Class of 2021: Quyen Kim Nguyen

Quyen Kim Nguyen is a Studio Art major with a minor in Art History from Baltimore. Maryland

When I took my first step on the Hill, I was: nervous and excited at the same time. I can feel my heart race when I saw the campus from afar. I came to McDaniel College thinking of pursuing nursing in order to make my family proud. Since it was a liberal arts school, I have had many opportunities to explore other classes (Art) which I was excited about.

The me who will ring the Old Main bell on Commencement Day is: still the same person that stepped on the Hill but more knowledgeable and less indecisive. I’ve become more passionate about making art, and I learned how to be more selfish for myself. I promised myself to not waver and to work harder to become a successful artist.

Aha moments: During the last semester of my sophomore year, I took 3D Design Concept. After taking this class I used the knowledge that I gained about transforming the surface of the object to create my project “Rice is gold,” where I crush mussel shells, put it into a mold, and transform the texture of the shell.

Footprints I’m leaving on the Hill: My footprints are in the Art studio, where I spend most of my time working on my project and other class assignments.

My mentor. For life.: Professor Steven Pearson. He gave me information on artists and their artwork to enhance my knowledge. He helped motivate me and push me to become a successful artist.

Best class ever: Printmaking was the most difficult class and the most time-consuming class. From learning how to carve from linoleum, etching on metal and cutting out rubylith for silkscreen. After taking this class I will never forget how to do each step.

Took me totally by surprise: Minoring in Art History, I’ve never thought I’m good at history. After taking Dr. Susan Scott’s classes I couldn’t restrain myself from taking her classes. When her session ended, I can recall almost all the information she had given us. What is Art without its history?

My favorite spot on campus: The Library’s lowest floor. I enjoy sitting on the desk that’s near the window. I love the view especially when the season changes.

My capstone: “Rice is Gold”

What it’s about: I took my grandmother’s statement “rice is gold” and created a project with mussel shells that I collected over the summer. The shells represent my grandmother’s saying, “rice is gold, which means food provided sustenance. It made me think of how I should use my resources more wisely.

What’s next: Going to American University for three years to get my M.F.A. Save up to get an art studio and continue to make new projects.