Devin A. Drake

What forms of art do you partake in? Which is your favorite and why?

Prior to coming here to Michigan, all I did mostly was 2-D (2 dimensional) work. The majority of my portfolio consists of drawing, with a variety of dry media. I'm used to doing a lot of figure drawing, portraiture, and conceptual work. I think that more conceptual work is by far my favorite because my work always has some deeper meaning, and for me it's just more gratifying.

When did you start creating 2-D and why?

I've been making art for a very long time. When I was in elementary school, my art teacher took a particular interest in my work, and saw that it was something that I was quite good at and had a passion for. So he suggested that I attend a school for the arts in my city, and enroll in the Visual Arts Program. So with his help and guidance, I was able to attend this school and stayed in the program from the 6th grade right through my senior year of high school. Art is just something that I've always known that I wanted to do.

When you create your work what is your inspiration? What is going through your head?

A lot of times when I have to find inspiration for a project, I take a closer look at my surroundings in general. May it be conversations that I've had, things that I've seen around campus, articles that I've read, ads that I've seen, or even experiences that I've had in my life. Art is everywhere, and can be anything, so what ever I feel like making art about is my inspiration.

How often do you draw?

Well, I have projects for class that I do all the time. Prior to coming to school, I didn't really make a lot of art on my own time, because of lack of time in my schedule. But now that I have more time, I find myself making art all the time.

What is your ultimate goal with your art?

After I graduate from the University, I will have obtained a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree, and plan to later obtain a MFA and eventually teach art at a college or university.

Are there any misconceptions about artists that bother you?

Yes, I feel many people think that all art is limited to drawing and painting. I believe that art is everywhere and can be so many different kinds of things.

Why did you decide to come to Michigan to study art?

I came to Michigan to study art for a few reasons. The main reason was that I wanted to have to opportunity to still have a strong academic background. Being at another art school that was not a part of another major college or university would not have allowed me to do that. Another reason I choose Michigan was the structure of the program itself. I liked that I could come here and in my first two years of school not have to specify a major and take a variety of different kinds of classes including, drawing, digital, wood, photo, paint, clay, video, fibers, and printmaking, just to name a few. I also wanted to stay in Michigan, and this was also the best art school in Michigan.

Are you involved in any other organizations dealing with art on campus? If so what are they and what do they do?

No I am not. I didn't want to get involved in any student organizations my first semester because I didn't want to overwhelm myself. But I plan to in the near future.

How does your art add to your experience at U-M?

Art IS my experience here at U of M. It makes my life whole. I think that art has made and is making my college experience more fulfilling. It allows me to fully express myself, and with art being a part of my educational experience, I am so much more engaged in what I do. Art makes my college experience all worth while.

Do you have any advice for future artists?

If art is what you love, don’t ever stop working at it and don't be afraid to be fail. Not every piece will be great. Also, don't be afraid of constructive criticism!