The “Senior Spotlight” series honors graduating fine arts majors for their contributions to the Gustavus community.
Nicole Meyer is a studio art and theatre honors major from St. Michael, Minn. Her job at Glacier National Park this summer has been cancelled due to the virus, so now she is hoping to land a job or apprenticeship before going to grad school in scenic design. Visiting Assistant Professor in Theatre and Dance Lydia Francis ’11 has worked with Nicole for all four years on campus and says she can’t wait to see what Nicole does next. “Nicole is a very talented artist and designer,” Francis says. “Watching her learn and grow throughout the years has given me immense pride.”
We asked Nicole to give us a little insight into her time at Gustavus and how she’s continuing her artistic endeavors while living off-campus.
What do you look forward to most about life after Gustavus?
NM: I am really looking forward to gaining real world experience and collaborating with other artists. I think you can learn so much through collaboration with new people and gain new perspectives and skills.
Can you tell us about a favorite memory you have from studying art and/or theatre at Gustavus?
NM: Some of my favorite times working on a theatre production are when I get to see everyone’s hard work and collaboration pay off and see the set come together. All the designs and acting mesh and create a magical immersive theatre experience.
How are you continuing your education in your new surroundings?
NM: My honors project was designing the set for Mother Courage, and sadly that was cancelled. So, I decided to build a large three-inch scale model of the set in my garage to try and have something to show for the months and months of work put into the design. I am also taking a lot of time to improve my 3D drafting.
Can you tell us a story about what it’s been like to continue to continue your art forms at home?
NM: Building/designing a set at home by myself is definitely a challenge. I don’t have all the materials and tools, so I have to get creative. I do not have anyone to tell me if I am doing things correctly, so I have to learn to really trust my decisions and abilities. Without a crew and other designers to collaborate with, I am kind of a one person show right now and a jack of all trades. It is hard, but I am learning a lot from all viewpoints of the production team.
What professor has made the biggest impact on you and why?
NM: Lydia Francis has had the biggest impact on me. She has taught me for four years and has always been patient and kind to me as a student and as a person. She is a great teacher and artist.
View Nicole’s works in Despite Distance…Senior Studio Art Majors Exhibition 2020.
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