Two Fine Arts seniors defend their major, look forward to the future
By Sarah Locke | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo by Shaun Devine
PHOTO CAPTION: Catherine McGlinchy poses with her work.
Flagler College’s Fine Arts major does not have a typical curriculum. The major is unique, and it sometimes goes overlooked as not being degree-worthy.
Regardless of what anyone thinks about it, it is a popular major at Flagler. Every semester, the major produces many talented artists whose works can be seen nationwide. This year Flagler has 97 Fine Arts majors.
When talking to art students, it’s easy to see their dedication and passion. They are also quick to stand up for their major when anything negative is thrown at them. Of course, how could one not defend a talent and skill that has been practiced since history began?
Catherine McGlinchy and Laura Lluberas are two Fine Arts students who are very passionate about their major, and quick to defend what they do.
McGlinchy, a 21-year-old senior, says she loves everything about the major except its reputation.
“The only thing I dislike about the Fine Arts major is the lack of respect that it gets,” McGlinchy said.
“It’s not a text book kind of major, so people assume that the work load is light. But really, a lot of work is involved and I don’t think enough credit is given.”
Laura Lluberas, a 23-year-old senior, agrees.
“It’s a lot harder than it seems,” Lluberas said.
“Personally, I think a text book major is easier because you have the information right in front of you, but with art, you have to find it within yourself.”
Both students have experience in several forms of art, but specialize in mixed media. Mixed media is a broad category that includes any piece of art that is made from a cluster of several different materials.
McGlinchy says that although it is rewarding to see the finished pieces, there is a lot of stress and hard work along the way.
“Pulling the creativity isn’t what’s necessarily hard because I get that from everywhere,” she said.
“But becoming physically tired from working on all the pieces is the real issue. That’s why I always tell people that you have to be devoted.”
Lluberas has a different viewpoint on the creative process.
“For me, it’s hard to be creative consistently,” she said.
“But when that happens, I’ll start reading books on other artists and things like that to generate some creativity.”
Whether they hold the same views on the creativity process or not, both students are talented and produce great artwork. Because of that, both have had the privilege of having their work displayed around St. Augustine.
Lluberas has her mixed media pieces on display at Magnum Tattoo, Fraternal Order of Orioles and Zhanras.
Last spring, five of McGlinchy’s pieces were displayed in the Flagler student show held at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum.
Included were three mixed media pieces, one wire design and one multi-block print, which is an image made from the fusing of three separate prints. She also has two prints on display in the Ringhaver Student Center.
McGlinchy and Lluberas agree that seeing their hard work turn into actual finished pieces is a great feeling, and that the Flagler Art and Design Department has helped them improve and fine-tune their skills.
“The program is wonderful because the professors are so devoted and knowledgeable,” McGlinchy said. “They have so much to give to the students.”
Lluberas feels the program is exceptional as well, and says there is a real difference between people who just teach and people who still practice in the field. “The thing I appreciate the most and that stands out to me is that the teachers are actually working artists,” she said.
After graduation both women plan to remain and practice in the art scene. McGlinchy plans to use her art for therapeutic purposes.
“I would love to be an art therapist and use art to address emotional and physical needs,” she said.
As for Lluberas, she wants to be closely involved with an art gallery.
“I would love to be the curator of one,” she said.
“I think that would be really cool.”
Whatever routes they may take, both will be practicing something that they have a passion and dedication for, which, at the end of a long day, is really the only thing that matters.
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