Jenna Lynn Utter

When did you know that you wanted to pursue formal education and possibly a career in the visual arts?

My junior year of high school, I took a drawing class on a whim. I've always been a pretty good student, but this class was the only one I looked forward to all day. Then, my senior year in high school, I took Advanced Placement Art History, and again, the time I spent in that class was my favorite time of the day.

What was different about your art classes that made you look forward to them so much?

I had always loved drawing, and the idea of learning more about it, specifically some more formal techniques, really captivated me. These classes allowed me to express myself in a way no other class could. Also, my art history class really opened my eyes to the work of so many incredibly talented artists, who inspired me to create artwork of my own.

What is your favorite class in the school of Art and Design?

I'm taking Art and Design Perspectives, which is basically like an art history course, except that all of our readings are primary sources written by artists themselves. That gives the class a really fresh perspective, specifically when it comes to the motivations and design techniques of the artists we're studying.

Are there any additional programs or opportunities within the school of Art and Design in which you are currently taking part?

Actually, I am applying for a summer program through the Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates (GIEU) program. The program involves going to Ethiopia for four weeks to volunteer at orphanages and take part in various art projects with the children (such as painting murals). Participants also keep sketchbooks to record their experiences as they learn about the people and culture.

Tell us a bit about your commitment to educating kids about art.

Last year I taught art to a second grade class in at an inner city elementary school in Detroit. I feel that kids need to be exposed to art not only as a means of cultural education, but as a way to help them grow emotionally and psychologically as well. Art provides kids with a concrete and immediate form of self-expression in which they can take pride.

What artists or art movements inspire you?

Marcel Duchamp consistently challenged the idea of art and its roles and functions in society, and that anti-establishment quality (in terms of art) really appeals to me. I feel similarly about Andy Warhol, but I dislike the commercialism that has surrounded him and his work lately. John Lennon is also a huge inspiration to me, simply because he was such a poet and a visionary who really proved that one person can change the world. I really admire the work of Keith Haring, who communicated powerful social messages through his basic designs and drawings on blank advertisement boards in NYC subway stations.

What are some of your goals within the realm of art?

A short-term goal of mine is to find a job that allows me to utilize my creativity and artistic skills to their fullest potential. In the long run, though, my primary goal is to effect a noticeable change in my world through the principles of design and the teaching of art.

What are some misconceptions about artists or art in general that you would like to debunk?

Well, I would first like to point out that not all artists and appreciators of art are overly exotic or eccentric people that chain smoke, don't shower, and refuse to wear anything but black. (We actually embrace color.) I'd also like to tell people that art is for absolutely everyone. Everyone should find some kind of creative, self-expressive outlet. Also, it's so fun and rewarding to appreciate the arts by trying something you've never done before: visiting an art gallery, attending the opening of a play, or going to a comedy club.