For the first time in ten years, Alison Dunn’s Intermediate Drawing and Painting class creates linoleum prints of students’ view of Xavier.
Dunn, a fine arts teacher, explains that a lot goes into the creation of these pieces. “First the students make a design, and the designs have to be made so that it’s really black and white and needs strong shapes.”
After the design is finished, students transfer it onto a piece of linoleum which, in print-making, is used to carve into and make a stamp.
The last step of the project is to roll ink over the intricate designs and then print.
Altogether the process takes a good while, because students need to think of a design and then plan it thoroughly and carefully.
Sienna Sarracino ‘28 says the most challenging part of the project was figuring out the layout of the design. “It was difficult to figure out where to place all the components of the design and how to include all the ideas in a way that was cohesive, but still relevant to the design.”
Sarracino explains that because the design was only black and white, figuring out the dimensions of the design took time and thought.
“I’ve never done a project like this before. There were a lot of different parts that played into this, but the ending result made it worth it,” Sarracino says.
Keira Costa ‘28 says that this project has taught her about determination and grit. “I learned to focus and put my all into something that was new and hard for me.”
When thinking about art, the mind might immediately go to drawing and painting. But it is actually so much more than that and Costa explains how she also learned that there are so many different approaches to art and creativity.
“I realized that art isn’t always about painting or drawing, but the creative intention behind it,” she says.
Not only is this project new and innovative, but it allows others to see Xavier through other students’ eyes.
Dunn’s Intermediate Drawing and Painting class proves that when given the opportunity, students can rise to occasions and excel in difficult and new artistic ventures.
