KH: Faith, tell us a little bit more about yourself! Where are you from, and how did you get into the arts?
FE: I’m not too far from Gatlinburg actually! I’m from Columbia, TN which is about a four-hour drive from Arrowmont. Columbia is historically known as Muletown, named after its popularity of people gathering to buy, sell, and trade mules. The school system even schedules its spring break around this, and we have a week of events happening around town including a parade. My family loves Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains and we have visited this area ever since I was little. My parents are pretty artsy themselves, and because of this I grew up in a household that appreciated art. They always supported me and my love for the arts. I actually started college as a biology major but after lots of thought I decided that studio art was better suited for me and I’m so thankful that I made the switch.
KH: Tell us more about your artwork and studio practice. What are the mediums you primarily work in, and themes that your work explores?
FE: I graduated in December of 2022 with my BFA in studio art. My program at Middle Tennessee State University was great because we were encouraged to explore many different mediums. While I was there, I took classes in book arts, printmaking, painting, and ceramics. My primary focus is in sculptural ceramics, and I explore themes of perception of the body and how media has impacted that point of view in positive and negative ways. Moving forward, I want to explore this idea more as well as incorporating decorative elements such as pattern and color.
KH: What interested you most in the Arrowmont Summer Studio Internship?
FE: My goal was to gain a lot of knowledge on opportunities outside of a traditional University setting, and I was really excited to network and meet artists from all over the country.
I have learned about a lot of residency programs and educational centers similar to Arrowmont, and careers in the art field. I was also excited to see the “behind the scenes” of how the national workshops worked, which I’m getting a lot of experience with!
KH: What have your responsibilities been as the Summer Studio Intern? What do your days look like?
FE: My days are spent working closely with the studio technicians as well as the studio manager. I typically do rounds and check on the instructors and make sure they are set up for success. Some days I will take a company vehicle and do some supply shopping for the workshops. These days are fun because I get to work off campus! I also help manage slide nights and collect and prepare the PowerPoint presentations. I also help make sure the studios are closed at midnight and turn off all lights, machines, and lock doors.
KH: What are some of your favorite or most exciting things about working so closely with Arrowmont’s National Workshop program?
FE: Meeting people has been the most exciting part, as well as learning about everyone’s background and how they got to this point in their art career.
I have also loved the exposure to all the different art mediums. Many instructors are really inviting and encourage me to come stop by the studios and watch demos. I also enjoy driving the golf cart around and the food is yummy!
