this experience has encouraged me to follow my dreams and feel supported along the way with people who have similar goals.

Tell us about your upcoming Russell Day Gallery show. 

I have spent a few years developing my own style and body of work that I think best represents myself and some of my experiences as an individual. I would like to share that in an immersive installation show in the Russell Day Gallery. I was lucky to grow up with an amazing backyard, there were ponds, streams, fields and forests for my sister and I to play and explore in. Many times, my favorite thing to do was sit in the ponds and streams, just watch the creatures and plants around me. I want to share the same calm and beauty that I felt in those places in the gallery show.

Who has helped you succeed at EvCC? What did that person do to help you?

I have felt an amazing amount of support and encouragement from Thom Lee and Jim Snitily in the ceramics department. They have been there every step of the way through my education, always matching my eagerness to learn with more lessons and critiques that have really helped me to overcome my "artist imposter syndrome" that many artists struggle with, and become confident in myself as an artist.

What motivates you to succeed?

I am most motivated to succeed for the younger version of myself that always wanted to be an artist. I think I will be able to look back at my life and be so happy that I pursued something that gave me so much joy and freedom. I can also hope to provide an example for my young son to follow his own dreams and help support him along the way.

What’s next? What will you do after you graduate?

I would like to pursue higher education and continue to develop my own skills. I hope to support myself and my family through my art and hope to start my own business or pursue a career that supports art in the community.

What advice do you have for new students?

My advice for new students is to try and relax a little when it comes to art. It can be very intimidating and scary for some people that are new to creating. When I am in the studio, I always try to encourage students to be a little easier on themselves. Art is a way for us to share ourselves with other people in a way that has a lot of feelings attached to it. The art department at EvCC is a supportive space to explore those art forms and I hope students can feel free to express themselves.